First Step

Your email invitation will include a link to select a First Step day. Choose a date that best fits your schedule. We urge you to attend the earliest First Step day possible for the best course selection.

You will log in with your portal credentials. If you forgot your login credentials, select "Forgot Your Password" and follow the prompts.

First Step takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes:

• an advising workshop to prepare you to select classes when meeting with an academic advisor
• a Next Steps to Paying for College session
• a hands-on lab for navigating financial aid requirements and making decisions on scholarships and financial aid
• programming for parents and guests
• placement testing (if required for you)
• meeting individually with an academic advisor to discuss your major and select classes
• a hands-on registration lab
• an opportunity to pick up your parking hang tag and FLASHcard

Plan your day accordingly so that you can attend First Step for its entire duration.

Your parents/guardians are welcome to attend First Step with you, but their attendance is optional. We will have programming specifically for parents/guests if they attend.

Campus tours are not offered during your First Step day.

In-person campus tours are scheduled separately and are offered on Mondays at 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 10 a.m. We highly encourage you come visit our beautiful campus!

Schedule an in-person tour.

YES! Even if you don't think you will qualify for aid, you should still file the FAFSA.

You can file your FAFSA beginning Oct. 1. File early so your aid is awarded before tuition is due.

Reach out to Student Financial Aid to get a head start on your financial aid. Our staff is committed to providing a high level of service and will explore all possible financial aid options with you. 

No. All new Kent State Stark students must complete the First Step program in order to enroll in classes.

Kent State University requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in mathematics, English (writing), reading, and foreign language. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills through GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and/or placement tests.

Placement tests are designed to help academic advisors and students determine which courses will provide the best opportunity for success. Your academic advisor will review your placements with you during First Step. If placement tests are required, you will complete them on your First Step day.

You will need to contact the college or university where you received credit and have them send an official copy of your transcript to starkadmissions@kent.edu. Please bring an unofficial copy of your current transcript with you to First Step in case your classes have not been processed. We will use this information to help advise you on classes to prevent overlap.

• Review: Did you earn college credit in high school? pdf

How to resolve:

• Click on FlashLine Login in the top navigation bar of any Kent State website, select Forgot your Username or Password? under the Login button and follow the prompts.
• Visit support.kent.edu/password for self-service help.
• Contact the Stark Campus helpdesk at 330-244-3490.

You will need to contact the college or university where you took your classes and have them send an official copy of your transcript to starkadmissions@kent.edu. Please bring an unofficial copy of your current transcript with you to First Step in case your classes have not been processed. We will use this information to help advise you on classes to prevent overlap.  

Make sure you have your final high school transcript sent to Kent State Stark after graduation.

Send your scores directly to Kent State University. We can only accept scores officially submitted by the College Board. Once your credit is received and processed it will be added to your student record. If your scores are not official, please let your advisor know which exams you completed so we can help guide your course selection. 

Contact the Office of Admissions in writing with your current major and requested change. They can be reached at starkadmissions@kent.edu. If you are changing to music, you will be required to complete a placement & audition process. 

Contact Kristi Yerian at 330-244-3278 or starkfirststep@kent.edu. You also can cancel your current reservation and a place a new one online.

Plan to attend First Step from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Critical information pertaining to registration will be provided so plan your day accordingly to attend First Step for its duration.

• Know your FlashLine password and be able to log in. View first-time user login instructions.
• File your FAFSA, if you haven't already. Financial Aid representatives will be available to make sure your financial aid is ready to go.
• College Credit Plus: If you have College Credit Plus credit from another school, have a transcript from the college where credit was earned sent to us.
• AP or Tech Prep: Bring course names of any AP or Tech Prep courses you took in high school.
• Review Did you earn college credit in high school? pdf
• Bring a photo ID with you so you can get your student ID and parking hang tag.
• Take a picture of your license plate so you can register your vehicle.

If you need to change your scheduled First Step day, contact Kristi Yerian at 330-244-3278 or starkfirststep@kent.edu. You also can cancel your current reservation and a place a new one online.

We're looking forward to seeing you at First Step!