Prairie View A & M University Top Questions

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

Ashante'

If I could give myself any advice about college as a asenior in high school, I would tell myself to start early in the summer. Not only will I be at an advantage, but it would get me accilmated to the drastic change I am about to face. College is very different in terms of time management. The classes aren't hard at all if you find time to study and have time for social events.

Jasmine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would inform myself of the independent lifestyle of being a college student. The transition from highschool to college can easily make you or break you. How I spend my freshman year will determine the rest of my college experience. I would tell myself how important education is and that it is a tool that will take you far in life in order to be successful in a profession or career. Highschool offered me much support from my parents allowing me to depend on,to keep me on track, but college tought me to become more independent and to value the resources around me. In order to have a smooth transition I would tell myself to remain focused. Partying and peer pressure are major distractions but goals that are set should be reached no matter the obstacles. Building a strong bond with my professors and a head start on my day with a tight schedule is very important. Sitting in the front row and learning material the first time presented is critical. College is about fun experiences, but there is a time and a place.

Giovanni

If I were able to talk to myself as a senior, i would tell my self to get ready for real life because it is coming fast. I wuold tell myself to work harder, be more serious.

Christopher

I would tell myself that college is much different, be prepared for a dramatic change in your academics and social life. The work in high school is nothing compared to its collegiate counterpart. Remember, you are on the professor?s time, not on your own. In addition, Get to class on time, and be prepared. If you are prepared, you will get the whole lesson and not only a snippet of it. Furthermore, get to know your professor. The professor knowing you could be the difference between you getting an A and a B. Also, get involved in campus activities. Campus activities can make you feel much more comfortable around your classmates. Also, becoming social helps you find people to study with. Study groups can save your life, and never be the smartest person in a study group. To conclude, don?t get complacent and end up pulling all-nighters every time there?s a project or test needing to be done .

Atalie

Advise that I would give myself as a senior high student would be to dream big. Never let anyone tell you that your not smart enough or pretty enough. How you feel about your self has alot to do with your motivation during your college experience. Next is to pick up good study habits because in college its all bout time management when it comes to sucessfully taking on college level work. Another bit of advise would be to surround your self by positive people. Believe it our not your classmates will be a big help while studying they can give you diffrent point of views and vise versa. Last but not least stay focused but have fun! Its ok to be on top of your studies but every once in a while soak up the fun that comes with experinceing college. Your indepndent and beginning to find yourself. Go to college with an open mind and open heart.

Michael

Wow... I told myself in high school that I wouldn't be one of those people that would say " I wished I could go back in time and do it all over again", but sadly I have to say it. The first thing I would change would be the way I perform academically my freshmen year in high school. If I knew that majority of my high school GPA would be base on how well I done my freshman year, I believe it would have been a lot more smoother, and a lot more stressful for me . A high or a desent GPA would have open a lot more doors for me in college. Since I was an athlete I depended on that to get me into any college I wonted to, but not thinking if I did well academically that I was guaranteed scholarships to different colleges. Athletic scholarship would have been good to but if you get hurt you should see how fast those scholarships can disappear. So, the advice I would gave myself is to perform to the best of your ability in all you do, whether it's in sports, or paper do your best regardless.

Christopher

I will tell him that before he even chooses a place to further his education, he will need to have an IDEA on what he want to study. Then I would tell him to work with some of the staff at his high school to see if they have any connection at the University that he wants to go to. I would also tell him that going to college is more of a networking mission than a 24 hour studying setting. I will also tell him to not be afraid of leaving his family to futher his education. I will also mention to let the college choose him dont choose the college which means find something about the college that will keep you there through hard times and times of doubt. Lastly, I will tell him to be himself when he steps into his college and have fun and enjoy that time in his life because he will remember it forever.

Sydney

Being a high school senior was very difficult for me, there?s a lot of advice I would offer myself if I could reverse time, with the knowledge I have now about college life. I had several setbacks in high school academically and socially. During that time, I worried about graduating on time from high school. I failed a class and had to catch up by 2.5 credits thus senior year became very stressful. I stopped believing in myself & I didn?t know what I was going to do in the future. I did well my 2nd semester of the year, but my only option to graduating on time was to sign a waiver. By doing that I would only graduate with the equivalency of a GED. So I attended summer school. I caught up and earned a real Diploma! Back then I wished that I would have graduated ontime.If time could be reversed, I would encourage myself to keep working hard because it pays off in the long run. I would tell myself to remember that nothing is handed to you, & that working hard on your own in college is a skill that is needed to succeed!

