Tarleton State University Top Questions

If I was allowed to go back in time and talked to myself as a High school senior I would tell myself that there is no need to stress as much as I do and I also do not need to try and rush through college, I can take my time and focus more on my classes and still graduate on time. I would also tell myself to join some organizations my first semester until waiting till the second or third semester so I will be able to get to know people on campus and also become more envoled with the University.

If I were to talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would start by saying you will do just fine. That people are nice and students and faculty are there to help you. You are smart and inteligent, just keep a steady head and keep school as one of the top priorities. Do not get too anxious and enjoy the time, friends and experiance.

Tarleton is a good college. It's small so you can meet alot of people and form friendships, the classrooms are smaller, and the staff and students are really friendly. It's also really affordable to attend to.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, the two main things placed on my heart to share with myself would be: (1) thoroughly research the colleges you want to attend and (2) stay focused and purpose-driven while you're in school. Although financial aid is important, it should not be the only deciding factor in your decision. Whatever college you decide to go to, especially if it's away from home, that college, it's surrounding area, and the environment at this school will be your new home and frequent dwelling place. It's imperative that you know what you're getting yourself into and whether or not it would be conducive to your progress and success as a student. College is definitely a place where your values, morals, and beliefs will be tested. It is very important to keep your goals at the top of your priority list. College is also a place where you start to discover who you are and what you're made of. Have an open mind, but think through your decisions and don't be afraid to draw boundaries for yourself or with others.

College is more challenging than high school, but don't work yourself up over it. As long as you go to class, and study, you will do just fine. Don't be afraid to ask other students for help, and especially don't be afraid to ask the teachers for help. Start practicing good study habits, because they will come in handy. Be self-confident, and try to make friends in your classes. Studying in groups is very beneficial because everyone gets the chance to express and listen to different ideas and explanations. Don't take too many classes, because you will get overwhelmed. All in all, college is a great experience. It's completely different from high school, but in a good way. Don't stress about it, and you will make it through. Have fun at a graduation!

If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I think that I would tell myself not to put off going to college. I have always wanted to pursue a career as an illustrator, but never actually went for it! Now I have a wife and three kids, and even though I am so excited at the chance to finally do this thing, you can bet that there will be a lot of other obtacles to overcome at this point in my life than there would have been for me right out of high school. I would have told myself that this desire is not going to go away, and that I should check out all of my options and do my homework: what schools are out there, what fields of study are offered, what kinds of funding is available, and, most importantly, what do I really hope to acheive from all this. With all of that information, I think that I would see that getting my degree is within my reach, and I'd have been more likely to have taken the plunge sooner rather than later.

The very first thing i would do is teach myself how to relax. My first year of college was filled with anxiety. Now starting my senior i can handle that better. I would then go on to teach myself how to study. My grades were not so good my freshmen year due to me not knowing how to study very well. I would also tell myself to get more involved with school and not return home so often. I feel that i missed out on many things because i was afraid to reach out, open up and make new friends. But most importantly, i would tell myself to change my major to Psychology. That way i wouldn't take some many classes that will not go towards my degree. I made a lot of mistakes my freshmen year and unfortunately you can't go back in time. So the best thing to do is pick up the pieces and make the best of it!

The first thing I would tell myself is ; find as many scholarships as possible from the get go. And to change old study habits to help for your future in college. Also to not fall victim to old highschool habits that may have gotten you good grades because in a university setting that will not get you very far.

I would tell myself that when making a decision in life, to never hurry. Knowing now what I did not then is to appreciate every moment that we are blessed with and to never rush your life ahead because you will miss all the small things that help you become who you are going to be in life. Highschool is a completely different world set aside from life when your considered a grown up. I would want to tell me to not stress over materialistic things, popularity, money or friends. I know I had to learn the hard way that no one is going to hold your hand through life and sometimes we should go the extra mile. I got my GED and did not finish Highschool because of advice I got from my school counselor. I wish I would of stayed and finished because I will never get back those years that I could of changed my whole life, for the better!!!! I am a single mother now with two children and love it! Needless to say....working, school and children is very tough. I would tell myself to take it easy and enjoy the ride!!!!!!!!

