The University of Texas at San Antonio Top Questions

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

Steven

Go to school! It is easier than you think! You will be better for it and having gone to school right after high school, you would be leaps and bounds beyond the position you would be in if you hadn't gone to school. At 40 years old, you would be a CEO or regional manager instead of an electronics technician. If military, you would be a Commanding Officer by age 40, not a retired E6.

Megan

I would tell myself to be more outgoing and make friends because they can truly help create awesome experiences and memories. In addition, I would tell myself to show more school spirit because school unity allows individuals to gain closer relationships and enjoy the little things in life.

Sean

It's senior year and you're ready to be finished with high school, but don't rush it. High school had some of the most fun and most exciting days yet and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I'm still having fun in college, but I'll always value the friends and teachers I met in high school. Try and enjoy your last year of high school. And unless you're going to try and attend a prestigious university don't sweat your grades. I'm not saying bomb your classes because what you learn from them isn't meaningless. Get good grades to finish out high school and then get ready for college. Once you're in college apply for those scholarships. The money helps and it's nice recognition of the hard work you've put into your education. Computer Science is the way to go and I don't regret a thing. You won't forget creating your first program.

Crystal

Just breathe. It is a huge transition of life, but it is all worth it! Do not be scared or afraid to move away from your comfort zone, that is where you really experience life. Hold you head up high and focus on your goals and dreams. BUT, of course, have fun and enjoy the last bit of your 'true' youth!

Chelsea

If I could go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make sure that I enjoy the journey, do your best, and don’t get discouraged. I don't want to tell myself to do anything differently because I have learned valuable lessons from mistakes and I am still learning. It's definitely a process, and I think that the most valuable advice I could give myself is encouragement from experience. Anyone could have told me this advice when I was a senior in high school, but hearing it from myself would have eased some of my anxiety of the transition.

brittany

If I could go back and talk to my senior self I would explain all the things I should have done. I applied to contless numbers of scholarships, but with high tuition it seems to vanish in a blink of the eye. Therefore, I would encourage myself to apply for even more. I would also tell my senior self not to take studying nonchalant and to pick up good studying habits. I have to admit, it is hard to start studying when you never really had to. Another thing I would like to let my senior self know is to apply to finacial aid early, doing so will increase the amount of money given to you.

Linda

Linda, Be involved in as much as you can. Don't hold back and be scared to jump on in. You can do anything. You will fail a test, but that's okay. Don't be hard on yourself. No one is perfect. Never give up and always remember why you are going to college. You can do it! Believe in yourself! Stop doing it for everyone else and do it for yourself.

Alec

To practice my time management daily, and learn to organize my school work better. To put more effort towards my school work, and be more proactive.

Marivel

Apply for more scholarships, any an all will suffice as school is expensive. Remember to brush up on your studies over the summer breaks, because if you don't you can easliy lose that information that could help you later on down the road. Try to make friends with as many people as possible, it never hurts to know someone that can help you out when you're in a pinch and need a study buddy, or even someone to vent to. Know how to take time away from school in order to relax!! Stressing yourself out just makes your daily activities harder, it is perfectly okay to take a mental health day every once in a while; don't overdo it though, twice a semester is more than enough! Don't let the little things in life overwhelm you, there will be plenty of times when you feel like everything is going wrong, when, really, everything is going right. Tell your granparents that you love them as often a possible, and don't forget to write down the stories they tell you, your time with them is too precious to be overlooked! And finally, love yourself, you rock!

Vincent

Take seriously the opportunities for financial assistence. You have the drive and you have the motivation to get the work done. Grasping the material will not be your biggest challenge. The biggest challenge you will face related to college is the money you could have earned rather than borrowed. Of course there are chances you will not get the scholarships you had hoped for, but the only scholarships you will be able to get are the ones you have gone after. It does hurt to be turned down for the things you reach out for, but it's better to face plenty of rejections for the chance to graduate with as least incurred debt as possible. Then, once you graduate, you will have the freedom to work on the writing you have dreamed of, instead of spending more of your free time paying off your debt.

