Attending college is a time for students to further their education and explore new avenues, but the college admissions process can be overwhelming.

Admissions counselors help prospective students navigate the process and find ways to connect with the university as well as helping students find a university they can call home.

Brittany Hodor and Kayla McNair are both senior admissions counselors at Kent State.

Hodor’s path to being an admissions counselor was born out of uncertainty when she could not decide on a university.

“I was very undecided. I toured about nine different universities, and I was very torn,” Hodor said. “Kent State was in my backyard, and once I stepped foot on campus, I said, ‘this is home.’”

As a senior admissions counselor, Hodor’s primary role is to meet with prospective students and answer any questions they have about the university while guiding them through the application process.

Another senior admissions counselor, McNair, views her role as being a connection for the university and prospective students.

“If I can be that bridge between students coming into Kent State and representing the university as a whole, I think that is my main purpose,” McNair said. “I think the thing that I like too is that this job allows you to help students along the way and figure out their passion.”

Hodor and McNair said that building relationships with the students is important since they are both the first point of contact.

They work closely with department resources on campus to ensure students are successful and aware of the support they have.

As part of their busy schedules, they travel to other high schools to promote Kent State in an attempt to recruit students.

“In traveling season, we’re not just traveling; we’re always emailing and reaching out to students,” McNair said. “Those tactics focus on a lot of our student-admitted events.”

Hodor knows what Kent State has to offer, given her experiences and the support she received as a student.

“The College of Communication and Information was a huge part of my career here at Kent State as a student,” Hodor said. “Having that support goes a long way.”

Once students have arrived at Kent State, Hodor and McNair maintain that connection and support with students.

Both admissions counselors have had career-building experiences and opportunities that they want to share with their students.

“I push study abroad opportunities that build up your academic resume or whatever you do when you leave Kent State to get a job, enter the workforce or enter a graduate program,” McNair said.

Both admissions counselors said they encourage students to make the most of their time at Kent State.

“Make the most of your college career,” Hodor said. “I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, while I was at Kent State, had an internship and had my student ambassador experience. Ensure you’re utilizing your resources and the opportunities to gain experience.”

Alex Zito is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].