Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

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

Brittany

If I had to oppurtunity to go back in time whenever I was a high school senior I would say to take high school more seriously. I would tell myself that I needed to be more driven and successful in the classroom. I would say make sure that I knew procrastinating and slacking off could not be an option. Also, I would tell myself that even though you think you may never use this information you learn again you will because high school prepares you for what is to come in you future and it should not be taken for granted. If I had the chance to give myself advice I would have told myself to make sure I have self- discipline and set goals that I could exceed too.

Aleksandra

To just study as hard as you possibly can and have an idea of what you wanna do with your college carreer becausse I have changed my major which set me back a year because I did not know what ieanted to do with my life. Studying would be the biggest thing I would tell myself because college is a lot harder and different then high school. Your more on your own and your in charge of yourself especally because your parents are not around to hound you to do your homework. You just have to be on top of everythinh and get everything done on time.

India

As a high school senior, I was not focused. I still received good grades, but my heart was not in it. I would tell myself not to concentrate on the negative and focus more on the positive. I would tell myself to continue to be the person that I know I am instead of letting things change my perception. I would give myself a kick in the butt for not preparing myself better financially because I know that I have nobody to help me. I would value my friendships more and spend more time with loved ones because college takes time and effort. I would applaud myself also because all my heavy coursework in high school prepared me for college. Good job, India.

Kassondra

I know I have made the right desicions in my life. My goals are set and I am determined to complete and achieve my dreams just as I planed during my senior year of high school. I told myself I wanted to go to the community college I was courrently enrolled under as a duel-enrolled student and finish my AA Degree. Then I would later move to Orlando for a pastry and baking degree at Le Cordon Bleu. If I went back in time to meet my senior self, I suppose I would give my self a "pep" talk. I would encourage myself to continue to follow my dream, and that my future self is the given proof that I will achieve what it is I set myself up to do. "Past Kassie, continue what you are doing, and I promise, you will achieve everything you ever wanted." --Present Kassie

Erin

I would tell myself to take high school completely serious. When I was in high school, I didn't try hard at all. I still got good grades, but if I had applied myself, then I could have gotten better scholarships and been a lot more prepared for college classes. College is a lot more demanding than high school and requires a tremendous amount of effort. I would also tell myself to let go of any fears and get involved in anything that interested me, even slightly. It is really important to be able to talk to people and get involved in things. College groups are about networking and pushing yourself towards your ultimate goal. One final thing that would be important to tell myself as a high school senior is to not be afraid. I was terrified of going two and a half hours away from home. It really is a great responsibility and priviledge to go away to school. In many ways, I am completely alone, and it is scary. Of course I still have a security net in my dad, but for the most part I'm alone. Even more reason to put myself out there.

chanel

I would most definitely tell myself not to stress as much as I used to. College is way better than high school. You are not forced to do anything; you are treated as an adult, so every choice is yours. I would have also told myself to apply for financial aid and sign up for classes during the summer of the year I graduated. Not only does this save you a lot of time, but it also will help you get your books and supplies right on time. Furthermore, I would advise myself to go speak with a counselor, as well as a financial aid technician. These people have helped me in ways I could never have imagined.

Destinee

Before attending college my freshman year I would have prepared myself for a big culture shock even though I only moved an hour and a half away from my hometown. Many different types of groups that you are able to join will help you make more friends and get to know a vast amount of students who are new just like you, checking the universities website and looking at university run groups are helpful. Also be nice to your first roommate, become friends and share experiences together. If you do not have a good relationship you may be missing out on some great dorm room memories or late night gab fests! You will always remember your first year so never be intimidated to put yourself out there and be heard. It is your school now so make it your own. Make sure you study hard and keep up with all the schoolwork you will be handed but when you get the chance to just relax and have fun. You can only make your freshman year what you want it to be, if it is not fun at first you will have three more years to deal with, good luck!

Rebekah

The advice that I would give myself would be make sure to be organize, chose a major that you want to do, and remember to be yourself. When I first got to college, I was so unorganized. I would forget to do homework, or submit projects online to my professors and it took about a semester for me to figure out to buy a whiteboard and write everything out that was due that week. When it came to chosing my major, my family was the one who wanted me to be something that I didn't want to be. I ended up going to school for Nursing and not liking it at all; I wanted to be an Athletic Trainer, but everyone told me that I wouldn't have the life that I deserved. I wasted my first two years on Nursing and I eventually changed my major to Athletic Training; my parents weren't happy at first but they learned to except my choice. When I came to college, I wanted to be someone completely different, the only problem was no one liked the new me. Evetually, I started being myself, and everyone loved me.

Scott

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride. As a high school student, I was so focused on maintaining my GPA that I hardly had time to step back and enjoy other aspects of my life. With a year of college under my belt, I have gained a better understanding for what is truly important. Undoubtedly, a solid GPA is essential for a pre-med student, but life does not revolve around my grade in organic chemistry. College is not just about intensive studying; it's about making new friends, trying new things, and ultimately, figuring out who you are. I certainly do not have everything figured out, but at this point I have realized that I aspire to be a person of balance. There is a time for academics, and a time for relaxing. There is a time for friends, and a time for family. Making time for all of these things is certainly a never-ending challenge, but putting forth the effort is what matters most. So, high school senior Scott, remember to breathe, and know that satisfaction can be found through many aspects of your life.

Alysha

First, don't be afraid to try new things; you might just find you have a passion for something you never knew about. Don't try to fit in; just be yourself. Don't be shy. Stand up for yourself- your beliefs, your education and anything else that you care about. Make lists for everything, otherwise you'll always forget something. An agenda can become your best friend. Use technology to help your education and don't let it become a distraction. Get to know your professors. They can give great advice and you need their recommendations. Everyone else is new too. Try living with roommate; it can be a really interesting journey. It's okay to have fun, but don't do anything illegal because it just isn't worth ruining your life or someone else's. Lastly, your college experience is what you make of it; in other words, take advantage of all the opportunities your college can offer.