Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi Top Questions

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

Skylar

I would tell myself to hang in there. Although things seem difficult at the time, they will get better. You will make good, lifelong friends and you will succeed in anything you put your mind to. Do not stress over the little things, have fun, be yourself.

Melody

I would tell myself college is nothing like high school so enjoy your free time and your sleep. College is filled with a lot of new people and new adventures so do not be shy. I would tell myself be ready for a lot of late night studying and finals week! High school does not prepare you for college so the transition will be tough and you will learn how to study in order for you to retain a lot of information and memorization. Lastly be brave, be adventurous, be spontaneous. Get to know your professors and get involved by volunteering or get internships. This will help you so much in the long run. Get involved in as many organizations possible and learn how to mange your time wisely. College is going to prepare you for your future and help you create a better life for yourself and your family. Do not be lazy!

Monica

Hello Monica, You are about to graduate high school and go into another integral part of your learning. College is a very important step towards your career goals and while it may seem daunting and overwhelming at first, you will find the place you belong. This feeling will hit you like a ton of bricks and no one will be able to shake it from you and you will want to spend every bit of time you have at school. While school is very important don't forget about all the other important things in life and take the time to enjoy all those events that will create great memories along with the ones you gain from school. Allow yourself time and don't compare your level with others. You will be new at things while others may be a tad more experienced so just work at your pace and level and don't try to rush to a level you are not ready for. Just be you, do what you need for you and you alone, and get to that goal one day at a time.

Barbara

I would of told myself to not be afraid to apply to more than 1 colleges/universities, that the only bad thing that could of happened was just a rejection and to move on. Once applying to college, I should have applied to more scholarships and grants, that way once I graduted I wouldn't had the burden of student loans.

Kaitlin

If I could go back in time I would focus less on trying to be someone I wasn't. I would worry more about myself, what I enjoyed and what would give me greater opportunites. I would always try and be everyones friend before befriending myself. I worried about what everyone else thought of me and never took into consideration the type of person I thought I had become. I would take a step back, and surround myself with those who would influence me to be better, not drag me down. If I had done that then maybe my grades would reflect my true output and I would have taken college and a future career path more seriously.

Renee

It seems so long ago when I was just a high school senior in my brand new letterman jacket for color guard, excited and scared for the last year in high school. I savored every joyous moment I could, but of course there's a few things I would like to tell myself. The all time test of your knowledge, the SAT does require many hours of studying and just because you got a high score the first time, doesn't mean you should study less the second time around. While the filling out of numerous scholarships will never end, the endless looking up and applying to colleges will end. And lastly, prom night is not the biggest night of your life. You will not die of embarrassment if one of your nails is chipped or your curls fall out halfway through the night. High school graduation is when you feel your finally a adult, finally free of your parents, when in reality, none of that is true.

Caleb

Start applying to and researching colleges early. Like junior year. Also apply for more scholarships and research them more. Take use of the free college center at the high school because she has very helpful advice and she is a very nice lady to talk to.

Karla

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to not be scared about college. I used to think that classes were going to be very difficult or that I’d be pressured into drinking and doing other things I may not want to do, because of all the movies I’d watched about college. I was the first in my family to go to college and I didn't have cousins or older friends to ask about the college experience. I had no idea what to expect. I came to learn that the fear I’d felt after graduating high school and all throughout the summer was for nothing. Sure my classes were more difficult than in high school but nothing I couldn’t handle if I was putting enough effort in my school work. I also made amazing friends who didn’t pressure me and instead looked out for me. The fear of college and change made me extremely shy and scared to try new things and if I had the chance I would tell myself to not be afraid because not all change is bad.

Amber

I would start with freshman year and telll myself that grades are very important for affording college. I would tell myself to strive to make a higher GPA and also to start applying for scholarships my junior year. I would tell myself to look into all my options for college and look into a bunch of different degrees. I would tell myself to surround myself with people who make exceptional grades and have good study habits. I would tell myself to take more dual credit classes to save more money for after school. I would tell myself how much college really costs. I would tell myself to slow down, not trying to grow up so fast because once graduation comes you have to grow up and have lots of responsibilities. I would tell myself that graduation comes so fast, so have fun, make the most of your high school life, and enjoy yourself so you can look back and not regret any part of your high school experience. I would tell myself that in the end, it won't matter what shoes I wore or how I styled my hair, but my grades and how I excelled in youth.

