University of Kentucky Top Questions

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

Robert

I would make an effort to make more friends of different cultures and ethnic groups plus respect other peoples views and diversities. Also, I would be more serious (focused) on the future, family and career goals. And, I would take advantage of college academic preparation programs and I would do extensive research on my desired college major program.

Kristina

The main advise that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to enjoy life, but also to keep up with your studies, learn how to juggle your time. Make sure you allow yourself at least 1-2 hours per evening to study for each class that you have and to never wait until the deadline to start a paper or study for a test. Take the time every day to keep apprised of every situation concerning your schoolwork. Remember to make time for your friends and to enjoy your last year of high school, but also remember that your life is just starting and any and all decisions made during this time will eventually affect the rest of your life. Set your goals high and never give up on your dreams.

Christa

I firmly believe that the strongest tool we can carry with us into this next chapter in our lives is "Confidence". Confidence is an intangible thing within us so it cannot be taken or harmed outside of our own control. Now that you're leaving high school, you will be bombarded with new challenges and responsibilities everyday. That only sure fire way we have to be able to handle the pressures and unpredictability of all this is if we have confidence in our own personal strength. The concept that nothing is outside of control if we keep a steady head with our eyes focused on our goals, our hearts filled with passion, and trust our tuition which will develop with every stumble and hit we take. Also, people live their lives two different ways; There are some who coast through live, merely concerned with not rocking the boat, just making it through. And there are others who live their lives like an adventure story, constantly searching for ways to make the most of the time they have. Go ahead, be dramatic! Live your life like your writing the best story ever. You're the author, make it happen.

Matt

I'd tell myself to start studying and realize that i need to practice my music more. I would also inform myself to save as much money as possible becasue it runs out quick and you dont realize it untill its gone

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a few pieces of advice that I would give. First of all, learn how to study before you come to college. In high school I was able to make straight A's with very little effort. The same thing does not apply to college classes. It is impossible to do well without knowing how to study. I would also tell myself that although it is important to have fun during college, your school work should always remain your top priority. If it is not the most important thing to you, your grades will suffer and you will fall behind. Lastly, I would remind myself that it is all up to me. There won't be anyone holding your hand through everything in college. You must take full responsibility for your actions, set goals, and do everything that you possibly can to achieve them. At times you will feel as though you can't handle the stress and you might want to give up, but a good education is important and it will all pay off in the end.

Gwendolyn

I would tell my self not to worry so much that everythings works out for the best.

Kiyoe

I'm a quiet, shy person so I tend to not approach others first, which can become a disadvantage obviously socially but also academically. I would advise myself to try to be more open and assertive. In high school, I rarely studied and didn't really put much effort into schoolwork, but in college a lot of time and effort needs to be put in to do well especially in the later years of college. On this subject, I would advise myself to start early on identifying how I learn best, such as seeing, hearing, or actively doing something like answering practice problems or making flashcards.

Kyle

I would tell myself to quit trying so hard to get good grades in high school. The only two things colleges care about are SAT scores and your admission essay. They want someone who is actually smart and interesting. Working hard and getting good grades in high school proves nothing to the office of ungraduate admission. And why should it? High school is nothing but a gigantic waste of time. In many ways high school allows people to mature enough to move onto a college setting where drinking and sex is the norm. If you were to go straight to college from middle school your parents would just about have a heart attack. No one wants their pre adolescent child binge drinking and getting other pre adolescent girls pregnant. But i'm gettin side tracked. My advice is don't work too hard. If you want to get into a particular college, don't take no for an answer... ever.

robert

take the ACT agian and get a higher score, also take more business calsses so you are prepared for the classes you are about to take

Jennifer

Be true to yourself and make sure that you choose a school that you feel comfortable at. Take all of the opportunities that the college offers and try everything that you are interested in atleast once. Join clubs, study groups or anything else that you can, it will help you to make friends, enjoy campus life, and become more at one with your school. Make sure you take advantage of resources such as your advisor, professors office hours and any tutoring the university offers. Last, but certainly the most important, have the time of your life, make friends that will last a life time, and work toward an education and a job that you will love one day.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to focus my freshman year and work on my studies, rather than worrying so much about my social life. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships because the financial burden is huge on my family because I am an out of state student. The final thing I would tell myself would be, you are going to have the time of your life, don't worry and look forward to your future, you are a star!

