Lamar University Top Questions

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

Ashley

I believe that I would have started out my college life more involved with school activities rather than social activities. Although knowing multiple people and having a sense of home is wonderful, having my career goals as set as they are now would have saved me a lot of time and decision making.

LaNitria

As a college freshman during the year 2009/2010 I have learned alot by being in this college enivronment. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to work harder to achieve a higher gpa. I did farely well in gpa, but I know if I had put my mind towards my work harder i could have achieved more. I would also tell myself to do my homework, because once college comes you can not say "I dont feel like doing this," and most of the time when you say "I will do it later," later never comes so it is better to do it as soon as possible and get it over with. I would tell myself to talk more because college life will have you conversating with people you have never seen, and it would be better to be used to conversation than be shy and not say much. Last but not least, the thing that seems most important that I would tell myself is to listen better in class when high school teachers give you information about how college life will be and take notes.

Kimberly

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school i would have a mouthful to tell myself. I would warn myself about not spending the money i made working and actually saving it for things other than clothes and going out with my friends. I would tell myself to lose the senioritis and actually apply myself to the best of my abilities. I would tell myself to lose my friends becasue they will get me off track and try to bring me down in the future. I would also tell myself that college is fun, but it also isn't easy. It is what i make it out to be.

Alicia

Dear Alicia, In a few months you'll drive onto Lamar University's campus and you will be overwhelmed with the feeling of accomplishment. You?ll walk into your dorm and you?ll have a glimpse of what freedom is. As your family says their goodbyes, you?ll be okay because you know that you?re going to see them again. Now, class is going to be something brand new to you. The class sizes will be bigger, but don?t be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions! If you ever see yourself not doing well in a class, use your professors? office hours. Beware of the boys, which, by the way, don?t like being called ?boys? any more. They?ll tell you anything you want to hear. Whatever you decide to do Alicia, don?t give up. Keep reach and keep trying and keep striving for me. The sky isn?t the limit because there are footprints on the moon. Love, Alicia

Mary

I would definitely have taken the first two years of my high school career more seriously. I would have researched more schools at an earlier time period so that I would have been more knowledgeable. I would also tell myself that once you get into college, you can't let all the extra curricular and other activities distract you from your academic work. I would also say to enjoy your time in high school and college and live life to the fullest each day, because each day that you have an opportunity to be in a great high school or college is truly a great blessing that not everyone gets to enjoy.

Christalon

My preparation for higher education would have started in high school; I would have taken college bound courses. I would have read more, at least 20 minutes each day. I would be more attentive, focused and prepared for class. I would set goals and follow through. I would recognize my academic weaknesses and work to improve them. I would take advantage of all available resources to assist with study and time management skills to handle course load. I would participate in study groups so that I would expand on learning in other ways. I would effectively communicate with professors to get assistance on assignments that I don't understand. I would manage my finances and control my spending better. I would also apply for all available grants and scholarships before the deadlines to help to further my education.

Bonnie

I would tell myself to prepare by studying and doing well on the entrance exams to the universities I was applying to. I would also tell myself to study more to raise my high school GPA. I would remind myself to look and apply for as many scholarships and grants as I would be allowed, as it's important. I would tell myself to not be shy in asking for help if I needed it, that the professors and other students are very friendly and will help. Don't be afraid in talking to people, because they just might end up being your friend. I would stress the point to not wait a year and then go to college, because that will be the hardest thing to catch up on. Do the assignments the professors suggest you do, because it will help you remember the information and do easier on your exams. The classes may seem tough at first, but they're not as hard as they seem. The classes are fun, and the labs are too.

Nastacia

I would make sure and research majors, and the job market to make sure there is enough opportunity. I would spend less time partying and socializing and more time studying and networking.

Tressa

Be prepared for the homework schedule, don't freak out, stay calm and you will get thru it Friends come and go make wise decisions Stay active don't sit in your room all day Eat a balance meal don't over do it Have fun, school is not all about homework and class!

Jennifer

Hey, Me! I'm going to be quick about this so listen up! As you are going to college this upcoming semester, keep in mind that signing up for classes can be a hassle if you're signing up late. If you sign up early and check for what textbooks you need online, then the semester will roll by smoothly. Saving money is also a big deal for college students so quit spoiling yourself and your friends! Think about bargains and sales when holidays and birthdays come up! Get a job to earn some extra money, but don?t exhaust yourself by working too hard. You'll find out that shopping for school supplies has a second meaning when you hear the word ?textbooks.? They don?t come cheap especially when compared to free books given in public schools. Another thing, train yourself to be able to push yourself, whether it's waking up early or making the time to study with or without friends. In other words, train yourself into being flexible. And one more thing, stop distracting yourself with boys! Though I can?t say much for myself at the moment, the time will come when love happens.