Brianna

With the experience that I have now from going to Prairie View A&M University if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to start getting organized. In college there are many test and that you have to take, and you have to be able to find time to study. The most important thing to do is to balance out the extracurricular activities with your class work. You must have your priorities right. In high school teachers give you second chances to turn in work when you get into college if you have homework that?s due your teacher will tell you about it once then it will be due a week or two from the time they tell you. You have to remember your due date because if you miss it then you will get a zero. College professors do not take late work at all, and they do not accept excuses. If you miss a class you should try to tell the teacher ahead of time or try to email them that same day. You have to be responsible in college nobodies going to baby you.

Andrew

You are going to meet a lot of new people when you attend college, some with high level of motivations and others that seem to be drowning in their school work. Amidst all of these people that you meet are you coworkers of the future. You will think that you are being smothered by a wide variety of new influences and trials; however, this inexplicable feeling of being out of control is natural. Once you become acclimatized to the social environment of the university student and start to find common interests with students who share your academic interests, you will make ties with the individuals who will be your employers, employees, and coworkers. Even if you do make positive connections, keep your mind sharp. Knowledge is still the foundation of any form of education. Between socializing and maintaining high academic achievments you still have to have personal time. Always make time to relax by yourself. I recommend that you jog; however, any outlet that you find relaxing is suitable. In the end, be honest with your self; if it does not feel right it most likely is not right for you.

Timothy

The advice I would have given myself as a senior would be to wait to go off to a big university stay and do community college for a year and than transfer, because I would have saved money and probably been better prepared to stay focus at college. I would have battled with this decison for my whole year as a senior because talking to friends about what colleges there going to,most of them went to big universities to, would had been competition to me because you dont want to look dumb or not smart by saying "yeah im just going to stay here and do two years", I dont know why I just would have felt that way. When I first set foot on the campus I was overwhelmed and culture shocked because there was so many different people and so many beautiful people. The advice is it is okay to wait you probably would have been better prepared to strive at the university of your dreams.

Dominique

I now know that when my parents made me stay home from parties in high school it was for a good cause and it certainly wasn't going to be the last one that i saw but more importantly i would tell myself to focus more on my books so that my eligibily to get into a better institution will be higher than before. I would tell myself to be more serious about the assignments, research papers, group projects, etc.... to better prepare me for whats in store for college. I also would make myself aware that putting all your chips in sports is not the best thing to do no matter how good you are because when you get to the next level it's not always certain that you will even get a shot at trying out. Become more of a critical and analytical thinker to solve problems and get things done and to relax and enjoy life because you never know what obstacles will be thrown your way in the future.

Claveisha

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college life I would tell myself to strive for good grades in college. College is not a place to just sit in class and don't pay attention. I would tell myself to study a lot and not to get mixed up with any boys because they could get you off task quickly. I would also tell myself to get up and attend classes every single day because missing class will really affect your grades. The caferteria food is very adictive, so don't eat a ton of food and go back to your dorm room and sleep because you will gain weight. When you are choosing your dorm roommate do not room with one of your friends because you will eventually get tired of each other.

Brandi

If there was anything that I wish someone would have told me it would be not to let freedom completely consume your lifestyle. Just because your parents aren't there to tell you to get up and go to class or to finish doesn't mean you shouldn't take responsibility for doing your work. Basically, I would have wanted someone to just tell me to act like the adult I wanted to be treated and not to let others influence the choices that i make. Also, someone could have told me that college is not easy as it may seem, pulling all nighters has become a regular for myself.

Ferentina

The advise I would give myself would be to have my priorities organized. Fill out all the neccessary forms so that when you go on campus for orientation and class, that you have no setbacks. There is no one to bring forms to you and look over your shoulder and watch you fill forms out step by step. Take time and get to know your school and the surrounding areas of your school. Be prepared financially for tuition, books, on-campus living, and miscellaneous fees because they come when unexpected. Try not to get caught up with the wrong kind of "new friends". Study hard and don't take any class for granted. And Ferentina, be ahead of time because being on time is late.

Derriere

The advice I would give myself if it was possible to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior would be to be more active in the community and continue to study hard because studying has become a major part in my college career where as in high school it was possible to get around studying, college requires a great deal of attention to be paid to details. College has also taught me that getting to know people I normally wouldn't talk to can sometimes be a blessing. The people who seem the most foreign to me may be the most helpful.