Aria

Do not get caught up in the social scene; school is about getting an education and not trying to "fit in" at all times. It is better to keep the same attitude that you had in high school, work now, play later if time permits. In addition, stay focused on the plan you have mapped out for yourself and do not let anyone have the ability to alter said plan. Third, get more involved on campus. You came in doing work for the "betterment" of your community, leave doing the same. Do not forget where you came from, roots are so important in order to not get lost on this large campus. God is the Head of everything you are trying to accomplish, make sure what you do will give Him the glory. All in all, have a good time in college but try not to go too crazy!

Amanda

The most important part of the college selection process for me was seeing the campus. I would advise students to take a tour and even spend some time on campus so that they can get a feel for what life there is like. They will be living in the environment of the school for the next 4 years or more, so being able to enjoy it is very important. making sure that the college has a good program for your major is also important. You want to know how many and what kind of classes you will be required to take before you start out.

Alyssa

You have to be realistic. Based on your GPA and standardized test scores, you need to determine which schools are likely to accept you and those that may be a reach. You should look at schools not solely on their reputation, but more importantly which schools have the best programs for what you are ultimately interested in studying. If possible, in order to narrow down your choices of colleges to which you are going to apply, it is prudent to do a tour and an overnight stay at a college to truly get a feel for the college's atmosphere. Other things that may help you narrow down your list of colleges to which you apply are things like athletics, size, diversity, and student to professor ratio. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Fill out FAFSA. Once in college, it is obviously imperative that you study hard, attend class, and make new friends. In addition to doing these things, try new things. Learn from not only your teachers, but also from your classmates and friends. Get involved on campus, and you will most certainly have a much more fulfilling college experience than if you had not done so.

Gretchen

Don't second guess your instincts. Sometimes you just have a feeling that a certain college is the one for you. Listen to that feeling because it is probably correct. Once at college, try to get involved in something that interests you. By becoming involved, you will meet people that have the same interests as you that can become your study buddies and best friends. Make sure that you study more than you think you need to because college exams are much more difficult than high school exams. If you don't do as well as you anticipated on an exam, don't let it get you down too much. Try not to focus on it, but try to do better the next time. Enjoy college while you can. Live it up. Have a great time!

Brittany

The first thing I would say to parents and students about finding the right college would be to take a tour of all the college campuses that he or she is interested in. The tour of the University of Kentucky is what had the most impact on my decision. I met other prospective students, current students, and got a feel for what the average college day was like. I got to witness the interaction between students. Coming from a town that does not have its own college, I wasn't really sure what a college campus looked like. I would also recommend getting information from as many schools as possible so that the student can see how schools are different from each other. Some schools don't have a particular field that the student may want to study so having information from several school helps to make the decision easier.

Allison

Make sure that you are well suited for the college. Make a few visits to the college during classes to get a feel for the student life there. Also make sure that the college you are planning to attend has a good department for your areas of interest, not only education wise but also clubs and activities.

Robert

If I were to give advice to parents I would tell them to have their son or daughter live off campus, here at the University of Kentucky there are a lot of social events going on throughout semesters and their child might get distracted by these events. I would say it would be best to have them stay off campus for this reason. For the kids I would say to be active at the campus, and have fun, but don?t get carried away. Always know how to balance partying and school work. All college kids need a social life and it is perfectly fine to party every once in a while but don?t go overboard. I have had many friends that have flunked out of 2 or, even 3 years of school just because they couldn't party responsibly. Also take advantage of the facilities on campus, such as the library and the gym. They are free and make college a lot more entertaining, and easier. But most of all have fun and go to class. These will be some of the best years of your life.

Ben

First and foremost, I would tell students not to just "settle" for a school because they know they can get accepted but to not be afraid of applying to other more challenging schools even if that means being rejected. The student needs to be certain that the college he/she is attending is one which will make him or her happy and feel the most at home, not just the one which the parents think is the best fit. Second, although it gets harped upon a lot student involvement is key for a successful college career, especially for incoming freshmen. Meeting new people and making new friends will make the adjustment to college life that much easier. Third, stay organized and do not stress out (as most incoming freshman will find out soon enough when they get their first taste of FINALS....dom dom dom). Students need to enjoy themselves and take advantage of all the things their college/university offers them because their first year will be over before they know it and then they will be in the same position I am, filling out a scholarship application in hopes of paying off some of that college tuition.

Adam

Go to every campus you are interested. Once you step on the right campus you'll know.

Kristen

I would suggest looking at a wide variety of schools, so that students and parents are well-informed and have a large amount of diversity to pick a school. I would also suggest to make a check-list of the qualities you want your college to have, so that you are satisfied with your decision. Finally, to make the most of college, put yourself out there right from the start and get involved in as much as you can becuase it will help you make new friends and create a networking system that can be helpful throughout you college education.

