Kaitlyn Hughes, a senior at Parma Senior High, left Kent State knowing it’s her college of choice.

On Friday, Kent State held its Academic Discovery Day where high school juniors and seniors can visit campus to experience and learn about the different colleges and what they offer.

“I had a representative come to my school and talk about Kent,” said Samantha Regas, a senior at Normandy High School. “The recruiter was really interesting, so I went home and scheduled to attend.”

Potential students and their parents were welcomed by Associate Director of Admissions Mark Ledoux and Assistant Director of Admissions Eboni Pringle. The high school students then broke off to attend one of four sessions: a student panel, Scholarship and Financial Aid, Transfer Admissions and Admissions 101.

At the student panel, Assistant Director of Admissions Christopher Buttenschon and a team of 10 students took questions from curious parents and students.

“They did a good job answering about whether or not it was a dry campus and also about tutoring and the Student Success Center,” said Hughes.

Other questions about freshman residence halls and academic adviser assignments were also discussed.

After attending a session of choice, students and parents were welcomed back to the M.A.C. Center to visit with representatives from Kent State’s academic departments.

“People coming up to our table have been so excited,” said Lisa Brown, a grad student and intern in the office of international affairs. “It gets them into the college atmosphere.”

Sara LaRosa, a transfer student from Indiana University, has been talking closely to Buttenschon for the past two years.

“I was going to visit on my own last Friday, but Chris recommended the Academic Discovery Days,” said LaRosa.

LaRosa attended the Transfer Admissions session and was extremely pleased with the help she was given.

“Your transfer program is fantastic,” LaRosa said. “Kelly Roser (an assistant director of admissions) was so helpful.”

LaRosa explained that the first time she visited Kent State it was raining and when she visited Indiana University it was sunny, so she chose to go there. Now, after visiting Kent State on a rainy day again, she learned it could be a good thing.

“Research shows that typically two out of every three students that come to an Academic Discovery Day apply and enroll,” Buttenschon said. “Our first two fall programs are always well attended.”

In the fall, recruiters travel to more than 600 high schools and attend more than 160 college fairs, Buttenschon said.

“We really sell our program,” he said.

Contact student affairs reporter Caroline Lautenbacher at [email protected].