University of North Texas Top Questions

As a high school senior and throughout my first two years of college I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to be and I was desperately afraid I would never figure it out. The anxiety was so overwhelming that I often skipped class, abused drugs, and just flat out didn't try. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that fearing failure only ensures that failure and to put the highest effort into every course. It is much more difficult to raise a low GPA than a create a high one from blank slate.

I was inclined to say that I would tell myself to buckle down and study harder during my first year, or to forego my dabbling in the arts and instead start a degree in merchandising immediately. However, I do not think that the values that I have now should have been on my mind then. Instead, I would tell myself to revel in my creative freedom during that year, to enjoy my friendships and to become fully immersed in the culture of Denton. I would tell myself to go ahead and live in the dorms, deal with the crazy roommate experiences and enjoy the stories that surface as a result. It is too easy to become inundated with the balance of work, school, internships, and other obligations as the college experience progresses. Students coming out of high school need that first year as a buffer, in which they can find themselves and establish their identities as members of the university and of the city around them. Essentially, I would tell myself to embrace my artsy, bright-eyed first year at UNT, and brace myself for the transition into more rigorous studies.

I would tell myself that it's not imperative to have everything figured out at this point in your life. College is a learning experience and a place to help you figure out what is the best path to take--it doesn't matter if you don't know what you want to do going in. I would tell myself that I'm my own worst critic and being that won't let me truly succeed. I would say that I should get out more and try to find the groups where I fit in on campus and to build any connections you can. Networking is essential for the future, but it's also incredibly important to find friends you can rely upon and relax with. And most of all, I would tell myself not to worry so much about the big picture, but just take things as they come and experience college life.

As high schoolers, many of us couldn't see past the plans for that weekend. I shrugged off responsibility as if it had nothing to do with me, rolled my eyes at my mom's lectures. Her catchphrase seemed to be "You shouldn't dream if you don't invest!" Oh, what did that workaholic know about dreams? I thought. It wasn't until I began my first semester of university that it slowly dawned on me that instead of spending weekends at the movies, I could have been studying hard enough to boost my GPA. I could have been investing. The time I wasted having fun could've meant better grades, and better grades equaled college money. However, at age 17, I only cared about an imaginary social status. If only I could time-travel to that girl and teach her some basic economics. At that age, I decided my future. I invested the exhaustible resource of time into something that didn't help me aspire to my dreams. As a result, "should haves" and "could haves" plague me in my adulthood. See, dreams don't come easy kid. You gotta spend your time wisely, just like mom said.

I went to college straight out of high school and then had to take a four year break before going back. I needed to learn who I was and what I wanted to do. I'd tell myself to never give up. The horror of life I had was a learning experience, and it does get better. I'd tell myself to learn to relax and breath. I'd tell myself to trust what I wanted and stop doing only what others wanted me to do. The passion that lays deep in my soul to the core of my exsistance is what I'm going to school for now is one I resisted in high school in order to please others. I'd tell myself to only please myself for a minute. I'd tell myself life is valuable and I am worth it. I'm a great person that will do amazing things. Last but not least, I'd tell myself that my time is now!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get involved in anything and everything I possibly could, it is a great way to make friends, as well as make career connections for the future. I would also tell myself to sit in the front row of all of my classes, and get to know my professors, especially in my bigger classes. College professors, unlike high school professors have hundreds of students, and do not have the time to learn the name of each student individually. But if your teacher knows who you are, you stand out from the rest of their students, which could make the difference from receiving an “A” or a “B” in their class.

The advice I would give myself would be to study hard becuase all you are able tyo learn in high school will prepare you for college. Academically speacking, many of the topics and things within topics that we learned in highschool were not full truths. However, those who dont have any basic knowledge at all have a harder time adjusting to the lesson learned/ taught in class. I would have focused harder one acutally learning the material.

Looking back I wish I was more focused on priorities and the inportance of my education. For a better qualty of live for my self and my family.

I would tell myself a few things. First, I would instruct myself to do better in my literature readings, for I am sure that there were wonderful pieces that I did not read as fully as I should have, and that is something that I cannot fix now. Second, I would instruct myself to ponder Duty, to ponder the ideas of things, and to remind myself of my weakness, the nature of my existence: a being in flux. With this knoweldge, I could have likely grown at a more expedient rate, learned certain lessons faster, been less arrogant, been less presumptuous, and been less of small-minded individual as Confucius would say. Third, I would instruct myself to interact more intensely with my teachers, for there were likely more wise than I, for I am certainly not wise, and the goal is to follow my nature and logos.