Liliana

I would tell myself to take school seriously but to also have fun.

Karen

I would tell myself to be a little more cautious about what I want to major in. I don't want to waste time becoming an undeclared major. I would also tell myself that I should've participate in more clubs and organizations at our school, and not to be so shy around people because I missed out on so many oppurtunities. I would tell myself to stop worrying about the love and relationships with people who will distract me from my goals. I should have kept myself on track with assignments and think critically during projects.

Lucio

be open minded, explore and let yourself have fun. always put love in what you do and you will be fine work harder then you did in the past and push to be the best there are alot of people who are willing to help you and belive in you, you need to belive in yourself. Also, dont eat so much of the roman noodles yes your cheep and they are good tasing but they don't help with the losing wait prossess. enjoy work and school be thakful for the opertunitys you have been given and keep proving that with the help and motivation you wont let anyone down. always strive to be the best but dont ever forget that a little fun never hurt anyone.

Lissa

If I knew what I know now and had the chance to go back, I would tell myself to focus on school and not boys. I got pregnant my senior year in high school and put off college until last year, nearly 10 years later. I would sit down and explain how much harder life is without an education and that raising children, although is a joy, will be much harder without an education and career behind you first. I would tell myself to focus on school, get a good education, get a good career started and be financially ready to have kids. I would remind myself of everything I want to give my kids and that if I contiue doing what I am doing then I will end up with 4 kids, no education, no career and a heart that is constantly breaking because I can not give them the life that I had always thought I would be able to. Basically, just to stay in school, go on to college and make something of myself and not to be so wrapped up in finding the love of my life.

Brittney

If I had the chance to go back in time, I'd quickly grab myself and shake me saying to stop goofing around and get to applying for more scholarships! Stop slacking and being so lazy! But most of all, I'd tell myself to not be so hard on myself and thinking so negatively because everything is going to work out. See, going into my senior year I didn't feel i needed to try. I didn't think I needed to try because I never believed in a million years that a University would want to take me in and help me become more than I am. My thoughts were that I wasn't smart enough or good enough. Going back in time and having the chance to tell myself that my beautiful brain got me into A&M Corpus Christi, it would have changed everything and how I approached everything. It was a rough year, but now I'm here extremely excited to become a nurse and be someone bigger than I am now.

Jerry

Basically, it would to be to take my academics more seriously. I was in a dual credit program that allowed me to complete in an associates of science by the time i graduated high school, but because I didn't take my Fall semester seriously, I was kicked out of the program and was one class away from getting my associates, whch caused my fathr to become incredibly dissapointed and sad at my wasted opportunity. With that being said, I would tell my younger self to always keep my Father in mind when I plan to do anything, so that level of dissapointment would never happen again.

Maria

Going back to the past, i would make s many things before starting college. One of thing will be had taken the Dual Credit classes that school offfer for free, the classes were given in school studenst were only responsible for paying for their books. If I was to go back i would have some of my basic done; Englisg 1301 and 1302, History 1301, and 1302, before entering college, and saned money. The second things was to take the Accuplacer, and Thea they are all the time free, but I never took the time to realy thin about it, becasue teachers really did not explain why we shourl take it. I would research what role did teh accuplacer meant, With the accuplacer I with take more seriously when it took the first time, and second time, becasue what I found that in college, is that the Accuplacer Test is for the college to know in which level or reading,math, writing studenst are. With the accuplacer take it mnay times as possible until to pass every section, take quiz online on how the accuplacer is, so I could had an idea what to expected in the accuplacer.

