Houston Community College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Yvette

If I was ever given the apportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school senior self I would I have told her to not go into teaching, to go straight to business administrative support because that would be a good career choice and something that she would be able to complete with no problems. Also i would have told her that taking six classes at once is not a good idea since college classes are not has eassy has high school classes. my last advice for my high school senior self is to stay away from your friends in college they will be a bad influence.

Montrelle

If I were to go back in time with the knowledge that I have now I would have changed one thing, and that's to apply for scholarships. Back in high school a person could say I was pretty wealthy, my father was a lawyer and my mother was working as an interior designer. Together they made enough money to pay for school out of pocket. A tragic car accident left my mother dead on August of 08'.....from there things spiraled downward. Once my dad got hold of the news he couldn't take it. He packed up all his belongings and left, forcing me to fend for myself. Everything I thought I owned was gone, I had no parents, no car, place, or money. I felt alone and hopeless. I then moved on to try and forget about the past and here I am now struggling to get an education. My mother once said,"The most valuable thing you could ever own is an education"

Jeffrey

Only time will tell whether the choices I have made will benefit me or hurt me, but for now, I know that for every problem there is a solution, and while there is still life, there is still time to get my career, education, and life together. I may not become a millionaire, some people may still doubt me and label me, and I may pick a terrible career, but in the end, I know I have made the decisions that I have felt most comfortable with. What started out as a negative has now become a positive, and with the proper tools and the help of the people who share my ambitions, I can ensure that I will do my best to create a better future without repeating my past. ?We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.? - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Fallyn

I would tell myself to take more classes that count as college credits, and i would have told myself to concentrate more and be mor e serious than i was. I wasn't doing too bad my senior year so i didn't much more advice. I just should have prepared more and been more involved in visiting some college s and finding out more information.

Juan

Well, the first advice would be to learn to manage my time better. To allow myself enough time to study between classes and throughout the week. That way I would always be prepared to turn in assignments on time and be prepared for exams. Secondly, I would advise myself to take advantage of the resources on campus like tutors and going to the library to study. Sometimes doing homework at home isn't the best option. At home there could be distractions as well. Lastly, I would advise myself to pick a major that I am truly interested in. By doing that classes would become more interesting and the probablity of achieving academic success will be greater.

Jeanne

College was not important in my family. When I graduated high school I was sent to work immediately. I would go back and tell myself to ignore all those around me and do everything possible to find a way to go to college immediately. I would tell that young, naive high school senior that without that college education she will have much less opportunity in the work place and that she will be judged and measured by that lack of degree for the rest of her professional career. That lack of degree will haunt her and inhibit her professional growth for the next 20 years. I'd encourage her to not let her drive and ambition be limited by her family and to find a teacher to help her work through financial aid forms and make her way to school.

Andrea

"Andrea, it is 2am you need to get off the phone and go to bed. You have to catch the bus at 6:10 am." If i would have broken the habit of staying up late way before college it would have definently soothen the groggy mornings of having to make it to 8 o'clock psychology. "Andrea your assignment is due first thing Monday morning, do not plan to go to the mall and movies this weekend." Procrastination! The little devil that sat on my shoulder throughout my senior year and into my first semester in college. I learned, after bad academic feedback, time and effort perfects quality. If I was granted the opportunity to re-do my senior year, i would transform myself into a "Super Senior"; the epitome of being prompt, responsible, and cautious. "Note to self, remember mommy and daddy will no longer beable to bail me out once i am in college." The biggest piece of advice I would have given myself was to make sure i always handled my business. Once I exited high school, then crossed the threshold of college, my parents were no longer my problem solvers, it was completely my responsibility.

Kate

If i can go back in time and speak to myelf as a senior i would advice her in several advice With these advices i would have had no trouble in getting confortable into this new college life. First I would have told her to be herself and not have to think about what other people thinks of her. When i was in high school as a senior i was always be afraid of others not accepting who i was. I was a very shy person and always wanted to please others before me. I was so shy that i was afraid to ask the prinple to assist me in choosing the right career and school i would like to attend after high school. The second advice i would told her if she had any question to not be afraid to ask people . Often times the questions that i didn't understand i would not ask to get explained by my teacher. In the long run it had hurt me. So if i need any help to just ask. I understand that the teacher at my college wants us to be successful and they want to help us to graduate .

