Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

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

Amanda

I would recommend visiting your campus of choice to determine if it is the right setting for you. While there, talk to the students, ask them how they like their classes and professors. Before you go it would also be wise to set up an appointment with an academic advisor and maybe also the financial aide office. Talk to the academic advisor about the degree program you are interested in and what requirements you will have to meet, while talking to the financial aide office, determine if that university/college is financially suitable. Talk about all of your options, they are there to help you. Once you've found the university/college of your choice, make friends in your classes, find study partners, people to help you understand the things you cannot. Become active in a school organization, it is a great way to make friends, become involved, and feel like an important part of your school. Also, give back to your community. Many school organizations have charity events to help your surrounding community. Be involved, academically and socially, you only have a couple of years there, make them worth your while! Thanks and Gig 'Em! Amanda Schumann '12

Landon

Apply to as many places as you possibly can, for both admission and scholarships. There is so much financial aid out there for all types of people, don't miss out on it. Get to know your academic advisor very well. You want them to know you by name because they are a crucial part to your college success. Having a social life is important because networking will help you later in life. However, remember that your grades are the biggest priority and the reason you are in college. The job market is very competitive these days, so you need to have brains and social skills. That is why it is also important to get involved in social organizations. Concentrate on philanthropic and scholastic organizations, instead of just the "Official Beer Drinking Team." College is great, and goes by faster than you would expect. Make the most of it. Most importantly, branch out. Don't be intimidated by hard classes or masses of people you don't know. College is an amazing experience and helps mold you into who you will be for the rest of your life, but it requires alot of work, so stay motivated.

Kayla

When looking into the college you are going to attend there are many things you need to take into account. It is important for both the parents and the child to know as much about each school before making the big decision. I think if I could go back and give myself some advice, it would be to look into the social live at a school. We all know that college is about academics and learning, but that's not going to make you feel happy at a school. You need to find out how easy it is to get involved in activities that you like, and what you can join to make you feel like a part of the community. That will be the most rewarding part of college. Make sure the atmosphere is right for you or you will spend the next four years in misery. There is a perfect school for everyone, so don't settle!

Ryan

Find a school that fits the student; don't expect the school to mold to them. If the parents expect the college to mold to the student, then they will be surprised how much they will have changed. Parents should let their children find themselves at college, and have the oppurtunity to become who they want to become.

Katie

If you're interested in graduate school, go somewhere for undergrad that has a grad school there; the advisors are better informed about how to prepare for grad school. Live on-campus your first year--you get to experience student life and find friends easier! Get involved in 3 extra-curricular activities: a social one, a spiritual or community service one, and a professional or major-related one. Take honors classes if possible! Go talk with your prof and introduce yourself during the first month of classes. Pick a college that won't cause you to constantly defend your values, religion, or standards. College is a place to learn and explore, but it's wearying to be bombarded all the time.

Shelby

Really it seems like the college finds you, you just know its right.

adriana

make sure you follow your dreams and not try to follow anyone's footsetps. visit the campus and get a feel for the school before you make your decision and take part in as many activities as you can related to the school's orientations.

Laura

In finding the right college, I beleive it is important to not only look at which school best caters to your academic interest, but also at which school fits your peronal interests as well. Texas A&M, for instance, provides not only a magnificent array of majors to choose from, but also offers numerous and diverse extracurricular activities and organizations. Many campuses, such as this one, are also very beautiful and provide a learning environment that allows for creative stimulation. In addition, Texas A&M also provides students a chance to become a part of immense school spirit exhibited throughout the campus. To make the most of the college experience, it is important to not only stive for excellence, but to also branch out and join any organizations that interest you. This may not only provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities, but also produce life-long friends and even possible career opportunities.

Adria

While many students are unsure of what they want out of a college, it is important to have multiple options and explore them all in depth in order to get the best idea of what it would be like to attend school there. Upon attending your perfect college, remember that the main reason you're there is to learn and improve your knowledge to help you in your future career. This is not to say that you cannot have fun at the same time. It is important and beneficial to join organizations to meet people with common interests outside of your major. I believe it is helpful to take part in as many activities your freshman year to know what is available and be able to say that you did it, even if you didn't enjoy it and don't plan on attending again. You don't want to graduate with any regrets, so try everything at least once (within reason).