Shemia

If I could talk to myself as a senior, the main advice that I would give myself is to apply for as many scholarships and internships as possible. If I would have gone to the internship where you get to stay on a college campus for the summer and take summer classes, I wouldn't have such a hard time with the transition. With the scholarships, I would make sure that I would have filled out every one that came my way, because your first year of college is stressful as it is and trying to see how you are going to pay for school doesn't need to be added on to the stress. Another thing that is really important is to look up your professors and make sure that you don't wait until the last minute to register for classes. This year I had the worst professors? because of that. I would finally tell myself that I should always stay focus on why I'm there; it's ok to have fun, but never forget why I'm there!

Denisha

if i could go back in time and redo things i wouldve taken high school more seriously instead of bs-ing my way through it because the transition from high school to college was a big awakening for me and if you're not ready for it then you're destined to fail until you start buckling down and not taking things for granted because college isnt cheap if you're paying for it out of pocket.

Keren

I would tell myself to learn good study skills so that when I got to college I would be better prepared. I would encourage myself to get a work during high school because it is harder to work when you're in college. I would also tell myself to do my best in high school and make the best grades that I could. Colleges look to see how much you apply yourself so I would tell myself to put out every effort to do my very best.

Dustin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep up the good work and that it does pay off. Since I constantly wondered whether or not all of the time in effort that I put into my classes and extra curricular activities was definitely worth it. I would remind myself that there should be no doubt about this because education and knowledge are priceless, and all things that are worth having are worth working hard for. I would also tell myself that although studying is important, but it is also important to make more friends and have some fun. Making friends and participating in college activities is helpful to the trasition from high school to college. If I could go back, I would remind myself to be thankful and take advantage of every positive opportunity that comes my way. One last thing that I believe would've have been beneficial for me to hear then is to never give up on dreams. It may not be an easy path, but since we only get one life it is important to live, laugh, and learn.

Brittni

As an incoming freshman I was immensely unprepared for the journey ahead, I felt I was running a race in high heels. If I could share any knowledge with my self as a high school senior it would definitely be to, 'stay aware'! Stay aware and conscious of people, the social life, your financial aid, and definitely grades! And when you stay mindful of these things they bring about positive outcomes....such as my 4.0 GPA, activity in the NAACP, and an overall worthwhile college experience. Yet no one taught me better than experience and dare I say my high heels, which by the way, I traded in for Nike Shocks.

Johnnise

I know this is the last year of high school, but it is rapidly coming to an end. Hanging out with friends and parting is a lot of fun, but making sure you are ready for college is more important. Do not procrastinate, make sure you turn in anything that is needed before the deadline. Fill out your FASFA as soon as possible, this will help you get the most financial aid there is avalible for you. Dont get discouraged and think everythings is too much to handle, talk with your guidence counsler and teachers, they are there to help you! Take advantage of that.

Alma

Knowing what I know now as a college freshman than when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should have taken more advantage of trying to apply for more scholarships because right now I barely have enough to cover everything I need to pay for. Also I would've told myself that it wasn't going to be easy my very first semester because it's a big change and I need to really study so there's no time to be playing around all the time like I usually do. I would also tell myself that now is the time to grow up and become a more responsible adult because once I graduate, it's time to face to adult world. In the adult world, it's not going to be easy and at times things are going to be thrown at me that will bring me down but that is why i need to stay focused, persistant, and not stray from my goal in life. If I could go back in time to tell myself all that...I would.

Gabriela

People all along have say to me that going to College would be very difficult. That teachers would be mean and not understand you if you had problems in class but I guess they were just trying to prepare me for the real life. As a college student I have found myself learning how to study for a test, how to be prepared for class and many other things. If I could go back and give advice to myself I would tell myself to take the time to study properly and not the day before, that only makes things harder. Studying weeks or days prior to test day makes everything so much easier. After finishing school for the day try to review a little of what was thought for the day, doing that can help you understand better if there was something that was confusing, and if that does not help the next class period ask your teacher for help I know for a fact that they will help you. Also, being prepared for class is not only arrieving on time to class but mentally be prepared to learn. Focus only on your education and forget the rest.

Andrew

I would tell myself that its notmuch different than high school. The only major difference is time. While your in collegeyou need to larn how to manage your time wisely.

