New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Top Questions

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

Jordan

I would tell myself to go striaght to New Mexico Tech and not CNM, go straight into Mechanical Engineering, don't be afraid to ask questions even if it makes you feel stupid, asker her out (I'll know who I'm talking about), English is important so don't argue with people about it, apply for every scholarship you can as soon as possible, procrastination is your enemy, you can do it though it may seem hard at times and you will get depress fairly often find a friend you can lean on, your advisor is your friend don't be afraid to talk with him, and most important of all DO YOUR FRIGGIN HOMEWORK EARLY AND NOT AT THE LAST MINUTE.

Roy

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself first and formost not to worry over which are the best classes to take. Get the degree. Life rarely turns out exactly as we expect as we are entering college. This could save you thousands of dollars and get you on track for career advancements at a much earlier age. Grades are most important if you want to continue your education beyond a Bachelors degree. It will get you into better programs that have cool research opportunities as well as interesting material to learn. Spend the time to look and apply for scholarships. Your older self is rather burdened with with debt - that you don't need. Worry less about which class to take and take more time on the homework you have due. Most important, enjoy the learning experience!

Elizabeth

Talk to your professors. Some professors will be unpleasant, but most are pretty nice. A few will be great. The hardest thing about doing well in college is getting help when you need it. If you establish relationships with your professors early, its a lot easier to go talk to them when you need help on homework or a project. They're also a great resource for discovering other fun activities such as clubs and competitions. I competed in COMAPs Mathematical Competition in Modeling two years in a row; my only wish is that I knew about the competition sooner so I could have competed four years.

Manuel

The school i attend is a great representation to life in the real world. Practical application of real world talents, and a large support base offered from the school. The experience from my school helps because of the sheer amount of knowlege gained from it. The teachers i have had have even been able to apply true to life examples on how to apply what I've learned in everyday life.

James

My college experience has brought a level of dedication and work ethic I never thought possible before. The sheer amount of personal growth I've experienced from having to live on my own and force myself to labor through real life situations has been eye opening. Ignoring the basic (or very advanced) things I have learned through my classes, its my life experiences and growth that have really been life changing for me. I can't place a price on these experiences.

Frank

I have experienced a learning environment that is unique to its core in allowing students a chance to challenge themselves mentally,and learn to use what they learn in the classroom in everyday life! This will certainly help me once i am finished here and I will be forever greatful for the people I have met here.

Merline

What I have gotten out of my college experience would be the need to strive for excellence in every aspect of my life. Being at NMT has allowed me to grow as a person and become independant and competitive with myself and with my peers. I used to do work just to get it done and over with, but I've seen failure and I don't want to go there so I strive for excellence now. It has been valuable to attend because just going to NMT, I know that I will go far and achieve great things. That is what Tech does for you, it challenges you to go and think further then what you normally would, it makes you push for more ideas and different ways of achieving what you need. I know that when I graduate from NMT I will achieve greatness because that is what Tech demands of us, nothing less then the best.

Sean

I have learned a lot of things while attending college, and not all of it was pure bookwork. I learned a lot of things about others as well as myself. I realized that college would not be as easy as high school, that ever new step would be a big step and every challenge a greater challenge. I learned that leaving my home in Hawaii for the heart of the New Mexican desert would be a not only a great personal challenge but also an adventure. Meeting new people, learning local customs, perhaps even sharing some of my own. I have heard many say that college is an important experiance in finding oneself, I say it is an important experiance in creating oneself. And even if the road gets long and difficult, I will still be glad I came...

Breanna

I have just started but the classes that I have taken are preparing me for the office work. It is teaching me valuable writing skills and learning the proper way to communicate through writing. If I were to cotinue my education it will help me become a better writer it would make me a better person. As well as open different opportunities I wouldn't have if I were to not go to college.

Carlos

I think its of great value to attend college. I think without it, you can't really get very far, possibly being a manager at a grocery store or someting is furthest you can go. Most major careers, if not all, require specific courses to have been taken. Balancing your school, work, and social life may be difficult, but I think in the end its well worth it.

Tia

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is the understanding of the difference between high school life and education compared to college life and education. I have learned some new study techniques and made new friends. I have learned a lot so far. I'm also learning to work around my medical issues, even though my second semester shows otherwise. It has been very valuable to attend because I'm learning to prepare for my future in a lot better ways then high school was ever able to do.