Allison

My advice would be simple: look for a college and campus that you can see yourself doing the things you see current students doing around you. If you like to read, look around to see if students gather around campus to do so. If you like sports, visit the intramural fields. There would be nothing worse than to go to a college where a very little population does what you like to do. I also think the atmosphere around the campus is important when you start to become a Junior and Senior. To make the most of your college experience, I always told myself, "you only live once". If there is something you want to do, even if you never have, do it while you have to opportunity. I also think academic success is very important, but it's not everything. You won't remember the nights you spent studying in the library as much as you will remember the nights you spent with your friends. Lastly, always remember where you came from. Don't get pressured into doing things; it will get you in with the wrong crowd and soon you will not even know who you are.

Samantha

I would advise that finding the right college to attend takes time and effort. It isn't a simple and quick process. As a student, you have to prioritize what is most important to you when attending a university, whether it be academic performance, school atmosphere, or cost of attendance. After figuring out what components of a school are most important to you, you have to weigh your options. I would strongly advise to go on a campus tour to see the campus and to meet and speak with current students. Also visit the city and/or area around your campus to see what activities there are to do in your free time. Many aspects of college life are important to consider when making your decision, so don't rush into the process and investigate each of your options thoroughly. When it comes to making the most of your experience, my best advice is to get involved! Join a club, sport, or organization that pertains to your interests and take part. It will help you make friends, while also feeling like you are contributing something to the university. Trust me, you will really enjoy your college experience more!

Kyla

Go visit campus! A college can be totally different than it sounds on paper, if you know other people already attending there see if they would mind having you up for a visit so that you can actually get a feel for the campus life! As far as making the most of the college experience, you get out what you put in. If something interests you in the least explore it. UK has a club for just about everything; this truly is a time when you will have a ridiculous amount of opportunity and freedom available to you , be wise in your choices but be open to new experiences.

Virginia

Make sure the student feels like the school is the right choice for them. The student should rely on their gut feeling and where they will fit in. I can't imagine a more horrible experience than being in a school you don't feel is right for you. The student does not know exactly what they want to do once they enter college. That is what it is about it and most importantly discovering who you are! Also, look inot financial opportunties, safety of the campus, career center for graduates, and social life activities.

Lauren

I think one of the best tips of advice I could give about choosing the right college is to not stress too much over it. Every college has something unique to offer. I would definitely consider the majors the college offers and the amount of students that attend. I would also take into consideration the types of organizations available, along with what the college is known for (if you're considering medicine, do they have a good medicine/nursing program?). No matter what college you choose, you will find find a way to fit into any institution. As for making the most of your college experience - Work hard and play hard. Have fun, or you won't enjoy college at all. But don't have too much fun, or you won't be in college very long. Get involved in campus events or join an organization . Go out on the weekends and relax, but study hard, hit the books, and GO TO CLASS when appropriate. Have fun and live it up, but don't forget why you are ultimately there: to get an education. Keep those things in mind, and your college experience will be very successful in every aspect.

Courtney

When picking a school, trust your gut. I knew the moment I walked onto the University of Kentucky campus that I was home. The past few years I have learned that my best decisions are made when I trust my instincts. This has led to a fulfilling college experience. So has saying hi to random people in class, checking out events on campus (both academic and social events), and learning to love alone time (without people OR a computer around). Take this time to get to know yourself and to define the person you want to become by soaking up as many experiences as possible...and enjoy your time in college!

Audra

A lot of students are leaving home for the first time when they arrive on their college's campus during their freshman year. Both the student, and their parents, need to pick an environment that will best suit the student's needs. Factors such as campus size, classroom size, housing, and distance from home should always be considered. The only way a student can succeed is if they are comfortable in their environment, therefore everything must be considered. Once a student starts classes, the best advice is to meet as many upperclassmen as possible and ask questions. Asking questions is essential because the quicker you learn the basics of being a college student, the quicker you can adjust and succeed. Make sure to ask questions about resources on campus such as tutoring, counseling, and the best places to eat. Don't be afraid of looking stupid, because if you don't know anything about your college, then you will not get the best experience and end up looking stupid upon graduation.

Emily

I would tell parents to give their child the oppurtunity to get involved as much as they can while in college. They also need to make sure their children are respondsible enough to do their work and have a social life.!!!!

SE

Communicate with your children, make sure they are having fun as well as making the grade.

John

Make sure to know what you want before you start looking at schools. If you can't figure out what you want, keep an open mind. Remember that every school visit is essentially a recruiting visit so the guides will show you what they want you to see, ask questions about anything you don't see on the tour.

