Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Christina

Be open-minded. If you get to school, and after a semester you find that it's not what you want, there's nothing wrong with transferring. I transferred twice before I settled in at my current school...and I love it! I was out in a big city and missed home, but once I transferred to a local community college and lived at home, I hated that too! So, I chose a school that's about an hour's drive from my house. I'm the happiest there that I've been in a year. In short, choose what you want, but if it turns out to be different, you still have options.

Jamie

The best advice I can give anyone is to follow your heart. I know it sounds corny but the truth is the moment you step on the campus you will know whether you belong or not. Make sure you decide on the size of the college thats right for you and stay in your comfort zone when you think of how far you're willing to travel. I personally know many students that wanted to be as far away from their home town as possible and when they got homesick there was nothing they could do. Its like my mother always said, "You could be a half hour away, but if you don't come home, it could seem like your ten hours away." College is simply a personal choice so don't let others decide it for you. It is hard to leave your best friends, boy/girlfriends, but you need to learn how to be your own person.

Melissa

Make sure to check out a few to make sure you choose the right one. Also, think of yourself when making decisions. It's important to consider others also, but think of what you want first.

Chris

what does the student want? Where do you want to be geographically? Where do you want to end up? The closer you are to wherever it is you want to end up, or the more connections the school has with jobs in the area that you want to end up in make it much easier. Experimenting your first year in areas you are interested in is a must. Being open minded to all colleges despite the price, because all in all "where there's a will there's a way".

Haley

Kutztown is a good school because you get one-on-one attention from professors, hands-on experiences in classrooms and labs. The Science department is wonderful, we have a new building, and a brand-new art building was just completed this semester. There are lots of ways to get involved in just about anything you're interested in. We have job fairs and internship fairs several times a year and the career services department is alsways open and willing to help you practice for inverviews or anything you may need. It's a relatively small school, some general education courses are now being taught in the large lecture hall building, but once you get past the gen. eds, the class sizes are more like 30 students or 12 when you get up into the upper-level courses. The campus is beautiful, there a TONS of places to study or sit, or grab a cup of coffee and read the newspaper. I love going to school here.

Lauren

For all parents and students who wish to look for colleges and universities, I strongly recommend each parent understand the abilities, likes and interests their sons and/or daughters hold today for deciding what to do for a career when becoming educated at a college or university. Know that students' best interests and hobbies can really make a difference when looking at the right college experience for them, and understand why a parent's son and/or daughter wants to attend a certain college or university.

Katelyn

Don't feel pressured by anyone to choose which college you want to go to until you are completely sure. Go to class, don't slack, college can be tough to get used to but once you are used to it, it's a great experience!

James

My advice would be to go somewhere where you will be able to pursue what you love most. If you do that, the motivation and spirit will come quickly and you will succeed. It may not be easy, but if you really love what you're doing or what you're going for then you'll be able to do it. Don't let anything get in your way, especially not money. If you want it bad enough, then don't let a price tag stop you. There are plenty of ways to go about getting student loans, I would know. In the end, it'll all be worth it when you have a good paying job doing what you love to do.

Stephen

Have Fun

Brandon

Above all, take your time. This is not a decision that is to be made in a day or even a week. Visit more than one or two campuses and don't ever be afraid to stop people and ask them about the campus. You learn the most from people who have been there the longest, not as much from professors or tour guides. Pick your college for comfort level, overall environment, and strength of the field you want to get into. Above all, take time to yourself to consider all of your options. Do not let outside influences like your parents or alumni or family overtake your own opinions. Speak up; you will be glad you did in the long run. Finally, it is important to remember to RELAX! Very few people know what they want out of life as a freshman in college. Just take your time, take classes you feel are interesting and you will fall into something you enjoy. It's all about enjoying the learning process and being excited about graduating and doing something you will be proud of and enjoy for the rest of your life. Good Luck!

Nicholas

To the students, go to the college that you are going to enjoy the most. Don't let anybody else influence your decision.

Angel

College is an amazing experience to go through. I never realized how much college would impact my life until I look back on it now. My advice to parent and students is make sure you do your research. There are thousands of colleges out there and its up to you to decide which one best suits you. And I can almost guarentee that you will know it is the right college because the moment I stepped foot onto my campus I knew it was the only school i wanted to go to. College is not something to be taken lightly. There is a lot of work that needs to be done and it will all be worth it in the end. But make sure as students you have fun too, make friends and get involved because that is half of what college really is. Good luck and best wishes!

Kristin

For parents- let your child choose their college. Do not demand them to go to a school you deem appropriate for them, that will just make them uncomfortable and even more nervous to start a school. If they ask for advice, then jump in and try to help out. For students - choose where you think you would be comfortable. If you enjoy your home neighborhood, find a college that's surroundings are similar. If you are really up for a change, then find something different. To make the most out of your college experience- keep up to date with checking college campus things, such as the school paper and your e-mails. Colleges offer plenty of activities and entertainment to keep you safe and that are still fun, so take part in them. Be sure to interact with other students, do not be shy! Making new friends is one the best experiences of college. Especially be sure to keep contact with people that are within your major, then you will have something in common with them. Just be sure to do your work, study, but still have fun.

stephanie

Find a college where you would feel comfortable being in for the next 2-6 years of your life. Don't settle on the first college you see because there may be something that will better suite your needs for your future career.