Chelsea

If going back in time was an option for me now, I would go back to my senior year and tell myself that If I wanted to do well In college my focus needs to lean more towards my studies rather than my social life. Hanging out with friends and having boyfriends is not as important as having an education. Senior year of high school is the most important year, while everyone gets “senioritis” I am going to have to study even harder to prevent myself from slacking. Continue to keep studying hard and in the end raise my GPA from a 3.4 to possible a 4.0 if I wanted to work for it hard enough. Although it is not possible to go back in time, I don’t regret the choices I have made in high school that involved keeping my grades up. I do wish I would have raised my GPA, and learned better studying and test taking techniques. Since that wasn’t the case and I did have to learn from my mistakes, now I know that in order for me to do better, I have to keep trying and working for what I want.

Annika

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have pushed myself to try harder in everything. I would have told myself that there is no limit to anything. There is always room for improvement and innovation. I especially would have encouraged myself to apply for more scholarships, because money doesn't grow on trees and although you've been accepted into a university, it doesn't mean that you're all set. What is the point of being accepted into a university if you can't afford to educate yourself. And that is where the effort comes in. The effort to apply for scholarships, never thinking that you're finished, because there is no limit.

Danequa

I would tell myself to actively apply for scholarships, because I can't expect them to just fall in my lap. Also, college can be a wonderful experience if you make it one, so get involved with everything that can be handled. And above all, always put studies first. Extracurriculars are great, but I came to learn so that is my number one objective.

Mariah

Procrastination was my number one downfall! Anytime you feel the desire to procrastinate, remind yourself that procrastination is for failures! Actually taking the time to study daily really does make a difference. Always take some time to study whatever you learned in class so that the material can always be fresh on your mind, preparing you for exams. Make sure you have friends that are just as focused as you are. Having friends that are lazy and always focused on partying can be a terrible influence. It is okay to have fun, but it is so much more benefiting to focus on your degree rather than partying all the time. Do not allow your peers to sway you in the wrong direction. Do not allow yourself to quit! While in college, it is possible that you will get discouraged at times. When your grades are not looking the way you want them to and you become homesick, you will probably gain the desire to quit. However, do not give in to that feeling. Keep pushing forward and I assure you that you will be satisfied in the end. Freshman year of college will be a year to enjoy!

Josue

Set more time aside for studying. You'll need more than you think. Also look for a school that specializes in Forensic Science or studies.

Elaine

I would tell myself that it is not exactly what you thought it would be. You wont have time to paint and write like you thought you would, and dont settle for not being noticed like you did the first semester. Use all the resources youre given, go to tutoring, use the counseling center, lord knows you ve paid for them. You can stress a little less your senior year, because college work isnt what people make it out to be. Also, when work asks you if you want the extra hours TAKE THEM, your savings didnt even cover the first year. You will make good friends, you just have to be patient, because the people you will meet later than you wanted to are worth waiting for.

Kent

Sleep, you'll get plenty if you pick the right classes; people, you'll meet all kinds. College is a one of a kind experience, developing this animosity that college will consume you with the social pressures of fitting in, partying, alcohol, while trying to maintain a decent grade point average holds no validity. It's a place where you can callous disregard about life but still receive top notch education if you put the effort, after all, it's college.

Paolina

This may sound so simple, and something we learn the first day of kindergarten, but it is still so important. To this day I feel that the biggest life lesson I have learned is to be kind to everyone. High school can be such a tough time for alot of young people. Peer pressure, racial comments, finding our place socially. We all have stories of heartache, loss and stress in our lives. Some people just need a friend to talk to or to vent to. It is important to listen. It goes back to treat people the way you want to be treated. So often we put so much emphasis on having high test scores, getting straight A's and getting into a good college. Truly if you ask me, the most important thing is to have the close personal relationships with friends, family and teachers. Simple and easy, so why don't we all do it? Fear, awkwardness? Get over it!

Maricela

Senior year in high school is a whirlwind of emotions from feeling overwhelmed in making final school decisions, updating resumes for college entrance exams and writing college essays. Amid of all that every high school senior still struggles with self worth regardless if they are the most popular student or the outcast. That being said, I would definitely tell myself that I am enough. Knowing that my happiness and fierce determination stems from understanding that I deserve a successful life because I am enough to deserve it propels me to be a good person and leader and to work hard! I would tell myself not to worry about the minor details and worry about my heart since that will always be there, individuals and essays will not. Those come to an end, but the heart and spirit of a person remains. On the finance side, I would tell myself to research! Research ALL options for financial aid and not to expect everything to fall into place. Being the first in my family to attend college is a wonderful accolade but be careful and consider all the options for paying for college before getting wrapped up in the “college life” experience.

