Texas A & M University-Commerce Top Questions

I have gotten a feeling of self assurance, and cofidence. Attending college not only help me in my current career by advancing through certifications, but is also helping to find a new career so that I may spend more quality time with my family. The current job I have requires weekends, nights, and holiday work. I am striving to be a teacher which doesn't require that I work to many weekends, holdiays or nights

The first thing I would tell my high school senior-self is that college is nothing like what you're thinking now. I would encourage myself to write down all of my political, religious, and social views so that I could compare them later. People who go to college are unique in that they get four years to figure out who they are as a person. I've often thought of those in my high school who started working after graduation and all that they've missed out on. I would also tell myself that although I'm dedicated now, that will be challenged and at times you will want to give up or take a break, but don't. I would also encourage myself to look at all my options carefully before I settle on one university. I would say how much I'm going to change and how important it is to find the right school for the person I want to become. I would remind myself how fast life went by in high school and that it only gets faster from there, so I should enjoy it while it lasts. Finally, I would say, "just have fun."

Well I would congratulate myself for making it that far. I've been through many things in my life, and to be a senior, one step away from a diploma, is harder than most people think. I would tell myself to apply for scholarships a lot sooner, preferably august instead of january of the year I was to graduate. I would say to stay focused and not used being a senior as an excuse to get lazy and slack off because this year's perfomance matters too. I would say to study more for the ACT so I could score higher. I would say to get involved in more activities, and participate. I wouls say stop texting, and get off the phone. I would tell myself to ask more questions, and take nearing adult age and lifestyle more seriously. I would say to ask more questions of the people who've already been to college, and accomplished what I wanted to do. Most of all, I would say have fun.

Normally, high school seniors are eager to go to college, only to gratify their insatiable appetite for independence. However, many college students lack the appropriate knowledge to adequately navigate college life successfully. Thus, if I could go back in time and talk to myself about college life and making the transition, I would give myself three key pieces of advice. First, I would advise to learn time management skills. Learning how to juggle class attendance, homework, part-time or full-time work, and a social life takes skill and finess. However, learning to appropriately allocate time will alleviate potential problems. Secondly, I would advise to communicate openly and quickly with professors. Most professors want students to ask questions pertaining to course content and assignment clarifications. Failure to convey coursework concerns can lead to less than desirable grades. Finally, I would advise for students to network with others. For example, college students should establish a working relationship with the following people: financial aid officers, counseling personnel, reference librarians, residence life directors, and fellow classroom students. Ultimately, the key to successfully transitioning from high school to college life is asking questions, managing time, and accessing availble campus resources.

Veronica, I know that right now you don?t believe in agendas, but trust me your going to need one! The technique of storing things in your mind will just not due. College is so much more hectic than you presume. Your going to have tons of home, study group meetings, and on top of that you going to have friends and family to spend time with. An agenda can easily help you with all of this. Trust me, I know you best!

Trust me, although you believe that you are "sick" of school now, it is much better to continue on immediately after High School. Don't wait until you are married, have children and a career. Going back to school later provides more hardships for your self as well as your family later on. Continuing your education while you are young enables you to develop a specific goal, career path and dream. You will be able to work towards it instead of looking back later and wishing you had done things differntly. If you think classes are difficult for you now, just imagine how they will be in 10, 15 even 20 years when you are trying to work full time, take care of a house, a home, a family, children, husband, etc. Think how much more difficult that algebra class will be in 5, 10, 20 years, where as if you enrolled straight out of high school the concepts and expressions would still be fresh in your mind. Believe me, waiting to go to college is not the answer. Do the smart thing, Stay in School, Finish your education while you are young!

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told my self to relax. I was way to caught up in the drama of who's party was the best and who had the most expensive purse. I would have told myself to back off and concentrate on school. I also would have encouraged myself to apply for scholarships before I was enrolled in college.

Do not leave school and get the GED. Stick with school until graduation. It is a lot easier to attend college with people closer to my age. It's harder now, because I'm the non-traditional student and mother of four kids. I could have been in the career of my choice by now instead of starting over.