Andres

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would first give myself the winning numbers to the lottery. All joking aside though, my best advice to myself would most definitely be to improve my study skills dramatically. As a high school student I graduated with honors and felt like I could accomplish school with ease. Inevitably, that was my same attitude going into college. My first semester of college was the hardest semester I have ever experienced school-wise because I thought my study skills were exceptional and therefore, they remained stagnant. Even though my study skills were great for high school, they were only mediocre for college and that is where my problem lied within. I began to ameliorate my study skills at mid terms of last semester (fall 2009). Since then, I have continued to adjust new study times into my daily schedule and produced a new strategic attempt at college. But I am fully aware that if I had made these changes as a high school senior I would have been better prepared for last semester, as well as this up-coming semester and many more to come.

Michael

Get involved early in clubs and associations related to your field of study. This will provide valuble information, networking, friends and fun. This may help you find an internship or even employment after graduation. Hit the books. You cruised through high school with little effort and kept good grades. College is different. You must discipline yourself to study. Get involved in study groups. Don't let the temptation to 'go wild' overcome you. Yes, you are away from your parents for the first time, but this is the time to start acting like an adult, shaping the person you are to become. Don't go in reverse. Several clubs are focused on sports and other non-academic endeavors. Pick a few of these and join them. Study hard, but also have fun (just not too much).

Laura

Take the AP exams to get ahead so you can graduate sooner and spend less money on college. The internet may be great and all, but keep the habits you learned from High School as far as completing homework. Learn how to study ASAP. Don't worry about making friends, everyone in college is more mature than those in High School. Search for your books online instead of in the bookstore, it will be far cheaper. Office hours are the best thing you can ever make use of. Going home every weekend might help with home-sickness, but it will ultimately be a distraction and interruption to your school-work. Anti-Depressant pills aren't that evil.. take them. Seek every possible avenue of financial aid, money goes away quickly when you're not doing well in classes, which will happen. Keep a good hobby you can enjoy, but don't over-do it; complete at least a couple hours of homework before starting free-time activities. GO TO CLASS!!!!! No overnighters. Don't expect to have a social life in a small school.

Katharyn

I would tell myself to not take my new independence too far. That the younger me should fully appreciate the opportunity that I was given and show everyone that I really can do it.

Vincent

Build personal relationships with your professors. They are the key to good job opportunities during and after school. Also the first three semesters are the hardest mainly because you are finding aut how big a workload you want but start conservative and you can always take on additional work given a good relationship with your professors.

Nicholas

If I could go back to senior year and give myself advice for making the transition to college and college life, I would mostly have advice pertaining to school work itself, but also some regarding personal view of the world. First I would tell myself to take as many AP tests as possible, because any class you can get out of the way before college is increadibly helpful. I would also tell myself to take even the easiest classes seriously. Doing a little extra work in an easy class is worth being assured an A, as A's get harder and harder to come by as you move forward. Lastly, I would tell myself to have a more open mind about the people I'd meet. Expecting the best of people from the moment you meet them is much better than judging them harshly. I've learned that you can learn something new from everybody you meet, it's just a matter of figuring out what that is. Finding positive qualities in the people around you will help you to be happier, as you can see that the world is really a bright and promising place.

Tiffany

Don't just consider price versus the major you want, check to see if the college has the facilities for the practical applications of it's teaching, especially your chosen major, and that may offer internships, for example, my own is associated with emertech and NRAO. Keep in mind that bigger isn't always better. The larger the school, the less personal your experience in classes and with professors is likely to be. Don't be afraid to go to Denny's at 2am with random people from your dorm...those will be some of the best conversations. Don't become a vampire, go out and enjoy everything the campus you choose has to offer, even if it means a few balloons and pies in the face.

Eleni

Perhaps the most important question to ask is how certain are you (or your child) of the academic/career path you have in mind. A large university with a wide range of majors, activities, and academics is often more beneficial to a student who has yet to conclude on their career decision. Smaller, more specified colleges are good options for students who know what they'd like to do with their life. The biggest topics to think about when choosing a college are: career path most likely to take and other most probable options, most comfortable size town/campus (perhaps based on where you've grown up), activities you enjoy most (reading, skiing, surfing, video games, sports, performances, city life, etc.), and amount of financial investment. It is most important to be happy with your choice because a healthy mental well-being ensures motivation and improved learning habits. Therefore, it is important to know what field of study you prefer. Finding a school that suits your interests means making life-long friends and ensuring your success in a career to follow. A good balance between money, location, and personal characteristics/interests will help you to choose most wisely.

Maranda

I seemed to me that the studnets always had to make the best of where they were. If you set out not to like the choice you can afford then you won't. However, Don't be afaird to look at a couple of choices. Transfering can be tough, and it would be better to be relativly comfortable in your choice before making one.

