Texas State University Top Questions

I got an eight week old puppy during Spring Break. At first, I saw Pepsi as a light commitment, but even after an entire day of classes, I could not stop thinking about him. My profound love of this dog led me to deepen my respect for life in general. I realized that a dog cannot choose whom he ends up with; he is completely at the mercy of his owner. Therefore, I arranged my whole schedule around Pepsi and when I transferred to Texas State, I decided to move out of my parents' home on his behalf. Pepsi has become the heart of my college experience, and because of him I have learned to take full responsibility for myself.

In my college experience I have learned much responsibility. Although I may have thought of myself as a very responsible individual for my age, going to college at 17 brought on much more responsibilities than I thought. A day at college is not structured like a day used to be in high school. More freedom is given to each and every student; however with that freedom is responsibility, the responsibility to show up to class, to do the work that is expected, and maintain a good grade all while a whole new social atmosphere is discovered and explored. If one's attendance is never counted and work never turned in, it would be like throwing money into the empty pizza box that sits on the dorm room floor waiting for the trash to be collected. College takes money and with money comes financial responsibilty. I have learned that money is a resource that needs to be rationed as there is only so much that I can get. I am not in college to just learn about majors and minors, but I am there learning how to become a productive adult in the world that college is preparing me for.

From my college experience I have learned how to closer regulate my own progress in learning instead of relying on others to motivate me. By witnessing many different teaching and learning styles I have become more aware of how I learn myself and am more able to prepare myself when studying and applying what I learn to life. It is very important to attend because the classroom enviroment reinforces what might be taught in a book or through notes. Some important ideas are shared between students and teachers and the colaboration of these creates an experience that you can only get from listening to others view points. Learning from people around you is crucial so that you become well rounded in your education. By missing class you miss important information that could help in learning more thoroughly.

A few weeks ago, while listening to the radio, the talk show host repeatedly stressed the importance of being a continual learner. As I pondered this statement, I realized how very valuable it is. In today's competitive day and age, ever-growing knowledge is a requirement for progressive living. I have found this to be true, and by going to school I am continuing along the road to knowledge, and through knowledge, progressive living. My college experience so far has taught me a lot about myself: my goals for the future, my drive, my passions. My ultimate life goal that I have set for myself is to make an impact wherever I go, in whatever I do. After earning a degree in Visual Communications, paired with a minor in Business, I plan on carrying out this life goal by opening my own design business.

I have accrued knowledge in subjects such as biology and calculus, and I now understand the process of cellular metabolism and understand the definition of a derivative. Knowledge in calculus and biology enable me to pass my classes and inch me closer to obtaining a piece of paper that proves I graduated from an accredited college. However, because the percentage of Americans with a college degree is increasing the worth and value of a degree is consequently decreasing. With this previous point in mind, the experiences and knowledge that I have gained outside of the classroom is more important to me than what I have gained inside the classroom. Participating in on-campus activities and constantly interacting with my peers and elders has helped me sharpen my social skills. In a country where a college degree doesn't mean much, I understand the ability to seperate myself from my peers socially is key to landing the job I want; which is why my experiences in the college life outside of the classroom has made my university valuable to attend.

I have gotten so much from Texas State University. I always considered myself to be somewhat of an introvert, but this college really provided me with new horizons. With the city of San Marcos, being so close to larger surrounding cities like Austin and San Antonio, there is never a dull moment inside or outside the college. I love being here, I have made nearly all my friends at this University. I have played many intramural sports, and it is always a delight to play sports here. Everyone is extremely freindly and there is never problem with anyone, I have never seen anyone in fights, or getting angry with another, and considering the University is so diverse, I had figured that there would be conflicting opinions. Luckily everyone is so accepting of one another and their beliefs, so everyone really gets along. Being here has made be a better person, and more accepting of others. I have no doubt in my mind that I have made life long friends here.