Growing up in a small town outside of Seattle, Washington, as a high school senior I was a big dreamer, as well as incredibly naive. With a graduating class of about 200, by the time I entered my senior year I felt in charge and untouchable in regards to my ability as a student and musician. While this attitude lent a certain confidence and motivation to my enrolling of UNT and leaving behind Washington, it also led me to a difficult year of depression, academic struggle, and a lack of motivation. If I could give myself advice, it would be to stay humble in the journey of learning and growing. That I should actively practice my musical craft, and make academic studying and dedication a number one priority. I let my confident attitude overshadow the reality of my ability as a student. Consequently, I was quickly shown how little I knew, and how hard other students worked in comparison to myself. I learned the hard way that being a humble and hardworking student often makes the difference between success and failure. Especially when dealing with the competetive nature of the UNT music program.

If I had the option to go back in high school and talk to myself as a senior, I would have told myself to take my time and not worry so much about what the future holds. I spent so much time my first semester worrying about a future career, how I was going to get by with finances, especially considering neither of my parents fully assist me in paying for college, or how I was going to make it through college. I was in a hurry to get through high school and then college, but I wasted so much time worrying about what the future holds and how I was going to make it work. If I had the chance to talk to my high school senior self, I would have also stressed that being in a hurry is not the way to spend life because I'll miss life and not even realize it's happening until it already happened.

Homeschool yourself through Texas Tech as soon as possible. It’ll allow you to graduate even earlier, which would give you enough time to get your pharmacy technology certification. Don’t talk to your biological family. If they let you become a homeless high school dropout, they aren’t allowed to take pride in your graduation from high school. Continue to stockpile even more money – it gives you peace of mind. And you’re right – credit unions are the coolest thing since sliced bread – continue to beg your friends to open their first account at one. Get healthcare coverage – you might just be allergic to allergy medication and require hospitalization. This is the last time you’ll have free time – take on more contracts in other cities, and travel more. Your cellular phone is for your personal convenience. Answer phone calls when you can give people your full, undivided attention. There is no solitude in college. Enjoy the silence while it lasts.

I would tell my high school self not to stress out and to get involved early in activities.

I would tell myself to not worry about the little things. Worrying about whether everything is absolutely perfect has no point. You will be fine even if it is not the best in the class. Friendships are going to fade too, do not try to make someone stay friends if they do not want to be friends. Ask around to see who is going to your college. By getting better acquainted with those people, you have chances to make friends around campus so you are not stuck in your dorm the first couple of weeks. If it does not work out at the time with being friends with those people, it is fine. Some of those people just need to realize how different the two environments are. You are going to want to join a club to meet more people and go to events with them. Also when moving into dorms, only pack what you know you will need. No need to pack pants during the summer. Start getting organized now, and it will be easier for you and more of a habit to be organized later when classes start.

Dear high schooler, Take your education serious. Even though high school doesn't seem all that important, there are many advantages of making good grades. Trust me you'll find out later when it's too late. If you make good grades in high school, apply for as many scholarships as possible, and take college applications seriously you won't be future you right now writing this to yourself! Studying for the SAT/ACT and applying for scholarships aren't your top priority at the moment. I know that! Wouldn't you rather be with your friends, out at the movies, or out at parties? Yes! Well not to burst your bubble, but your friends from highschool....you won't be any where near as close you thought you were to them less than a year from now. So start taking things more seriously! Stop coming up with excuses as to why you can't prep for college correctly! Love ya! Future self

As a high school senior, I would said to myself that I need to go on to college now instead of waiting till I got older. Its much easier to finish school without responsibilities as a mother or grandmother who has full custody of her grandchild. In addition, I would also say stay in school and finish at an earlier age so I can start a career that pays more and then, have kids so I can give them a much better life financially.

