The University of Texas at Arlington Top Questions

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

Kaleigh

If I would go back in time to my senior year I would tell myself to look for any scholarship or grant money you can because you dont have the money to pay out of pocket for college and you dont want to be in debt. Also, Study harder. Spend more time studying so that you can get better grades. Put all you have into your classes so you can make sure you are on top to get into the programs you want to get into. I would tell myself no matter what to never give up. College is going to be a lot of sleepless nights, and lots of sweat but you have to think about the end result and how much better it will benefit your family in the future. I would also say to keep on my path and dont let anyone or anything get in the middle of my future and goals.

Diana

I would advice myself to better perpare for anything pertaining to school.On the one hand, i would advice myself to obtain a job while in highschool so that i could save up money for college expenses.This being because i now know from experience that college costs thousands in tuition plus all the money spent on books and supplies needed for school.On the other hand, i would also recommend myself to obtain better tactic skills pertaining to school work. Such as more productive methods of learning and retaining that which was thought to me.Also making it a habit to study for a test way ahead of time with weeks in advance rather than trying to cram tons of information in a couple of days. Lastly, i would attempt to become more independent than that which i already was because making the transition from highschool to college isn't as simple as it seems.People accomodate at different rates, therefore, i would become accustomed to accomplish tasks on my own.After all, college life is no longer highschool type where you grow up next to people you know.Here you go on your own to obtain your goals.

Christian

I should always pay attention in class, the things I learn there can actually be beneficial to me in the future. I should also start studying for all of my classes even if I find that the classes are easy, I can never study too much for a subject. I need to understand that asking questions at high school will help me be more comfortable when I have to ask questions in college. Of course I need to start becoming more independent and not take anything for granted. My organization skills is one of the keys to my success So getting use to writing everything down and completing all my work on time will really help me when I have a project to be completed a week after it was assigned.

Vanessa

First of all I should start getting use to studying at least two for each of my classes. There is absolutley no excuse for not doing your homework on time nor for not attending class. My parents aren't going to be able to help me out when I am failing a course anymore. So I should really start taking more responsibilty for my actions and become more independent. At college no one is going to remind me to go to class nor to do my homework. I might be pressured to go to a party when I have a test the next day, but I have to understand that "no!" is the best answer.

Rachel

Personally, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would give myself advice on study habits. when I was in high school I never study, i never had to. Therefore, when I got to college it was a completely different type of learning style. Also, I would encourae myself to take more scholarship opportunities. I was the kid in high school who thought I had no chance at recieving a scholarship so why even fill one out. But looking back now I wish i would have takin every chance I got, because now I am struggling with loans. The last thing I would tell myself is not to take everything so hard in high school. I realize that high school is a crucial time, but everything falls into place on its own and there is no use stressing over the things you can not change. Everything always falls into place on its own and thats why I am happily attending The University of Texas at Arlington.

Kayla

Do not skip school! Pick a college major and stick with it because, otherwise, it takes years to complete. You got a four year scholarship!! Be smart with it, don't transfer so often, don't drop classes so much and don't blow your extra money on clothes! You are smart and you will decide that you don't have it in you to go to medical school. You do, so go! You have a wonderful family that is willing to do anything they can to help you graduate so don't take advantage of them. Spend more time on homework and less time reading. Prioritize and stay focused, even when it seems so hard and you don't think you have it in you any longer...I promise you, you still have some fight left in you!

Julie

Explore different career fields and find out as much about them before choosing a major. I am 25 and still taking classes to prepare for vet school applications. For example, If I knew the difference between general chemistry and intro chemistry in my undergrad (and that intro would not count for pre-med type careers) I would have taken the appropriate classes. Instead, I am going back and taking courses that I could have fit into my undergraduate plan. Overall, go volunteer places and see what it's like in different environments. I wish I knew what I wanted to do earlier when I was an undergraduate. I would be in vet school already instead of still taking pre-requisites! Best of luck and keep working hard :)

Merle

If I had the chance to go back to my high school senior year and talk to my self, I would tell my self to try even harder and to never give up. There were numerous times that I had to stop what I was doing and tell my self that I would all be worth it if i tried harder. Looking back now, there is so much I could had done in my senior year that I did not do. Starting with classes, I was enrolled in all AP/Honor classes which made my schedule a bit too dificult. Little did I know that college classes would be twice as hard than those AP classes I was giving up on. I was satisfy with my final rank but if I had had a little more confidence in y self, I am sure I could had been among the first10 people to gratduate from my class. I had no idea that college does no wait for you, life keeps going whether you read your book or not. I would definitely prepare my self harder physically, emotionally, and of course meantally to confront the transiton from HS to college.