Samantha

I think that it is very important to make sure you explore all options. It is important to settle on a budget and then tour and research all of the schools that fit in that price range. It must also be decided how close or far from home you would like to be and how big of a school you would be interested in attending. I think to make the most out of college you need to get involved in multiple activities and try to meet as many people as possible. Also make sure to explore a variety of majors, and that will allow you to meet a wide array of people.

Jamieson

Be prepared.

Steve

When making the right choice about where to go, make sure your son or daughter is somewhere you feel comfortable and where people are friendly and helpful. Schooling is are very important but so to is the place where you or your children live. College is very hard your going to have bumps in the road but it is what you make it. Find a college where you can always be doing something fun because that will effect the attitude of school's students and staff. Find somewhere thats safe so your kids can walk through campus late at night and not be in any danger. Its a tough time finding the right college but find somewhere where you can grow as a person. If your learning, having fun, and getting involved on and off campus your college experience will be great anywhere you go.

Lauren

I would tell parents to listen to their children and then decide what they believe is best for them. It is the student's decision in the end to make themselves happy and chose the university that is right for them. I would tell students to make sure that they do their research and read what the colleges offer and what they would get out of it. It is a great idea to know what your chosen college can offer you later down the road, when you start looking for internships/ jobs. I think that students have to work to become involved, especially at big universities. In order to make the most of college, students need to get involoved and be social, making new friends and experiencing new things in order to mature and grow as an adult.

Ahsha

Find a place that will benefit you financially, academically, and socially. Make sure you have a somewhat clear idea of what you want to do when you graeduate so you pick the right school from jump and dont put yourself at risk of transferring from so many different schools. Go somewhere where you will be exposed to the world as you dont see it. For example get out of your comfort zone meet people not like you. It's way to learn more than you would ever learn in a classroom. I also recommend that students go to a school where they can be independent, being so close to home can be nice, but at times it can really be suffocating and not give you a chance to really be on your own. School is really fun its like real lfe, you go to work (class) meet new people (students), learn and apply info (studying classwork). School puts you in a better place financially and socially it's the perfect position for anyone to be in.

Mary

Selecting the right college for you is a process that requires a lot of honesty. You'll need to be honest with yourself about what you want out of your college experience, honest about what kind of housing you will want to have, honest about how far from home you are willing to be, and honesly about how much money you have saved to put towards your education. If you are not completely honest with yourself about any of these questions, you will quickly find that you are unhappy at your chosen university. My adivce to you is to make a checklist of the things you want, and then compare how all of the colleges you are thinking about fit into your needs. Also, don't get too hung up on the "perfect" school. Apply to several schools,; visit as many as you can before making your decision. Some campuses look great on paper, but the environment may not fit with your personality. It's important to feel like you are part of a community during your college experience- you'll learn more, be more involved, and happier- so make sure you select the community that is right for you.

Susannah

The advice that I would give to those seeking the right college for themselves or for their children is to tour as many universities as possible. I toured several universities across the state of Kentucky; and I believe that this is what most helped me to make the choice of which college I desired to attend, a choice that I have been completely satisfied with since the first day of my college career. It was important to me that I felt comfortable in the surroundings of my college, and that I could see myself living there and interacting successfully with the people and the campus. You cannot fall in love with a campus unless you have experienced it for yourself, so I would encourage the touring of many universities to assure exactly where it is you can see yourself the most. In order to make the most of a college experience, I encourage all students to become involved. Universities have so many extracurricular activities to offer, and participating in those that suit you enhance your relationship with the campus and your fellow students. Being involved on campus is imperative to making the most of your time at college.

Jennifer

Pick a college where you will feel most comfortable, do not let anyone else choose for you. You want to be somewhere that you feel accepted and that you will get the best education. Make sure to get involved with school activities even if it is just going to a sporting event. You never want to look back and regret not doing something.

Nichole

My own limited experience as a full time student and now as a full time member of the work force tells me that there is one crucial mistake we make as a culture in terms of college decisions. Our society is very task driven, leading us to get more accomplished faster. I believe this is a mistake when it comes to college. My education was developed more in the four years I spent taking courses that did not pertain to my degree and socializing with intelligent and diverse groups of people than the hours of classroom time I invested reaching the degree I thought I wanted. Most of us end up in careers that were not foreshadowed by our degrees, but I can personally contribute most of my personal and mental growth to the process of earning my degree. I believe students who take online courses or accelerated degree programs just to get into the work force sooner suffer in the long run because they miss out on an important time of self development and discovery that cannot be attained elsewhere. My best advice is to take advantage of every event and extra class and not rush through the experience.