This is the first time on my own. With all the wonderful Students, Councellors & Activities, I have been able to fit right in. My college experience is rounding me out as a young adult. Of course, I was nervous when I first arrived & had a rockie first Semister. But, this is just a learning experience and I am feeling very confortable at Texas State now. This is valuable to me because, I am looking forward to finishing my 4 year Degree & starting my life with a bright future. This all has been possible due to the support and help from my Mom and my family (and hopefully Scholarships to help along the way). Thank you for your concideration.

When I went off to college I thought I was the most well-rounded and open-minded person that I could be, but once I got here that idea went straight out the window. Classes like philosophy, psychology, english, even history have started to make me think differently about the world and everything in it. I analyze people more than I used to and I think out of the box more. It's been valuable to attend because even though people can get these experiences in the real world I can't isolate myself from other people's opnions in class because it might be something on a test, so it forces you to think about different ways or doing things or thinking besides your own.

What I hope to get out of my college experience, is a experience i will remember for the rest of my life. I think it'll be valuable to attend Texas State-San Marcos because it seems like a very good school that will teach me alot of new things and let me branch out and grow into the person iam going to be for the rest of my life.

As I continue my first year of college I am still growing academically as well as socially, I have joined a servie sorority which is based solely on service and sisterhood. This sorority has guided me with service events that have made me mature as well as taught me how to become better with time management within the sorority as well as through my studies. I have also grown academically not knowing what to expect as I took my very first exam I studied until I could honestly say I fell asleep with my flashcards on my face. I found that studying the night before-like in high school-is not the best idea. I passed the test, but I am a much better academic and I expected much more out of my grades than what I received. In conclusion, as I near each test I have stacks of flashcards mixed with my self made study guides scattered on my bed as well as the floor, and its been working very well so far. (My roommate thinks im messy, but Hey! Were in college! Messy is okay when you have three tests in one day!)

My college experience is helping me reach my goals for starting my life on my own. Learning is one of the most important parts of my college experience. I learn something new every day at my current college I am attending at. This college experience is helping me mature into the person i want to be. The surroundings in the college evironment has played a key factor into my personality. My college experience is valuable because it will give me the extra push to help start my life. Being in college has helped me see where i want to go in life, and how i can get there. This college experience is something that I will never forget.

In my college experience thus far I have learned the value of having a well-rounded education. In completing my AA degree at a local community college and begining the transition to transfer to a University, I have learned how important it is to take your education seriously starting with your first semester. It is valuable to attend because being immersed in such an academic environment is not something everyone has the chance to experience. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had so far in my education and value every aspect of it. I also value this experience because I know it will benefit me in my endeavor to reach career goals I have for myself. I have taken from this experience a drive to succeed and a strong commitment to exceeding even my highest expectations. My college experience has allowed me to meet new people I would not have met otherwise, set high academic goals, challenge myself inside and outside of the classroom, and learn insight from other students and professors.

Leaving home and going away for college has brought many opprtunities and opened many doors in my life. I was lucky enough to have had the choice on where I wanted to attend college. Traveling five hours away from home into a new environtment has been the ultimate college experience. I was able to see that there is so much more outside of the small town in which I grew up and lived all my life. I am doing great away from home. All this has helped me grow up and mature faster than I would have imagined. I value this step I took in my life very much because it is helping to shape and mold my goals that i have set for the future. Once I have graduated from here I can look back and say that because of this experience I am who I am now and I am extremely greatful for it!

My college experience so far has been a lesson learning experience. Many of the challenges I have faced are due to the adjusting I had to do from being a lazy high school senior to a diligent hard working college student. The experience of living in a fully academic world has woken me, and I have discovered I have developed punctuality, diligence, a mind for being patient and most of all for never giving up. I attend my university to gain a valuable experience that can better my life and give me a thought of fulfillment. The valuable experience of an education, I heard many times how valuable education is, but now I understand. It opens up many doors and helps me be a better person for gaining many qualities a student needs to succeed and also gaining ground on great career opportunities, even though I am still a freshman. I can see the end of the tunnel and I am heading full throttle to the end to find the green grass and the clear blue sky.