David

David, I know you're going to college because you're Indian and you're parents want you to become an engineer; but its not their future, its yours. Spend some extra time figuring what school will work for you. what you feel will be a good degree for you is what you need to go with. UTA is a good school, but make sure you are going to it for what you really care about. Try to get into as many extracurricular activities. Make a bunch of friends and network with as many people as possible. Some people can be completely useless, but you can weed out who will help you excel after you at least make friends with them. Remember, everyone is struggling to make it here, so there's no harm in just introducing yourself.

eric

I would not give myself any other advice because I knew what I was getting into. The workload was what I expected so I took as many difficult classes I could my senior year. The only advice I could give to myself if I went back into time would be that I should have taken the SAT and ACT again in order for me to receive more financial aid.

Toni

If I had the chance to go back in time to my senior year of high school I would tell my past self many things. I would tell myself to get in the habbit of studying and taking good, better yet, great notes. I would tell myself to be prepared for the best and the worst of teachers. I would also tell myself to try not to give into the temptations of the college environment, and that it's okay for them to have a little fun every once in a while as long as it doesn't enterfere with there academic standing in the college. And the most important thing I would tell myself would be to pay attention well, don't take any information for granted.

Maria

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self, I would say: develop the best study habits possible, be self motivated, and learn how to be self sufficient. Don't waste your time. Time is not renewable, manage it well. Successful results are directly related to how much study effort you put in. Studying is not nearly as bad as failing. Yes, some folks will encourage you to do your best in school, but ultimately it is up to YOU to make it happen. If certain material is too challenging, always seek help no matter what. Be mentally focused when someone is explaining to you whatever it is you need help with. There will be times when you're half way through the semester and it has felt like an uphill struggle, just remember how the view will look from the top.

Diamond

Making the transition for high school to college is very strange. The high school life that you once knew is now gone. In college you can not allow yourself to fall behind and you must manage your time wisely. If you do a little bit of work a day it is not as difficult. Putting things of will make you crazy when your work is due. Also take notes in all of your classes. Even though you might not think you need them at the moment, they come in handy when you are studying. Having notes also saves you time flipping through the pages of all your text books and helps you finish your homework faster. Staying focused in class will help you a lot though your classes. Even tough this is common sense many people get easily distracted and talk to their friends during a lecture and text on their phones. Stay focused and on track and you will do fine in college.

Deb

If I could go back in time and advise myself about college, I would tell myself to relax and don’t take yourself too seriously. I would advise myself to really enjoy this college experience, be open-minded, and never worry about what others think about you. Cherish each and every moment, value everyone that comes into your life, and take nothing for granted. Make memories that are worthwhile because time goes by so fast and you only get one chance at making these four short years memorable. Learn as much as you can and do not be afraid to make mistakes because without them there would be no progress nor success. It is okay if you do not have everything figured out yet because your college experience is about growth and self discovery. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially, and always stay positive. Remain true to who you are and never change yourself for anyone. Use all of the available college resources to your advantage and always listen to your instincts. More importantly, do not forget where you came from and never lose sight of where you are going.

Taylor

High schoolers need to remember to have fun. I worked really hard my freshman year and was stressed out a lot of the time. I wish I had someone to tell me to sit back and enjoy myself, because high school really is the last time that someone is constantly doing all the hard work for you. Show up to class and listen, have fun with your friends while it lasts and get a lot of sleep because you won't be getting much sleep for the next few years. Also, before classes start you should know where all the resources are, the library, the bursars office, the tutoring center, and the freshman aide center if they have one. Remember to work hard, but to enjoy yourself, its a big transition so take it all in stride.

