Texas A & M International University Top Questions

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

Angel

My college experience has not been at all difficult. I believe that the University I am attending does a great job with helping the students and meeting their needs. I am trying my best and studying hard to maintain a high GPA in school. And although I am doing everything possible to get the full college experience, I'm just not feeling it. Living with my parents hasn't let me feel the emotion of being independant, which is why I hope to study away from home. This is not a problem that bothers me all that much, but is a problem that takes away a bit from the "college experience" nonetheless. Also, I know now that your grade doesn't just depend on how you study, but on the interest you actually have in the class. The interest that a professor sees in you, determines the effort that he'll put forth in helping you. All these factors are things that I've learned throughout my academic career in my University. College life has been good so far, and I hope to get enough scholarship funds to continue experiencing an enjoyable college life.

Frances

Personally, I have not really learned much from my experience at my current university. It isn't the university's fault, but if you are a student hoping to learn a variety of things, not just regurgitate information as in high school, I would go to a different university.

Laura

It's been of value to me because I still use the material I learned in my career as a Spanish teacher.

marcos

I have only been to a sesion in which i have been informed about the campus and about how college life will be. im currently waiting for summer two to start so that i can advance some classes. I know that as my college years pass by i'll become more responsible and have more knoledge that will help me with my major criminal justice.

Chelsea

Throughout my college experience I have been exposed to many different disciplines and have a better understanding of the society I live in, as well as those around me. From my obtained knowledge I've been able to lay down my assumptions about the world and approach situations in a more tolerable and accepting way. It's been a value to go to a community college because you learn a lot from the classroom but also from the diverse group of people you are around. Everyone is in a different situation and has a different perspective to give. I've loved going to college, and can't wait for my next experience at Seattle Pacific University.

Joshua

I have gotten the knowledge that I need to succeed in the career that I am pursuing. This that knowledge that i gain is valuable because I will put it to good use.

Katarzyna

When I was going to school for my first Bachelor's degree, my most valuable experience was the independence I gained. I learned how to be fiscally responsible. When the student loan check came in, I learned that I had to use that money for tuition and books. The money that was left over I had to budget for the next few months for groceries and other incidentals. This experience was very valuable as after graduation when I started working I had to utilize those skills when I received my pay check. If I had not learned that valuable lesson while I was attending school, it would have been much harder to learn budgeting while being employed. I saw many friends of mine that did not attend school, wastefully spend their money when they received their paychecks. In the end, those friends were the ones coming to me expressing their financial woes.

Rocio

The college experience is fantastic because just knowing that I am a step to the goal of getting a Bachelor's in Arts that is a great reward. Also, I am a Latina and attending a university that its in another language has been a great challenge and I am so proud of myself day by day. I have got out of the college experience are great friends, great professors, and ready for what is next. Something that is very valuable about attending a four year university, I will be the first person in my generation to get a Bachelor's Degree. That makes me and my family so happy. I am pursuing for a career in Psychology to help people and my community to search for a better and bright future. Just thinking that I will be able to finish a career makes me so glad that I am attending a university like Texas A&M International University.

Julie

In your last year of high school, being a senior was always going to be the highlight of the year compared to the previous three years of high school. Little did I know then that it would have been the most stressful year of all. If I could have given myself any advice, it would have to be that I should have improved my habits when it came to studying for exams. Making the transition from being a high school student to a college student was difficult because college professors do not remind you of your responsibilities you have to the class. Another piece of advice is that as a college student, getting ahead in your classes is always a good idea. High school teachers always gave you the chance to catch up, where as at a university, professors expect you to "be on the ball." Becoming a student at a college or university is not hard to do. If you stay focused and know what you want to accomplish during your college career, you will succeed and find that school cannot only be hard work, but can be fun as well.

Tirso

Manage your time properly. I think that is the most difficult thing to get used to when you're making the transition from high school to college. What I want to say is best described by the words of my Survey of Life proffessor, Dr. Thomas Vaughan: "If you do what you have to do when you have to do it, you will have time to do what you want to do when you want to do it."

Sharone

I would have told myself that college is just the first step towards actual life. I would have constantly reminded myself that college could be the most exciting and frustrating moments of my life, and that I would love every single moment without regret. By telling myself all that I would have prepared myself mentally on how college would be.

Javier

Hey past me, whatsup, its future you from two years from now. Yea i know I traveled through time, awesome right? No, I cant take you with me to the times dinosaurs roamed the planet, trust me you do not want to. Anyways, I came here to give you advice. No not with girls, with college, trust your future self, this is more valuable than dating advice. Stop being so lazy all the time. Seriously, do your work on time. High school is easy and we procastinated like profesionals, but college is different. You need to study like two weeks before an exam, and all the time,seriously. Do your projects on time. One time I put off some projects and had to do them all during finals week, while studying for finals, you do not want to do that. It is horrible. Even though this may alter the time space continuum, heed my warnings! Stop being lazy. What? Still with that? Fine, shave that nasty beard alright, girls do not like that nasty stuble that you think looks awesome. I must now get back to my own time, and remember do not be lazy anymore, and study more.