Renee

College is not going to be easy and it does require dedication. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because it is important that you understand what you are going to be doing and what will be expected of you. Make new friends, they help you get through rough times because they are there to go through what you are going through. Family is also very important because they are there to support you and let you know everything will be okay. Anytime you are feeling like you can't do this, just look at the big picture and remember why you are doing this. Time management is very important! Try to keep a planner and organize your time to ensure that what needs to be done gets done. Don't procrastinate. Study, study, study! You have a lot to learn, but you will enjoy it!

Marcie

You can do this, but be prepared to grow. Please don't allow the bad attitudes of others to affect yours. Don't expect people to hand you anything. (That means apply for scholarships!) You've worked too hard to go unnoticed and unrewarded. Most of things that you think are important now won't be in a year, so stop stressing, and just do what you know you need to do. Thank your english teachers for being tough on you now. It pays off. Be open and tolerant to the ideas and opinions of others, but don't be afraid to have faith in your own. When you're pretty sure that you're right, you probably are. However, it is crucial that you recognize the things that are most important and don't waste energy fighting to be right about the things that really don't matter. You won't have any regrets if you make your mistakes into lessons. Trust yourself and hope in God.

sara

I think that college life has a big influence into one's life, so it is a very important decision to select the right college. Before students enroll colleges, they must search first the website of each college and look out how certain areas are available to the students. What I meant to say is that if one concerns more about books, one should look out how the library works; and if one concerns more about physical exercise, then searchs about the gym and programs they offer like pilares or yoga.

Amber

Make sure you set your priorities straight. You have to cut out a lot of friend time because studying comes first. Make sure the school is in a good location.

Rachel

My Name Is Rachel King I`m From Lake Charles, Louisiana. I am currently attending Lamar University. I am a Mass Communications Major. The advice i would like to give to parents an/or students in finding the right college is to research each college , their programs and really see whether it coinsides with what you want to do in your life.

Saundra

When looking for a school first and formost make sure that their is a good education given in your field. While visiting be sure that you feel comforatable there and enjoy your surroundings. And when school begins make new friends and joins groups at school and be involed. But always remember schoolwork comes first above all.

Christina

Always go with your first instinct. If a school doesn't feel right, don't go there. Also, bring your friends with you if you can. It always helps to have a support system if you are far away from home or even if you are close to home. Just do what you think is right in choosing the right college. Also, have fun. Meet new people that you can be friends with forever.

Joshua

I would encourage students and their parents research the universities that they are thinking of attending: check on the student/teacher ratio, the graduation rate, the job acceptance rate, the research opportunities, the social environment of the college, alumnae's opinions, diversity (cultural, racial, sexual, and religious), and the overall ideaologies dominant in the community. Weigh these in the balance when comparing one colloge to another. As for making the most of one's college experience, I would reccomend that the student do their best to network starting that crucial freshman year. Network with societies and organizations, with academically minded friends and fraternities, the career center, tutors, advisors, and especially with faculty and staff that are influential in the areas of scholastic and financial benefits. And never, never forget to form a personal relationship with your college president, vice-president, and other executive members. This is a must.

Elizabeth

In my opinion, the best place to start your college experience is close to home. That way you have the love and support of your friends and family. Then if you still wish to go away to school, you have and idea of what is required of you at college.

Tracey

Chose a college that fits you and your future, oh and your wallet. My motto that I live by is 'try everything once, twice if you like it.' Trying everthing once in your life allows you to live life from the experiences you make not from a rule book they give you.

Cheryl

Make sure that the student is well prepared for what is ahead of them. They are on their own and need to be responsible for their own work and actions. They should not be babied any longer and should never complain about all their work they have to do to other students, because everyone is in the same boat they are.

Michelle

College should be a great and memorable experience for every student. Some advise from me would be to make a list of all the colleges the student would like to consider and do some research on each one of them, writing down certain points about them. Some points could include costs, availability of student organizations, size, location, etc. The student should then eliminate a few of the choices to come down to about three or four final choices. The student should then apply for those colleges and, if accepted, begin looking for financial aid if needed. The last thing a college student wants to be focusing on and stressing about all year is how they are going to pay for the next semester. Living on campus is also something every student should consider because it helps one get more involved on campus because it is their home while in school.

amanda

Think of your pocket book. You don't have to spend outragious amounts to go to a good school. Close to home is a good idea also.

Alicia

Visit the schools, Work on time management

Krystal

I would advise students to not just pick a University because their parents or friends said it was a good one. They should do their own research and find out it it is the reight place for them. They should also know ahead of time what career field they want to go in. It will make the process of choosing a college alot easier. Parents shouldn't push their children to go to college if it is not something that they don't want to do. They should let their children find their own path and encourage them to steer tin the right direction. Students should enjoy themselves while in college while at the same time staying focused and goal-orientated. Have fun and do your best in college.

