Texas A & M University-Kingsville Top Questions

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

Noreen

I think I would tell myself not be in a hurry, learn to slow down. Reconize that you are not responsible for everyone. Try to care more about myself and not try to save the world and neglect self. I went to college at age 33, with two kids. I always tell people my children went to college with me. Before starting your college experience be certain that you know what it is you want to do. Be structured and organized set goals and meet them, checking them off as you go. Take the accomlishment with the disappointments, and learn from them. Never lose sight of who you are and what you want.

Ronnie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to keep on pushing and not give up. I would say to achieve the goals in which that I have and stride for the As and Bs so you have a better chance in having a better education in the future. I would tell myself to keep my head on straight, cancel out the distractions, continue to do the work thoroughly and efficiently, and to succeed in the schooling and future that lies ahead of you.

Benito

"Benito", I muttered to my younger self, "Your future shall be hard when you attend college. Leave that common misconception that you have, that college is going to be like High School. For it shall be tougher. So listen to my words, for I do not have much time to repeat myself." My younger self then sat down, he was all ears. "First, sign up for alot of scholarships. The more you sign up for, the more you of a chance you shall get to recieve free money. Next, try to eat healthy in the cafeteria. No do not go on a diet, starving one self and trying to avoid all meat at all times, eat right and smart. And finally, just have fun. Not fun all the time, have fun when time allows it. Allot your time into class, study/homework, work (if you plan to get a job) and fun time. Remember it does not kill to be prepared. With all of this, your first year of college will be a shock, but it will not be as big of a shock as it will get you."

Oscar

I would have told myself to take advantage of any opportunity given in taking advanced courses to get college credits. Forget about high school sports and focus on school. Not to slack off when it came to school, because I would end up regreting it! Do whatever it took to finish a four year university/college as soon as possible. And to overcome my speech impediment and not be afraid to talk to girls because it will be harder to do it in the future!

Alex

If I could go back in time to see myself in high school I?d probably slap myself for not trying as hard in high school. I?d tell myself how hard it really is to be out on your own, and how instead of having just one job and going to school I?d actually have to have three jobs to keep my apartment while going to school. Then eventually have to move back home to save money so I could afford to pay my own way for school. I would also advise myself to listen more to my parents and take the wisdom they were trying to give me in the first place. I would tell myself there?s nothing more important at that point other than my grades, and to try as hard as I could in everything that I do no matter how pointless I thought it was. Finally I would tell myself to hope for the best but plan for the worst in life, because not everything goes the way you plan it. Sometimes you get the worst part of the deal but all you can do is hold your head high and press on.

Moses

As a high school senior I was a little skeptical about college and what it had in store for a student like me. I didn't know if it was for me or if i was going to enlist into the military service. But now that I am actually attending college and have gained so much valuable experience. I would tell myself as a high school senior to prepare and take advantage of all resources available for me pertaining college. I would have looked into scholarships a lot more then I had. As well as completing as much extra-curricular activties and volunteer opportunities as possible. But most of all I wish I would have concentrated more a reading and gaining as much knowledge as possible, since having a extensive vocabulary is a major factor in succeeding in college and life itself. More the most part I do not regret much of my high school years. I feel I have accomplished so much as a young man, who is trying to not let a moment pass at the same time maintaining a good list of accomplishments.

William

Going back in time and giving myself advice would be an interesting experience. I wouldn't want to give him the "run-around" and say things like " Its so hard" or " You have to start studying", because I already expecting these situations. If I had this opportunity, I would tell him advice that he would have never expected. The first of which is, learn how to manage your relationship with a special woman, which will make you single no more on December 6, 2007. I did alright, but I wish I would have been given a heads up. Next, the stock market is going to crash!!!!! Tell our parents to sale, sale, and SALE!!! You will have to get a job and move into a cheaper apartment. You wont be able to get most finacial aid because you are not a minority, your parents aren't poor, and you are not the first in our family to go to college. You will work jobs varying from cleaning laboratorites to extracting venom from snakes! Last, but certainly not least, never let your acedemic guard down. Your grades in your classes can sky-rocket down in an instance. Always do your best!

Daniel

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not slack off in my assignments. Homework always comes first. You will get fuller satisfaction if you do your academic work rather than a night out with friends. I would also tell myself to not put things off until they are due. This is a bad idea. High school could have been stress free from me had I not procrastinated. That is my biggest regret. I would also tell myself to not wait until deadlines to turn in financial aid forms because you get very little money. I know now that I could've done a better job in high school and landed more scholarships had I not been lazy. It's not just about passing your classes and getting a diploma. It's also about being on top and getting into a good school with scholarships raining in left and right. Unfortunately, I was a lazy high school student, but I've learned from my mistakes. Now, I don't go out before finishing my assignments and homework first.