?If I could write a letter to me??.now that?s a phrase many of us may have said! If I could change it all I wouldn?t change everything, but the one thing that is certain I would write in that time traveling letter about college is; "believe it or not your teachers and parents are right! College isnt easy and education is what is going to carry you through your life. Friendships, being popular, and being a varsity football star is no where near what is important. So when you fight with Dad about grades just assume you?re wrong, and take heed to his advice! High school friends are great, but they don?t take calculus tests for you in college. I know that the present affects emotion and status with your peers, but what the future holds is of far more importance. These are no where near the best years of your life. If you can just find the strength to look past Friday night and the weekend while attending high school, life WILL be much easier! Keep your head up kid, I'll see ya in a few years!"

Don't lose that drive. We have come so far and done so much and we shouldn't stop or let up. Keep pushing yourself but don't be afraid to take an elective. Don't be afraid to "take chances, make mistakes, and get messy" as Miss Frizzle said. Also, get out there! Don't wait for things to come to you. Say hi to people and smile! Get involved and volunteer. Believe it or not but we are much better at time management when we have more stuff to do. But be careful when balancing things. Keep in mind that we are at school to get an education. Also, completely skip Texas State. Forget A&M. Listen to our mother and look at Tarleton. It is honestly the greatest school ever. It's a slightly larger school than Plano even though the small town sucks. Have faith in yourself and when things get stressful, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and go on. Life goes on and there is no reason to borrow worry from the future. As Hagrid once said, "What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."

I would tell myself that life is hard in college. For the first time in your life, you are going to be on your own. With that new responsibility you have to know that you are going to make mistakes, and many of them. The thing to remeber though is that your not alone, and everyone around you is going through some stage of what you are. I would tell myself that you have to learn to shake it off. You can't let your life be ruled by your mistakes but rather by what you learn from those mistakes. No matter how much you get discouraged know that there is always gonna be a light at the end of the tunnel, and there are resources on campus and off that are there when those hard times fall on you. Learn to use those resources and branch out to make friends. The hardest part about going to college is realizing that you have to grow up. Through perseverance, hard work, and not getting discouraged, you will do just fine. Just remember there are going to be bumps in your long and winding journey. (Also take time to have some fun!)

Going to school is going to bridge the gap between being a school student and being an educated adult who can handle lifes daily trials. It will get the education you need to succeed well in life and prosper in whatever feild you endevor. It will teach you how to be an adult, well still keeping you protected to a certain extent. It will allow you to grow mentally as well as academically. It will teach you how to depend on yourself, how to depend on others, and how to succeed in the working word. It prepares you for the real world outside. It tells you what to expect and how to handle it. It will teach you what you need to know to get the job of your dreams and then help you find that job. Its all yours for the taking, all you have to have the desire to go and the desire to succeed. Imagine what you want out of life a few years down the road and then decide what interests you and just do it. The future is yours for the taking.

I would advise my high school self: Just because you do not receive a large sum of scholarships on your first attempt, does not mean you will not receive any more in the future. Never give up on scholarships, or anything at all. Your freshman year in college is a tempting time to blow off studying and hang out with your friends, but do not ever do this. Yes, friends are very vital to have during college, but your grades are of utmost importance. Your friends will also start to make some dangerous choices and will attempt to persuade you to do the same. You know right from wrong, so please make the right decisions. When you are in college, you will find a job that will require a lot of your time and energy. Please realize that working a full time job will drain you in many ways and will most likely bring your grades down. The important thing is to stay focused and never lose sight of your dream to be a successful and happy woman.

Knowing what I know about college life, and if I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to get serious about my life. I think senior high school students do not give enough thought about life and how to prepare for it. It is so important to search yourself and take careful consideration about what you want to do in life. It would be a good idea to already have narrowed down a field of study that you want to pursue when you go to college. So many high school students are just so excited about "going to college" and stuck on which college they will be attending that they loose sight of why they are going to college in the first place. Volunteering in your community is an excellent way to experience first hand some occcupations that you might be interested in once you finish college. Learn how to budget your money and your time so that you don't feel overwhelmed. Working part time in your senior year helps you experience how it feels to work, go to college and study. Finally, never give up your dreams.