Erika

As we grow older, life brings bigger obstacles that we may have difficulty overcoming them. Although life may seem hard at times, we need to remember we can conquer anything we set our minds to do. For example, I want a secure future for myself; therefore, I attend a university and work hard to make my way to a Bachelor?s degree. In order to complete my goal, I undergo long school days with short sleepless nights. Thus, if I could go back in time and have the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself never to give up on my dream. I would advise myself to work hard to excel in college just as I excelled in high school. If I was able to take advanced placement classes in high school, was able to keep myself in the top ten throughout my four years in high school, and was even able to graduate with honors; college will be no different. I would tell myself to set the same high standard goals, working hard for a better and brighter future.

Idalia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself my first advice would be to "belive in yourself and anything is possible." "start by choosing the career you would love to do." " college life is very different from high school because college is an option and you have to be sensible enough on how you will pursue your goals because in college you have to study and study and did i mention study?" "Now is the time to ask questions to your counselor, its ok." "College is about how much you are willing to go how much you want to have an impact on the world." " I know you want to help others so start by helping yourself and study." "Take your exams and take a college course early so that you can get a feel of what college is and not be taken by surprise." "see your counselor more often get an idea on the classes you'll need for the career you choose." "Apply for Finanical Aid and scholarships early." " if you want to be pre-med, volunteer now but, most of all try your best in everything." " I know you can do it." " any questions?"

Jessica

I would tell myself that ife is about finding yourself, and college helps you immensely. If you have great dreams and goals, don't stop reaching for them. Your family may try to bind you close to home, but that's not what you want. Follow what you want to do, not want they want you to do. Their unconditional love will shine through even if you want to study halfway across the world. Don't worry about how much college will cost, you'll be able to pay it back in the long run. Go to your dream college, beat the odds, and surprise everyone. I'd tell myself that my hardwork has paid off, since I was already accepted to every public university in Texas, even Baylor. If you have options, take them, because not everybody has them. Take chances and give yourself the education you want and have been looking for, not the one that will "just do."

Jose

To make the best choice that accomodate yourselves economically good and academically high.

Juan

They need to find out if the college(s) they prefer offers what the student wants and needs. Also, a degree is a degree no matter what college it is from, while the experiences may be different, the learning is mostly the same.

Araceli

College is probably one of the most important and difficult choice individuals have to make. Being able to go to college is a wonderful opportunity. My advice would be to have an open mind on your decision to which college you choose to go to. For parents, many of them have this dream college and future planned out for their children, but they also need to realize that their dreams aren't always the same as their kids. Communication is important. The parent of course is more knowledgable, and has a clearer head to make a decision that goes beyond where your friends are going or if the school has good parties, so students should listen to their parents as well. Overall, I believe it should be the students decision. They are the ones who will be attending the college, and if they feel forced, they will not enjoy it the way every person should, and in the end may resent their parents or just give up on college all together. This is the time to really live your life the way you want to, and you should take advantage of the possibilities.

Christopher

A way to find the right college for you is to find one that suits all your needs. When attending a collge the most important feature should be " How much does the college help you, and do they have your major or what you are going to study." Other characteristics you should look for is that you feel comfortable in your desired choice, as if you where going to your second home becouse that is what it is a second home for 4 years. When finally you have chossen your college "Your Home" Don't just spend time by yourself with a book at your wife/husband. Enjoy the activities provided and the help at the college, becouse all work and no play is very stressfull and that is one thing you want to avoid. You want to avoid over stressing yourself and driving yourself crazy with grades and your GPA. So, take time and make the most in college becouse alot awaits you like new friends, new adventures and so much more within the next four years of your life that you will never want to forget.

Angelita

I would have to say that there are many things to consider when choosing a college or university. First and foremost there is the availablity of the degree the student chooses to pursue. You also have to keep in mind that college is a big investment, thereforee the price of tuition is important as well. Another aspect to consider is the ratio from professor to student. Students might be more successful in a classroom where you can interact one o one with the professor. That was one of the reasons I decided to go to TAMIU. Lastly, going to college close to home is a good option for saving money.