I'd say "Hello Will. I'm you 18 years and 5 school in the future. Don't be an idiot, and listen for just a bit." After the initial shock, a few explanations, and a bit of "Well, I am dieting, if you'd watch what you're eating now..." I'd tell him a few observations. "First," I'd start, "commit to your school, your peers, and your academic program. You need to be a part of the community to succeed - so pick a school where you'll find the right people to talk with, who have the same values, and importantly, have goals to succeed." I'd nod at myself, because even then, I'd thought about this, but had hurried through the whole process. "Slow down, find a mentor, your professors are there to help you succeed. Talk to them about your goals and aspirations. They will ground you and help you find the right people to network with so your can reinforce the decisions you're going to make." The ultimate advice, "Mentors are important, they'll guide you. Finally, take it seriously, but dedicate to singular excellence, and find passion in success.

If given the chance to talk to my high school senior self, I know exactly what I would say to him. I would only have to say three words, "Listen to dad." I was always one to go against authority, so pretty much every piece of advice given to my by my dad was promptly ignored. Naturally, this was a bad move, as "doing what I want" instead of following his advice led to a very rough first semester. Now I regret being so ignorant, and had I known better, I wouldn't be in this situation today. That is why the advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to follow my dad's advice.

You're only eighteen years old. You are young, you are healthy, you are able. You don't have to decide your future right here, right now. You have the rest of your life to become someone. You are already an extraordinary individual to have made it to this point in your life. Now that you're graduating, go out. Have fun. Travel. Go to community college...Mom and Dad will appreciate you for saving them thousands of dollars. Then decide what you want to do. You have time! College is about figuring out who you are--your place in society, and your personal strengths and weaknesses. You may have an idea of what you want to do with your life, but that may change. Going to college gives you opportunities that you can't even imagine right now. You learn things about yourself and the world, and you learn how to handle responsibility. DO STUFF. VOLUNTEER. GET OUT THERE. Only by putting yourself out there will you discover who you are and what you're meant to be. YOU.

My senior year was beyond what I expected it to be. I attended a magnet school with a very rigorous course load and very competitive I might add. I was among 118 students who all had to apply to gain admittance into my high school. After acceptance, the work began. We were required to take AP courses along with honors as well. This was very demanding and the ability to prioritize time was key to succeeding in my high school. I was very fortunate to be taught this along with other very valuable techniques to keep my grades high and that motivation to keep on working to get into that university I desired. If I could go back and tell myself on thing, it would be to "Set your standards high, your goals higher and nothing can bring you down." I would also tell myself "To not be afraid to be yourself." College is a different lifestyle that takes some adjusting. If I would have known that, I would have prepared myself in high school. There is no more mom and dad or teachers that are going to tell you what to do. You have to know what to do!

So it?s your senior year in high school and you?re feeling pretty good about graduating, trust me, I was there. All your classes are assigning busy work due seniors, including you, suffering from ?senioritis?. College is looking better and better, or so you think. Truth is I?ve learned a couple of things that would really help to know before diving into your first semester. Firstly, when you register for classes before the semester, make sure to compose at least three different schedules to your liking. Now this sounds tedious but trust me, you?re going to wish you made three when you log on and all the classes from your first two schedules are full. Secondly, after making these schedules you should research ALL the professors that teach the classes you chose. You?d be surprised how big of a difference it makes to go into a class knowing little habits of teachers, such as stomping the ground to indicate a test question, before they start lecturing. Lastly, when the semester starts, make as many friends as possible and get phone numbers, study buddies make all the difference! So read up and good luck in college!

If only I could go back and advise myself on the huge transition ahead. I would sit myself down and explain time is running out. While being enthusiastic, because college is something to be excited about, I would clearly state that I'm at risk of losing free money and I must act now! I wish someone would have explained to me that college tutuion is going up about seven percent each year. Then i would advise myself to fill out as many scholarships as possible! Not only would I encourage scholarships but community service as well. My senior year I was oblivious to the amount of tution I would have to pay out of my own pocket. I witnessed so many of my friends recieve financial aid that I thought I would be just as lucky. Unfortunately, I was not like my friends and was granted no financial aid . I had no choice but to apply for scholarships but by the time I realized my problem many deadlines had passed. Overall my experiences at Texas State have all been positive, so to go back in time I would love to tell myself and all my friends "Dont Give Up!"