Angel

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself quite a few things. For starters I would emphasize heavily on learning how to be more responsible and manage your time BEFORE you start college. Of course you eventually have to get your boots dirty and the experience is always the same no matter how you prepare, but it's better to have some knowledge. I would then tell myself to get more organized. In college, it is a MUST to keep track of every document so that you have it at the ready in case you need it, so prioritize. Next, I would say to myself to start hoaning in on what I want to do and just focus on that rather than to try to do as much as I can to try to make my college applications look good, because in the end, there won't be enough time to not only not finish all them but it will only end up hurting you. The last thing and most important thing I would tell myself is I would look at myself and say that it will all be worth it in the end.

selena

If i could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior i would have told myself to take all the college courses that i could that year in community college. I would have also told myself to sign up for every scholarship that i could because the struggle of realizing you might have to transfer to a school that wasnt your first choice because your family isnt financially stable does break your heart. I would have probably told myself to take an extra math course rather than an off period because at the end of the day skipping a year off of it didnt do me well in the long run. Although i dont regret moving away for college i think i would tell myself to really sit down and think if moving was the best choice my first year. Its a great experience but rushing to leave may have cut my experience short, or may have not been the right choice of school. Lastly i would want to tell myself to really sit down and think about what im doing and to make sure every choice i make is for the right reasons.

Gaskins

If I were able to venture backward through time to speak to my younger self, knowing everything I know now, I would have much to say. I would first grab several pencils and then search for a notebook in my desk with as many blank pages as possible (I would be surprised if I were to find a blank one because of the tremendous amount of drawing and writing that I do). I would make myself take extensive and detailed notes in my neatest handwriting (anticipating that I probably won't remember everything I say and remembering that my handwriting, when taking notes, resembles hieroglyphs at best). I would tell myself that getting that 4.0 won’t be as difficult as I think, and the SAT is always easier the second time around. I would urge myself to make time for the important things: having fun with my family, deliberately NOT complaining, finally finishing the many concept art stories I started forever ago, pushing my limits, strengthening my boundaries, and always remembering that everything I do has a major impact on the future, so I had better make it count. I can only wish for such a priceless opportunity.

Neal

If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be to enjoy the whole high school experience a little more. The 4 years of high school seem so long when looking at it as an 8th grader, but as a college student they moved so fast. I never stopped to enjoy it as much as I should have, always focusing on trying to make my transcript and resume better for college. I would tell myself to accomplish all of the things that I did, but to relax and enjoy it a little more. I can recall many nights going to bed with the feeling of the weight of the world on my shoulders, when in reality it was just a little high school work. I should have taken a step back and taken a deep breath and realized where I was in life; life is too short not to smile and laugh a little as you go through it. I often think about high school and miss the simplest of daily activities and routines; it’s the little things that mean the most and that I should have stepped back and appreciated it more before it was over.

Tatiyana

I would have told myself to take harder classes in high school, and to not get lazy. Senior year flew by for me and I began to get lazy when it came to my school work because it was all easy. I would also tell my high school senior self to be more involved in school, get to know more people, join a club or a sport. I might also have told myself to start working out and get used to it so that when I started college I would continue to work out and the freshman 15 wouldn't even apply to me.

Kristen

I would tell my self to stay confident. I would convince myself money is not everything so do not over work yourself. Have fun while you can.Stay consistent with college applications. Stay focused on school, but reward yourself for hard work. That way you will enjoy the ride not just wait for it to be over. It's a long ride through college, sure it can be fun but to get where you want to be you have to stay focused, even if it seems like the more difficult route. Lastly I would tell myself even though sciences seems hard, keep taking them, most things that seem intimadating get easier if you out in the effort.