Tess

There are so many things that I would like to go back and tell my high school self. One of which would have been to take college more seriously. I should have participated in the running start program at my school. It’s amazing how much time, money and effort that would have saved me. It is not as if I wasted away my high school years; I obtained good grades and participated in sports but when it came down to crunch time for scholarships and colleges, I lacked the motivation. Now having been a part of the work force, I fully understand the value of the dollar and wish I had taken more steps to making my college experience more affordable. Even though some of my young and immature decisions have changed the course my education, it has made me who I am today. I have grown, learned from my mistakes and I am ready to better myself and decision making so that I can continue furthering my education

Rebecca

We can’t change the past, we can’t foresee the future, we, as humans, are stuck here in the present, but what if you could go back to the past, especially your high school self. I would tell myself you’re going to change your mind in about two years. I would tell my past self to look into the psychology field before graduation. I’d tell myself that just because people say you would be good at it, just because you feel drawn to it, doesn’t mean that career is cut out for you. Sure, you’re a sheepdog, and always will be, that’s your personality, but you’re not made to sit in a car, or to watch criminals walk away. You want to know why they did it. Living at home with your parents is a-okay, don’t move in with boyfriends. Family is always be there. Don’t eat the dining halls seafood; you’ll save yourself a headache. Don’t give up on math because you hate it. Keep playing hockey, for your sanity. Lean on your best friend when you feel lost, not the cat, she won’t give advice.

Kayla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say: take dual credit courses to save money and time and don't worry about your GPA dropping because you would be able to maintain it. Pre-pharmacy is the major and carrer you are going to pursue so you need to look for universities that offer programs for that. Most of all though, relax, enjoy the time you have with all your friends. Embrace the mundane boring atmosphere high school has at times and find joy in the little things because soon everything is going to change. The people you see and talk to everyday mostly become the people you used to know and only talk to through social media. Stress takes on a whole new meaning but you can handle it. Sleep as often as you can, save as much money as possible (you don't need those designer jeans), and don't panic; everything will work out. Trust yourself, rely on family, keep strong your faith, and don't forget that people around you feel the exact same way you do, so you are never alone.

elizabeth

My advice could be to allow myself to let go of my insecurites of meeting new people or the embarrasment I might of had to really show how smart I can be. Here at my school, I am pretty inteligent and at times I was scared of being called a nerd or a geek but that never happened. Then I realized that most of the boys I met found that attractive and in my classes being one of the front row kids I met some of my best friends till this day!

Victoria

I feel that, looking back, I was incredibly prepared for college thusfar. I suppose, if I had to say anything, I would honestly just do my best to really drive home the fact that studying is a major factor in a good GPA in college. I knew that I would need to pick up better study habits along the way, but perhaps if I had studied a bit harder last semester, I could have gotten a 3.8 or higher GPA. I did earn a 3.3 on my own, with what mediocre study habits I had at the beginning, but I'm really looking forward to earning a much higher GPA if at all possible. Now that I have lost both of the jobs I worked last semester, I might try to either get another job, to afford to visit home, or I can do my best to study as hard as possible without driving myself insane. I was very prepared for college life as a senior in highschool. I feel that my GPA reflects that quite well, but I would tell myself to really do as much as I can to work harder.

Valentina

Surround yourself with likeminded people! If you want to finish school timely and with a good overall GPA, then look for people who want the same thing. I cannot stress enough the importance of who you surround yourself with. After all, some of these people will end up being your friends for the rest of your life and who knows, maybe even become your boss someday? The transition from high school to college is a hard one, but it is also one when you grow the most. The college experience is what you make of it! You could end up being the most successful businessman graduating from a not so well-known school. Or you could spend most of your freshman and sophmore years partying at a big name school and eventually dropping out or being kicked out. Education is what you make of it ! Just my two cents .

Allison

I 'd say, "Don't give up Allison. It gets better." Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to hang in there. That just because you've got a broken heart and the undesire of even waking up in the morning, I would tell myself to hang in there a little longer because everything will get better, and it did. I'm a completely different woman than I was one year ago and I'm so proud of who I've become. Sometimes I wish I could have been a little bit stronger but, we all go through these changes and fast paced life lessons throughout our lives not only better ourselves, but to make us stronger than what we were before. I am a strong and independent woman with a bright future ahead of me. I won't mess this up for the world. I've got a loving family by my side, and that can't beat anything else in this life except the good memories those wonderful people will bring. "You're strong Allison, continue to be strong and you will make it." That's what I'd say to her, to me.

