Sam Houston State University Top Questions

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

Joshua

If I could speak to a younger me, there would be two pieces of advice that I would give myself. The first would be to not fall under the per-presser of others. You have to decide things out for yourself and not fallow into situations blindly. To take the time out and look beyond ?senior-ides?, so that you can make educated decisions about your future. Believe me, the easy rout turns out to be the path that leads to destruction. The second word of wisdom that I could not stress more would have to be time management. Procrastination is the fastest way to fail college and give your parents a heart-attack. There is no worst feeling then receiving that ?F?, for the semester, knowing that not only did you let yourself down but also your family. What you do does not just effect you, but everyone around you and ultimately it will effect the quality of life that you will be able to provide for your spouse and children. So with that said it is ok to say ?NO?. The cool kid is only cool for a while, but the smart kid will always have his knowledge.

Anna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student knowing what I now know about college, I would tell myself to get more involved in high school organizations, specifically D.E.C.A. D.E.C.A. offers students leadership training and a chance to associate with business leaders in the community. If I had participated in D.E.C.A., I would have had the opportunity to take the financial burden off my family because of the available scholarships. With the potential scholarship awards, I would be able to spend more time studying and less time devoted to working. With the aid of D.E.C.A., I could have made lifelong friendships and business connections at my university, which would have made my college transition smoother. I would have been more assertive and comfortable around large groups of unfamiliar faces.

Bridget

Bridget, don't listen to what everyone else says you should do, don't listen to them spout out satistics on your chances of getting a job. Do what you really want to do! I know father wants you to be a business major, but I'm going to tell you now, you are going to be miserable for the next two years. So here is my advice, even if you have to get loans and scholarships to support yourself, do what you love best, do the art that has always made you happy. This is your life, follow the path you want.

Charles

If I could go back in time to when I was in high school, I would tell myself to learn and prepare as much as possible before college. Since entering college, I have discovered the importance of applying myself to my studies. If I had the same mind set back when I was in high school, I could have learned so much more and would have been better prepared for the hard subjects in college. Although I have managed to do well in college, I believe that I could have greatly used my time in high school to further enhance my knowledge. My advice would be simple. Apply yourself in high school so that you may exceed in college.

Sara

I think that the most important thing that I did was take AVID in high school and would recommend it too all high school students. By being in AVID it allowed me and my parents to know the process of colleges and what I needed to do and how to study before I went. I observed different colleges and universities in both classroom and campus life settings allowing me to see it before I even had to decide what college I wanted to go to. AVID being the most important choice for a easy transition to college life, I would say that the next most important thing would be that you must not ever be afraid to ask. Ask your peers, your advisors, and especially your professors because as much as you are told in school that when you get to college no one care, that is wrong. They are pulling for you if they know you care because you are choosing to be where you are not because you have to be there.

Katrina

I know you are excited about college but here is some strong advice to help you succeed. Don't trust anyone. Focus on your goal and let no one make you stray away from it. Always pay attention and be alert. Listen to your professor and work ahead of time. Don't overwhelm yourself; take it easy and breath. Use the resources provided for you beside, you pay for them.

Rachael

Rachael; pick up the pace. Practice excellent study habits and get into a better routine. Senior year is not the time for senioritis, parties, or nap time in class. It's the time to start considering options in accordance to different colleges, offers, and careers. It's the time for planning and taking your first steps as an adult. It's a time to act responsibly and a time to learn. It's time to grow up. If you try harder today, it will make you grow stronger tomorrow.

Bradley

Brad, stay away from the party scene. You will end up drunk for the first 3 weeks of school, and get sick. On top of that your first semester GPA will be a 2.12. Thinking you are smarter than the teachers and curriculum doesnt serve as a reason to skip class or be late all the time. Get envolved with Program Council. They are an awesome campus organization, and they provide great entertainment. Never stop writing or practicing guitar everyday, and make sure that you pay your credit card bills. Also, don't apply for any new ones at university. Save your Financial Aid refunds or invest them. Don't buy silly things. Also, dont be so lazy and get another job your first semester. Make sure that you buy all of your text books no matter how expensive they may be. Also take more than 12 hours every semester. It may be a heavier work load but you will be happy to be finish ahead of time in a few years. Keep working out, and be more vocal about what you want. These things aside, you're going to love it. You're popular, and people like you.