Desiree

I would tell myself to go into college as a learning experience. Try to learn from everyone and make as many friends as possible because the more people you know the more opportunities you will have. I would tell myself to manage my time because it is important to manage social life with school work to become a well rounded student.

Jennifer

go to sleep on time, dont go to parties the night before a test....get your work done before you participate in social activities...

Jamila

Study more and don't take classes that seem easy for granted. Try your best.

LaTonjalia

Get out more and have more fun. Studying is good but if you don't really enjoy the college experience the you will look back in regret.

Shayla

There are many obstacles I have faced and gone through while attending Prairie View A&M University. If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself a lot of useful and helpful information. The one particular thing I would tell say would be to take care of myself first and others second. For example tuition alone to go here is about 25 thousand dollars not including out of state fees if your an out of state student like me. As a second semester freshman I worked during the summer and helped a few people pay bills, but when it was time to return to Prairie View I was not able to go back. I discovered I had to pay a previous balance before I was able to register and I had no more money left. I had to be re-instated. Never the less, I was able to register for my classes late during add and drop week and was two weeks behind. However, if I knew then what I know now I would have saved my money, paid my balance and registered early before helping others.

Latisha

My advice is to do your research. Make sure the school is recognized for the field you want to study. That is a major factor when it comes to getting a job after you graduate. Make sure the school has a good alumni background. The alumni plays a big role far as the school staying alive. They or the ones who give back to the school and provide jobs for students that have just graduated. Plus it also lets you know if their experience at the school was good or bad. Talk to current students there. Get there aspect on the school, from financial aid to the social life on campus. Do a college tour of potential schools you are interested in. Make sure u write down all the answers u would like to ask. These are or the steps I took to find the right college for me, and I'm loving my decision.

Janda

Make sure you plan early and get your necessary paperwork completed.

Malcolm

Do your research, find out which college best fits you and your career goals.

Trevan

All i can say is work first play later. And when looking for a college, go for something that fits you and not your parents.

Shermerrian

Do lots and lots of research. Visit the campus and even sit in on a few classes you may be taking to geta feel of what it will be like to attend that college.

Jarred

I would like to say first to the parents, please allow your child to choose the college of their choice. This decision is the first amongst the important decisions your child will make in their adult life. I chose my college and I love it. I feel so at home when I'm there. Plus I am getting the best engineering education in the South. So it's the best of both worlds for me. And to the students, don't be affraid of college. Some people say that college isn't for everyone. I say try and see, you will never know until you experience it for yourself. When choosing the right college, you must first figure out what excites you the most, whether it be music or building things. Once you find your find what you want to do, research different schools with a strong program for your interest. Also make sure that college meets your standards for a social life. You will need a social life to stay sain in school. Just be wise about your choice and make sure it's not forced on you but rather choice by you.

Joshua

When choosing a college, I'd recommend to check out the weight of the college's degree in the desired major. The student and parents should check out the campus, the professors, and the learning environment to help decide if that college is right for the student. Don't just look at the "popular" universities where the student is just another number. The competition for internships and other opportunities can be much more overwhelming due to the vast amount of students. I'd recommend finding a college of high educational standards with a fun, yet focused learning environment that offers great job opportunities. Job opportunities are the most important part of the college, as without a job, a degree is just a piece of paper.

Trenton

GO VISIT! IT WILL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!

Matthew

Make sure that you realize what your comfort level is with being far from your family or friends becuase college will make visitng them complicated depending on how far you choose to be from them. Also make sure you apply for financial aid as early as possible and apply for as many scholarships as you can. Money is very hard to come by when attending college so save as much as you can.

Jasmine

take campus visits.... research it alot

Rodney

In order for a student to find the right college that best fits them is to do as much research as you can about the university in which you are trying to attend and if that school will be benifical to you in the long run. For example, I chose the college I attend, Prairie View A&M, because it is one of the top universities for the field of studying engineering as well as it suits me in the type of school in which I was looking for; its not to big and at the same time I am able to get the teacher/student communication that I need. Making the most of your college experience is key because you want college to be a time to get your education, but at the same time you want to have fun and know how to make the correct decisions about situations. In my opinion, I believe that college is the best time to learn to become more independent and learn responsibility because all the decisions that you make are in your hands. Long as the school in which you attend is your choice and gain experience, success is guaranteed.