Jessica

When i was in my senior year of high school, i was going through very difficult family problems. My mother had ran away with her husband to another country abandoning me here with my father. My mother had chosen a man over her own children, a man who had beaten me and caused me a trip to the hospital. When my mother left, I stopped caring about my future. I went from ranking number 8 in my class to number 48. I would hardley attend my classes, and when I managed to show up, i would not pay attention to a single word of the material being taught. If i could go back in time, I would say to myself that i should not give up. I should never have even given up on my future because as long as i try it is impossible to fail. The anger and depression that arrose from my problems could have been switched to motivation. I currently am enrolled in college, and am back on the right track, but there i know that if i would have never given up i would have ended up at a University instead of at Community College.

jamie

I think the most important advice I could give my old self would be to listen to my parents and not resist their plan for me because it's the best thing I could do to set up my future.

Casey

Go with your heart. I was told that over and over in the college application and selection process, but still went with my second choice due to my family's wishes. My heart was right, I should have gone with my first choice. After not completing my degree at the university I attended straight out of high school and taking a break from school, I am having to take the long road around to attend what was my original first choice. So, my advice to my old self or anyone else making the transition, just go with your heart.

Armando

I would tell my self to work harder in school to make sure i get into a good school and get scholarchips wich would come in very helpfull when paying for college.

Pablo

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would change many things. Many adults tell seniors that if you work hard and get good grades, you can get many scholarships. Not only should you work hard at school and be involved in extracurricular activities, but take a step further. Yes scholarships are out there, but you're not going to get letters offering you money, you have to apply to them, not just a couple, as many as you can. Yes it is senior year, the time of your life, but if you would have taken time to fill them out maybe you wouldn't have had to take out loans and use your disabled mother as a cosigner at a bank. Procrastination is your enemy, don't wait till the end when all the money is gone and used up, fill out scholarships and look for grants. Do not be afraid of your guidance counselor for she is the one who holds the key to your future.

Maria

Maria, although it may seem like college will be a piece of cake; it isn't! It is important that you focus on your goal and don't loose sight of what motivates you and keeps you going. Choose your friends wisely and take advantage of all the blessings God has given you. Keep your expectations high and do not settle for less than you deserve. Instead of taking out loans try to apply for more scholarships. Do NOT procrastinate that will only bring bad grades. Keep in mind this is not high school. Do not stop working out because it is a great stress killer. Take care of yourself and love yourself so that any heart breaker who comes along wont affect your life or your studies. Keep on smiling and tighten up your seat belt because you are heading for a bumpy ride. Don't worry it will all be ok. God is in control. Good luck!

Shaboria

I would go back and prepare myself for just the work itself. I would have told myself that I must be way more alert in class. Also that you can not miss alot of class because you can be put out.

Chris

Chris, you need to study hard and go out and get all the help that you can get from who you can get it from. Don't wait for the last minute get started now while you have time and be sure to get all ther applications in for scholoarships and colleges before you get out of high school. Decide what you are going to pursue for a career and be prepared to face alot of decision making and budgeting for you and your family and be prepared to make a living for yourself and the ones that supported u with the career you pursue.

Valerie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to complete my core classes first and never stop taking classes, even if I only take one class per semester, keep going until you graduate no matter how long it takes!

Melissa

If i were to go back in time as a high school senior, an important advice i would give myself would be to take more upper level clases. The content of these classes can be similar to a college level class in which you have to read and commprehend the course material before hand, while also reading a book outside from the course materials. Those upper level courses could have laid a stronger foundation and made the first years of college smoother. Another advise i would give myself would be to have done more volunteering opportunities in different fields so that could have made me get an idea of what career i would be interested in.

Yvette

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was senior in high school there are a lot of things I would tell myself. I would start off with making sure I understood how capable I am, and how much potential I have to really make it in the college world. I would tell myself to make sure I do as much as I possibly can to start developing myself for my future responsibilities. I would also let myself know that it's not an easy task and that I'm going to need to be completely focused and sure about what direction I want and need to go in, in order for me to be successful.