Asa

Well first off I would tell myself that time managament is paramount. If that is managed the right way everything else will fall into place. But, like most high school seniors, I would have needed some more explanation. So I would have sat myself down and gone through it step by step. Plan for blocks of study time in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 30 to 50 minutes, but that can be very different from person to person. Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks or some group study time to feed off one anothers knoweledge. What you do during your break is your business but make sure you come back to the task at hand. You should also find time when you are the most productive. For example, are you a morning person or a night owl? Jot down one best time block you can studyand run with that. Remember that college is not at all like high school. If you dont study you will not do well in your classes. You must stick to a regimented schedule. Master time management and everything will fall into place!

John

Reflecting backwards onto my life as a senior in high school, there are some changes I would make. I would be more involved in clubs, and activities not only for the social aspects but also for the fact it helps with many scholarship applications to have these experiences. I would apply and research scholarships a lot sooner and apply for all that I was qualified for to help with the financial burden of college. I would have saved more money as well from my work; although I did a fair job at that I was not prepared for the realization of the cost of college. I may even tell myself to have a little more fun in high school as college would be faster paced, and much harder curriculum wise. I would only go to the Community College for one year and then transfer into a four year university, or go straight to the four year university. I ended up taking some classes that were not needed at the 4 year university but were required for an Associate degree from the Community College. This cost me extra time and money for classes that did not even "count" as credits.

Elaine

Really think about what your going to major in. Think of at least three choices and research the degrees for those choices. Also research the colleges/universities that offer your major choices. It would also help you to decided which college/university to go to by researching the city and state it is located at. If you don't feel comfortable with the setting of the town/city/state than your college experience will not be as great as you would like it to. Visiting the colleges/universities gives you a better idea of how the system works.

Michael

If i could tell my younger self, just one thing, it would be to relax. Even though there are a ton of responsiblilties on my plate coming into college, and they have just multiplied, trust the friends around you that you meet. Cause these friends will be the people that help the transition into college basically be friction free. There are somethings in life that one can't go through alone, and so don't let yourself feel trapped and lonely, just rely on your friends in your times of need and they will carry you when you stumble.

Michael

Going into college as a student athlete doesn't make things even easier for you it just make things harder. Even though you are here to play sports doesn't mean that you should just play around and class because you will find behind and be in a bind academically and financially also. Because you get so much scholarship money to spend and if you dont maintain a overall gpa of 2.0 you want be able to receive financial aid which would make your scholarship check money limited to spend. So if I was you I would come into to college expecting to work hard on and off the field and in the classroom to keep your grades up.

Alexandra

The best advice I could give myself, or anyone for that matter, is to GO TO CLASS! No matter what you do the night before or how tired you are, you HAVE to make it to class every day. It is so easy to fall behind and so hard to catch up once you do that it's not worth the agony at the end of the semester. If you go to class and pay attention, failing is very hard to do. I have witnessed numerous people who slack off, especially at the beginning of the semester, and are not able to pull their grades up that the last half of the semester is nothing but stress and usually ends in a very disappointing GPA. Attending to class and making sure to prioritize your assignments above your social life is the best way to adapt to and succeed in college. Once you learn that your social life will not disintegrate and your friends will still be there if you have to miss an outing to study, college will be an engaging experience that you can thoroughly enjoy. Keep in touch with your family and keep your eye on the prize!

Heather

To really think about where you want to go to school and to not base your decision on what is going on at the time in high school because everything will change once you leave and go to college. It's an important decision that needs a lot of consideration, and include older friends and family in the conservation.