Ariel

If the opportunity presented itself and allowed me to traverse back in time I know exactly what I would tell my high school self. First of all, and I feel that most importantly, I would let myself know that financially these 4 years would be extremely challenging to meet. I would encourage myself to look for financial opportunities early on. This being said, I would tell myself to apply to any and every scholarship that I qualify for instead of waiting until my junior year in college like I have done. It is also extremely essential to become actively involved in extracurricular groups and participate in community service. I would encourage myself to be more active in high school and take advantage of these opportunities. I would let myself know that forming a good relationship with my professors would also come in handy for future references as well as opportunities with research. Furthermore, I would tell myself to continue being active throughout college. I would advise myself to partake in things that not only pertain to my major, but also things that would encourage me to open up, meet new people, and expand my point of view.

Alexander

When I was a senior in high school, i did not think much of going to college. Although I knew I was going to go, I did not push myself and was not that excited at first. Then I realized when the time to apply was coming up, I had slacked off for too long. I searched for scholorships, applied for many, but not as much as I should have. I did not win any of them either. After starting college I realized that I can't just "wait and see." I have to take action if I want things to happen. In my first semester of college I learned that I have to put in the work in order to get results. Now I am working harder, looking for more scholorships, and trying my hardest to make the best of my college experience. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would simply tell myself, "Get off your butt and start doing the work now!"

Melissa

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, there is so much advice and information I would give myself about college life. I would first tell myself to socialize and treasure the friendships that I have made in high school. College comes with many transitions and friends are one of them. It is always good to stay in connect with friends because losing touch with someone just because of different colleges is not always easy. Being social in college also comes in handy for great relationships, friendships, and networking to getting into the workforce after college. Also, I would tell myself to put deep thought into what I want out of life and what I want to become after college. Although it is okay to change majors, it is also great to know from the beginning to get into the classes with your selected field. The third piece of advice I would give myself is to get into volunteering! It is good not only for others, but for yourself. There are so many benefits from giving your time to others. The feeling of knowing you are helping others is a great reward in itself.

Robert

Take as many college classes as possible and plan better for the cost of college.

Keith

If I could go back as a senior I would tell myself to prioritize things in my life more. There were some classes I took that I could have taken more seriously and applied myself more. There was also people in my life or activities, although important, I shorted myself effort because I gave them too much attention. I've learned that sometimes you have retake, redo and ask more questions. Learn from your mistakes and failures, they are going to happen. Let those times be a growing experience and move on. Living away from home is a transition, but be patient with yourself and others who are going through the same thing. It will be OK. Some dreams you will either have to let go of or redirect, but you will find your place in the world.

Andrea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to try to continue school as soon as possible and as quickly as possible to achieve your educational goal. Attending college immediately and full-time, if possible is the best way to go, that way by the time you are 24 years old, like I am now, you could have already started your successful career. If you cannot attend full-time, still attend at least half-time and never give up!!

Elise

I would tell myself not to freak out about leaving home. It is tough, but I know that I have grown a lot and just because you aren't really living at home anymore doesn't mean that you aren't a part of your family. I'd also tell myself that yes, it is cool to have a computer to yourself and to have a lot of time on your hands, but do your homework first! Don't get caught up in the free time until you are ready for the next day. But most of all I'd tell myself that this is a very sweet time in your life so take advantage of it! Learn as much as you can, make as many friends as you can and just enjoy yourself. It's not going to be a horrible as you think it is. It's going to be an awesome journey.

Domingo

I would tell them to pick the college that fits the student and not the parents. The student should go on a visit to the college of their choice to help them get a vibe of the surroundings and the people who are there. If you like smaller classes, look for a smaller university that has class in classrooms instead of lecture halls. Also if you know your major already, look for a college that has a terrific program in that area of study. When you get to college, make sure you keep your head on straight and dont get too wild. Most students make this mistake their first semester because they have heard so much about the college life like the partying and not going to class. Well if you do these things, you will figure out fast that it will mess up your grades and prevent you from graduating or even getting a good job. So it is alright to do alittle partying, but school should always come first before anything else.