Jacqueline

My number one piece of advice for prespective students and parents is to apply to all the colleges and universities you want to go to, even if you don't think you will get in always try. Then visit most of the schools for a weekend to get a feel for how well you like the atmosphere at that school. When I visited Texas A&M University my senior of high school with my parents for a weekend, that is when I decided Texas A&M was my first choice. There would have been no way of knowing this without going to the school. I second piece of advice is stay on track, your school conselour can really help you with making a schedule and making sure you get everything you need to get done with applications and finances.

Amanda

When picking a college to go to make sure you visit all of the colleges that you are thinking about so you can get a feel of each and pick the campus that you feel most comfortable in. Once you?re at college I think the most important thing it to get involved. Check out all of the different clubs and organizations the school has to offer and join a few. Most colleges have a wide variety of organizations and you can defiantly find a few that fit your interests. This is a grate way to meet a lot of new people! And secondly stay on top of all of you academic stuff. This isn?t high school anymore and teachers are a lot less forgiving. You have to realize that going to college is a privilege and not a right so work hard? you or your parents are not paying for you to have fun, they are paying for you to learn.

Caitlin

Finding the right college is imperative to educational success. There are many ways to find a college that fits an individual. Visting the campus and speaking with current students and advisers, and looking at on and off campus housing is an excellent way to determine if the college will suit the student. The prospective student should also select a college that is with in a reasonable distance or within their budget to travel to and from. The student should also make a list of the possible careers they might want in the future, and be sure to select a college that is strong in the area of their intersts. Once in college, it's important to make the best of the situation. Often times it is hard being away from family and what we have come to know as normal. But college is an experience that you can only have one time. You can only be 20 years old once, so it is important that your time is spent living, laughing, learning, and loving. College is also a time to find yourself and discover who you are and who you want to be.

Yolanda

You should visit the school before attending. Get a feel for the schoo's environmet and the students. Make sure that you can see yourself attending school there for an extended period of time. The school that you go to will become your home for most of the year. You need to be comfortable with the environment and the student body in order for you to be successful in your studies. Also it would be good to live on campus for at least the first year. In that way you will be able to make friends and meet lots of people that you will be attending school with. Most importantly you need to be happy wherever you decide to attend school.

Majdi

Before you commit to a specific school, make sure you give Texas A&M in College Station a chance.

Sarah

Do a lot of research beforehand, and visit each college physically if at all possible. The atmosphere of a college can't be fully captured through online pictures. Take your time. Students--the decision is ultimately up to you. If everyone in your family went to one school, don't feel pressured to pick that school. You are the one who is going to be living and learning there, not them. Parents--realize that your child is unique and may not choose the school of your choice. Make helpful suggestions, and share your wisdom, but let your child make the final decision. Students--once you've chosen a college, get involved! It may seem overwhelming to take on an activity in addition to your academics, but it will actually make life easier. You will not only make friends, but new sources of support. You'll meet people who are going through the same things you are, who you can share with and who can help you if you fall behind. Organizations are great support systems! Finally--don't be too hard on yourself, especially in your first year. Everyone struggles a little; take it as another learning experience.

Amanda

pick on close to home, read every night for your classes

Roger

The first thing to look at in my opinion would be the alumni of the school. The alumni should be very involved with the school and have an active part in its' prosperity. Making the most of school is all about the traditions of the school. This is where you will make the lasting memories of your college experience. The traditions are also a motivation and reminder that what you do in college will be looked at and remembered among the former and future students of your university.

Ellen

Finding the right univeristy for a student is one of the most important decisions he or she will have to make in their life. The most important thing is knowing who you are. Once you know the qualities you posses or what you enjoy doing, you should be able to see that in the univeristy you pick. For example, I love sports and I love being social and hanging out with friends. When I visited A&M I learned about all the different clubs available and just saw how friendly the campus was. To me that was very important in chosing the right college. Knowing yourself and what you like in life will help you pick the college that is right for you.

Jeremy

Go to a large university and get involved. Odds are you'll end up changing majors, and you will want options. Additionally, don't take huge course loads your first year! There's a correlation between the number of classes you take and your GPA, and you need a good GPA to easily transfer between colleges.