Don't waste time deciding, you get lost and distracted to easily at that age. Just go. There is a huge world out there that is just waiting to be discovered. You can aspire to greatness if you only try. Don't be scared, dream of the greatness you can attain for yourself in the future. The world is truly yours for the taking and the more you know, the more you grow. The experiences you gain and the life long friends will make your life rich in the future. I waited to go until I raised my children and although it was well worth it to see them grow I do occasionally dream of how things may have been if only I had not given up on school at that time. School is so important to the growth of you as a person, no matter what the age. Dream greatness, attain greatness and begin it by gaining all the knowledge you can.

I would tell myself to better prepare for the college experience. Though Tarleton State is relatively small, I am from the middle of nowhere. I lived twenty miles from the nearest gas station. I would tell myself to get out of town a little more to better prepare for the culture shock of living in a city.

The best advice I could give to myself as a high school student would be to slow down! I was in such a hurry to have all the freedoms and responsibilities that come with adult life, that I robbed myself of the opportunity to enjoy my college years, and be involved in campus life. As much as possible, a student should stay in school and listen to the advice of counselors, teachers, and parents. Being a grown-up is tough, especially if you mess up your opportunity for education. You have the rest of your life to pay bills and work all the time, so enjoy your youth while you can, get a good education, and be involved in college life as much as possible. The friendships you make and the lessons you learn, will last a lifetime! Enjoy it!

Be open minded, don't rule out a college because of one dislike, you'd be surprised how one school could surprise you.

First off, it doesn't really matter where you go to school, you can learn anywhere. There are positive and negative things about every campus, these things being determined by the student or potential student. The best advice is to come up with a list of criteria that you can apply to potential college choices. These can range anywhere from location, tuition costs, or availability of recreational facilities, whatever is important to you. Make a list of these criteria and their answers for each respective college choice. You can use this list as a guide to help you make a final decision. To make the most of your college experience, just get involved on campus, with anything! Most schools have ample opportunities for involvement ranging from sports (competitive or intramural), performance groups, fraternaties, sororities, clubs, and professional organizations. In addition, many schools offer social functions such as movie screenings, special events for holidays or other occassions, and much more. Being involved is a great way to meet others who have similar interests as you. These people can become friends for life.

To the students, really consider the reasons you want to go to college, your goals, what experience you want to have, and the things you'd like to be involved in. Also, consider the town you will be living in, can you live with it? Parents, allow your child to choose the college they think will work the best with their personality, and goals in life. I've had many friends that chose the wrong schools, for the wrong reasons, and it costs them dearly. Also really consider your degree of choice, are there an adequate amount of opportunities in the field? Once you have chosen the right school for you, never be afraid to talk to people. Join groups, rush a sorority/ fraternity. Really listen to your professors, and last but not least have fun. You learn so much in college, not only in classes, but outside of them as well. Don't let opportunities pass you by, everyone in college is eager to help you, be friends with you, and learn with you. Laugh hard, study hard, and don't forget your parents, after all they're the reason you're here! :)

Some information that I would give to parents and/or students would be to definately go on a tour of the campus. That is what gave me the most information that I needed to help me decide where I wanted to go. Also. Parents need to go to orientation with their student to help get all the information that they would need. When chosing housing, it would be best to look at the dorm during the campus tour that way when the student is signing up online they know for sure which one they want to stay in. For the student, staying with someone that you know in the dorm room is probably not the best thing to do. Room with someone that you dont know, that way you dont get tired of your best friend and you get to meet all new friends through the new room mate. Take advantage of anything that might interest you, if you don't like it at least you tried it and maybe made more new friends.

My advice to parents and students when looking for the right college is to do your research. Look at everything that the campus has to offer and call the school and talk to real students in order to make your descion. I would also go and visit the campus and walk around and ask a bunch of question so that you really get a deep fill of what the campus is about. I would also when you chose the college and you get there i would join groups that are really about YOU and it really helps you make friends that you will have for the rest of your life. To the most of the college experience get involed and don't stay stuck in the dorm all day get out and have fun and join groups to really help you experience the college life.

Pick a school that excels in the student's choice of study. You should also make sure that the environment will be one that the student can live in, and be able to excel socially as well as acedemically.

Focus most on being comfortable in your environment, not on sports or extra curricular activities

I would suggest selecting a school with small classes. It is easier to learn and communicate ideas or thoughts to professors and students. Selecting a smaller school allows oneself to get aquainted with the same group of people. Enjoy your college years it is the last chance before the real world sets in. Make good grades, you dont want to regret not studying for a grade you may need later down the road. Find a major the you will love. School is hard enough on its own, especially is you dont love what you are doing.