Do not get me wrong, I love the school I am attending and the degree I am working on, but I probably would not have attended the same university if I could go back in time. I would work a lot harder in high shcool and strive for a better score on the SAT, so I could attend a more prestigious university. The Business college at Texas A&M - Commerce has the highest accreditation possible, but it is not as famous as other business schools. But I guess this is a part about growing up, you realize what is important for you. Right now school is the most important thing to me, but back in high school athletics was. The tip of the day is remembering that you will always have to sacrifice, and you will never know if you have made the right choice. Remembering that things always happens for a reason is the only thing you can be sure about.

I would want to start on scholarships applications earlier. And to take my senior year more serious and take more college dual credit classes.

Get involved as much as you can without having to live on campus. Meet new people. Find people who are at the same point in the same degree as you and take as many classes together, and create study buddies. Be outspoken in class & dont be afraid to speak your opinion.

It is comical how one year can be such a difference in the field of education and culture. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to have gone to a private school, Saint Pius X in Houston, Texas because the public school system in Houston, in my opinion, is not nearly as prestigious as the private school system. I would say that I was, for the most part, well prepared for college. Not only on the education stand point, but in the cultural and social standpoint as well. However, college life is much different than high school. If I could take a leap back in time and speak with myself as a high school senior, I would say: stop worrying about being a football player as much, hit the books harder, and learn better time management. I play college football and it is extremely time consuming. I wish I would have learned better time management. I learned very quickly to get my work done before I get behind. I had a very bad habit of procrastinating. My grades have been improving tremendously. I found that I am able to apply myself just as hard in the classroom as I do in football.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to stay in school and complete my basics instead of trying to figure out what I wanted to major in. I attended college for a year and half after graduating and I dropped out because I was undecided on what I wanted to get my degree in. Looking back now I wish I would have stayed in school instead of taking four years off and returning to college. I would have also told myself to be more involved with school activities and sports. I wasn't very athletic in high school and now at age twenty-seven I run cross country and track for Texas A&M Commerce. I am at a disadvantage however because I am older and inexperienced compared to the other girls on my team who have been running their whole lives. One more thing I would have told myself was to attend a University instead of a community college. I think I would have enjoyed school more and would have became more independent at a younger age.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get more out of my high school experience. I graduated from high school a year early, and my only concern was to get the bare minimum of credits needed for graduating. I should have taken AP of dual credit classes so that I would have had a head start in college. I also would tell myself to apply for scholarships while I was high school. I came into college thinking that I could just pay for everything with loans, but I see now that loans aren't the best path to go down. I'm happy to be a college student because I learned a lot that only comes through experience. Now, I'm taking the knowledge I have and applying it the best way I can in order to not repaeat past mistakes.

If I could go back I would tell myself to definately manage my time better. Once you get to college you dont have time to just slack off and sleep in. I would tell myself, Hey your college professors don't care if you had a doctors appointment or if you had a game to play, they wont take late work like your highschool teachers so learn to get your stuff in on time. I would tell myself to appreciate my family more because you won't realize how much you're going to miss them until you're stuck in a lonely dorm room with no way to get home. I would tell myself to study more, because it is so very important to study every day once you get to college. I would say, Hey you need to learn how to take better notes, and how to make sure you look at those notes later on. I would definately tell myself to perfect the art of Daily Planner Use because it really does make everything so much easier. But most importantly I would tell myself to enjoy every day, and always to my best.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to get out there and don't be scared to try new things. Audition for that Community Theatre and become more involved in that area because you need experience in how to audition. Realize that you have a talent and a secret love for something as incredible and life changing as Theatre. Stop stressing over the small things, get out of your shell now, and start working on reaching your full potential so you won't be lightyears behind everyone else. Trust your gut and stop worrying that you are going to a college you said you would never go to because it is too close to home! It is obviously the place God intended for you to be, and it well worth being so close to your parents. And start saving those paychecks now; don't waste it on clothes! Trust me, you will regret that if you don't!

