Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Teaching, specifically in Integrated Mathematics, from Kent State University. As a tutor, he specializes in multiple areas of math tutoring. Read on for his college experience interview about his time at Kent State University.
Describe the campus setting and transportation options.
Ryan: The Kent State campus was a somewhat rural setting but is quickly becoming urbanized due to booming growth and development. There were lots of busing services available on the campus because it was relatively large. Many students also traveled on bikes or even skateboards/scooters. Parking was tight on and around the university, so not many people brought their vehicles.
How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Ryan: Professors were always willing to stay and talk privately after class, but many required to set a meeting during office hours. Advisers always required an appointment.
How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Ryan: Dorm life depended upon which dorm you got placed into. Some were newer and very nice. Others, were small and less luxurious. Dining at Kent was very good! There were many options and well-known chain restaurants. Socialization was very prevalent. There were lots of clubs and student groups.
Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?
Ryan: Kent is known mostly for fashion, teaching, and architectural programs. I studied integrated mathematics and got my teaching license. Kent supported their teachers very well and gave us many opportunities. They also worked very well with us when assigning our student teaching opportunities.
How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Ryan: Very easy to meet new friends at Kent. Also they made sure that freshmen got involved in the community through a freshman-specific course that everyone took. Greek life wasn’t overall very popular, however it was present.
How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services?
Ryan: Kent State’s student center was very helpful. There were student services that would answer any questions. They also held job fairs for students that had recently or planned to graduate soon.
How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?
Ryan: The library could become very crowded, during finals/midterms, but dorm lounges were always available and students were always having study sessions to help each other out.
Describe the surrounding town.
Ryan: Kent is a beautiful, historic town. The locals are very friendly and proud of their town. There are many things to do in the area with a great night life. Many restaurants, gyms, clubs, and taverns.
How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Ryan: The student bodies were large and are continuing to expand. The class sizes ranged depending on what class you were taking. Lectures could have upwards of 100 or 200 students. But my higher level math classes were about 20 to 30 at most.
Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Ryan: An elective class that I took sophomore year “7 Ideas that Shook the Universe” had an amazing professor that I will never forget. He always had us engaged and laughing during class.
Check out Ryan’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