Jessylyn

Talk, talk and talk. Throughout my high school career, I was always known as the quiet one. I hardly ever asked questions in class because I didn't want to sound like the dumb one. So I would struggle during the whole class and wait until class is over before I could ask the teacher anything. Sometimes I couldn't even ask the teacher my question because I would be late for my next class. So my advice that I would give myself and to others as well, is to always ask questions, and talk more in class. No question is ever considered a stupid question. Now that I'm a college student, I learned my lesson and I speak up during discussions. If I don't understand something, then I ask for help right away. It feels so much better when you're not confused in class. Talking more in class helps your professors get to know you more; and the more your professor knows about you, the easier it is for them to write recommendation letters for you! So until this day, I constantly talk and ask questions in class. Making myself known, and rising to the top!

Sheyenne

After going through my first semester of college and learning so much from it, I'd go back and tell myself not to get into a relationship and to work alot harder in trying to obtain scholarships. I got so caught up in trying to keep my relationship with my ex-boyfriend because he was also my best friend, but now I don't even talk to him. I would have been better off not worrying about him as much as I did and I would have had a lot more fun if I wouldn't have dated him. I also should have looked for scholarships more then I did. Granted I didn't know where to look for a long time, but when I figured out where to look I should have gotten more involved then I did. Those are the two biggest things I would go back and warn myself about because they are my two biggest regrets.

Jennifer

I'm not one who likes to ponder on the "I wish I had's," or "what if's," but if I did have the shot to share what I know now (even if it weren't just to myself), I wouldn't have rushed into graduating a year earlier, because in doing that, I didn't get to see my full potential. I'd say that if I was in fact eager to enter a university sooner, I would've further planned out my graduation plan my freshman year, instead of cramming my classes in the last two summers, and I would've taken more AP exams to prepare myself more for colllege. Those learned study habits would've definately helped make the transition a lot easier, especially when it Finals season came around!

Samuel

Study more. I would tell myself that studying is one of the most important aspects of college. The classes are not so hard that you fail them no matter what, but if you do not study you are playing on the edge of failing. So, spend the according amount of time everyday to study, work on homeowork, and study some more. If you do that college is a breeze.

Edward

I would have to go back and slap myself in the face. I was one who didn't take high school very seriously and consequently didn't take college very seriously. My advice to myself would be to work for better grades. I skated by with a "C" in many classes, but know now I was capable of much more. The advice of simply doing the work would come from my mouth to my younger self, but the real advice of turning it in would carry more weight. I would also encourage myself to audition for All State Band because that kid from your rival high school... you're better than he is and he's made it... twice! And your solo this year? Take it to State Solo Contest because you'll probably earn a medal. Audition for music scholarships, too! You could probably get a full scholarship if you would just audition. This would help greatly in college. Oh, and when Kim starts hinting to you about going to Prom, invite her!

Brenda

Dear friend, enjoy this time in High School. Start becoming more comfortable with who you are. Explore, live, meet friends, old and young. Ask questions, a lot of them. Important and unimportant ones. Every little part in this four year adventure will help you, find your purpose for college. College we be part of your life no matter what, become fimilar with that idea, start thinking of whats to come in the near future. It's more responsiblities but you sure will be proud of yourself. You are finally given the chance and opportunity to become who you want to be, and to set out on a new journey. You never will be alone, but you will need to be able and open to express what you need. You'll do great, prioritize your life, be comfortable in your learning abilities, and who and what you want to be in your life. Keep learning, keep on growing.

Abigail

I would tell myself to relax a little bit. I have made high grades in honors and AP level classes, and I am ready for the workload at Alamance Community College. I would also say that I should not take on more than I can handle. A full-time student will have trouble juggling five club’s activities and rehearsals for a show right around exams. Do not feel bad if you have to tell someone that you already have plans. If you try to fill your day to the minute, you will be exhausted all the time and not fun to be around. Be five to ten minutes early to every class, especially on the first day, and introduce yourself to the other students around you. Chances are that they will be great study buddies in the near future, and even long term friends. Being classmates is temporary, but it is the perfect subject of conversation. Keep a lookout for others in Pre-Nursing like you, since you will most likely be seeing them again in your classes. Be as open as you can about yourself, and do not be afraid of making too many friends. Finally, always smile. =)

Tisha

My main advice I would give myself if I went back in time, was to not worry. The school I am curently attending is very helpful in many ways. They have tutors and plenty of time to meet with their proffesors. I would also tell myself to be prepared to defiantly study. Even though there is plenty of help around school grades are importat and studying helps with getting the grades you need for new scholarships. The last thing I would tell myself is the best way to transition into this school is be yourself. University of Texas at San antonio is a very accepting school. The school is very open to everyone and being here I feel like i am at home with my family. So my words to myself would be summed up to this, dont worry ,study ,and to be yourself.