Veronica

One thing I would advise myself about is even though I did not have to study in high school, it is a very critical part of college. Studying is not easy if you have never been challenged enough to have to do it and it will take some time to find a technique that works the best for you. I would also advise myself not to date somebody during the first semester. Although I did not go to college planning on getting a boyfriend, I ended up meeting somebody and dating for the whole first semester. Even though it is only natural to try to find a partner, it causes too many distractions for a new student. Another word of advice I would give is to exercise a couple times a week to help reduce the stress and anxiety. Exercising helps get your mind off everything and keeps you healthy, which will also help reduce stress.

Marcus

I didn't finish high school I got a G.E.D when I was in the 11th grade. During that period of time I was dealing with the death of a very close relative whom lived in the same household that I did. After my relative's passing just the year before I became withdrawn feeling I had no one to talk to about my situation I began to hang out with hoodlums and my academics suffer. I was always a good student who enjoyed school before this moment yet when my relative died something within me died too. Although I got a G.E.D I knew that I wanted to further my education so I began workin at a fast food restaurant to save up for college I started working at 17 when I would've been a senior in high school. After two years of working and saving nearly every penny that I earned at 19 years old I entered college. I am dedicated to perservere to the end until I get my degree. So if i had a chance to give myself any advice it would be choose yor friend's wisely.

Alejandro

If I could go back in time, I would have attended a community college before assisting a University. Classes are smaller and cheaper. I regret listening to my advisors and counselors that were rushing me to a university before a community college.

crystal

I would tell myself, to finish school as soon as I completed high school. That's the best time to go to college, when you are young, and don't have responsiblity such as children, family, or work.

Shelina

First of all, no matter how generic it sounds, be yourself. Always stand strong in your beliefs and ideals, because the people who like you then, will like the absolute you and keep you forever. Never underestimate yourself and all that you can do. You are valid in possessing so much confidence. Do not be afraid of challenging yourself. If you do not challenge yourself, you can never realize your full potential. College is not just about learning in the classroom, so remember to keep learning wherever you are. College is not scary. It is just a bigger, more expensive version of high school. Everyone is just trying to get to graduation to move on to better things. Most importantly, enjoy yourself. This is the only time in your life where you will be adult enough to live on your own and do whatever you want, but still call Mom and Dad for financial support, without them being too upset. Eveything is tremendously new and exciting! Explore all positive avenues of life and treasure the little things.

Marcus

The advice that I would give myself is do not lose focus on all of the things going on during the school day that sidetrack you from living up to your potential. Also I would tell myself not to hang around people who arent trying to better themselves or people who do not care if you are successful. Prepare your mind for college by putting in a whole lot more effort in studies because what you do in college will affect the rest of your life.

Sarah

That school gets much better. You will experience things you never imagined and make friends that you never thought would even talk to you. Not everyone is full of drama and not everyone judges you on everything you do. College is filled with people who want to succeed in life, not people who don't care and pass by copying your work. It will change your life and give you memories you never want to forget and true friends who know and understand what you are going through.

Angie

I would have urged myself to go to SHSU first instead of going away to school. This would have given me the opportunity to pursue my education at a more advanced rate. If I would have done that, I would have finished by degree a lot sooner than 33! I would have saved myself time and money in order to pursue other avenues for education and careers.

Gannon

The first thing I would tell myself is to relax and enjoy the ride. When you are a senior in high school you are so nervous about everything because you face all of these stereotypes and cliques and pressure because of the confined area that is a high school. When you go to college you find a whole different outlook on life. You truly find out who you are going to be when you get older. The anxiety and stress of an upcoming test is still there but the pressures from a high school environment are not there anymore and it makes the ride that much easier. People are willing to help you out. People want to see you succeed and don't try to start a bunch of drama. Instead they just feel bad for the people that do and hope that they will soon grow out of it. As I have matured at Sam Houston State University, I have come to realize the kind of person that I want to be and the people that I want to associate myself with. Once I discovered this, the rest has come naturally.