Austin

College really is what you make of it. Finding the right college for yourself or your child is relatively easy. Let yourself or your child be proactive in choosing the college because if they are forced to attend a college that they aren't interested in, they will be less likely to love their college. Getting involved is the easiest way to really fall in love with the university. There are countless friends that can be made and clubs/organizations are a great way to build a resume and create a networking tree for after graduation. College is the most fun and important time in a young adult's life and creates a mature and focused person. With the right mind set and work ethic, everyone can have the time of their lives and come out as a successful graduate no matter where they attend college.

Laura

The most useful advice that I would provide to parents and students regarding the search for the right college and making the most of the college experience is to take advantage of all available opportunities. When researching and identifying prospective colleges, a student should be willing to consider all possible schools, regardless of financial situation, location, or expectance of admittance. There are always methods for eluding these impediments, so one should never be discouraged from applying to a school for such reasons. This advice also applies to the overall college experience because while in college a student will be presented with a multitude of occasions, many of which have the potential to result in a more enjoyable experience for the student. For example, a student may be given the extraordinary chance to study abroad. Such an opportunity would allow a student to develop a broader world view and encounter irreplaceable situations. Studying abroad is just one example of the many opportunities that can contribute to the academic and social life of a college student. A student will be able to find the right college and make the most of the college experience by taking advantage of the endless opportunities available.

Ashleigh

I would tell students to not pick a college because that is where their friends are going, or because it is close to home. One of the best decisions I have made is to attend college in a big city that is far away from home, because it forced me to grow up and become more independent. Live on campus your first year, join the Greek community (or other social network), and meet a lot of people!! To parents, let your children make the decision, but offer advice. Don't smother them!

Von

When someone is looking into what college they want to attend there are several important aspects they should look into. One is to look at how many people attend the school. Some students want to attend a college that has twenty or thirty thousand students, while some want to attend a school with only a couple thousand. They should also think about what they want to major in and what college or university is suitable for that major. Another thing they should look at is the campus and its surroundings. The prospective students should make sure that the campus of the college or university appeals to them. For instance, if they like to participate in sports they should make sure there is an athletic center or if someone likes to study at a library a lot they should make sure there are libraries that are suitable for studying and doing research. There are several things someone can do to get the most out of their college experience. The main thing is to get involved. When a person gets involved in something they like it makes it is very easy to find a good group of friends.

Kendra

College is a pivotal time in a person's life. So much knowledge and self-discovery is achieved during the time that a person spends in college. Finding the right one that suits your needs is important, but I feel that no matter where a person chooses to go, so many new life experiences and lessons are gained that will prepare them for the roads and paths ahead. Advice that I would give to anyone who is about to begin their college career would be to make smart choices financially, realize that this is a very important component of your life that determines who you are and decisions that you will make in the future, and make the most of it. Once its gone you can never get it back.

Jeffrey

When finding the right college I believe the most important thing to consider is the campus saftey and how comfortable you feel walking to classes. The student body is also very important, each school has its own "brand" of people and during your college visits you should take the time to stop someone on campus to ask about the social life.

Zachary

I would say search out the best college that suits your needs. Don't just follow your friends or look for the next big party. Seriously consider what you want to do with your life and choose the college that best provides that experience. College is the most important thing you can do with your life. Don't waste it.

Mikhail

Start early by picking out at least 5 schools that interest you. Visit these colleges if possible and talk to students and/or staff there. Look for scholarships because there are so many of them out there.

Amanda

Make sure you visit each college you want to go to and that school is in session when you visit. You can get a really good idea of what campus will be like and see if you will fit in there. They give you so much information at once, but DON'T be afraid to ask quesitons. Write some down before you go so when they ask you can actually ask. This is YOUR choice, YOUR college, you need to make the best decision you can on what college you want to go to.

Carrie

Finding the right college can be a tough choice, but I think the most important thing is feeling at home at the university you chose. Nothing is more important than a student's comfort at, and love for their school. All other factors will then fall into place with ease, such as the quality of specific fields of study offored by the university (i.e. business or biology); participation in greek life or other campus clubs and activites; financial aid; on campus or off campus housing; job and internship opportunities, etc. In order to make the most of the college experience, my best advice to an incoming student would be to always be open to new experiences. Explore all that the campus has to offer, even if it seems out of the ordinary. In doing so, one is able to find their own niche in a sea of thousands of students, make new friends, and learn a lot about themselves in the process. Change is an integral part of college as one is exposed to people from all over the country, and it is an experience that can be had only once, so take advantage of it while you can!