Danielle

Pay attention to what you are learning, because all your basics are just refresher courses. Make sure to learn to remember due dates, because teachers won't always remind you like in high school, we should be responsible by now. Gpa is important, learn about and keep it up, it will really help after college, and look good on your transcripts.

Eamon

If I had the oppurtunity to give any sort of advice to myself when I was a high school senior, the main point that I would make would be about how much there is in store. Once entering college, I was propeled to a thriving world in which I had the ability to do something amazing with my life. College means more than just venturing into the adult world. College is about laying the groundwork on a path to revolutionize the world around you. I would tell my past self to not hold any stress for what is upcoming, and think with a clear head of what you would like to do. With an idea combined with enrollment into a university, a person has everything available in order to truly change things, not just for themselves but also for everyone around them.

Carrissa

i know that community college seemed like a good idea at the time and the amount of money you saved was a blessing but if i have any advice for yu at al i would say skip the community college because it does not prepare you for university classes. also, dont be afraid to get invlved although you are shy. you wil enjoy emtting new people and adjust well in the UTSA environment

Matthew

“Shoot for the Stars.” The simplest advice I could give myself as a freshman just entering the unforgiving world of college. Had I known what lie ahead for me, I would have doubted myself less in the beginning, and strived harder for excellence over “just-enough”. If I could go back and talk with my younger self I would confide that there will be so many opportunities I’ll meet along the path to graduation, and only a handful will I take hold of and showcase my skills to the fullest. I won’t fail, per say, I will just miss the opportunity to shine by playing it safe and refusing to take the chances I know now I’m capable of seizing. And I wouldn’t stop there; I’d reach outside the classroom and into the world, networking towards the future, its endeavors and job prospects, trying to put my mark on the map before I’d even left school. All my life I’ve struggled to believe in my worth, . I would give myself the courage I have now to stare right at the frightening face of the future and boldly grin with optimism.

Alex

Dear Senior, You are getting better at understanding how life works, but don't assume that graduation is the end of life. There is a hole world out there to explore, starting from your own community, to exploring the pyramids of Giza. It would be fun to travel the world before you settle down. Architecture is one route, computers are very interesting also, or how about biology don't you think there is a lot of this world you haven't experience. Have you ever thought about trying out for the Olympics, Hey! who knows you may by the next gold metal winner. Do not be afraid; people are just people, a business man is just a business man, a lawyer is just lawyer, and you are just you, we all have a role in society what is yours is not about been someone is about who you want to be. I'm just a future Architect, who would want you to be a real Architect. I hope to see you continuing you goal for it I would continue to support your decisions as long as they are what makes you be happy in the end. Sincerely, Your dead Reminiscence.

Jessica

The best advice I could give to my past self is to relax and accept that I make mistakes. I put a lot of pressure on myself in high school to achieve a high GPA, and although I don't regret that, I do know now that it is important to have a balance. When I began to accept myself and my shortcomings, I quickly became much happier and no longer needed to prove myself to others. Now if I get a bad grade on an exam, I don't stress about it. I learn from my mistakes and figure out how to change for the future. I think this is a key for success in any stage of life.

Marina

Hi my name is Marina Rodriguez and I am currently enrolled in Truckee Meadows Community College. I would like to thank you for taking your time to hear my story and I hope that through my experience and advise you will know what your next step for your future should be. I have always been a good student but due to some bad choices my grades started to slip. I know I wanted something better for myself, so I got my priorites straight and even graduated early! Choosing to go to college was a harder choice for me. I didn't know where to start or where to go. I felt I didn't have anyone to help me through the process. No one in my family had gone to college and none of my friends were thinking about it. Finally I called the college and an advisor guided me through the rest. My best advise due to my experience is have a positive mentality, figure out how you're going to get from where you are now and where you want to be, study hard, show up for class (on time) and the college will help with the rest.