Ashley

Knowing what I know now, I would advice myself to stay completely focused on my goals and studies, rather than partying or trying to make impossible relationships work. Manage time and money wisely and stay ahead of the game. If you have time to fool around, then you have time to study and studying is never a bad thing. Go to all of your classes and get to know each of your professors- it helps in the long run. Always take notes and read your email and syllabi daily. Get sleep when you have the chance and make some time for yourself as well. If you don't, you will lose your mind, I promise. Most importantly, don't ever forget why you went to college because that's the reason you need to succeed. College is time and money-two things that are valuable in today's economy that you don't ever really get back. Simply, stay true and work hard. Determination, faith, and hard work will pay off in the end.

edwin

I think that if i could go back in time I would tell myself not to stress over the small stuff. I would say that all those people you miss from high school aren't gone and that new friends are just waiting to be made. I'd also have to say that dorms are like personal prisions but also needed reprieves if thats the way you want them to be. I would also, without a doubt, explain that procrastination is like a credit card. When you let the work pile up, the bill at the end just can't get paid on time.

Makayla

I would definitely inform myself of the financial strain to attend college, how important it is to manage time, and to study and turn in all assignments promptly. College is not cheap, and although you may find a cheaper priced college that you like, things can and will add up quickly. You should apply for every, and all, scholarships; no matter how small the amount, because every dollar counts. In doing this you should be able to focus on school, rather than worrying if all the bills will be paid in a timely fashion. Secondly, time management is very important, especially for a first year student working part time. You should make an hourly schedule for each day and try to follow it. In addition to the schedule, purchase a monthly planner as well to keep track of due dates for class assignments. Continuing off of keeping track of due dates, make sure everything is turned in on time or early. To make sure this is done, read the text prior to class so that you understand the material on homework assignments. These all are very important to a successful college experience.

Khayla

I would say to pick a college that you feel most yourself. Don't just decide on one. Look into other options before deciding and pick a college that's right for you and only you.

Katy

Pick a school that has different departments that interest you, so that if you change your major you do not have to change schools. Make sure to go out and mingle and make new friends, but also get your studying done so that you can keep your GPA up.

Kristen

Kids really need to visit the campus and choose a college that they believe will fit them. They also need to drive around the town and see what the people are like because there is nothing worse than attending a college where you are unable to find friends and a place where you feel left out. Visit the campus many times, see the type of kids that attend that college, and make sure you will feel comfortable before you enroll for this class. The college experience can be a great one if you continue to realize the reason you are in school. The reason you are in school is to learn, and some may find it easy to get distracted by parties and get togethers. College can be a remarkable experience but do not loose ensight into the real reason you are there.

Shae

I know I was really anxious about picking the right school for me. I was worried about what kind of classes I would take, what the professors would be like, and what kind of people I would meet. The best advice that I can offer is to be sure to visit the campus of a school that interests you. Some colleges look great on paper, but once you arrive, you find that things are not as idyllic as presented on a website. Talk to students who attend the school and find out what they like and dislike about the school. Also, be sure to ask about the financial aid department of the college, because that department will become vitally important during your time at school. Once you've chosen your school, be sure to make the most of your experience. College is what you make it. If you put a good effort into getting to know the people and programs offered, you will have an extraordinary experience. Go to college with an open mind and enthusiasm and you will definitely have one of the best experiences of your life.

Cynthia

The advice I would give to the parents is let the student make the final choice. Let them be responsible for making this huge decision of the next chapter of their lifes. Yes, guide them in the right direction, educate them on your experiences from college, but do not pick the school for them. Students, get involved in as many organizations as possible. Do not get caught up in the party scene and ruin what is the best thing life has to offer, an education. Plan out carefully what your financial needs are for the school year. If possible, try not to get a full- time job the first two years of college. Study and do as well as you can on the first two years of college because once the Junior year hits, classes just get tougher. But do not get scared because even though they get tougher, they are classes that are going to be interesting because the relate to your major.