Jamie

i would hihgly recommend choosing a school after visiting numerous campuses, also consider out of state. There are numerous colleges to choose from so don't stress there is one that is right for you. Be open minded to change and choose a school that fits you and no one else.

David

One thing that parents and students should do is tour schools together. If the student feels welcome and "at home", he/she will be much more likely to embrace activities and events on campus. Socializing, forming relationships and making contacts are very important and beneficial aspects of the college experience. Research student life at universities to see what kinds of clubs and organizations are available. Ask a lot of questions at these tours such as: "What kinds of course help sessions are available?" and "How effective are the career centers or academic advisors?" It is crucial that the student has the ability to get involved with their college and benefit as much as possible from the money spent on their college education. You are missing out on wonderful experiences and memories if you just go to college to get a piece of paper that says "You did it".

Ryan

Finding the right college is a difficult task but exponentially rewards itself. Research into your chosen field of study will narrow your search down greatly. Upon completing this task, you must visit the top of these colleges and spend time watching the students there in and out of the classroom environment.

Shawn

Start early and take time to review all aspects of the school and campus. Also, do an actual visit to the campus during the semester so you can see all of the college students on campus. This will make a big impression on you and your child to see actual students. Take if slow and easy at first - don't jump in over your head. Also, start looking early for scholarships, grants and loans to assist with financial aid.

Crystal

Start looking and applying early for schools that fulfill your academic needs, then go to the campus and meet the people, and find a place that feels like home. Get out there and find yourself, get involved but always remember the proper order of things (you came to college THEN you joined your other activities at school; so school always comes first). For the parents just trust that you have raised them to the best of your abilities. Hey they have made it into college you must have been doing something right.

Janet

My advice for parents is to plan ahead. Begin a college fund for your children at a young age because college is very expensive. My parents did not have a college fund for my sister and I so they only way we are currently able to attend college is through loans, which add up quick. My suggestion for students is to attend a local two-year or junior college first, this allows one to participate in small classes, to meet new people, to decide if attending college is something you want to dedicate yourself to for the next four years, it allows you to determine your area of focus and major, and tuition is cheaper in price. Once an individual completes all of these, then transfer to a larger four-year university. Not only will one have their lower level classes completed, one will be able to begin their classes of focus. To make the most of the college experience, join study groups within each class help with your school work, join clubs on campus to make friends and volunteer in the community, study hard but also know when to relax and have a good time with friends.

Corey

Be prepared to work hard in your classes. This university is tough but there are also chances to have fun if you are productive during your study time.

Ashley

i dont know

Erica

I would advise parents and sudents to visit the colleges and take a tour with someone from the university. It gives you a really good outlook on what there is to do and you are able to ask questions to find out if you really belong at that university. Make sure you get involved. It is so important because you have fun, get to meet life long friends, and you are ususally helping out either your school or your community.

Benjamin

Try and decide on a career path and then choose a college that has a good program in that particular field not a school that your parents went to.

Amber

Personality has alot to do with whether a school is right for you. A small school is better for the more quiet, introverted personality where as a large school is better for a more outgoing, friendly personality. The atmosphere of the school is also key, so visiting many schools helps greatly. Its like picking out a date on an online dating service, even if they are great on paper, truely connecting with the school in person is how to tell whether is it right for you. Once there, make the most of college in two areas: school and social. For school, taking classes on subjects your want to learn about is important. Unlike high school, this is a time to figure out what you want to do with your life and what your enjoy. Use this time to become an expert in your field and feel free to change it! Socially, get involved in what you like to do but don't stretch yourself to thin. Make sure you have a couple of nights off a week to just relax, study and hang out with friends. Enjoy and take advantage of this time to truely LIVE LIFE!