Charles

For starters, don't wait to attend college it is not as hard and expensive as everyone makes it seem. You have to know that there is help out there. One of the reasons I waited so long to attend was because I was ignorant of how much help is truly available to assist you for college. And no you don't have to have the perfect GPA either. There are many scholarships, and lots of financial aid available. Don't put off your future, and don't use the excuse of working for a little while to save up money to go, because before you know it time will pass, and you might never get the oppurtunity. The second reason is just because you're a single parent is no excuse to procrastinate either. Learn to priorotize your responsibilities so you can make a better life not only for yourself, but your family as well. College is a truly great experience that you will not want to miss out on!

Victoria

College is not as horrible as some people make it seem. I took a year off when I graduated to "save money", but all I ended up doing was wasting a year I could have been in school, even if it was only one class I would have been that much closer to my degree. Not only that you don't have to decide what you want your major to be, I know you're getting intense pressure from everyone and everywhere asking you about it, but you have the first two years of basics to figure it out so don't stress. One last thing, apply for scholarships don't buy into the belief that you have to be in the top ten percent of your class to qualify for them. There are so many scholarships you can apply for even if you at least a 2.5 gpa so please make sure you apply, they will definitely help you and take away so many of the stresses that everyone else is struggling with. Most of all remember to relax, have fun, just not too much fun you could get into trouble for that, and enjoy the learning process.

Shaterica

I would tell myself to start founding scholarships for college in high school. Keep my GPA up to a 3.5 and higher, because the better your GPA is the better change you get at the scholarships that offer more money for school. There are also some scholarships that pay you to go to college. Once I got to college I would tell myself to stay focus and do not wait until the last minute to do homework, study, and projects. Be on time and do not miss days from class. Do not go to a university first because it can be hard and make you get side track on what you really came there for. Make sure the classes you are taking can transfer over to another college or university. Talk to your professors and go get help with classes you might need a little more help in. You can only take a class over two times the third time you have to pay out of pocket for the classe and university look at that. Try no to fail a class because that F goes on your college recorded and some employers look at and whatever you majoring in.

Abel

I would have say I would advice my self about keeping the highest possible GPA and be in good standing with my teachers and stay a model student to be able to get into a good school.

Chyrsten

If I could travel, back in time and give my high school self-advice. I would say work as hard as you can all the time in whatever you do, because in the end the hard work will pay off. If you study hard now and put all your focus in to school now in the end you will see how easier life gets through college, with the skills and determination you learn in high school.

Annalise

If I went back and talked to myself while i was in highschool, I would tell myself that the smartest thing is to go to a community college, because it would help get myself and my college mindset into gear. I would also tell myself that community college is cheaper and would allow me to be able to watch my younger sister finish out her senior year and watch her play basketball. It also helps you out in the way that it allows you to be more successful and helps you out in the long-run because it allows you to become more focused and sets you up to succeed in the career you choose sooner.

W

Stay in school, it is easier to continue on the educational path without a large gap of time passing. The information you have at this point is still fresh in your mind and will make for a smoother transition to higher education. You can still work and support your baby while going to school as you have already proven, so why stop now? Be the best example you can be for your daughter. A better education will lead to a better job so that you can give her the things in life you know she deserves. You owe it to yourself to be the best that you can be, education is an important part of that. If you will not listen to anyone else then listen to yourself (me), take care of yourself - no one else will, knowledge is strength, stay strong!

Rebecca

Find fun in everything you do and do everything with passion. I would remind myself to stay focused on what really matters to me and not get easily discouraged by obstacles. Too often I see people focusing on paths only to make others happy or to gain materialistic objects. As a young person it's easy to lose sight of the things that truly make you happy. I would tell myself to find what makes me happy and focus my studies that will lead me to a career path that I will enjoy, because otherwise I could end up making my college career take longer than I want it to. The transition from high school to college means more responsibility and to be mature about the choices I make. because they can and will stay with me throughout my college career, whether that be personal friend choices, grades or they way I behave . You are always interviewing whether you know it or not and so you want to make sure people see the person you really are and the person you realyl want to be. Always stay true to your morals and beliefs while having fun as well.