Annaliese

There is nothing I regret not doing in high school. My organizational skills and time management allowed me to complete a fully satisfied high school career. I have always been so self-motivated and determined in every task I took on. If I could go back and talk to myself in high school I would let myself know that I am doing a great job and everything is going to be okay; that all my preperation for college - where I knew I would flourish - since middle school was worth every bit and would pay off sooner than I thought. It would have been perhaps beneficial to give myself a token of encouragement that I was doing everything I could to enjoy life at that time and prepare for my future accordingly. I was pretty well prepared for the transition, but if I could give a shout-out to someone who was not, it would be to take everything in moderation while maintaining passion; it is perfectly okay to relax, but preferrably not all the time; doing your homework is worth it, because daily grades add up; and lastly, go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated. CARPE DIEM!

Mimi

Dear Highschool Mimi, This is College Mimi speaking. As you are in class right now sitting and thinking about how this information that your silly teachers are teaching in front of class will ever be relevant. Read on and do what I say. Be open to learn, the material that is presented to you in high school is suprisingly interesting if you give it a chance, you will see it again in college and will regret not learning it the first time around -which in return, will save you a lot of tuition money. School is important, do not let yourself be influenced by your friends and the choices that they are making. You are a very smart girl (graduated with Latin Honors!) so learn how to make decisions on your own. Figure out a studying strategy right now, that way you will not try to figure this out during the first two years of collage (PLEASE) .Take this moment to reflect on the advice, as it is a chance that will you will change your way to success. It will provide you with a clearer direction and it will save you a gripload of stress.

Amparo

Don't declare a major right off the bat; start off doing just your basic requirements and then see what intersts you most. If you do know what major you want, make sure that you do mostly the basics in the first two years and then concentrate on your major classes. Find out about campus activities and clubs early on and join a few of them. Get to know your professors and have a personal relationship with them, don't be scared to email them with questions about the course work or to go talk to them in their office. Make sure that you meet with a financial advisor and have a plan for paying tuition if financial aid doesn't cover it.

christina

My advice to future college students is to find a school that will challenge you and prepare you for the future. A school that has up to date equipment and readily available materials to help you with your studies. Interact with your professors and network while in school with professors and students for career opportunities. Do not just go with the flow and motions of school but actually learn and challenge yourself in your classes. Your last two years of school, get a part time or full time job associated with your major so when you graduate you will have some experience in your field to grow within the company. Now, it is very difficult to find a job with little or non-related experience. If you cannot work, try interning or volunteering in your particular field.

MARKANTHONY

I inform myself that it is ok to change majors if it is not working out in the engineering disciplines. Drop classes and pursue a degree in something you love doing. Do not get caught up in the party scene and seek student counseling to help guide you to best outcomes. That was not available 20 years ago. Do not let others goals interfere with our own. Do not give up on your dreams or take short cuts.

Aaron

If I could go back in time and give myself advise on college I would tell myself to get to work on those scholarships. You may think you could pay off college yourself, but in reality majority of college students have some form of financial aid. So I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible, and to even apply for grants. I would also tell myelf to stay away from student loans unless you want to graduate with a large amount of debt. If I had done that I wouldn't be stressing about paying for college and would be able to focus more on my school work.

Samantha

If i could go back to my high school self and give advice about college life i would start off with how big of a responsibility it is. College falls on my shoulders not anyone else's. I am the person who is one hundred percent responsible for the quality of my education. Also, i would tell my high school self to develop better study habits outside of class. Another piece of advice i would give to my high school self about college life would be to utilize all available resources.

Theresa

It is very important to set goals and follow through with them. Become to know what kind of career or field you want to work in so that you can declare a major. It is important to use the summer before your first semester to parpare yourself for a university by saving money, researching different career fields, and making a list of short and long term goals. Also, it is important to apply for a variety of scholarships to assist in financial aid. It will be good to have friends who share the same interest as you, so that you can stay on track and stay focused. Even though this transition is the most important decision made in life, it is OK to ask for help. It is OK, to fell nervous and excited. If you need someone to talk to, your parents would be a good source, because they will not steer you wrong. College is about the future, so understand it is important to make good decisions and seek help if unclear about something. You should have fun, stay focused, and prepare yourself for the future.