Talk to current students and hear what they have to say about the school because let's face it, nobody's going to know their school better than them. The answers they give you, take them and consider the good things, don't harp on the bad experiences that people have had because you have the opportunity to shape and mold your college career however you see fit based on the opportunities presented to you. Also...GET AS INVOLVED AS YOU CAN! Get involved in anything and everything up until it starts to affect your schoolwork. You'll benefit greatly!

The less that one has to worry about throughout college, the better off you'll be. Money is a big factor in obtaining a higher education. Ensure that you have financial obligations and budgets in line when it comes time to start each semester. The less time you spend worrying about the next tuition installment, the next fraternity payment, the supplemental book you didn't get for that class because you didn't necessarily need it, or whether or not you'll have enough party money, the more time you'll have to find yourself. College environments tend to foster a culture of self-awareness--personally, socially, and intellectually. Once you find yourself, you become the only thing holding you back...unless you didn't take care of your money situation in the beginning.

To find the right college be sure to visit the campus. Talk with students and alumni about their experience at the campus. Once you have found what you believe is the right campus find an organization to join. One that shares the same beliefs and/or interests. That is where friends are sure to be found.

To Parent's: Don't force your child to go to a college they don't want to go to , or into a degree they don't want to persue. And make sure they know the value of whose ( whether it's your's or the government's that they have to eventually pay back) money they are spending. To students: Don't waste your life. Make sure you're persuing what you want for your future. Go to class, if you get into trouble make sure it was worth it.

The advice I would give to future college students is to find out what you enjoy doing, do like big classes or small classes, and what field of study interests you and find a school that matches. I believe it is important to like the surrounding environment as well because there is a major difference between a college in a big city like Austin and a college in a small town like Stephenville. I believe a key factor in making the most of your college experience is to be out going and not be afraid of being yourself because if you are just trying to fit in you will never be happy. Also, I believe it is very important to stand up for what you believe in because not everyone is going to belive the same things but you will have gained a respect from everyone for standing up for what you believe.

Attend class! Make the most of your experiences.

Make sure to visit all schools you are considering

Stay active in your college activities. Do not stay in your room all the time or go home every weekend to see old friends. You are in college to meet new ones. Make sure to find something you truly enjoy to do. You are being trained for a career that you should like forever. Have fun and never regret the past.

Finding the right college can be an easy task. I suggest visiting several school and see where you feel at home, it will be your new home. Be sure to take into consideration the size of the school in relation to your high school what size classes and campuses will you be comfortable with. If you went to a smaller high school many suggest a smaller college since the atmosphere is a like. Also how far is it away from home and how often do you plan on going home to see your parents is important. If you think you will want to go home multiple times a month then dont chose a school that is several hours away it will be too hard on you. Then once you decide your school make sure to go to the freshman orientations and camps they can be boring at times but they are helpful and you meet a lot of your friends here.

I would tell students that they should visit each campus in person before making a decision. You should feel comfortable on the campus because it will be your home for the next four or more years. If you do not enjoy being at your college your grades will probably suffer because you will not be happy. I also think it is important to visit a professor or dean in your areas of interest. They want you to succeed and will help you find valuable information that will help you to make the right decision. I would encourage students to get involved on campus in some way whether it be intermural sports, greek life, religious organizations, or major specific organizations being involved with help you meet new people and network. Being involved also makes college more fun and gives you chances to take a break from studies. The last thing I would suggest it to make sure that you manage your time so that you do not wait until the night before a test to study. Tests in college are much different than high school tests and require much more studying.

To find the college best suitable for you, find one that has a wide variety of opportunities in your field of study. You also want to be able to get involved with schools that are known for their helpfullness and friendliness toward the students and their parents. Attending a college that allows you to get really involved in groups of the same or similar major, also allows you to "network" by making friends, and allowing new opportunities to arise to your benifit. Being involved is the best way to make the most of your college experience, by getting involved in study groups, or volunteering in your college community are just a few examples.