I would devour the classics, Dickens, Shakespeare, Frost; maybe an occasional Mad Magazine to add a lighter flavor to the learning process. I would memorize Scripture and demolish the television with the urgency and fervency of a fire fighter in an inferno. I would tell me to write and write some more. I would tell myself to awaken prior to the sun so that I could get an earlier start than the day itself. I would learn how to make squid ink pasta to allow myself to become objective about the comestibles of the world. I would walk the streets of the homeless and interact with those that are forelorn so that I too could understand the plight of the unfortunate. I would enter a nursing home to attempt to understand and perhaps bring joy to those who once brough joy but lay motionless awaiting their inevitable fate. I would tell everyone that I knew to use dental floss as soon as possible so they would be proud to smile at everyone that entered into their circle of life. I would advise myself to be thankful for every moving moment of my existence and thank God for His ultimate control.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to truly focus on the things that interest me. I would tell myself to not just be concerned with the potential paycheck of certain jobs. When I first started college, I did not really know what I wanted to do with my life. I started thinking only about well-paying jobs. From that, I decided to be an engineering major just so I could make decent money after graduation. The only problem- I had absolutely no interest in any form of engineering. I then started to think about the things I would research and look up outside of school and realized much of it had to do with nutrition. I chose Texas State for their nutrition program and I couldn't be happier. So, if I could go back in time, I would definitely emphasize interest and education, not money.

Don't give up. Just because the art program is gone and your boyfriend of 2 years dumped you just before prom there is hope. The people in college are nice and want to help you and be your real friends. You will get a career in art and everything will be ok. Just hang in there kitty!

I would tell myself to stop thinking i can do the work on my own. The study labs and counclers are there for a reason and i need to use them.

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to lighten up! I tended to be somewhat uptight in high school and took things very seriously. Not that it was a bad thing, but now I realize that it is okay not to be perfect, and it is okay to let things go because it all works out. I have always been a very responsible person and student and put alot of pressure on myself. After my first year attending college and being away from home, I began to realize that I could be successful without all that pressure. San Marcos has become home and I absolutely love it! Texas State has so much to offer for any type of student. I immediately became involved in several organizations and now am an officer in the Student Chapter of the Alumni Association. I get to share my passion for this university with others and promote the organization. I would highly recommend this university to anyone looking for a great college and education. GO BOBCATS!

If I could have spoken to myself before I came to college, I would have told my self to be really prepared to hit the books! College classes are no where near as easy as high school clases and you just have to be in the state of mind to study all the time. I also would have mentioned that I needed to be prepared to have fun as well. There are too many things to do on campus, it blows my mind! There is something fun to do everyday and it keeps you from being burned out from studying.

If I were to go back in time & give myself advice on college life, I would say: Go to orientation-they really do help you get to know the campus. Go to class on the 1st day-they may just go over the syllabus, but you also get a feel for the teacher and make a good impression, just by showing up! Take notes-as many as you can handle...you never know what'll be on the test. Make time for friends and a social life-but don't let it rule your time management. Be frugal-but also pamper yourself once in a while. Not everyone is as nice as you, but some people are even nicer. This is not like home. Your opinion is not always right, so be open, but don't be afraid to voice your opinion either. Sit down with a financial aid advisor, they're more helpful than you realize. BE HAPPY!

I would tell myself to not be scared living on campus. To live on campus and to be involved in the academic clubs and play tennis for the school. I would suggest www.ratemyprofessors.com for every semester in college to avoid the professor that everyone knows to do already. DON'T take time off. Don't overload your semesters, but ALWAYS go to summer school. The condensed summer sessions are much easier than they seem. Always clerify how your professor prefers to be addressed. Although 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of them are laid back, chances are that one professor you don't call "Doctor", will be the one you offend greatly. One final thing: Study Abroad. It will be the funnest, most wonderful experience you'll ever have.

