Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

What should every freshman at Kent State University at Kent know before they start?

Kayleigh

The best piece of advice that I could give to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to research every aspect of the college and the opportunities and activities it has to offer. How successful you become can be effected on how comfortable you are in the college of your choice. Location and size are huge factors because of how small or big your school population is and how far away from home it is or even if it is located in a city type setting or a country type setting. Also you can make a pros and cons list to better figured out which college suits you best. In order to make the most of the college experience, I would say to explore your options and see what the college has to offer. You can join all different types of clubs or even go into the greek society. Also the friends that you make in college are the friends that stay with you for the rest of your life. Basically, have fun and try new things to better broaden your aspect of life away from home.

Erin

Come with a game plan. If you have goals then create sub-goals that help increase your success. Dont allow the first year to go to waste. Although you will hear alot of jargon about everyone does this or that, the more successful students start out strong and have a much easier time adjusting by doing well their first year. If you're under 21 dont succumb to peer pressure, when it comes to alcohol. Many colleges, such as Kent State will either dismiss you from the school or limit certain degree program opportunities such as education and business. Buy a planner!! Organization is your best friend and will prevent over night cramming or turning in late assignments. One thing that I had to get use to at Kent was the lack of homework and only 2 or 3 test a semester. Alot of information is covered and before you know those midterms are approaching. Probably the most helpful advice is make yourself go to every class. Dont allow a few miss classes be the differences between getting a B over an A.Make friends that have similar interest especially career.

Krystal

I think that it is important to consider what the student wants to achieve, not what the parents want students to achieve. College is not for everyone, it takes a lot of time, money and committment. Sometimes it is better to spend a little more money to go out of state to a college that will give you a boost in your career. Weigh all of your options carefully, not every program is the same, not every school is the same, and not every student is the same. Shop for a college like you would for a new car- one does not run out and buy the first one they see because it is their favorite color- do not choose a campus because it is pretty!

Kelly

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to assess your likes and intrests and find a college that supports them. If you like a smaller environment, look for a smaller college. If you like sports look for a college that supports that.

Alexa

For students and parents looking for the right college, the most important thing is to pick a college that applies to your needs. For example, someone wishing to pursue a career in the medical field, reasearch the schools of choice and find out what kind of programs are offered to meet your needs. Also, a school that is somewhat close to home can be an advantage as well. When the student is feeling overwhelmed or exhausted he/she can go home and take a break with friends and family. While in college, students need to keep an open mind about their surroundings. For a small town person, going to college can be a culture shock as there are people from all nationalities coming to this school. College is inteded to be fun as well as a great learning experience. This time in your life can't ever be replaced and it's important to make the most of it.

Kailyn

My advice to students to help them find the right college would be to look at colleges closer to home first. Sometimes the best education is right outside your door, not necessarily hundreds of miles from home. I think students tend to want to get far away from their hometown, but then realize how much they miss home. As much as I love Kent, it is great to drive home every once in a while to be with my family. College life is fun and exciting, but it is nice to know I can come home to relax when needed on a weekend. I attended a local college for my first 2 years, then transferred to Kent. This not only saved my parents quite a bit of money but helped me transition to a bigger college with less stress. There is no greater value than that of a college education. It is by far the wisest investment one can make in their future.

Lindsey

Overall, the college that you pick is extremely important for the student and family. Prospective students should look at every aspect of the school including social life, sports, student life, and most importantly academics. Students should also take a tour of the college to make a final decision of whether or not they can actually see themselves at the university and see the greek life and student involvement there. Choosing a school for your college experience is an extremely important and tedious process that should be taken seriously from every point of view. But, most importantly make sure that you, the student, will have fun, be safe, and excel academically!

nathalie

I would say that the student and parent have to feel comfortable when they are on campus. When you find the college you are looking for you can tell by the feeling you get. You see and talk to other students and know you will fit in. The campus feels like home, and you don't want to leave. To make the most out of college i think you have to prioritize. You can attend the parties and still have good grades if you are organized and diligent about your work. One of the biggest mistakes you can do is get behind in classes or not go to them. Just pay attention in class ask questions and get to know the proffesor. There is no reason why you can't go to parties and have impressive grades. You just can't go out every night.

Lauren

In order to be successful in a college, students should make exceptional effort in visiting and getting to know the on-campus staff and current students. Walking around the campus, talking with students and asking them about the ups and downs of the university, checking the town in which the campus lies (crime factor, property damage, annual income of residents, hospital ratings, etc) should all be apart of finding a good school. This will be the student's new home-away-from-home and should be treated as such. No one would move to an area that they did not extensively check out beforehand, and a college visit (preferably several) should be no different than looking at relocation. Also, as in high school, there should be regular, set study days/times so that work is finished in time and that there is still enough time left for recreation. Yes, a student is in school to learn, but the brain can only process so much information at once without having an outlet, else stress sets in and the student's health and grades suffer. In addition, finding one friend per class is beneficial as well for notes, studying, and companionship.

stephanie

You should really look into the college and see what they have to offer and if what you are going there for will be worth your while. I also recommend visiting the school and seeing if you fall in love with it. If you are not sure about it when you see it or when you see the surrounding area you should not go there. Even if you love what they have to offer if you can not see your self happy there you should not force it upon yourself. College is about gaining your indepence and finding out who you are. So do not lose yourself trying to fit in with the "crowd". You will meet so many new people and they become your family. College is your second home you should be happy with it.