Ransom

The college search process can seem to be a very grueling process unless you know what kind of experience you're looking for. I believe that academics, location, and social atmosphere are cornerstones in helping one make their decision. If you know the size of the community you wish to live in (whether it's urban or suburban), the quality of education you desire, and the level of extracurricular social involvement you are willing to devote, then narrowing down the search process is easy. It is important to visit your school of interest in order for you to accurately answer these aforementioned "cornerstone concerns." Furthermore, all other worries such as finances, living arrangements, and other accommodations seem to simply fall into place once you understand what you're looking for. The easy part is knowing what kind of person you are and what your driving force, or passion, really is. If you truly know this and can assess the environment you see yourself living in for the next few years of your life, the quality of your college experience will be incredible regardless of the institution you attend. In order to have the best experience simply be brave and forthright.

cathy

Advice that I would personally give a student is, follow your heart and go somewhere that makes you happy. This is an important concept because the experiences you have in college will change your life forever. If you are happy at a certain place, the better the grades you might get and the friendships you will make will last a lifetime. If you were to go to a college that did not make you happy you will be depressed and sometimes you won't do well in college. Some other advice I can give a student is to trust in your instincts. If you don't like your major, change, if you don't like your professor, talk to them. Let them know how you feel and never be afraid to ask for help. One day that help can bring you a long ways to where you want to be. Don't let anyone tell you different. Don't change who you are for someone else. Do what you want. Most importantly believe in your self, that you can acheive anything and succeed. Don't give up!

Leah

Look at Univeristy sizes, and how big the classes are. Also look at what school is better for your major you are interested in. Also look at which social life is most near to your social life right now. And to make the most out of your college experience, accept every invitation, don't discriminate, and be open to everything. You will learn a lot about yourself this way.

kyler

When searching for the right college, you must make sure your views align as closely as possible with the university that you wish to attend. These include religious, political, and ethical views from which differences in viewpoints may cause feelings of discomfort while attending a specific university.

Jennifer

Make sure to go and visit the campuses you're considering. You can get a better feel of the atmopshere if you actually visit and take tours of the campus. When on campus take the opportunity to talk to students and get their opinions of their school. Students are more likely to give you honest and unbiased answers more so then the schools website.

Mark

Visit all the colleges you can so you can see what life is like on campus and find one that offers what is best for the education you want.

Helen

Please visit the campus and find out the environment, the people, and the extracurilulars. Academics are one thing, but having to live in a city for 4 years is life changing and doesnt only depend on the classroom.

Brett

Pick one that is uniquely you.

Allison

Look at the other students when you are visiting and see that they are healthy and happy. Go to the school that feels right to you and not for reputation, because you will get the most out of a college where you feel most comfortable. While in school become involved in extracurricular activities, because these will provide the life lessons you will need in your career. Try not to stick to one group of people. Meet as many classmates as you can, because in the future you will be collaborating with them. Know all of the resources that each school provides. Many students do not take advantage of them, and you will be surprised at what you find. Relax and find time to devote to your favorite hobbies, sports, or activities in order to keep a balanced workload.

Chris

Visit the college before you decide which you decide where you go. In order to get the best experience take the time to get involved and be open to meet new people wherever you go. Meet the people in your dorm. Be open with yourself and be willing to try new things. Listen.

T.

I would definitely advise students and parents to visit the universities and/or colleges that they are interested in. They should do research and find out if the school has a program that actually allows the student to room with an existing student for about a week or two so the prospective students can really get a feel of the campus before they enroll. I also suggest talking to upper-classmen who are not biased about the university/college. By doing the above mentioned things, the student and parent can avoid being suprised at the atmosphere of the school after they are enrolled and it is too late.

Lauren

The first thing I would tell someone is to choose a school based on what it can do for you and your future career. Do not pick a school because your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend are going there. When you get to whatever school you choose, you will make plenty of new friends. Do not let money stop you. If you do not have enough money to pay for the school, apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid. There is almost always some way for you to get money to help you pay for school. Also look for a school that you feel will help you be able to make a difference while your there as well as when you leave. Be sure they have organizations that can help you with community service or getting out into areas of your projected field of work as well as social groups. It will be important to get involved in something. The school you choose needs to be a place where you can feel at home. If you do not think you will feel at home there, then it probably is not the school for you.

Michelle

Go visit the college before you accept. Get involved on campus.