I would not give myself any advice. I belive that I am who I am for a reason and that everything up to this point has built me into the man I am today. I have loved all the struggles and joys of being a self dependent college student. Something I could have said was try to not loose focus of the overall objective of education. Knowing myself i would not have listened and I would have progressed independently without worrying about the advice of my future self. I am very happy being at Texas State university where I am continuing my education and just trying to maintain the lifestyle I have set out formyself. Maybe as advice I would tell him how i would respond to the question, what would you tell yourself if you could go back to senior year of high school?

Advice that I would give to myself is definitely save, save, save. If you come from a family with more than one child, like I do, you can't always depend on your parents to be able to come up with tuition money right on the spot. I would also tell myself to not wait around to talk to an advisor. I've been lucky thus far, with getting appointments, but I would tell myself to get in early. The earlier you see your advisor, the better choices you'll have for classes. You'll stay on the right track and won't wonder what classes you need to take. One last thing I would tell myself is that I can do anything I put my mind to. There are people here to help me for a reason, and that I don't need to sit around by myself and struggle through this alone.

In terms of saving money I would have told myself to start out at a community college to save money, or maybe actually have made myself save all the money I made through out high school instead of wasting it on useless things. Other than that, I am pleased with my choices and where I ended up. Money is my only regret now.

I would tell myself to get prepared way sooner than i did. Start all the paper work, finalcal aide perparations, gathering dorm room supplies alot sooner. I would tell myself not to be nervous or afraid of the life i'm about to start, that everything was ging to work out. Also that the distractions from school work are often and hard to ignore, but to focus and leave all the fun for the weekends. As a senior i was nervous that the classes were going to be hard and the work overwhelming. I would tell myself that it was managable and not to worry. That the friends i was going to make would play vital roles in my success. Lastly i would tell myself not to lose faith and to always trust your gut feelings, to have fun and be there for your friends when they need it.

Taylor, I know that it seems like everyone is telling you to apply for scholarships lately, but don?t put it off until the last minute. Start applying for them early on, and apply for as many as you can! Don?t wait until the spring when you?ll be stressed about prom because trust me, you'll regret it. I know you love hanging out with your friends, but spend time with your family too! They love you and are going to be sad to see you go, even if they keep fighting over what they want to do with your bedroom once you leave. Take advantage of every opportunity life presents you with, and live your life to the fullest. You love to talk about how lame high school is and how you can?t wait for college, but savor every moment of it. Even if you don?t think so now, you will miss parts of high school in the future. Oh, and go with your instincts when you?re looking at colleges- you?re going to love Texas State! Sincerely, Your older-and-wiser self PS: You get to keep your bedroom. For now, at least.

Next month you?ll be moving out and starting college here are a few things you may want to know. When you move to the dorm bring as few things as possible-there is not much space. Be open-minded about the pot luck roommate. I know she?s a sophomore but maybe you can learn from her. Always go to class. First of all you?re paying for it, second of all if you skip music theory you will be so behind and Liz Lee is not the best teacher so nobody in there will be able to catch you up. In the social aspect of things, try not to hole yourself up in the stinky dorm room. Put yourself out there a little bit-people will like you, you?re a cool girl! Don?t think that just because you?re not into drinking people won?t be into you. I know it will be hard because you don?t have the marching band like in high school but you have classes and people are very friendly. No matter what happens it?s going to be a great experience, I can promise you that.

I would tell my high school senior self to take more dual credit classes and/or AP classes. In college, classes are EXPENSIVE. In high school, dual credit classes are offered for free and AP testing is a lot more inexpensive than taking the actual class at the university. Plus, those things would save you a lot of time in college. In some cases, you could even graduate early. Another big thing I would tell myself is to apply for tons of scholarships and/or grants. There is free money out there for everything; from academics to height. This would avoid you from taking out loans and begin paying after you graduate. With college, come exams. Attempt to work in those study habits early in high school because in college, professors tend to make the exams to where you cannot "cram" the information. One last thing I would tell my high school senior self is to keep an open mind when coming to college. There will be all sorts of different people from very different backgrounds. You may not agree on what they said or do, but you should accept it and attempt not to change it.