Emma

Don't use your credit card all the time! It will be your biggest regret when you are out of school. You can't do anything for spring break because you are poor and that is the same for summer. You have to work two jobs to pay off your credit cards plus bills. It is the worst idea ever!

Spencer

I would tell myself to gear up and get ready for college. I would work much harder towards my grades so I could get into the four year university of my choice instead of going to a community college and taking my basic requirements first. Although my current self has taken the long route, I might have told senior self to start looking at universities degree programs and the option of taking basic degree requirements at a local community college. I would have also told my senior self to pick a degree or to narrow my choices down to a few, instead of many. Picking a degree is essential to know where you want to go and what you want to do in life. I would have also told my senior self to save up as much money as I could possibly do, because college is very expensive.

Alora

College is awesome. There are challenges ahead and interesting people to meet. Stay focused and absorb the knowlegde that will be presented. You are investing in your own future; and you're worth the investment.

Shaylyn

I've learned alot going from a high school student to now being a college student. If i could go back in time and tell myself some words of wisdom and advice, I would tell myself a couple of things. First of all, I would tell myself that high school and the grades you get in high school really do matter when you start college. So, don't mess around and take high school seriously. Secondly, I would tell myself that in college when the teachers say study for two to four hours a night, they really do mean it. That you must sit down focus, study and do all your homework or you will fall behind and get lost in class. Finally, I would remind myself that yes college is going to be alot of work, but if your willing to give up some fun for the next four years until you get your masters degree, then you will beable to afford to have fun for the rest of your life. Those are probably the top three things i would tell and remind myself about college.

Jessica

Jessica, you are a senior and I know it is the most laid back year in high school, but don't take advantage of the situation. Getting your basics in Texas is on the to do list, but think about how your going to continue in your path to attending FIDM in Los Angeles, California. Start looking for scholarships and grants now!!! It's okay to take it easy and have fun ruling Foster,but set some ground rules on how to spend your money and how to start saving. When signing up for courses, look up the classes ahead of time and register as soon as possible before you get stuck in a bad seat with a professor with a bad syllabus. Look up the professor';s you are intersted in on ratemyprofessor.com. Trust me, it helps. One more thing before I let you go, don't let anyone tell you you can't do something. When there is a will, there is a way.

Tracy

I was never a high school senior because I dropped out of school when I was a sophmore. The hardest part of going back to school was trying to get back into the habit of studying and doing homework. If I could go back I would tell myself to stay in school, graduate, and then go straight to college.

Megan

Never give up on yourself, when its hard remember that one day it will be so much easier. Take time for your friends they will be the best support for you though the years, but remember that sometimes they don't give the best advice. Homework is essential to understand a subject your learning. Don't be afraid to ask questions they will get you so much further and really what does it matter if it makes you look silly, no one but you is in charge of your life so don't let them run it. The best part of being an adult and in college is you don't have to agree with your professors, must of them enjoy the debate. Take every class as a step toward your future. Don't skip class, everyone is important and valuable. Keep in contact with the professors that will be able to help you down the road, they know people and if you let know your are serious about your future they will do what they can to help you. Start working on your resume sooner than later, every class you take will help make it better. Good Luck.

fatina

focus on your studies be and be involved in activities and organizations.

BLACK

I WOULD TRY TO WORK HARDER, STUDY LONGER, GET MORE TUTURING AND TRY HARDER ON MY SAT'S AND ACT'S SCORES, I WOULD HAVE TRIED TO APPLY HARDER FOR SCHOLORSHIPS, BECAUSE MY MOTHER IS DISABLED AND REALLY CAN'T AFFORD TO HELP ME THRU COLLEGE...ALSO I SHOULD HAVE TRULY TOOK HIGH SCHOOL MORE SERIOUS AS I AM COLLEGE NOW....I KNOW EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SUCCEED IN LIFE AND I WON'T TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD TODAY...

Roxana

I would tell myself how to prepare to college life and mostly I would tell me what subject I have to study mostly. I will also tell me not to spend money because later i will need it, and that college life is a wonderful experience and not a ugly step in life like everyone says. well, I do not know there would be so many things! I woul tell my self the best way to study for me is to read the notes and then the book and then do some index cards and that is it! well, I will just tell my self that college life is great that there is nothing or anyone to be afraid of!