Shanicqua

I would advise everyone to think ahead. Students and family memebers should come together and dicuss plans for the future because it will go fast and before you know it bills will need to be paid. Students should take advantage of on-campus and off-campus activities these events make the fees worth it. Enjoy it while you can cause you don't know what tomorrow might bring.

Shalonda

When choosing a school make sure that it is not to big for you and that it has everything that your looking for such as making a checklist of what you look for in a college and from there work you way to finding that perfect school for yourself

Brionne

Choosing the right college all depends on the person. My advice would be to network. The best way to choose a college is to hear from personal experience. Also, everyone is geared toward choosing a large or widely known college, but I strongly suggest most choose a medium sized or smaller college if they want to get the entire university experience. I have been to a larger college and realized that the size takes greatly away from the experience. When an individual chooses a college, the top things they should be sure of is it has a top education, it's in an area with many point of interests and it's very social (friends and professors).

Brittany

i would tell them that one way to make a wise decision is that after acceptance, you should visit the colleges of your choice. you could even visit before acceptance just to be sure it is the right place for you to be. make sure you check out the people, professors, administrators, etc, because it may not be a place you want to be!

Crystal

Visit as many schools as possible. And don't let cost change your decision, you will regret it later on.

Ramone

I would advise parents/students to carefully research each college. Before researching however they have to know what it is they are looking for in a college and what they want out of their college experience. Parents for one should know their budget. They make plans for their child to attend the best uinversity in the U.S while neglecting take into account the cost to attend such university. Parents should also allow their child to make their own decisions as regard to where to attend school instead of forcing their choice on them. A student upon entering college has to be a strong and focused individual. Getting caught up in campus life, it is easy for students to lose sight of why they are in college. It is important to to have a good college experience however students should keep in mind that the main purpose of college is to get an education. Keeping this in mind while making friends and having fun will help students have a great college experience with no regrets.

Jessica

When picking the right school to attend, you need to look at the campus. Is the campus what yout looking for such as the living arrangements, dinning areas. Does the campus provide the degree in which your trying to achieve. Look at the classes and the number of students that attend those classes, also talk with some of the professors and even some students that attend now.

Kristen

Visit the school and stay there for at least a weekend

Tanesha

The advice I would give the parents or students about finding the right college would be to visit the campus. Its better to have a feel for the campus that fits your personality so that you could feel more comfortable once your there. Honestly, it is scary to think of leaving home and meeting new people but if your on a comfortable campus it would be easier. To add, a student should search for a college that offers their paritcular major and not just courses to their wanted majors. Next, for a student to make to most of their college experience is by joining clubs or organizations on campus. It is a great way to meet new people that are interested in the same things you are.

Dominique

Make sure that you view the campus and ask questions to former students.

Mahogany

Choose a place where you know you will be comfortable physically, mentally, and socially. That way you will have an easier stay there to help assist your success in your career field.

Kenton

Make sure you research the colleges you want to go to before you make your final decidsion.

Rachel

Money is important. If you can't afford it have them get a scholarship. If they can't get a scholarship, don't send them there. It will give them motivation to stay in and do well.

Maghan

I would say first see if the school has the major of your choice, then see if the school accomodates all your interest. Some people learn better in smaller environments, so therefore pick a school with a smaller population or vice versa. Once you start recieving your acceptance letters, start narrowing down your choices to about 3 schools , then see which one accomodates all your interest the best. A major decision in chosing the right college is to see if the school fits your financial needs. The parent and the student should sit down and dicuss the financial limitations and how schooling is going to be paid for before the student makes a final decision on a college. Futhermore, upcoming freshmans should get involoved on campus and stay active but school work should be your first priority.

CRYSTAL

I would tell parents and future college students to visit the school first and speak with instructors and counselors. And maybe try to attend any summer programs before the school year to get a feel of the school and its people.

LaShon

Don't push the child to decide. I love my mom for allowing me to go on elaborate visits to colleges I was interested in, but I also feel somewhat bitter with her and my dad for pushing their different colleges on me. I always felt like I should have just done what fit me most.

Meeckral

When finding the right college for you, find a college that provides a timely financial aid office or you will be stuck in a long line every semester for the next four years or until you graduate. Please make sure that the professors at the university or college are here to teach you not to just get a check.

Wonder

In order to finsd the right college you should definetly do research on the surrounding area of the school. Also, when looking for a school it is very important that you feel a sense from the faculty as well as the student body that make you want to be apart of the family that's already instilled.