Really do your research into what school you want, its okay as well to change school if you don't like the one you choose

I would tell them to talk to the staff about what they think about the students because they get to see them at their best and worst. From what I have learned, the students are what make the school successful. It is very important to find the right college that fits that of the individual student. For me, Tarleton State is perfect, but for other students, it may be different. To make the best of my college experiance I got plugged into a College church group, got a job, and stayed busy and out of trouble. Alot of kids that come to college get hung up in the bar and drinking scene, so I would advise that they try to stay as focused as possible. It is hard for students to get out of the rut once they get in. To make the most out of college, a student should learn to prioritize and have a drive effort in school. That is the main key points that I can think of!!

Find a place close to home. And make sure you like the environment. So be sure to visit and tour the collages before attending them. Don't bother with Junior collages if you want a four year degree. For tech. degrees their great.

When searching for a college, you need to make sure that the academics come first. Every school has partying; some a little more than others. But you shouldn't decide on a college based on that. You need to pick one that will give you the best education for the price. And remember that you can make friends anywhere, but when college is over, it's over. Time to grow up and join the real world. It will be a lot easier to do if you have a degree from a well established university, instead of a "party school".

Visit the colleges you are thinking about, and ask students there how they enjoy it.

Someone once told me that it doesn't matter where you go to college, they teach the same things everywhere. While parts of that may be true, I can't agree with the entire statement. The college experience should be about gaining knowledge for the betterment of oneself. For each person, the college experience is a truly uniquie opportunity to shape his or her own future by intensive study and research in an atmosphere created specfically for that purpose. In selecting a college, my advice is to visit potential schools and talk to as many people as possible about anything related to the university or its programs. Most schools offer a general tour of the campus, which are good for people who have never been on the grounds before. Don't settle with just this tour; try to arrange meetings with specific people who either teach in or administer programs in which you might be interested. If you can, talk to students about what they think of the school or its offerings. Get as much information ahead of time as you can, it will help, I guarantee it.

From my own personal experience do not follow someone else to a college they want to go to. You never know what the future may bring and you'll probably will make decisions you regret. Pick a college that you think has "you" written all over it and do not settle for any less. This is a once in a lifetime experience and you need to make the most out of it! Get involved with groups and organizations (resume) and enjoy your life at this time to the full extent. It goes by faster than you think and when you reach the end and realize how much more you wish you had done, then it's just about too late to start.

I would say do your research. Make sure you really are getting quality education for your money. Consider everything when choosing where you want to be. Distance, cost, and resources are all big factors in picking a school to attend. Make sure where ever you go that you feel comfortable and that when you graduate you won't be swimming in debt. To make the most of your college experience you must get involved on campus. Find a group or club that you're interested in and become a member. Go to sports games, or become a part of Student Government. Whatever or where ever you choose, find something for you and put your all into it. What you get out of college is what you put into it.

I feel that one must go and try to visit whatever college or university they are planning to attend. Make friends and don't be too shy. Always keep in mind your morals and don't allow anyone to influence that way that you think and the way that you feel about your self. Get involved don't close the door on certain things just because they seem different or "weird".

Before deciding on a college, visit the campus. Walk around and try to imagine yourself walking to class and being apart of that community. If you have to many doubts with the campus and you don't feel comfortable with the campus then it is probably not for you. Find out what the town itself has to offer for you. If a camp is provided, attending would be so beneficial. Not only could you make a life long friend, but it gives you a chance to learn about school tradition and the atmosphere of the school. Don't feel pressured to join an organization your first semester or year. Take time to discover what all organizations and groups the college has and what they are all about. Plus, i would suggest just getting accustom to college life and the work load before committing to a group. Be open to different ways of life and cultures, you will see lots of things! All in all, enjoy yourself get to know people (get out of your shell). This is your opportunity to be who you want to be and to discover your way in life.

Look around, find a campus that your not going to feel lost at...

For incoming freshman I would tell them to make sure that they are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure abour the major they are picking. If they are not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure , if there is any doubt at all, come in as an undeclared major and work on your basic classes. That way you dont waste your time and money on classes that you dont even need. Also I would tell them to make sure they attend every class no matter what the excuse is. Failing a class because of attendance is ridiculous. For parents, I would tell them to not push a major on a student, that can decide after the first year and still be able to graduate in the four years. Also make sure you have all the finiancial aid papers in order and on time, most students wont receive aid solely because they didnt get the paperwork in on time, Earlier is always better. Overall I would tell them to relax, take one day at a time, and to not get to wild being out on their own.