Brandon

Most of the things I would tell myself are shortcuts to the personal growth I have undergone while at college. There are some things I would keep from myself because sometimes the journey is as important as the destination as far as personal growth. The most things I would tell myself are the ones that could improve the lives of the poeple around me that i've grown to care about. I wouldn't tell myself becuase I know I would tell myself to manage my money better. I would also tell myslef not to bring so many clothes! Those first weeks I would have been much more outgoing because it is so much easier to form bonds when you first meet someone the first time you meet them. Kindness is the most important quality you can have and building bonds with people and caring about them is a beautful thing. Cherish your friends, who at the time I was dismissive of, because they will stick by you through thick and thin.

Andrea

High school matters. Even though you think it doesn't, it does. Pay attention and make sure to talk to faculty if there are problems. Don't feel ashamed if you don't understand something. You can do whatever you put your mind to. One day you will attend college and become an honor student. Participate in anything and everything you can. After high school, real life begins and there is almost no time for play. Remember relationships come and go. You cannot let them determine how well you do in school. Practice keeping your work life and personal life seperate. Keep being curious, but also research before doing something. Make sure you know exactly what you are doing before you do it. Good luck!

Nelda

If i could back in time I would have worked harder to be in the top 3 of my class. I would have taken my college classes more seriously when I was in high school and I would have taken more hours also. I would have prepared myself more, maybe saved money to help with bills, rent and tuition. College is expensive .

Jake

I would have advised the high school version of myself to press schools for more financial support. When I applied to college, it wasn't a matter of getting in, it was a matter of paying for it. Corpus has allowed me to get some sort of money towards college, but I would've liked to go somewhere else that I got in. I would also tell the high school me to start working on my study habits while i still had the ease of living at home and being in high school. The only fallback of my first year of college was failing to keep up with some of the reading material.

Shannan

If i could go back in time I would go to my sophmore year because I would want to give myself plenty of time to start applying for scholarships. I would also tell myself that when you get to college go to as many tutoring sessions as possible because they really do help. Lastly I would have told myself to be more organized and start studying for finals throughout the year and not just one week before.

Brian

If i could send a letter to myself in highschool i would enchorage myslef to continue doing what i am doing. Continue to study hard and do all of the homework that is assigned, when it is assigned. I would tell myself that all of the lessons that Mr. Belcher tought us in study skills really do work. they are the best ways to learn the material. I would tell myself to enjoy my relationship with Kathleen but dont let it distract me from my homework. Keep your priorities straight. Go to church every sunday, do homework, then with the time left over from these things talk to kathleen and hang out with friends. But most importantly of all GO TO BED AT A DECENT TIME. Dont stay up looking up music videos on youtube till 2 in the morning then decide to do the homework. get it done early then you dont have to worry about it anymore. you will be able to focus better in school and your papers will be a 100 times better. School really isnt that hard. just keep your priorities straight and go to bed at a resonable hour and you will do fine.

Tiauna

As a new college student one of the first things I have learn is that time management is everything. The only way to succeed is to have some kind of structure to your daily college life. My advice to myself would be get a planner, a plan and stick to it. Its best to keep renewing your mind and focusing on why your in college and your future goals; Unlike when i was in highschool and didnt realize the importance of school.

Steven

College hasn't molded me in the same ways as your typical "lost" student coming out of high school. I had my morals intact and wife-to-be already on my arm as I first strolled through the golden arches of upper level academia. However, all the subtleties of life education that TAMUCC failed to teach me are made up by one grand impression. A guest speaker at the school so impressed upon me an idea that I now find myself in graduate school when just 8 months ago I couldn't wait to depart textbooks forever. This speaker spoke of finding a passion, not a career; a passion that will excite you every morning. I was under the assumption I would find a job that would pay the bills. Who cares if you like it? That's just what you do in this world, you work to pay the bills! I was wrong. My college experience has taught me to pursue passion, not just after work but for work. I am truly indebted to that college experience because without it I would simply be making money right now instead of on a path to a lifetime of fulfillment.

Logan

I did recieve finacial aid for 2010 which helped out more than words can say. I appreciate anything that is offered to me so I can further my education.