Louvhencye

Study hard, take ALL AP-Courses get good grades, Pay more attention!!!

Adora

I would tell myself to save up more money and be prepared to study without sleep for days!

Amanda

If I could go back in time to when I was a High School Senior and give myself advice about college one of the first things I would say is ; Don't wait! Do not decide that you want to take any time off because the more time you take off the harder it is to make yourself go back. I would also tell myself to go to a public college or university because whille the private university you are looking at may seem great now with all it convenience and bells and whistles, it is way to expensive!! I would tell myself to enjoy the experience bacause to soon its going to be over then you have to hit the real world, work, family, kids, bills, cars, and lets not forget those student loans you need to pay back. And last but not least LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! They are your greatest asset toward college and will do nothing but help you on your journey of trying to pay for all of it!

shalyse

When you go to buy your books at the bookstore, buy a planner. Keep your schedule organized so that you have adequate time to study and socialize. It is also important to realize that though you are at school for an education, you need study breaks. Take ten to fifteen minutes for every hour you study to rest your brain. It's really not as scary as it seems. Take about two weeks to get your school and work schedules under control, then if time permits join an organization or two. It will help you with time management and help you build connections if they are major specific organizations. Attend all job fairs and anything like them, it will help you to see what is waiting for you. Look into interships so you know what types of classes within your major you should take by your junior year. Most important talk to your academic advisor atleast twice a year to go over your tentative four year class schedule, to make sure you are on the right track.

Hillary

Considering that I have just myself graduated from high school just two months ago, I wouldn't be able to give myself a great deal of advice. I would say, though, not to be scared. Meet all the people you can, and really don't be afraid to put yourself out there. This is what college is all about. Asking for help, or just for a talk is what is going to get you through. If the only thing that is holding you back is being afraid, or being to shy, or whatever it is, it is not worth it. Just get over any anxieties and put your best food forward into everything you do! Dance like no one is watching.

Micah

In the event that my now wiser and knowledgeable present self could return to the past and tell my insecure and inexperienced high school self and give some advice, I think the first thing that would have to be related is that past Micah would simply be that everything would be alright and there was no reason to worry or be stressed. I would remind myself to give my full attention to learning and to be completely passionate about my linguistic studies and even those studies that are required but unaffiliated with my course of study. Present Me would encourage Past Me to become even more involved in the UTA community and to meet and engage with as many people as possible because doing so would allow me to have a more well rounded personal experience. And finally, I would tell myself that no matter how much my friends begged me, I should not play indoor soccer. It's just not one of my skills and my time would have been better served studying, cheering my friend's team on or doing just about anything else. Then I would give Past Me a high five and send him away.

Thomas

Try to remember what it felt like going to school. How if felt to hold the power of change in your hands. Then as a person who was twenty when he got out of high school. The only thing I was thinking of was getting out in the real world and making some money and getting out on my own. If I would have listen my myself I wouldn't be starting school again at 58. But as I learned is that most yong people don't listen.

Nathan

I would tell myself that College isn't a joke. It's easy to think that you can work a full time job and go to school full-time AND still have a life, but that just isn't possibe for most students, especially in tough majors like engineering. College IS a full-time job. I would tell myself to really look into ways to pay for college without going into a lot of debt by applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible. The last advice I would give myself would be to keep an open mind and really think about why you believe what you do. Try to make any argument from the other side and see if it makes sense. If it does, don't be stubborn in accepting a new view. Having a reason for believing in everything you do is really what makes you smart: not just taking everything you hear and accepting it as the truth.

Rachel

I would advise myself to take even more AP classes. I took AP English and history/government, but I wish I would ahve taken more math classes specifically.

Matthew

Shut up and listen! I'm you and need to explain everything, but I'm limited by words! Being afraid is not wrong, letting it control you is. Ask for help, you need it (everyone does), get braces, and kiss that girl, you regret it. Quit playing with it. I wax my palms, can't see and it fell off! In the future, smart's hot! You study, score well, and you'll get the girls. Learn to speak German, so when you learn Spanish, you'll be sexier. Get your degree before joining the Navy and retire when your 43! Be active in, the community, finding faith, athletics (look, AARGH), and politics. They're boring, but full of corruption. if you're not knowledgeable, you'll get bit. Watch out for these two. She stops taking her pill to trap you and she has your daughter after you leave, so don't lose track of her! You get burned every time you combine friends, family, and money. Don't do it or give anyone the opportunity to take from you. Learn to save your money and listen to your gut, it's not hunger, it's a warning!