Stephanie

My advice when it comes down to finding a school is to make a list before you even look at any school. Then, as you go through schools take that list and work off of it. If you need to revise it so be it. Another piece of advice would be that no matter what school that you pick you are going to be tested with temptation that will indeed steer you in the wrong path. If you are truly commited to going to college and working as hard as you can; then any college big or small, private or public, will be great for you. On the other hand if you are looking for a school to party at or have a good time (first of all do not waste your time or money just become friends with somebody who goes to school and have fun with them) any school will do that. In other words, go with your's and your parents' instincts and strive to be the best person you can be. For in fours year (or however long it takes), YOU will be the one that has to answer for your work as well as yourself!

Heather

You have to attend a college in an area that you are comfortable living in. If you like the city attend a school there if you don't then definitly attend a rural area school.

Melissa

Advice I would give to parents and students that are looking to go to college is the following: Find a school that you will feel most comfortable in, whether you are use to a city or living in the suburbs. Make sure you look into different schools requirements for the program you would like to take. Ask yourself would you rather be a number in a program at a college or a person that the students and faculty know your name, this will help you decide small verses large. Also find out where this college stands in placing students once they graduate. How many graduates land a job the year after? Most importantly, where will you most fit in and feel comfortable and be able to make a chage in your life and the community for the better?

darrell

make sure that you like the location of were you are planning to attend. visit before you make your decision. ask around about what other people think about the school. PRICE IS AN ISSUE FOR MOST. stay within your price range if you do not have money to throw around or scholarships to help pay for school.

Sarah

In order to find the right school, I would say first and foremost you must visit the campus to get a feel for the layout and witness they type of people who attend and if you see yourself fitting in. Next I would say it is very important to have an open mind once you get there. Everything changes and it was a rather difficult situation for me to get used to, but I found college much more enjoyable after I accepted the differences of the college lifestyle and found it much easier to make friends this way. Making the most of the experience is all about finding the right balance between work and socializing. Friends and going out on the town are fun and essential to enjoying college, but staying up with the workload and receiving good grades are just as important. You are paying lots of money for you education, so it is only necessary to try as hard as you can because in the long this will certainly pay off and benefit you. Most importantly though, be yourself and explore and enjoy as much as you can without losing who you are inside.

Amy

Don't stop until you find exactly what you are looking for. There are so many different colleges out there so you should never settle for second best. There are big colleges, small colleges, colleges in big cities, colleges in farm towns, colleges close home and colleges far from home. Start early so you'll have enough time to find which school fits you best. And don't eliminate state schools froms your selection process, you get a great education and it's affordable.

Caitlynne

the best advice i can give parents or students when choosing a school that is best for them, is to follow your heart, and your first instinct. always go with the school that you feel matches what you are looking for. when you are visiting the schools don't just listen to the tour guides or the people who are being paid to show you how wonderful their school/university is. walk away from the tour or visit back at a different time and ask students who are not being paid to tell you wonderful things. get the truth and opinions from outsiders. that is when you will get the honest answers you are looking for.

Heather

My advice would to parents and/or students would be to be proactive in their search for the right school, go to open houses, take tours, sit in on classes, meet some of the students and faculty. Shop around and actually go and emerse yourself into the campus atmosphere, see if it really makes you feel "at home". This is the place where your going to spend alot of money and even more time so you want to make sure you familiarize yourself with the campus and all it has to offer. My advise for making the most of the college experience, is to get involved. Join a club or pick something that your passionate about and get involved with it. Not only are clubs and organizations a great way to gain knowledge and experience, but they are a great way to network. In addition, you will be more sucessful and have a more enjoyable experience if you feel connected to your school. Also I would advise that the student take advantage of all the materials, support, programs, and other available resources while attending college.

Jessica

get involved

Heather

Go to a college that offers what you want. Go somewhere that offers lots of clubs and activities to stay active in. Also don't be shy in going out and joining these clubs. It will keep you active at school, give you a break from studying, and allow you to meet more people then you could ever imagine! Make sure the school you choose is somewhere where you feel safe. Also make sure that you like the school, like when you go to the school for a tour, make sure it is a place you can see yourself going.

Jennifer

I would advise student and parents to take a tour of the college and stop some students as they walk arround and ask them about the College. Most students are going to be honest about what they think about their college. Go talk with the Campus events office to see if the school has things that you are interested in getting involved in on campus. Meeting new people is such a blessing and you keep the friends you make for life, and is great on a resume. Know that you like the school before you attend, but dont worry if its not the school for you, you can always transfure and not knowing what you want to do right away isnt a bad thing. take a mix of classes you are interested in the 1st year and see what the school has for you. Dont get too stressed out, there are always people who can help.

Rheanna

When looking for a college, students should outline what are the most important things to them. For instance, when I was considering a school, I wanted a school that was close to home, had a marching band, and had smaller sized classes. With these key pieces of importance in mind, it can allow students to go into a university knowing what they want to get out of it and knowing whether or not that school will be able to accomidate them to be the best that it can be.