Iris

Few minority students are aware of what comes after highschool. In my case, this led to a somewhat rocky start that to this day I am still smoothing. My plans were all given to me by other's personal opinions, ignorant of what I wanted. My college experience thus far has not only opened my eyes to the possibilites but also made me more aggresive in pursing my goals. College is a simple process if one is conscious of the details. I learned responsibility, I learned that sometimes second chances are not probable and I learned that having an unstable plan is better than having no plan at all. Being the first to go to college is a great honor as it is burden. Expections are high from all different parties but it is worth it. I love college. I love being able to learn not just in the classroom, but life lessons necessary for establishing and nurturing a career. It is because of college that I am sure Ill be graduating not just with a degree but with ambition and direction.

ify

I have gotten out of college so far is that the world does not revolve around me. i should respect peoples preferences and way of life. everybody is different in college too, we are all grown and are responisble for nobody but ourselves. i have definetly made some great friends while being in college, and i find that more vaulable than anything.

Jessica

My college expericence so far has been overall good, but there have been some bumps along the way. I started my first college courses 2 days after I grauated highschool, and for me that was the best decision. With my expericene I have learned how it feels like to have to be organized, and in control of your work for classes since it college it is all your responsibility not the teachers. There is alot me out of class reading than I first excpeted. Attending a 2 year technical school was more valuable to attend for me rather than heading straight into a 4 year university. I learned and expericened how college is and how most professors are with a smaller school. It was also very valuable to attend when it came to the finiancial end of things. The cost of college is overwhelming to me and worries me on who I am going to attened school and pay for it. College is a great experience overall no matter where you attend, and these days people have to have an education to get that great job they have always wanted.

Alex

So far everything about being in college has taught me something from going to class to doing assignments. The most important value that I have gotten out of attending college is time management. Every person that comes out of high school thinks that they have good time management, so did I. My first two weeks of class made me realize that I need to make a daily schedule just to keep up with class work. After finishing my first semester my time management skill have improved through the roof. If you don't learn anything else your first semester you will still learn time management skill that will help you throughout life. Attending college has also had very valuable points as well. Learning to talk in front of crowds is a great skill that I improved on while attending my English Composition class. Writing at a scientific level and correctly being able to give proper citation to other authors was also valuable, but the most valuable aspect of college that I have learned is to make friends and have a good time while improving your chances at living a successful life.

Rebecca

Ihave learned tobe moe independant and that college is much harder than I thought it would be. The professors do not play the same games that the teachers do in high school.

Jasmine

What i have gotten out of my college experience is, stepping into a world where you have to do things on your own. All the way up until you go to college you are living at home with your parents and your dependent on them to provide food, shelter, stabilty and knowledge. When you go to college especially a college that is far away from home, you have to learn to be independent and not always count on someone to help you when times get tough. You have to learn how to pay bills and buy the necessary things that you need to survive. Also, i have learned that i 'am capable of achieving anything that i apply my mind to. Since i have been in college i have grown so much as a person and i know how to provide for myself and can balance going to school and living on my own. It has been very valuable attending college because it has made me the strong person that i am today and i have matured and grown to be a positive respectable person that can stand on her own to feet with no help.

Osmarly

Out of the two months I have been attenting college, I have learned that it isn't as easy as people may think. It is truly heard word which I am prepared for. I am a very committed individual who see's a future in the Law field. I see myself in school for quite a while and I am prepared. I am very dedicated. College has taught me responsibility. I have given up weekends and dedicated them to homework and studying. I don't mind doing that for the next 6-8 years. I have not only learned responsibility but I have also learned how to manage my time. Something I have never really put much thought into but I have realized that time management really does make a difference in your life. The outcomes of the college experience I am having are all positive and I can't wait to see what else it throws at me.

Krislyn

I have grown up alot, from a young girl having her parents do everything for her.To a very responsible young lady, who takes care of herself, studies, and works hard for what she wants in life.

Jaron

So far, the only experience that I have had so far with college is visiting the campus. The general feel of college was there are too many people to get to know them so just don't intrude in other people's life and do your own thing. I want to actually be able to afford college and to be a person that people look up to that will uplift and smile cheerily at another. This small experience with college has given me a better perspective of the way life should be lived: Giving in service. It's the little things in life that make others happy, by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.