Breanna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself several things. First and most importantly, I would tell myself to work harder. Even though the teachers do not require one to do a great deal of work, it is important to try and to learn the material, because college is a definite eye-opener to having to work hard when you do not have to work hard in high school. Secondly, I would tell myself to SAVE money! Being in college is hard to manage and have a job also. Last of all, I would tell myself to sit back and enjoy the ride, because high school is the best and easiest time and after graduation comes all of the responsibility, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Nick

I would give anything for this opportunity. I would approach myself, put my hand on my high school selve's shoulder and say "Nick, have a seat, I have a lot I want to run by you." At this time I would communicate where I've been since I graduated and how much time I wasted on things that were not important. Most important of all would be the advice I would be able to give on preparing for college. I would explain that preparing for college takes research, time, planning, diligence, committment and hard work. I would adivse on all of the amazing opportunities that are out there for students like scholarships for academic achievments, organizations to connect with that help prepare for college and that connect you with good college contacts. I would stress this main point: College preperation is not a one day/week/month/year event. Preparing for college is something that needs to be a high-school-long preparing event. Hang out with the people that you know are interested in future education so that you can hold each other accountable. I'd tell my High School self that our future depends on all this.

Jonathan

Do more research into scholarships and financial aid. Actually apply for scholarships and not put them off. Stop procrastinating and get better study habits! Highschool was a breeze, college might seem easy for a while, but it just gets harder! Figure out what you really want to do with your life, you're actually more interested in tinkering with machines and making film than healthcare! Apply to more colleges that can cater to that. Think outside of the box and don't worry about what the parents say about what you should do with your life or where you should study, go where you can get the best education for your career choice. Actually be more involved on college campus just like you were in high school, don't just say you will and forget about it. Actually listen to your girlfriend's advice, she's almost always right when it comes to making life choices and you shouldn't be so big headed about your own opinions. Stop trying to be a traditional, stereotypical asian, you're an AMERICAN, don't judge yourself based on what others judge you as! STUDY! Work on those study habits!

Melanie

Wow, this is a great question....I would tell the very young me to really consider the importance of my college education. I would emphasize to myself the importance of studying and how great it really does feel to get fantastic grades and know that Ive really accomplished something by doing well in my classes. I also would tell myself to give myself some time, maybe even my freshman and sophomore years to take lots of diverse classes and really think about what I want to get my degree in. I waivered back and forth on what I wanted to degree in, and ended up extending my undergraduate program way too long by changing my direction during my junior year. While college life is loads of fun and important in helping us mature into adults, its not what its all about and you've got to work on the grades constantly. I know now that I am a smart person and when I apply myself to anything, I can always exceed. I would remind my young self of that over and over again!

Andrea

As a freshman in college since my first semester I have wished I could go back in time to high school and do things different and take things more seriously. There being more then 400 senior students I did what I could to be on top (which I achieved) but I slid by doing assignments without really thinking that what I was learning was going to come back up in my future. So if I could go back I would tell myself to study more and capture what I was being taught, taking the time to analyze things. If I had just simply captured and kept the information I learned then things now in college would have been a lot simpler. I am sitting in class now thinking "I really wish I had payed more attention in biology class." I would tell myslef that how I do in high school will determine my future, it is my stepping stone into the real world. Also tell myself to focus and pay attention because what I am learning now will be expected to be known in college. The teachers will not wait around, I will now be responsible to keep.

April

I recieved a well rounded education at the University of Texas Arlington. I not have the skills necessary to move on to graduate school. My prior experience as an undergraduate at UTA gave me the skills to move on to a better paying job and or go back to school and work on my graduate degree.