Thomas

Look at the departments specifically the papers that they have published. If you see a paper that you find interesting look into that college. Do not worry about money because you can always find enough scholarships if you work hard enough. To make the most of college make sure to study hard but make it so that is not the only part of your life. Make friends with other students in your major because you can all help each other out a lot in both class and out of class. Make friends with upperclassmen because they've all taken the same classes as you have and are therefore able to help you with classes and tell you which professors that you should and should not take.

Matthew

Colleges with excellence in academics are nice, but colleges with the real college experience are the way to go. And it depends on the person greatly; if one likes to learn and goes beyond course material to find out more of subjects that interest him or her then I would recommend a high academic emphasizing school where other students and professors share a common enthusiasm for knowledge; if the student is just looking for better job options I would recommend a school where there seems to be a lot to do outside of school, socializing helps with people surviving through the day and is a great tool to develop for life.

John

I would definitely go somewhere where you feel at home. The first time I came to New Mexico Tech, I felt at home immediately and I basically fell in love with the campus. It is hard to describe the feeling you get when you know the school is the right place for you. It's like a sense of self-satisfaction that enters your mind and body and makes you feel at peace. The easiest way to make the most of your college experience is to be active in social groups. If you don't have many friends, walk up to someone you don't even know and say hi. I always remember what my first college professor said to me on the first day of class. He said "Remember. A stranger is a friend you just haven't met yet." I have strived to carry those words with me throughout my college career and I am proud to say that with those words in mind, I have made more friends than I could have ever dreamed I could have.

Stephanie

Learn what you like, know what kind of a school you want to go to (technical, liberal arts, etc) do your research, and go for what you want. Don't worry if it takes a little longer to finish once you get in and change your mind, just go through with getting the degree. Try to get into the best school with the most value for what you want to do. If you have no idea what you want yet, go for a well-rounded education and use your bachelor's to find out what you would really like to do with your life, then go for your masters in what you like. Work hard and you can succeed!

James

Find out what you really want and what your really getting out of the school, talk to the students and the professors and find out what the academic enviroment is at the school and make your decision based on that. Look at all the aspects of the school, it's not all about the location, it's about the eduication and the tools that you will be graduating with. You learn more in a school that's interested in teaching you and not just interested in your money.

Jo

Finding the right college is crucial in your ability to succeed. Find something that fits, whether it be close by to your home town or out of state for a new experience. Don't try to rush into everything, and get everything done right away. Go at your own pace. Keep level, and make sure to balance your school life and social activities. Choose something that you think you are passionate about, and that you are curious to learn more about. The college experience is not all about getting a paycheck.

Kristy

In today's economy, it seems like cost is a very big issue. Finding a school with a good financial aid package is definitely a helpful point. More than that, though, you need to find a college that has the classes or research that you want to do. The best way to be happy in life is to do what you enjoy doing and this applies to school just as well as it applies to a career. Once you've found the right college, the best way to make the most of your experience there is to DO. Get involved in sports or the local theater and have fun. Then, when it comes to academics, go to class is the best advice. Listen to what the teachers have to say and study on your own time so that you can have a better understanding of the subject. Other than that, the best advice is to make friends and enjoy the time you have in college. It is the time when you have the most freedom and when you learn how to be an adult.

Waylin

I would say that you should base your decision on more than just financial and educational options at the schools in which you're interested. College should be more than an education, it should be the happiest time of your life. I feel that I have given up four years of what may have been happier by choosing solely for financial and educational reasons. While I have many happy memories I have more regrets, and nobody should have to have that feeling. Other than this, to the future students I say that to make the absolute most you should surround yourselves with people who are driven to succeed once you're in school. I was lucky in that none of my closest friends flunked out, but with half of my freshmen class disappearing after one year... It makes it much easier to handle without losing friends, and these are friends you will have forever.

Eric

Which college to attend is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make. If you take it lightly you will probably not be happy with your decision. The first quetion to ask yourself is what do you want to get out of college. If you are enttirely academic, don't choose a school known for its party scene. Or if you want to break away from the books, go to a school that gives you time to breath. Another question you have to ask is what kind of degree you want, do you just want a degree that will make you go further in your given field, or do you want a degree that opens up a whole new one. Are you pursuing a doctorate or a chefs certification, you want to pick a school that tailors to your wants and needs. There are a lot of colleges in the United States, chances are there is one that fits you like a glove, all you have to do is find it.