Meaghan

For students, when it comes to picking a school you need to think about you and no one else. Go visit the campus, talk to current students and facutly, see what it has to offer for you, and look at the community that the college is in. College will be the best four years of your life and you want to make sure that you are comfortable in the environment and will get the most out of your college experience. Parents, this decision is up to your kids. Yes, they might need your help with funding, but there are plenty of scholarships, grants, and loans that the student can apply for. This is where they will be for four years, not you. You may think you know what is best for them, but only they know. Furture college students, good luck in the search!

Toni

The most important part about finding a college is to follow your heart and believe in yourself. It shouldnt matter how far or how close to home you are. When you visit your school (which you should), you will know. Theres a feeling you get when you find the right school. It is like your home, a comfort that you feel and an ease in your heart. Nothing is too hard if you have the right drive and the right motivation. As far as the college experience the most important thing to me is to stay true to yourself. Dont let other people change you who you were. We all grow into different people but never let other people grow for you. Get involved in everything you can too. It makes college so much more fun and the opportunites to meet great people multiply. And this could be the most important, believe in yourself because if you dont have that you dont really have much of anything.

Nicole

Put your school work first, study hard, and be willing to make mistakes and fix them.

Heather

First i think parents/students need to decide what their going to want to major in. If they do not know this does not apply of course. After deciding that look at schools that have a good reputation for your major. Then i would look into where it is and how big the campus is and determine by your own standards what fits you and your lifestyle best. I also would reccomend visiting the college. Once you have decided what college you want to go to and get accepted, although its not the best go to the summer programs its a great chance to meet new people, make friends and mostly understand what your goals and objectives will be for the year. I also personally reccomend staying in the dorms at your school. Although yes, they may be small and it might not be something you want to do, it is a great experience to meet people and stay connected with your school. Mostly remember everyone is in the same position as you so be open to new people and new experiences its worth your time.

Laura

Don't be afraid to dream big. Apply to schools that have a good reputation for education in your field. Visit the schools you are considering, and sit in on classes if possible. Once you've picked your school and you start the first semester, it's time to make the most of your time in college. Try new things! While in college you have many opportunities that you may never have again. Get involved in a club or a cause; it's the best way to really get to know people and you need to have something besides school to focus on. That being said, don't ignore your schoolwork, but don't let it take over your life either. Sometimes it's hard to balance classes with friends, clubs, family, and personal time, but it is well worth it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them and fix them. You can't achieve true greatness without taking some risks. If you don't like your major, pick a new one. If a project flops, figure out why. Don't prevent yourself from succeeding by being afraid to try. Work hard and have fun in college!

alyssa

i would tell students that when looking at a school, make sure that it fits several catagories or characteristics that you are looking for in a good school, dont be set on one specific characteristic in perticular. To make the most of the college experience, you need to be able to have a balance in your work schedule and your social life. If you have a hard time doing this there can be some problems along the way.

Jean

no comment

Joseph

Please try to visit the college, ask people from facebook their expierences, try to get in contact with someone in their community who goes to that school. GET INVOLVED! and early on too! There are dozens of inolvement fairs, and they have something for everyone! If you like something and its not at your school, there are bound to be people who have the same interests as you! So you can start a club or organization yourself.

Danielle

It is important to make the most out of your college experience. Lets be honest, you only get one chance. But at the same time, I wouldn't recommend that you get so caught up on having the right colorbed sheets to match your room. No, college is about learning. And not nessisarily in the classroom alone. You learn about life, suffering, courage, patience, relationships, and mostly, about yourself. The major you pick to start out may not be the one you end with...but thats ok! You are allowed to make changes!! So don't let anyone tell you different. You are allowed to take time to discover what you are really passionate about, and once you discover that, you'll be given the oppertunity to experience, learn and eventually live out that passion. When you are seeking out which college you want to attend, it can be difficult. I would recommend you look for a place that you feel most comfortable, and visiting it is the only way you'll know. State schools vs. Private really does not make a difference when it comes down to your education. And money, is never what its all about. Good luck!

Jacquelyn

Take your time and actually look. Start early because feeling rushed in the end can cause the student to feel like they made a mistake. Try to know what you are interested in for a degree and see how the school compares to others. Also, talk to people at the campus and visit it...at least twice to make sure you feel comfortable with its environment.

Fiona

Make sure that you'll get you money's worth. Don't pick a college off of looks, pick it off of academic records.

Lauren

I'd say find the best college for the major the student has chosen and aim to get in that one. Forget about the other details, you want the school that will give you the best learning experience.

Sarah

Start looking at colleges early. As you get closer to the application time, narrow your choices down by size, distance, setting, etc. then apply to 4 to 6 of them. If you aren't accepted at your first choices, seriously think about whether you would be happier at community college and then transfering to your first choice, or whether you could be happy at your 2nd or lower choice until you are able to transfer. To make the most of your college experience, get involved! Clubs, sports, on campus jobs, anything that gets you meeting new people, and making new friends will help you feel like you are a part of the school.