Samantha

The most important thing is to be honest with yourself about what your needs are and to research each and every aspect of a possible university. Parents need to understand that too. I started off at a huge university which was awesome as far as activities and such, but in the end it was so big that I got lost in the system. What I wanted and what was best for me were two different things. I think my mom knew, but she wanted me to follow my dreams and that particular university was the only place I had ever dreamed of attending so she supported me. After a year, I realized that I needed a different environment to succeed so I started to research places where I could be successful. In the end, I ended up at a much smaller college that offered me hands on learning in my desired area. It was the best decision I ever made but if I had been more realistic of my needs back then, I could have saved myself a lot of time and stress. Like I said, know your needs and do your research.

victoria

Search the college and the professors before you take any classes.

Patricia

I would have to tell them that it?s important to go and visit find out as much as you can about the school the professors and the students. What I loved about mine was that just by walking through the campus I knew I belong there. As I walk I saw a variety of different people it was like everyone had a place there. I felt like it didn?t matter whether you where rich, poor, punk, or prep you were just accepted and I have to say I was right. Don?t be scared to make friends chances are the person sitting next to you is just as scared . Also make a network it?s important to make friends that specialize in something different than you at the beginning you wont notice how important this is but by the end of you will. So have fun and make the best of College it will be the best years of your life, be your self this is the time to try new things, be brave forget abut the past its a new beginning you can do with it whatever you want just be true to your self.

Jose

Make sure that the college the student picks is the one that he/she wants to go to and will most importantly feel at home because then when they get to their college they will be more at ease during school and not having a hard time finding new friends. Making the most of the college experience is important because it's an opportunity to make yourself who you want to be in your life, but have fun and also keep their minds on the books as well.

albert

I would say to visit the schools of choice before applying and make sure they like the campus and facilities offered in and around school. Then after that try to find out more about the everyday life on campus and choose accordingly. For example if a person gets easily distracted then I would advice against a big school with lots of events going on all the time.

Giancarlos

Follow your heart and trust in God. Don't be afraid to change your mind. Be VERY open to new things

Danielle

As a parent or student, choosing the right college isn't always easy. I think the best way to find the college that best suits you is to first do a little research on the school. Try to narrow your search by seeing how widely-recognized the school is, especially in your field of study. Another factor to consider is whether you are comfortable with the type of environment the school is set in. You may also want to compare the student-to-faculty ratio; a big class setting may not be what you're looking for. When trying to make the most out of any college experience, it's plain and simple. Try to have fun! Yes, college is about acquiring a higher education, which requires much dedication and hard work, but you must also remember to enjoy the time you have there. From enjoying friends' company to joining a fraternity or sorority, there are so many ways to become involved on-campus to enrich your experience as a college student.

Humberto

I advice parents and / or students that when it comes to make a choice for college studies to pick Texas A&M-Kingsville, they won't regret it choosing this campus. Thank you for this survey.

Gary

To be involved in looking at what the school has all around and applying towards your child's personality/character. With the college expeirence, it's an experience therefore you must get out of your comfort zone and get involved. Join organizations, meet people, dont become so locked into your own bubble you miss out on the greatest time of your life.

Erika

In order to be a successful student at any college you should take time out to study for the classes that you anticipate to be a struggle for you. Also make time for recreation, don't work yourself into a frenzy. For parents sending there child off to college, trust that you have raised your child right and allow them to grow and expirience life for themselves.

Lee

The two things you should be thinking about is cost and interest. If you want to be a chemistry major, go to a school with a certified and well known chemistry department. Make sure you will be taught by real professors, njot lecturers. WHen thinking about cost, make sure you take into account all the fees, and whether or not you really need unlimitted meals. Another thing to look into is whether there is a community college near it where you might pick up a few cheaper credits for classes that will not affect your career. Do not overload yourself. Set a goal for a graduation date and stick with it. If you feel like you have extra time you can study, join a club, or pick up a few hours of work during the week. Whatever you do, make sure that you are not dreading college before you even sign up for classes.

Jackie

Visit every college you think you want to go to.

Josephine

study and work hard

Steven

Make visits with your children and be involved in your childs descion on choosing a college. Dont try to push them on making them go to a college you want them to but one they think they will enjoy. College is a time to grow and learn more about your self and your values. Make it fun but make sure you get your school work done first and party later. Dont make it a stressful prosses there are plenty of schools out there just pick the right one for you.

Brian

Find a college thats cheap and affordable. Talk with the professors and view the campus. Work hard and have fun. Most of all, study.