Chiffon

My first words of advice are to start researching colleges as early as freshman year in high school because it will only help you narrow the choices sooner! Second, even if the student isn't sure what they want to major in, they do know what they are interested in! Try matching up those interests with career opportunities. The next goal would be to find the colleges that offer the degree you are looking at obtaining and narrow it down to the colleges that are not only well known for graduates with those degrees, but also those that are most affordable for the family. A separate option for the parents and students is to possibly take a look at some junior colleges just to get the basics out of the way. Not only can you start college for a cheaper cost while deciding on a major, but they offer a lot of classes that will transfer to most major universities when the time comes! Lastly, and most importantly: APPLY EARLY!! If you don't gain admissions the first time you have a second opportunity to apply during regular admissions!

Christopher

Never pick a college simply based on recognition or status. The college an individual should pick is one that will challege you and motivate you to take your skills to the next level that is needed to be succesful in any industry. I would actually tell them to go to a community college for the first two years and acquire all their core credit hours there and then transfer to a university. It's cheaper and the parents can see if their child is serious and commited to a higher learning.

Katrice

The advice I would give parents and students about finding a college is make sure it is the right school for you. Do not just go to a school because you want to follow your friends. Make sure you learn every detail about every school you are considering and then narrow it down to the school that will meet your career needs. Pick a school that you know you can be focused and will be able to graduate in a timely matter. Do not pick a school based on its parties but how well there students go on to finish.

Leigha

College is a big deal to kids, and the children need to be the ones that make the decision on whether or not they will go to college. Also they need to be the ones to decide where they will go to college. I didn't get to choose where I went to college and even though I wouldn't have given it up I spent my entire college career wondering "what if I had gone where I wanted to go?" Even though parents may not like where their children want to go it needs to be the child's decision. It's their life so they should make the decision how to live it. Studying is a big thing in college, but you can't do that all the time. You have to make time for yourself as well. College will be a lot more fun as long as a balance is found between study time and play time. It isn't easy and as classes get harder play time may gt shorter but that is the price paid for an education.

Tiffany

Make sure you look at all your options. I would DEFINETLY check out the campuses and surrounding area and make sure there are available jobs, housing, ect. If your shy try to get out of that and make a lot of friends to get the most out of your college experience but don't forget to study. Pass it all the first time because it is a pain to retake classes and you want to graduate on time and not stress so much your senior year.

Austin

Parents, talk to your kids and kids talk to your advisors. Pay attention and never hessitate to ask questions.

TABITHA

My advice to parents, and students would be to not sweat the small things. The goal is to come out with an education and I believe you can acomplish this at any college, but to me the most important thing is to come out of college being a more passionate, considerate, wise, and just more understanding person. You should take it all in; the good and the bad. I beleive in having fun, but learn all you can while you can and when you graduate you can honestly say that you accomplished being the best student you could be while in college. There is no greater feeling than that, and I know quite a few people who would give anything to go back and put in a little more effort than they did before. In conclusion, that is the way I feel you can make the most of your college experience. As far as the right college, where ever you end up is obviously where you're suppose to be.

ashley

Make sure the college fits you.....how it looks, how it feels, the people there, the curriculum....it's like finding the right person in your life...when you know, you know. You will learn better and feel more comfortable when you are in the right place. As far as making the most of the college experience----take advantage of what you are there to do--learn! Find yourself and who you are, find lifelong friends, do something once you may not think you would have done before. Step out of the box to discover life and where you belong in it. Life isn't about the destination, but the journey, and the journey is what you make of it. Don't be afraid to mess up, that's part of growing up. Stand up and keep going. Learn, live, and have fun...that's how to enjoy the college experience.