Jared

Make sure you do your research.

Quanovia

Take many campus visits also over night ones, sit in classes, meet professors, talk to other people in different backgrounds and hear their school experiences, make sure its in a good town w/ good surroundings, If you can drive to school, you should gets you more familiar w/ the area and city. Make friends...thats a plus. Make sure the finicial aid office knows what there doing besides you have to go there at least 3 times a year. Make sure the food places are ok (Dining Hall) Because meal plans are required some times up until you are a Senior. The Dorms...find a college that offer nice dorms... The only problem is hopeing you have a good roommate UGH sucks right. And for parents Just encourage your childs decision making and don't force them to go to a school they don't wanna attend. They have to be there for 4 years and you don't so just let them make there own decicions besides thats apart of the beggining of college life. Also just be sure to keep a little money in there pockets and gas in there tanks thts my only advice.

melissa

I would say consider all of your options and factors: money, programs, room and board..etc ad pray about it. God will lead you in the right direction. I think you should visit the college to see first hand if it is for you or not. for me, that made it for me because i felt right at home.

Timothy

I would start looking early as a student, and I would start saving for college early as a parent

Jennifer

I have different aspects on what to look for when choosing a college, as well as how to make the most of the college experience due to the fact that I not only have the role of a full-time student, I am also a wife and a mother. As a wife and mother I do advise the younger generation to choose education before family since both take so much of your time and effort, but I also encourage other mothers to go back to school, it is not too late. I have certainly worked hard on making the most of my college experience by joining clubs and study groups and making sure that I get what I am contributing so much of my time and money towards?an education. As a parent, I advise finding a college that has plenty of clubs and activities to keep the students involved and excited about their futures. Choosing the right social environment is important so that the student does not get into trouble and stray from their studies. Always remember that college is a choice, so one must take advantage of the time and money spent in order to be truly successful.

Philip

Try to make sure that the college matches your child's interests on several different levels--that way the bases are covered if they change degree plans. Visiting "the top 5" colleges that interests your child is important because, when they visit, they can get the feel and atmosphere of the campus, students, faculty, facilities, etc. Reading about a particular campus gives a good idea of what the school is about--but being there really puts all the important factors into greater prespective.

Selwyn

MAke sure that both you and your child like the university and are comfortable with the university.

VaLyssia

The most advice I would give parents and or students into making their college experience worth while would be to take a tour over the campus. Also to check into the activites that might tickle your fancy, and to be involved with cultural things as well as non cultural things. Take your freshman year to view the ways of operation on campus and find things that best suit you. Sign up for scholarships and grants. Do your fafsa as early as you possibly can you do not want available financial aid to be held up under any means necessary. Do not be afraid to speak up for what you believe in or what you want. College is full of different people do not feel bad if you go unnoticed, it's rather normal. College is all in what you make it. Get to know new people, you would be amazed at what you have in common with people you don't know.

Jeremiah

I would advice parents and/or students about finding the right college that fits into their budget and a school that has a good college life on campus.

Reagan

take tours of the campuses and talk to current students

Megan

Firstly, I would check to make sure the students choice of a major is offered at the college in which they plan to attend. Not all majors are offered at all colleges. Also see what college offers the most financial aid or scholarship packages. This can be an important step if money is a problem. Though the choice of college shouldnt be solely based on just this it can really help to narrow down the choices. Parents check out the dorms and see if this is somewhere where you would want your student to stay and feel comfortable. Students and Parents make sure to take college tours of the final choices so you can see up close what the facilities look like and also interact with the staff to see if they are friendly and helpful. Ask questions!!!! Students do not be afraid they are their to help you out. And last but certainly not least make sure You Have FUN at whichever college you choose but dont forget the BOOKs must become your first priority! Get involved in organizations, make sure professors know your name, stay on top of your studies and you should be FINE!! =-]

letha

Make sure that you are going to fell comfortable in your University...and that all finacial aid is taken care of before you attend the University.

Rosalene

The best thing when looking for a college "home" is to put what is most important to you first. No matter if that's the social environment or academics first. No two people will choose the same college for the same reason. Everyone is different and make choices according to their own needs. Another good thing when choosing a college is to NOT choose a college based on just the amount of finacial aid you're offered, because even though things you need are being paid for that doesn't mean that you will be most happy at that particular school. Sometimes you just have to go with your "gut feelings" about choosing the right college or university

Reina

The time and effort that goes into finding the right college may seem overwhelming and never ending but, in the end it will all pay off.