If I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student I would advise myself to learn time management skills. In high school there are teachers, coaches, and parents there to get you up for school, send you off to your next class, and make sure you are a practice on time. In college, that is not the case. It is completely up to us to get ourselves up for class and to arrive on time. In high school, internet access was limited which means there was not as much availability to get on facebook, twitter, and etc. In college there are no restrictions to what we access and when we do so. I wish I would have practiced better time management skills in high school so they would be instilled in me today.

My freshman year of college I had no idea what to expect. I took 17 hours of school, was on the volleyball team for Temple College and I was stressed out. I had no idea how to cook, stay organized, focus in scool, be a good teamate and keepy my sanity all at the same time. I wish I knew then what I know now. If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would have mentally, emotionally and physically prepared myself for making that transition. I would have gave myself encouragement and told myself to study more and party less. I would have told myself not to give up on Algebra. I would have taught myself how to cook, stay organized and learn good study habbits. I would tell myself that practice makes perfect, dont cheat, stay tough and keep your head up. But when I really think about it, making that transition without any preperation is the true college experience. No freshmen knows what to expect and thats what makes the whole experience magical. Its hard, its fun, its stressful, its emotional, its the time of your life.

If I knew now what I knew then I would have done the best I could in high school. I always kept good grades but I could have done better and applied to colleges right out of high school. I would have done well like I am now just started ten years earlier. Instead of being an online student like I am now I would have gone to college and stayed on campus and would have already graduated and have a job that I truely apprecite.

Studying is a nightmare! Whether it is for a test or an assignment you are going to have to study no matter what. You spend hours looking at a text book reading the same chapter over and over until you can see it in your head. We both know that we hate to study, but in order to survive in this university you are going to need to study. It is not like high school where you read every other paragraph and remember terms; you need to know the material and how it relates to the world. Don?t worry you get use to the intense studying habits and even start to like it. You are going to have fun doing the one thing you hate.

If I could give my high school self advice, I would tell myself not to be so self-conscious and be more outgoing. Being more open and outgoing are the most valuable traits that would've helped me the most in my first semester of college. As a result of not being an open and outgoing person, I have very few friends at Texas State. I would tell myself to go out and get a job and act like a responsible adult by taking care of my own problems. I would also advise myself to not go home so much to make the transition easier. Missing my family and my old friends doesn't help the feeling of overall loneliness. I would tell myself to study harder and take advantage of every opportunity. College has too much to offer to let it all just pass me by and i would be sure to not let my high school self make the same mistakes again.

Don't be afraid of not knowing what you want to do, but on the same token, expose yourself your freshman year of college to different classes so that you can decide where you want to focus your studies. Look in to scholarships and seek aid. Having a target will help you go through college more quickly and efficiently. Look for books outside of school. This means that you'll save some money by buying books on ebay, or renting them. Look for internships early, in order to give you experience with what you think you want to do. Have faith in yourself and you will do well.

Dear Self, Please do yourself a favor and graduate from high school. I , the older you, have needed to go through the back door to acheive my goals in life. Now you, the younger I, are a graduate student and you have hopes to continue on to your PHD. If only you would have thought of that twenty years ago. Yes, I understand that high school sucks! However, if you could have just held on for a few more classes, I know that you would have had better opportunities extended to you. In other words, girl, you need to stick it out, as all things in life shall pass; just as the future becomes the present and the present becomes the past. College offers new awareness of the world and presents choices, which affect the rest of your life. Make wise of them for they will build you or break you. Forgive your DQs (dumb questions) for they lead to knowledge. Take one step at the time. And above all else...Believe in Yourself. Love always, me (you)

I would tell myself to relax, and never be ashamed of who i am. I am a beautiful, outgoing, and smart driven individual who will accomplish great things in life. Life is about making mistakes, and learning from them, and you should always rememeber to live each day to it's fullest, because you never know when this day will be your last day? Cassie Smith, you are a vibrant person, and should never be shy you're freshman year; just let loose and let everyone know who you are, because they will love you for everything that you are. Always remember to study has long as you can for each exam, you are smart woman, and it won't be the end of the world if you are tired the next day from studying all night, just know it will be worth it to see an A on that exam. I leave you with this final piece of advice, "study hard, but have fun, and take in every moment, laugh, and struggle; these college days will make up who you are later down the road. You're beautiful and never let that smile turn into a frown."