I would go back in tell myself that college life is a whole new world and that I should be taking this time to strive and get the highest grades I can and to plan for my future financially and successfully. I would also tell myself that high school is a time to have fun and find out who you are and what you want to achieve in your life. Don't bog yourself down with all honors classses and no friends.

Wow! It's been such a journey since high school for me. Talking to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to stay the course. I am a returning student with much life experience under my belt. I have recently returned to college to complete a degree that was started 20+ years ago. Stay the course would be my advice. The degree you obtain may not be used in your near future, but you will always have it. Don't let life get in the way of your education. Education, once obtained, can never be taken away from you. Persevere, it is worth it in the end.

I would tell myself to start a study plan while I am still in high school and stick to it. I never had a strong study habit when I was in high school and when I entered into college I was in for a shock because I wasn't prepared to study the way you need to in order to aquire the grades I wanted to acheive. I would also tell myself to make out a schedule or planner that blocked off a few hours a day to use as quiet study time and not go out with friends or have the televison and music going while I studied.

During my time as a community college student, the state changed the course numbering system and the school I attended would no longer recognize that I had taken those classes. It took many letters to the dean and retaking some classes under the new numbering system in order to finally graduate with my associates degree. My advice to new students is to determine what university you really want to attend. Go talk to their admissions department to learn exactly what classes they will accept as a trasfer for their degree programs. Then, once you have developed your plan, go to the community college and sign up only for the classes that will transfer to the university's degree program you have selected. This will save you much time and money. I wish I had been given this advice when I graduated high school insted of learning it the hard way ten years later.

I would tell myself to take it a little more serious. Figure out a schedual before leaving for school and a healthier eating habit. Also plan to work out every now and then. You don't always have to go home either. And make friends with your roommate earlier and plan on sharing the costs of food and cleaning supplies.

I would tell myself to follow my dreams, not my mom's. I would go for it all and get the degree that I am seeking now, earlier. I wish I would have let my heart guide me instead of my head. I think if I would have done that in the beginning I would have saved myself a lot of heart-ache.

Try harder, push to be the best academically as well as athletically, start your study habits now so you wont have to learn during college and start thinking of a career you would like to pursue once in college.

I would have told myself : I love you Don't be afraid of success Never give up Life can and will get better Keep my eyes on the prize Always surround yourself with positive people Carefully think out decisions Take everything to God You are a beautiful, deserving person and you can do anything that you want to

In high school, I made the choice to graduate a year early. I regret this decision dearly. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior (or rather, a junior, I suppose) I would tell myself to stick out that final year and graduate with the class of 2008. I would also advise myself to attend a community college, full time, for the first year or so. Community colleges allow for a wonderful transition period where you gain credit towards your degree but the environment is more familiar than a far-off campus; it is definitely more comfortable for a shy person like me. The final words of wisdom I would offer to myself is to never, ever procrastinate. Not on course-work, not on admissions, not on anything. It makes college easier when you are prepared.

I would say be prepared for either the biggest change of your life or no change at all. I, for instance did not undergo much change, but some of my friends totaly changed in many ways. Also I would say, apply for more than just local scholarships! They are just popularity contests! I would also say that its not true when they say "any one can afford college!" A number of my friends had to go home in their first semester because they couldnt afford it, and I might have to leave next semester due to lack of funds. But despite all of that, TRY! Dont give up! College is one of the greatest experiances of your life.

Don't worry about going to a community college first. While you may feel left out in the beginning, you will be rewarded financially in the long run. Also, it gives you time to think about what you want to do, without spending way too much money on classes that you end up not needing for your major (once you decide).

This is a great question to ask me, considering my first semester has been quite a surprise. If I could go back in time to when I was a senior, I would tell myself, "Carly, you're going to have to work so much harder than this. Stop taking everything for granted. Really engage with your teachers and focus on the bigger picture." Of course then I would wonder how on earth my future self is speaking to me. But on a serious note, I really would try to convince myself that high school is so much more important than I thought it was. I would tell myself to be better prepared for ANYTHING, because that's what college throws at you...EVERYTHING.