LeslieAnn

To parents and/or students who are interested in finding the right school, it is very important to notice a few key things. When looking for a school you want to first notice the price of tuition , food plan and living expenses. If you know it could be almost impossible to aford then cross that school of your list because i gareentee there is a school that is just as good for much less. When looking into a college or university you want to be aware of the programs they offer. If you have desided what feild you want to go into or even if you are undesided it is important to notice what that school has that will enable you to suceed in the best way possible. Lastly, when trying to find the right school that will fit you best, notice what type of soial life and envolvement they have. If the college/university of your choice is known to be a party school and you want to focuse on you grades and graduating then it could be possible that school is not for you. * Remember; Your education is the most important thing you can own.

Jessica

Start looking early. Check out a lot of diferent schools. You really need to feel comfortable and at home where ever you decided to attend school. When I went to KSU, I felt and knew that it was the right place for me. Going to college is something that not everyone is able to do and if you have the opprutinity to go then you should make the most of it. You should look into what programs are offered and the types of activites and organizations they have as well. The most important thing is that you feel welcomed, comfortable, and happy. If you are going to be at a school for four years happiness is most important. I truly believe a happy person will succeed where ever they are, but only if they are happy.

Kyle

When finding the right college to go to there are many things to keep in mind. First, dont be scared to leave home. look for colleges that are where you would like to live at for a couple of years or so, its not permanent so dont be scared. Second, look for a school that is known for your degree you want to go into. Dont just choose a school by its looks know whats its weeknesses and strenths. last, always visit the college you apply to . You should always go to the school and make sure its what you think it is before you apply to it. The most Important thing when attending college is getting involved. Lots of people who dont like their college experence usually are never involved in any extra activities at school. Students are offerd many extra activities when at school. Some are sport orented and some are more geared for their degree. People need to get involved and learn about what their college offers.

Ashley

The advice I would give to parents and students would have to be to make sure that college is what the student wants to do. Nothing is worse than a kid who does not want to go to a four year degree program. The parent wastes so much money on something that their child is not putting effort into. There are so many other alternatives: some high school graduates find a job right out of high school, others have been part of a technical program like cosmetology or construction managment, even a two year program like medical billing. I love being away at college I knew exactly what I wanted to do for years beofre I was out of high school. If the student has no idea what they want out of life do not assume they want to go get a pre-law or pre-med degree. Those students, honestly change their major five times, fall victim to drugs and alcohol, drop out and end up where they should have been enrolled into a 2 year community college in the first place. Higher education should be discussed for a mutual agreement for what's in the students best interest.

Brittany

talk to people that attend the college already or find out what actitives they like to put on. take a tour of the campus to get the feel of it.meet with advisors to talk about the school and campus life.find out what the school will offer you and help you with. find out from other people what they say about the school or if they know any facts. do research on the school and even compare if with other schools.

Sarah

When choosing a college, college visits are very important. It is essential to visit the campus and learn about the programs offered and the enviornment surrounding the campus. The enviornment can tell a significant amount about the campus and how comfortable the student will feel attending the campus. Also, look at the programs that are offered and how these will benefit you in the passions you have for your future. When you make the decison in confidence, you will know you have chosen the right college for you. Then, when attending the college, you can make the most of your experience. Although campus life may distract you, it is important to stay focused and disciplined in your class work. By working hard, you will be getting the most of your choice of college, you will feel passionate about school, and hopefully the enviornment will lead to meeting new people who can encourage you and grow with you. College is a wonderful time of learning, personal growth, and preparation for the future. Hopefully whichever college you choose will encourage these things, and you can make the most of your college experience.

Krystyl

Looking back on my college experience there are a few things I would tell parents and students about finding the right college. As a recent college graduate I would tell them to take a deep breath and enjoy their experience, because it will be over before they know it. In order to do this, parents and students must make sure that they research each college, the internal and external environments and the opportunities within the program they are pursuing. Having the best college experience is about taking advantage of the opportunities within your college and outside the college within the community.

Megan

You have to figure out want you need and want out of a school and nobody else.

Lauren

Visit a college you are NOT interested in attending first before you visit the college you have a desire to attend. You will then be able to make better and more objective comparisons between the colleges. Look into the food plans and food courts, the "party" style, the availability of drugstores, grocery stores and jobs, used book stores, internet access, and finally how well the college structures student behavior.

Brittany

The advice I would give to parents/ student about finding the right college is to do research!! Word of mouth is a wonderful thing that ultimately your decision has to be based upon your individual thoughts. Make sure you visit the college and take tours. Set up an appointment with an advisor with appropriate department of your major of interest. Sometimes what you thought might me a good fit for you may not turn out to be the case at all. When you arrive at college have a social life but make sure that is not the majority of your focus. You and your parents are not paying money for a social life. Academics must come first but they should not be everything. Take a break every once in a while when your work is complete. A fresh and relaxed mind will help you be even more responsible and successful in the classroom.