Kiara

College is thought of as one of the most successful avenues towards holding an astute career and earning a prestigious education. In order to make the right choice, I advise that students should find a college that feels right for them. Students can begin their nationwide search easily with a personalized college search to access and connect to institutions that fit their needs and interests. Once a student narrows their search, the next step is to visit the school's campus. For myself, I found this to be the best way to find a school that fit me because I could actually see the campus and get acquainted with its settings. When a student attends their college/university they should regularly see an academic advisor, an advisor of their college, and even meet their professors. All will be thrilled to see that the student is enthusiastic about earning a privileged education and will help them to achieve this. Another great tip I will advise is becoming involved in the campus and community. By staying focused, a student can get the most of an academic education and learn traits like leadership and professionalism which can promote them to any successful career.

Katherine

I think the best advice would be to not worry too much about it! I know it's one of the most stressful experiences in high school, making that all-important decision on what to do with the next four years of your life, at least it was for me: I struggled with trying to decide whether I wanted to seriously pursue a music degree or go the academic route. I spent most of my senior year worried about making the "wrong decision" instead of truly enjoying my last bits of life at home, whereas I now know I would've been perfectly happy with either outcome. My point is, no matter what you decide, college is going to be so different from anything you could ever expect or plan it to be, and what a wonderful difference it is! It doesn't matter if you go to the perfect school for your major or the school right down the street, what matters is what you do once you're there. If you take advantage of the opportunities you're presented with, no matter where you go, you'll be making your own best college experience, no doubt about it.

Alyssa

My honest advice is to pray a lot about your college decision and find out where God wants to use and teach you. I wish I had more, but God was faithful to lead me exactly where he wanted me to go because I wanted him to. He knows where you will be most effective and best influenced, and he cares more than you know about who you will influence and be influenced by in these next four years. These are the years where you are given the freedom of an adult without most of the restrictive responsibilities. Use this freedom to accomplish goals that you will find are actually possible with a certain amount of work, and to learn about yourself. You will change and grow immensely; you must take care that you are growing in the right direction. In my opinion that direction is toward God and the plan he has for you. College is on opportunity to absorb all of the ideas and philosophies you can. Your student body will be a fusion of diverse critical thinkers with coutless life exeperiences and backgrounds. Learn from them and then learn how to discern what you believe for yourself.

Cortney

Visit the campus and really take in every aspect of it-the life on campus as well as off campus! Really take the time to evaluate all the needs you think you will have while you are in college and make sure that the school you are considering has everything to fulfill those needs! The best way to make the most of your experience is to manage your time! Take the class load you can handle; don't over do it!! It is important that you are able to focus equally on all of your classes! But don't forget that you have to have a little fun along the way! Give yourself room to grow! College is all about learning who you are and who you want to be, so don't be afraid of change!! Just stay focused and keep your head up and I assure you that you will do great!

Fregenet

My advice to parents is to allow the your teens to grow on their own when they go off to college. Freshmen year might be tough to handle but they will get the hang of it and will learn from their personal expereiences. You should give them their freedom and treat them like adults when they come back for the holidays. This in my opinion will keep them grounded and very happy to come back home and at the same time very happy to go back to school and work even more harder. Also, make sure you call them often but don't give them a hard time about what they are doing and where they are at or if they are partying. Tell them all that matters is that they are doing the right thing and make sure they know what their number one priority in school is and that is learning and getting the best possible GPA that they can attain.

Michael

making sure you get involved and get out of your dorm/ house. You gotta be a friend to make a friend and you get out of college what you put into college. !

Diane

I am a die-hard Aggie. I know that this university fits me like a glove, and I love the Aggie spirit and the traditions of Texas A&M. A&M offers limitless opportunities to grow and expand your mind. But I know that this school is not for everyone. However, I have had the privelege of getting to know students from all over the world, due to Texas A&M's wonderful international student program. I have been able to see how students from India, China, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Germany, Austria, England, Korea, Greece, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, France, Brazil....etc....students from every corner of the world, fare in the environment of Texas A&M. And I have heard from most every one of them that they have felt very welcomed and respected at this school, and will go back home to tell of their positive experience in the United States, at this university. If we, as Texas A&M, can be a place that combats the often negative stereotypes that the world may have of Americans, then I want to take every opportunity to be a part of this impact that we have on the world.