Michael

I believe the main aspect of college is the entire college experience. To engage in the full experience you need to live on campus. I am a strong believer that students housing can make or break a college. I weight on-campus housing very high on the percentage that I would include it in my decision for choice of a college. It come down to the facilities, but most importanly the activities socially and educationally that the on-campus housing offers for its students. If they stress the importance of a learning community that goes above and beyond the norm to supply students with all they need to grow as members of society than I beleive that is the school for you. Every student has their own needs and wants. Each housing development has different things to offer. If the housing complex you choose is anything like TAMIU and has social and educational activities throughout the school year for all its residents, than that is a smart choice for the school you should attend.

Jennifer

The advice I would give to students and their parents would be to research and visit not only to schools of interest but also to other available options. By being open to other options you may also allow greater opportunities to enter your life you didn't know could be accessible to you. You don't have to be far from home to get the best education. Great opportunities may also be close to home! Remember to keep in mind your priorities, goals, and what you want to get out of life while making a decision. Also, keep your hobbies and interests in mind because it will affect your college life and experience. But remember don't be close minded, be adventurous and allow yourself to explore new things, but still staying wise, to get the most out of your final decision.

Belinda

From my own experience all I can say is, don?t be afraid to take chances and go far. Do what is best for you as a person and what will benefit you the most in the long run. Don?t be a follower, be a leader. Make your own choices and pick the college of YOUR dreams, not your best friends or your boyfriend?s. And to the parents, remember, no matter how far or how old your child is, they will always need your love and support. Help them out and support their dreams. Even if it means letting go for a couple of years, your child will always come back and thank you in ways you can?t even imagine.

Ignacio

Adivice that I would give to students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to make sure it fits you. Make sure the college you decide to attend is right for you. It should have everything you want academically and it should be in the type of city you want to live in. You should also consider the diversity and how the people are at the school. If all of the before mentioned things sound good when deciding where to go then that may be the right school for you. Like I said, my best advice is to make sure it fits you and what you like.

Anna

Visit every college you are thinking on applying or attending to. The people you meet, the friends you make, the facilities, the enviroment, and getting to know the faculty is very important for you to feel comfortable in an university. Make sure they have the exact degree you want, and make sure they have optional courses or programs, such as pre-law and pre-med programs. Make sure that the teachers will always be available for extra help, or at least make sure the school has a tutoring center/ They are very helpful.

Amber

My advice to parents and students about choosing the right college is that they should find the college that better suits their needs. A parent must be supportive of the students decision and try their best to successfully guide them in making the right choice for them. The right college might not always be your first choice but do not be discouraged and keep on looking for the college that is the right fit for the student. Students must be independent in their choice of school and try make this decision on their own. Most students know what they really want and will make the right choice in their chosen school and career path. Making the most of your chosen college path is an experience unto itself because it allows a studet to have complete control for their academic actions and forces many students to learn to be responsible because of the demands that college students face on or off campus.

Javier

Students should give a try to things they like. If there is a class they are interested about they should try it. That class may change their view of what they want to do for the rest of their life. Parents should always support their child about what he or she really wants to do. Parents will always want the best for their son or daughter and by letting them choose their career it would guarantee them that their child would study something they are passioned about.

Armandina

Always, look for a college or university which take your problems or your voice into consideration. The campus' administration and staff should always be attentive and well mannered when it comes down to the importance of your education. Your education is a very good investment for your future. It is important for campus' staff and administration guide you through it. There are so many people who will help you complete your journey throught their knowledge and skills. Those are the people who you will thank at the end of your journey of education.

Dinah

College is the best oportunity we have, and is not about the parties or the funwe can have. It does not matter the college or university we attend as long as we are happy with what we are doing. Making a better person of ourselves. The importacne of collage is fullfillng our dreams, and be who ever we want to be, not what society makes us.

Iliana

Find the college that will be best for you. Don't pay much attention to what others say about your college choice. Live your life and have fun.

Jose

First of all you have to choose a school where is affordable to you, where you feel confortable with the people around. The most important thing is that the student attending the school should be going with interest and willing to learn. Also, the programs offered at the school should be interest and affordable to incoming students. Financial aid plays an important role in choosing the right university, so make sure you visit your financial aid advisor for the most help possible. Knowing the opinions of few current studies should be helpful in choosing the right school for you.

Melissa

Well to the parents, I would say to take your child to the campus during the last month of school so that he/she may sit in on a class or two. They can all get a feel for the campus and the life on campus. It is a big help for many students, and a relief for many parents. Do e-mail, write, or call your student a few times a week, it helps with home sickness, especially durning finals. As far as students, I suggest that they get to know people in thier classes. You may not intent on missing a class, but it helps to have a friend who has the notes or to be the one to help out. It is best if you find out who the people are that will be studying the same Major/Minor as you. In the case of TAMIU the same people are in a lot of the same classes as you are once you are out of the basics period. Also, do not be afraid to go tutoring centers they are there to help you, and, in most cases, they do a great job at it.