Looking back at myself as a senior in high school, I would offer these simple words of wisdom "don't lose your focus!" There are many temptations that will easily lead you off track in college; things like friends, parties, social events or even just simply enjoying your new found independence. College is a serious business, and keeping yourself focused and very well organized are the keys to your success! Reality hit fast and hard for me and I figured out during the first week that this was not going to be anything like high school. College is work. The study habits that I developed in high school were good, but for college they need to be the best they can be. In order to get through the college courses, effective and planned studying will do the trick. I shouldn?t make it sound like there is no time for play; socializing is a really big part of college life. If you work at developing really great time management, you should have no problem balancing your academics and your party time. Your college years will be the best ones yet! Enjoy every minute of it! You can do it!

If I could go back to my high school years, I would tell myself to take school more seriously. Study for that test rather than go out with my friends. Study for the SAT instead of taking a nap. I definitely made some mistakes in high school, but I think that making those mistakes has caused me to grow as a person. Having said that, if given the chance to go back in time I don't think that I would because it might change the person that I've turned out to be.

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would have a lot to say! With age comes wisdom and I am what schools consider a non-traditional student, which just means I am older. School matters, growing up with two parents that only finished high school. My education was never a priority. I started working when I was 14, cleaning horse stalls, cleaning houses and doing bookkeeping for my mother?s place of employment. I would have encouraged me to give as much time to my studies as I could has possible and tried to work less. I would encourage myself to join the military to pay for my education and to search out a mentor to help me figure out how to get to school and pay for it. I was too worried about helping out with family bills instead of focusing on my future. Your education is something no one can take away from you. Get it, and be proud of it! But you have to have a good work ethics in school and on your job.

Knowing what I know now about the college life, I would go back in time and tell myself to make sure to always stay focused! Never try to slack off or procrastinate because the college life is much different from the high school life. You can't just get by with not doing homework and not studying and just doing well on the tests. You must study and study hard. But don't be scared of college either. Be adventurous and go study abroad, or participate in some activites and join a sorority,you will meet alot of new people that way and enjoy more of the college life.

If I could go back I would have applied to college as a senior instead of going to community college my first year and a half. I would have researched more schools and figured out what school is best for the field of study I wanted to go into. I would tell myself to study more and ask people how they study so I wouldn't have stuggled as much, and I would tell myself to apply for scholarships and not rely on loans.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advise as a high school senior, I would advise myself to become interacitve and socialize with students and professors. It can be a strong tool for networking and can be valuable in terms of success. I would also encourage myself to be more involved with campus activities (business fraternities, community services, etc.). Most important, I would remind myself how important it is to stay focus and maintain determination, because hardwork pays in the long run. The key would be to stay focused on the long run goals but acknowledge the short run goals as well. Short run goals include: class projects, essays, exams, maintain finances etc. I would also advise myself to be sure to balance my entertainment acitivities and school work. Time management is vital upon entering any university, it helps to eliminate unwanted stress. Also, be hard but not too hard on yourself. Have fun, join in study groups, don't party too hard, and know when to say "No", don't follow the crowd, stand out, apply for scholarships every semester and know your campus surroundings (local police dept., career advising center, financial advisor, etc.).

I would tell myself that proper study habits are a must in college and knowing how to write a research paper is also something that I should learn how to do. I would also prepare myself emotionally because it's not easy to go for months at a time without seeing my best friend or even being around for the everyday moments with my family. Those are the little nuggets of information that I would share with my younger self.

I would tell myself, to not be frightened or scared, college life is not that bad. I would also tell myself to enjoy the college experience more and not be so up tight. I would let myself know that in college, you have less friends, and may sometimes feel lonely, but you will get through. I would also tell myself to wait for classes to start before buying your books. The most important thing would be to find who you are before you decide what you want to do with your life.