Katiana

As a high school senior always looking for the best school and dont wait until the last minute to look for school. One more you always have to do ahead is filling out financial aid as quick as possible. Don't ever apply to only one school and always participate in some kind of extracurriculum activities and sports.

Ogechi

If I had to go back in time, I would have adviced myself to get into college as soon as I was done with high school.

Serge

One of the things I don't regret is taking an extra class of pre-calc before graduating high school. Sometimes even if you don't make a good grade, putting effort into it gives you a step ahead towards college course load and great prior knowledge. I do regret not paying enough attention in some classes such as history or English.

feliz

Take as many dual credits as you can, and all the maths and sciences in high school, get as many credits out as you can, get the best grade you can get in ACT, SAT, etc and test out of everything ask possible as you can so you wont have to struggle for it in college.

Tiffany

Coming to college was not only the smartest thing I ever did, and it has taught me so much more than just things that books can teach. In high school, I wasnt living in a realistic world and had no idea about the rude awakening I would receive when transitioning to college. I never went to class and never studied, but somehow graduated school with a 2.8 due to authority figures letting me get away with anything I wanted. I thought life was a party and there was nowhere better to party than at a college campus. I got into the University of Houston and was ecstatic, but not prepared. I ended up failing my first yearand not only that, I also failed myself, and worst of all, my family. I would tell the high school me that the best feeling in the world is getting an A in a class. That themost amazing thing a parent can say is how proud of you they are and thats only possible with discipline and responsibility. It feels amazing to know that you deserve the amazing grades you make and know that youre going to do something great with your life.

sharon

My advise would be for them to stay focus on education. I would encourage them to begin the process early to select a college they prefer to attend. I would also have them visit the college of their choice ahead of time.

zaira

Take my classes more seriously!!

Tiffaney

Wow, that is a good questions! I would definitely tell myself to stick with college no matter what. Since money was not available, I backed out and figured I would work and go to school. Although I made several attempts to go to school and work, I never finished. I totally regret my decisions in the past, because now I am married with 3 children and most people my age are well into their careers. Choosing to finish college right after high school is the best advice anyone can give. My income would be quadrupled if I could have followed my advice today. I can't afford college because I have 3 kids and responsibilities. This scholarship would definitely be a blessing to me. I have always wanted to be a Nurse and my advice would be to stick with Nursing because the future is bright for medical majors; as is today.

Megan

Megan, taking the next step into higher learning is the best thing that you could do for yourself. You should start off at a community college it is cheaper and you will still get a wonderful education so you should speak with your school counselor now to find out when you need to apply and what if any scholarships you can apply for.It will be tough to make the responsible choices of going to class and getting your work done, but once you do you will feel so rewarded. Don't take classes in the morning, your to tired to pay attention. Make sure you speak with a counselor when ever your questioning what to do with your education, they will help point you in the right direction and give you the best advice on what classes to take. Having an education is the most important thing you can do for yourself you will get much further in life with a degree in your pocket. Never give up on yourself, you can do what ever you put your mind to. Good Luck.

Sahar

I would tell myself to seriously start early on the college search and prioritize. Adults always say that, but high-school students rarely believe it. Instead it would be a better idea if high-school students were to receive genuine information about college through college students and not through counselors and teachers. I wish I had known how to better maintain my schedule and not procrastinate. Being a college student now, I realize the importance of such little things like punctuality and wished I had known that earlier from someone who I could believe like a current college student.

Wan-Qin

If I was to give advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take a short break after I had graduated from high school. I am an international student. I came to United States in December, right after I graduated in November. In my family's opinion, it's better for me to go to school instead of getting a low-wage part-time job when the economy in 2008 was horrible, so that I will be ready for a job when the economy turns good in order to support my younger sister for her higher education. As a result, I ended up wasting a lot of time in deciding my major that I have to postpone my transfer plan. Therefore, it is really important to get a better understanding of yourself before you leap. You have to ask yourself: what is your interest, what kind of study environment that you need, and how would you want your life to be. Give yourself some time to "talk" to yourself. At least, have a rough idea in your mind about the field that you want to get involved in as your lifetime occupation.