Kean University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Kean University know before they start?

Erin

I belive to make the best out of any situation you need to be willing to do what you have to do. You have to be willing to put your best foot foward in every aspect of your college career. Don't be afraid to show who you are.

Dave

visit the college first and see if you like the feel and environment of the area

Beverly

the best way to find a college is for parents to stey involved in the process with their child, and to work together in the best interest of finiancial, educational, location, and interest-based facets. many highschools hold programs for seniors looking to apply to colleges, and it is best to take advantage of those programs. the best way to find a college can be online, in books, and even talking with teachers/guidence counselors, friends, and family. when a student can compile a list of colleges they are interested in, it is best to do further research on each individually, and go visit them on open house days if you can! also, it is good to visit them on non-open-house days, to get a feel for what the campus life is like on a normal day. again, there are many facets involved in choosing a university to attend, such as financial, location, academic content and challenge, size of classes, if the school has your major, etc. one thing i learned while applying to schools is that it seems like a huge complicated process, but i had the help and support that i needed, which is important!

Shannon

Don't look at a university for just its academics. A college is more than just classes and getting an education. It's a place where you grow and come into your own. Therefore, I think it is important to look at other factors such as the town the school is in, the extracurriculars they have to offer, and the type of people that go. Kean University was my second choice school and I ended up transferring there from another college after one semester because that school wasn't for me. The education and courses they had to offer were amazing but a school is nothing if you can't find yourself there. When i transferred to Kean, I knew it was the school for me because it felt like I belonged there.

Rachael

I tell parents to reassure their children by encouraging them and complementing them on their achievements and success in all that they do

Christa

Make sure it is the college YOU want to attend. Make sure they have your programs/ field of study, and make sure that you know what you want from the school and what the school can offer you. Check out questionable items such as housing, dining, social life, library, meal plans, and financial aid. Make sure the area suites you, and that there is a way home if you need to get home.

Florencia

Education is the key to unlock your full potential. Once you find the school of your dreams, stick to it. Apply to the school you believe will give you the best education you can get. Parents and students should keep in mind, that the student's will be in this school for a couple of years, so find a school that the student will fit right in. Weather it is because it is a diverse school, or it is a very social school, let the student's needs come first. In the end, the student will graduate from the school, so just picture yourself in the cap and gown, as you walk for the career of your dream. So study for your own educational gain and make friends for your own fun and/or networking. In the end, just have fun and learn!

Richard

Every college is different in one way or another. The most important thing is to figure out which type suits you best. Perhaps you're looking for life in the city where you can find tons of places to broaden your horizon, or a small town-like life where it's easy to get in touch with others. Of course, sometimes you just have no clue what's best for you until you find out on that orientation day, as well as the semester to come. I suppose the best advice to give is to take what you were given and live through it with the potential you have. Open your mind, expand your life, learn new things, UNDERSTAND those things, make a name for yourself, become appreciated for what you want to do, create new experiences, LOVE to make new experiences, and perhaps most importantly (at least to this opinionated bore), give yourself memories. I really wish they put something like this in those brochures before I began.

Vanessa

To talk to finacial advisors and academic advisors, and I feel that you learn a lot more in smaller schools.

Hector

As an international business major, the best advice a parent can give, or a current college/high school student can adhere to, is to work on attaining TOP GRADES, within the 3.8-4.0 mark, not so that you can be regarded as a devoted scholar, but that, economically, you can take advantage of scholarships and grants to be used to pay off the college of your choice, which, with said high GPA, can very well be an Ivy League or top tier university. You save money by studying, and have a nice foundation to pursue a career without debt bringing down your hopes and dreams.

Kathleen

There is definitely a lot more to college than just studying. You have to be able to be socialable. Reaching out to new people can result in making lifelong friends. Getting involved in activities is important. Explore clubs that interest you, join an intramural sports team, or maybe even check out the sorority or fraternity life. Go to activities on campus such as sports games, parties, or concerts. But when it does come to school work. Try your hardest. Always ask for help if needed. Whether you need a tutor to help you with math or need to talk to a professor to find ways to improve your grade, never shy away from it. This can be very beneficial, not only helping with your grades, but your experience as well. However, you shouldn't overload your schedule with classes. This will not only put a strain on your social life, but your grades as well. And definitely do not do anything that you are not comfortable, like giving into peer pressure to do something illegal or something that you know is a bad idea. This few tips can definitely make college the best years of your life.

Jill

When you begin the college search, it's very important to think about the students needs. One thing that is absolutely terrifying to a college freshman is the new surroundings, the new schedule, the new work, and the new people. If I could have done things differently before I began college, I would have gotten to know the campus better and learn where everything is located. Going into a school thinking that you will simply "catch on" to the college life is not the way to go about it. Everything about college from the different buildings to the dorms to the way you do your schoolwork is a complete change from high school. I think the best way to prepare for college is to make sure that you understand the surroundings. This way, you can focus on your GPA and not have to worry about the simple things.

Chris

Make sure that you take all factors into consideration. Whether or not the student wants to live on or off campus, work, attend in or out-of-state. Does the student want to be a in a large classroom setting or be in small classrooms where the Professor can recognize you by your name. How much can you afford to pay? Or better yet, how much are you willing to be in debt from taking out loans? Does the college/university obtain the educational programs that the student seeks or may have an interest in? Obviously you would need to visit the college and see whether or not you would feel comfortable attending it.

Pinkal

First of all, I Find out that any of my friends had been or still going to this college. I take some information from them. Then I do reaserch about college. Then I go visit college to make sure how is envirenment, where is it at?, and how is community?

Danielle

Make sure you look into and visit the school before you go. Also look into what majors they have and what the college can offer you.

Erin

I have been attending college for almost four years. When i first applied to Kean my parents greatly pushed for me to go. Although i did not think it was a great idea i knew it would be best for my future. It was inexpensive, and also a great school for my major. Now, four years later, i am thanking my parents for the best decision they ever made. So when thinking about your college decision make sure you pick a school that best suites your major. It is also very important to choose a school that is affordable for you. Remember, no matter what college you choose to attend, you will come out with great friends that will last a lifetime, and a degree for your future.

Yostina

I would first look to see what are of study you would want to pursue. Then see if that school can best serve your needs. I will also see where the school is located. Whether you would want it somewhere close to home, far away, city or suburbs are all factors that you should carefully look into.

Jonathan

I would advise them to go to the school and try to jump in some lectures where their are alot of people so you can be over looked and see what its like.

matthew

To the parents: I know that you want to have a say in where the student goes, but dont pressure them to go to a certain school. Let them choose themself, but at the same time aide them in their decision. If they are leaning toward a school that you may not agree with, dont try to completely eliminate it. Instead, do some honest research on it and if your student is determined on going then let them. If it really is not the right school for them, they will know in that first year and then will probably be more willing to listen to you and theyll transfer. For the student: dont just look for the party school. Every school has plenty of parties and you will never be bored. Look into whats important, and i dont just mean academics (although they are vital) but also extra cirriular activities that you are interested in. Look into the type of students that attend the school. I suggest finding a school whose majority of the student body shares at least some similarities to yourself. Dont worry about diversity because again there will be plenty of that anywhere you go. HAVE FUN!!!

Janice

Do not wait untill last minute to find a college. Really research different schools, and go visit as many as you can. The earlier you look into schools the better! Don't hold back, and give everything your best effort. College is a time to explore new things, meet new people, and find yourself as a person. Have fun, but also work hard. Your future is at stake here, and thats not something to compromise.