Khanh

College was an important step in my life and I would not have exchange that wonderful experience for anything else. During my high school years, I was still very dependent and was not able to realize the importance of many valuable things in my life such as family, school, and money. However, starting college has change that point of view and it has provide me a more higher and broader understanding of life and reality. I was no longer a child that can't do things for herself, college has make me a more capable person that realize and appreciate hardwork. Along with all these new skills and wisdom that I have gained from attending college, I have learned two new useful skills that will stay with me in the future, the ability of time management and perseverance. As I go further to reach my goals, I know that each day that I attend college, I will be able to discover another aspect of life, another lesson of wisdom that will help me in my journey to higher education.

Nirali

Through my college experience, I have discovered the importance of being involved on campus. So far, college has allowed me to interact with students with the same interests and major as me. I believe that college has taught me how to improve my study methods, be more responsible, and learn how to be a mature individual. College comes with a variety of oppurtunities, but it has also taught me many things that do not apply to my studies, such as communication skills, that will be required in today's workforce. In addition, attending class has taught me valuable skills, but has it been worth it? Of course it has been worth it! Attending class has allowed me to participate in thought-provoking lectures, as well as improve my note-taking and writing skills. Overall, I have discovered that college requires tremendous work and dedication. This experience has taught me much about life and the value of education. I know that the knowledge and experience I gain through my years at The University of Texas at Arlington will follow along with me for the rest of my life; for me, that makes all the difference.

T'yanah

Out of my first year of college I have learned that you should go into college with an open mind, and a clear head. You should be open minded to new experiences. But you still need to focuse on the important things in life in order to succeed. Its not easy being open minded it takes time. Take a chance and you'll never know what will happen. Its been valuable for me to attend because its allowed me to become more well rounded, social, and more involved with the peers in my school.

Heather

College has been so valuable to be because it gives me the strength and also the will power to know that I can do anything I put my mind to. I will be the first person in my family to graduate college with a bachelor's and master's degree in social work. I also realize that this experience will help me show my son that I could attend college and complete college even though I raised him myself. I was scared being a single mother but I realize now that I have someone else who is going to be depedent on me and also look to me as a role model. I realize college can be the best years of your life but it also teaches us that we can do whatever we put our minds too.

imrall

i have learned time management skills whuch has heloed me manage my time etter

Phil

I believe getting a good education is a universal human right and pursuing a liberal arts education via higher learning falls under this banner. The guidance I’ve received from the counselors and professors, not to mention the friends I’ve met, all have been primary factors contributive towards my success. What matters to me the most are the knowledge and life experience I’ve benefited from during my collegiate years. Philosophy, politics, history, art history/projects are among my most favorite courses to have studied. The great Socrates, through his disciple Plato and his dialogues, had once claimed, “A life not inquired is one not worth living.” One of the most often proclaimed clichés permeating all societies and cultures is “money makes the world goes around.” It is the political economy that makes the world spins on its existential axis. The American philosopher George Santayana’s famous dictum says it all about knowledge and history, “Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.” Higher education is the gateway to attain enlightenment towards truth. As Americans, we should all attempt to enter this gate, because we have the universal right to do so.

Hannah

I have obtained many things from my college experience, knowledge in history, science, math and humanities. But I have also obtained self-respect, confidence and a future. Self respect in a way that I am comfortable in expressing my views and opinions allowing for confidence in the words I say and the person I have become. I have established a future, a future that is placed before me assuring me of a steady job, the job I have tried so hard to get. I have gotten all these things and much more. It has been valuable for me, because it has assured my future and the life I attend to live. It has allowed me strive to do better and has been extremely valuable in the information and the confidence I gained through my years as a college student.

Lilliana

I have learned that school can be tougher than you thought but that all these hard work will have its rewards later on. I never regret coming to school because the education is your best weapon in life.

Megan

So far I've learned that college is at a new level. I have always been dedicated to my education while also maintaining a heavier work schedule, but I've been able to work around that and find all the help I've needed at The University of Texas at Arlington. The classes are also very nice.

Zach

I've grew as a person. It was valuable for me to go to UTA because if not for UTA, I may have never truly settled on what I wanted to do for my future. And for that, I'm quite grateful.

Carolyn

I met a lot of people while attending UTA. Many of whom I am still friends with today. The degree that I received is from a recognized program within Texas and I am proud to display it.