Lindsey

I would tell myself to do my research and never to assume anything. Every experience is different, and understanding this early will go a long way to helping a new college student transition into the best fit possible for their education and social life. Keep an open mind and always be curious. This, however, shouldn't limit your self-expression. Don't ever sacrifice your selfhood or morals to do something you think is wrong. And most of all, remember why you're there: to get an education, a degree, and to learn more about yourself and how you operate in the world.

vidit

Be ready to go out and make new friends. Dont just stick to your highschool friends, they will hold you back from a whole new world of knowledge and culture, college is the real world, and making new friends will help when the time comes for moving on with your life and your new job when college is over.

Kate

If only you could look to the future like I am looking on the past. There are so many experiences waiting for you, do not get trapped in the now. That boyfriend, that wants you to come home from college to visit every weekend, who doesn't like that your meeting new people, who is jealous because you are experiencing life, dump him! You get to discover who you are and who you will become. College is about new experiences, it's about looking to the future, it's about setting goals. While you are at college there will be some tough times, mom won't be there to remind you of deadlines, to help keep you on track as you juggle school, work and social activities. I know you can do it all!

Jonathan

Be sure to get on that college applications for college like scholarships and actually trying to find an easy way to help out mom cause she cant do it alone with your help she wont have to do it alone so get on that jon before the school year ends trust me it will make a big difference.

Adams

I would tell myself that sacrifice is everyting while getting through college. Very few people breeze through their college degree, if any for that matter. Applying for more scholarships and staying on top of myself would be a must. Do not just let important events pass by without a care. In order to graduate everyone must sacrifice someting, whether it be time, money, friendships, or personal pleasure. You cannot gain time back once it has passed, therefore the time you do have must be spent wisely and not squandered. But if the time is spent correctly, the rewards reaped at the end are just that much greater. The prospects are better, the satisfaction and knowledge are all greater when the sacrifice is great. Therefore, I would tell myself back in high school, look towards the future, rather than looking at today. Yes, it would bring more joy to myself spending the time now as I would want to, but the one who would enjoy it more would be my future self.

Jessica

There are so many things to study and to do; explore all of your options and make sure to set yourself up for sucess. Have you ever heard this quote: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them"? It's from Shakespeare and it really applies in many aspects of life. Obviously, it applies to being great! Some people are born naturally able, then there are those that have to put their "all" into it, and others have no choice, and therefore it is thrust upon them. You are able, very able; however, you still need to achieve greatness! You can't wait till you have no choice. Live your life and have fun but realize every choice will have an effect. Start planning and make this year count. The quote also applies for independence. You need to be able to go out on your own otherwise you will never be able to live. Start working, save up your money. Why let finances stop you from achieveing your greatness? Jessica, together we can do this. Together we will accomplish greatness! This is the first day of the rest of your life.

Donta

To prepare myself for college. To not play as much and to become more serious about my field of english.

Kimberly

i would tell myself not to panic as much, but work harder on finding scholarships and grants.

Justus

The advice I would give to myself is to enjoy highschool while it last, and try your best to find scholarships as early as possible so when the time comes, I don't have to worry about paying for college alone. and finally do not depend on your parents to get you through college, if you dont do it yourself your probably will not be going.

Brianna

On June 4, 2011 I blasted Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out,” driving away in my cap and gown, leaving my high school in the dust. Distinctly, I can recall feeling like anything could happen and having little idea where the subsequent months would lead. Naturally, the summer passed and thus began my freshman year of college. In the past year, I have accumulated much advice that I would offer my high school self, given the chance. There are epiphanies (most) students encounter, usually involving money, partying, and laziness. However, I’d prefer to emphasize opportunities found in volunteering. Before coming to college, I hadn’t volunteered much and certainly hadn’t used it as a means of discovering my future occupation. Aside from the obvious networking abilities made possible by volunteering, it can also help give you real-world experience. If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself that it is totally okay not to know what I want to do yet. Volunteering has helped me narrow down my many career choices, even more than the material I’ve learned in lectures. It is something I wish I’d done earlier, and encourage others to utilize.