I would just tell myself to enjoy life in the now. Don't wait for the future for happiness and don't look at the past for happiness. Be open and meet new people. Learn to accept people as they are, for their quirks and all.

If there was something I could make clear to myself as a high school senior it would be this. Don?t worry about what everyone else is doing. They will end up where they are suppose to, you need to focus on you. Seeing all my friends get accepted and getting ready to attend major universities from other states and other countries made me uneasy. I felt like maybe I wasn?t as good as them because I was staying close to home. I would inform my younger self that it?s ok; you?ll end up where you are meant to. Work hard to get yourself to your next level and not to stay on par with your class mates. If you go to school in Texas that?s fine, if you even go to school in San Antonio that?s fine. So long that?s your making your grades and you?re happy that?s all that counts.

First of all you need to make sure that you are going to the college that you really wanted to, you first choice, if its at all possible. Dont let parents, a boyfriend, friends, or anybody else convince you that to stay closer to home. It can be a waste of time, and take even longer for you to get to the college that you really need to be attending. When your at the right place you can feel it, and you see the path stretching out in front of you. Instead of seeing all the turns you have to make, you see a straight path leading to your career and your future. It may not be easy, but all the stress and hardships will be something necessary and worthwhile to your future.

As a college student now, I have realized how ignorant I was about college life as a student in high school. If I could go back and talk to myself a long time ago I would have three things to say. I'd tell myself to research way in advance, find scholarships, and take more advanced courses in high school (AP courses). Researching each college and visiting them is the best way to make the right choice . If you choose wisely, you won't have or want to transfer. If you choose a school and decide to transfer most high school students wouldn't know that not all credits transfer school to school. It could be a waste of your time and money. Scholarships may take time but are worth every minute. Interest on loans build up more than you think! The more advanced courses you take in high school, the more prepared you are for college. Hard work does indeed pay off!

I would go back and take the hardest courses I possibly could. The classes would of been a nice wake up call of what to expect in college. I could of seen many different fields and decided which one I truly wanted to major in rather then waiting to find out in college like I did. I would also inform myself to ask for as much advice as I possibly could from teachers or anyone who could help me. I was the type who never asked questions so now I look back on that and I do not see how I did it because I ask whenever I do need clarification. I would also inform myself on learning to take notes better and how to write the absolute best papers. I would also inform myself to prioritize things on my mind accordingly. School would of been first over girls or even my job. I have learned more in the 3 years I have been in college then I did in my 13 years of education leading up to college. I see how competitive it is and I am always up there to be the best.

I am the typical overwhelmed college freshman at Texas State University who walked into my first college class clueless to actually how difficult it would be. During my very first semester, I quickly became stressed with homework, tests, and managing my time. I feel that if I would have been introduced to these complications before I had started college, this past semester would be alot easier. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to prepare as much as I possible could for the upcoming change in my life called college. I'd tell myself to focus more on things such as time management and learning how to study "the college way." I believe that if more students focused more on college preparation before entering college, statistics would show a great change. The percentage of students getting into colleges would increase and the percentage of student dropping out of college would decrease. I believe any college freshmen, who went through the same complications that I did, would agree. College preparation should become a greater focus for high school seniors, for our benefit.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a 17 year old high schooler, I would seriously sit down with myself and ask myself what do I want out of life and create a roadmap of how to attain those things. I had a lot going for me in high school. I took all the right classes and was in all the right clubs but didn?t take advantage of all that was out there. I would?ve made myself take my AP tests no matter what score I think I would?ve gotten and taken CLEP tests if I didn?t score well on the AP exam. I would?ve applied for scholarships and requested more loan money. I would counsel myself on credit cards and consequences of their use and learned about proper debt management. I would tell myself that a part-time job is not more important than school. I would tell myself that my studies come first and to NEVER take a full-time job no matter how much I?m struggling financially. I would also make sure that my academic area of study has real job opportunities after graduation.