Tracy

I am a senior in high school and considered a sophmore in college. I am in a very unique situation, I attend Legacy Early College High School, which is an early college program that is paying for all of my college expenses. I took my first college class at age 14. I am very lucky to be in the situation that I am. I have learned so much and have grown very mature for my age because of my ability to be in college already. I will graduate with an Associates of Arts degree from Temple Junior College in May of 2011. After that I will have to start paying my own way through college, I am planning on getting my master's degree. I have a completely different outlook on my life because of this oppurtunity. The college experience has been the best thing that has happened in my life. I would mostly likely not have graduated from high school if I was not attending college at this time.

Raymond

The most valuable thing that my college experiance has given me thus far is the sense of responsibilty. I learned through trial and error, how to be a better student and a responsible person.

Elena

I have figured out what major I wanted. At first I did not know what I wanted to study but seeing the passion the teachers have made me realize I wanted to teach. I also gained a sense of pride for my school. My other college I attended did not have such pride. Students there just went to school and went straight home. At this college students help each other out as much as possible. I have also gained friendships and learned the true meaning of dedication.

Jessica

I have gotten the motivation to be all that I can be while attending college. I have learned the importance of higher education and the benifits of recieving a degree. By recieving a degree I can provide a better life for not only myself, but for my future family. I have also learned discipline and focus are a vital part of success. Attending college has changed my life. I look forward to completing my degree and moving forward in a career field that I am passionate about.

Natosha

Obtaining my GED in 2008 to start college to become a registared nurse was a life long dream. I married my husband when I was 16. We got pregnat there after and we decided then I would stay home to raise our kids. We made decisions then that are rewarding to us now as our children grow. Now that our boys are resposiable to be home alone for a few hours my dream of being a nurse is closer than ever. Attending school I have found my inner adult and relise my attending shows my boys the importance of school.

Genevieve

College was always viewed as an escape from your parents; it was the idea of indepence at it's greatest. Though as I am currently attenteding college now, I don't see it in that way at all. Yes, you are independent but like what every adult would always say, "With independence comes responsibility." I can truly say this statement describes the life college completely. There will be parties and there will be peer pressure some have never experienced before. College is the time that we all should grow up. I have seen slackers already this year, and it's only been a month. I have heard of parties and yes everyone goes to clubs for college night during the week. Those are the same people walking in the next day to school without their homework along with a zero percent attention span. It is so important, I can not stress the value of going to class everyday. Missing class leads to missed lecures and even sometimes missed quizzes. I may be viewed as a nerd just because I stay in my not so nice apartment room all day. But doing homework and going to class is my responsibility here.

Maria

My college expeirence has been intersting, fun and life changing. The first thing I thought when I went off to college was, "freedom", but after living on my own for a short amount of time I realized it's really about resposibility. This couldn't have been done without the students, teachers and faculty at Texas A&M University. I love this campus because it feels like home. I have developed into an amazing young woman ready to take on the world and acheive every career goal I have set for myself.

Jordan

This year, I've learned a lot about who i am. I learned that I"m a very curious person. I absolutely love to learn. Soaking up all of that knowledge is the best feeling in the world. I learned that I need to be challenged or I get bored quickly. I learned what it means to volunteer and give back to the world around me. It's an amazing experience that more people should participate in. I've learned the real meaning of fiscal responsibility. That's just the tip of the iceberg. I've learned so much from my first year in college and I have a few more years to go. This experience is one that anyone should be able to try. It's valuable to learn more about the world and more about yourself.

Joseph

Going to college is totally different from high school. No one is going to be on you about finishing homewrok or reminding you about assignments. You are expected to remember yourself and get work done on your own. It will be expensive and you will be responsible for buying almost every single supply needed for classes and they do add up. Remember to look around for as much financial assistance as you can find; every penny helps. Look around for grants and scholarships at your school and online. There is tons of help out there but it will not be given to you unless you apply for it. Remember that your GPA is the key to staying eligible for most of them , so do your work and pass your classes. There will be lots of people partying and not taking school seriously, but it will catch up to them eventually. Partying is fine in moderation, remember you are there to get a degree, always keep that in mind. Lastly, shop around for textbooks and supplies online and in stores. There is no one place that will have everything you need for a good price. But $5 is $5.