Jennifer

There are three crucial parts in choosing a college and making the most of it: Live on campus. The friendships developed are inimitable. It made college feel like an experience and not just another year of school. It allots students the opportunity to develop as an individual. The independence is frightening at first, but ultimately it teaches responsibility, discipline, and time management so live on campus! Evaluate your personality in comparison to the town?s aura/ distance. Coming from Houston?s wide array of restaurants and great diversity to the conservative, small town of Huntsville made the transition more difficult and less enjoyable. Also, being fairly nostalgic and away from home made the security of having family close crucial. Several people have dropped out of college to return home because the depression of being away. Choose the college strictly on your standards. When I began college I knew two things: biology major and family must be near. I had always planned on going to UH because it was everything I needed; however, since my criterion was broad, I followed my best friend. I realize that if I had pursued my plan, I would appreciate college to its full extent.

Marlene

Become involved and interested. Remeber that students expect an amount of responsibility.

Ian

Find out what your kid wants in college, whether it be academics, fun or the atmosphere and take several different visits to different colleges so your child doesnt get sucked into picking one college because it is all they know. If your student want to join an organization on campus i.e. fraternities sororities do research on them before you say no. Whatever the organization is they want to join there is a reason behind it and it will greatly impact their college experience.

COdy

I encourage your child to become active in the school. It is an amazing experience if you give yourself a chance. I was in the band my first year and enjoyed the bond between the drumline and I've made life long friends in the process. I, not at all a girlie girl and most refered to as a tomboy, joined a beautiful sorority and love the social and community experiences it has offered me. Not all sororities are for preppy girls, and not all the fraternaties are for stereotypical on this campus. In advice for finding the right college, I recommend visiting campuses. I traveled to San Antonio and Ohio and other cities touring campuses, and when you find one that just feels right to you, and after you've explored your posibilities in what you'd like to accomplish in that school, go to orientation. Orientation gives you an idea of the student community as well as the staff interactions with the students. For example, after going to so many campuses, Sam Houston spoke out to me. It is a beautiful campus and at orientation, the students were comfortable with the staff. Perfect. :)

Joseph

Make sure when selecting a college that the community is a good match for their student. The type of community that a student fits into best should be a large consideration when selecting the school that best fits each student. For me this was a factor that I didn't take into consideration when attending college for the first time, and as a result I had a hard time making friends. So I would suggest that you allow your student to interact not only with the university but also spend some time in the area to really get a feel for what it is really like to live and be a part of the university and local community.

David

It is important to remember when picking an institution of higher learning that you are not simply looking for a school with a good turn-out rate, but a place into which you can allow yourself to become interwoven in the very fabric that makes it up. JFK said, ?Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.? These words also apply to the colleges we go to. They continually inspire us not to be a mere student at our schools, but to effect positive change. Furthermore, they help us to remember that devotion to the alma mater is crucial to a happy education there. Most importantly, remember that the student doesn?t pick the school, the school picks the student. It is imperative that the student go where they feel they can be most comfortable and relaxed, and yet still focused. This will afford the student the opportunity to grow as a student and a person into a member of society he or she can be proud of.

Mallory

To make the most of your college experience, start planning financially a few years before. I had to worry about money the entire way through and it puts a damper on what is going on in your life. I also suggest getting a part time job to cover your extracirricular activities so you don't have to take away from money that pays the bills. Try and find a job that is similar to what you what to do with your career so when you graduate you have the experience needed to get the job you're looking for. And do it the summer before you go away because once you get there the jobs disappear fast. Also try and keep a steady job because looking for one while trying to balance you classes is no fun and not only do your grades suffer, but it puts you at more stress than neccessary.

Paul

If you are looking for a down to earth, small college, this is the place to go.

Aleda

In my personal opinion, I do not feel like it is all that important where you go to school. Find a place where you are a good fit, will be happy and can excel in your classes. The most important part of college is just the simple fact that you went. Have your fun, but keep your priorities centered and do what is most important first.

Christy

Find a college that suits your individual child's needs. Listen to them and where they want to go, it is most important if they like the school that they attend for the next 4 years. Take your student to a variety of colleges and let them see the differences among campuses.