The piece of advice I would have to give would pertain to making the most of the college experience. I would encourage every high school student to immediately begin college after graduation. If you do this you will be able to live the college experience to its fullest. Attend the football games, join study groups, make new friends regardless of who they are or what they look like. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, you can go back when you are older if you do not begin right a way, but I promise you will be wishing you had done it earlier. As for seeking out the right college, I would suggest researching different colleges you wish to attend and visit many of them. When you do your research check to make sure the school offers a great program for the degree in which you wish to obtain. I chose the school I attend becasue of the program for my degree. The majority of the student's who complete this degree already have a job lined out before they graduate. This school is known for that program; employers love taking graduates because of the reputation the school holds.

Look for a college that offers the degrees you are interested in. Most people go to a college based in friends from high school or the universities reputation. Friends WILL change and if you don't enjoy the programs you are in, then the university won't matter.

after 3 years and two different colleges and being a successful college athlete I would say that you should find a college that best fits your strenghts but also allows room for personal growth by challenging the student in areas that they may not naturally be comfortable in. Making the right college choice doesn't always happen the first time. it is important to look at all aspects of the university or college including social life, academics, and affordability... choose a school that you feel will allow you to flourish and develop into a person who gives back to society.

First off, the financial part had to play a big role, don't send your kids to a college that you can't afford to pay for, loans and scholarships are a great thing to look into. Don't feel that your child has to go to the best school in the state to get a good education. In my case, I am here in commerce on a full ride scholarship and I would not change a thing in the world. Also, watch for signs in your child that might indecate that they are doing poorly in school, and try and offer help, or inform them that they can get help from people on campus. Another thing that you should always do, is stay in contact, always keep in touch, just don't be overwhelming. Call once or twice a week to check up on your child and make sure evertything is ok, and offer them any advice along the way that they can use, I know I look up to my mom when I need help. Lastly, let you child live and learn, don't try and run their life, we all need to leave the nest some time.

I would tell them to have many options and choose the best one that fits them. Also, make sure you go to a school that has a variety of things and that the community surrounding it has a lot to offer them too.

College can be difficult at times, but you always have someone who is willing to help around your campus. This is the time to live your life to the fullest and try to gain as much knowledge, friendships and relationships with professors. The people you meet now will most likely influence you later on in the future. Lastly, become involved in your campus, be proud of your school!

I would advise that you do research about the school. Then the parent and the student should visit the school to make sure it is the kind of environment they want to be in for 2 to 4 years. And after you have picked your school and are attending, participate in any of the activities that interest you.

Really know what you're looking for, both in college and learning environment and in your living environment. Now what sort of town you'd like to live in for the next four years before you make a full decision.

Look for a college that has a small enough class size and professors who are available to their students. Also, sit down togehter and decide as a family what the student feels is important for their social life. Sometimes being very involved in a small school can be more rewarding than merely being a part of something too large to touch. Big schools are a lot of fun, but when making the crucial choice in which type to attend, I would remind you that having leadership roles and being directly involved in campus activities is much easier in a smaller setting. It is also so rewarding, so no matter which you choose, big or small, ensure you become involved in at least one activity that gives you great pleasure. Be sure you will have a quiet place to study. Check out tutoring availbility. Talk with potential professors and even attend a class when you visit campus to get the real feel for what it might be like. Talk to sororities/fraternities and attend a social event while on campus if possible.

The advice I would give torospective students is don't just go to a college because your friends are attending the same one. You have to experience things on your own. You are now entering the real world and college is the best way to experience it. Remember that everyone make mistakes, but you have to learn from them, I f something doesn't feel right, then its not right. Follow your heart. To parents, trust your child. Trust that the can survive on their own. And also support them of things that they chose is right for them.

Just go were you want to, but you have to keep in mind that certain schools tend to specialize in certain degrees and that should influence your decision. For example, if you want a business degree, attending a school that tends to prioritize liberal arts ahead of other degrees probably isn't your best choice. As far as the college experience, anywhere you pick will have a diverse group of people and you just have to find where you fit in.

I'll say always start out with a small college and work yourself up

If at all possible, live on campus so that you can get some pride in your soon to be Alma Mater. You'll make friends easier, be able to attend school functions, and have a much better experience.