If I could go back to my high school self, there is really only one thing that I would advise; dream big. I come from a middle class background and although I knew scholarships were available, I never thought of applying anywhere other than community college. Looking back, I can see that I have definitely missed out on a lot. I see all of my friends having fun and enjoying their youth and I am stuck at home working two jobs. I was more focused on working and saving money in order to go to a four year. In three years, nothing has changed. I am still working and saving money so I can hopefully obtain my bachelors degree. I would tell myself to dream bigger and to take advantage of the memories that I could be making. When you are still living at home, you can not experience the full college environment. I would explain to myself that although I may have to be a resident assistant in order to stay on campus, the friends and memories I would have would last me a lifetime.

I would apply for more scholarships, look up different types of jobs and figure out what I want to be, and research campuses I was interested in. I wish I would have talked to several different counselors to help me figure out what I wanted to be and what classes I needed to take to be on the right path. I wish I would have learned to handle stress better, and learn to just breathe and let God take control. I wish I would have considered other colleges and figured out which would be right for me. Most of all, I wish I would have applied for scholarships to help me so I wouldn't have to work and be stressed out all the time because of money issues.

George Washington Carver once said, "How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerent with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in your life you will have been all of these." If i could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing everything I know now about college and the changes it brings, I'm positive I would save myself many stressful situations, irresponsible decisions and all around anxiety duing this chapter of my life. I would tell myself that everything in college has a way of falling into place; there is no need to stress out about how everything is going to work out because in the end college years are the years of struggle because in all reality we all have to struggle a little to succeed. College is the place you will make many friends, develop new passions, find new and renewed strengths and most importantly what ultimatly defines the person you are the legacy you will leave long after you are gone.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell me not to worry about what other people think. Keep a positive atittude no matter what happens or what people say. People are drawn to positive people. Always be open to new information and new experiences, they're what help you grow. Take risks, but be smart, trust your instincts. And always work hard, you'll go further, and you'll have a better reputation because of it.

I would give myself the advice to start applying for scholarships and financial aid a lot earlier. It really helps to get the most aid for school, because it is very necessary. I would tell myself also to take more school tours, and I really wish I would have taken the ACT, becuase it did not do too well on the SAT. I would also tell myself to get involved in more programs to help with scholarships, because i really need the money! It is not good at all to wait till the last minute! I do not want any more loans!

I've grown up with really terrible social anxiety. It's hard for me to go up to people and talk to them or do simple tasks like call someone on the phone or go up to a counter and ask for honey mustard dipping sauce. I went into college and for some reason my social anxiety because worse. I'm more reserved and not as outgoing as I used to be. Because of this, I want my past self to know it's okay to put yourself out there. The one time in college I actually broke out of my comfort shell, I ended up making a new friend. College is a place where you can reinvent yourself because no one knows you. Take advantage of this and become the person you've always wanted to be.

My advice would be to stay dedicated to your education. Stay focused and disciplined while in class and take lots of notes. Do not ever hesitate to ask questions while in class because believe me someone else is probably thinking about the same question.

Hey there. Yes, you. Put down the prismacolored pencil for one minute and let me speak. I know you are stressed about the SAT's, boys, graduating high school and growing up; but the college you choose will be everything you wanted, trust me. I know we wanted to go to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design to learn art from a professional art school-ah-the snow...the mountains...Let me get back on track, hhmm. But, once University of North Texas is brought up, look into it because I'm the future you and I know what I'm talking about. This college is an art school without costing us a lifetime in debt! You will love the campus. It is lit up at night--Its perfect for after-sunset walks, with your future, perfect boyfriend. Oh, you will die once you see the Library Plaza because of the founations, the benches, the old oak trees. Its perfect for sketching too. You don't believe me yet? You will once we go on the tour of campus. Believe me, you will want to spend all 4 years at this school. P.S Don't mess anything up.

If I could go back in time and give my former high school self some advice about transitioning into college, I would tell myself to enroll in additional college credit courses, during senior year, so that I could obtain an Associate’s degree. Since I currently live on my own and do not receive financial assistance outside of financial aid, the degree would have really come in handy because I would not have to work long hours at odd jobs for minimum wage pay, instead I would have a career while studying for my main career as an Educator. It would also allot an ample amount of free time so that I can focus on my studies. Moreover, I would have potentially had three degrees under my belt: an Associates, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s. Very few people are able to say that.

Stop procrastinating. You have your whole life to live, dont waste it all away.

Dear Julia, If you thought high school was an experience, wait until you start college! You will hit many bumps in the road your first semester in college. Classes will be a million times harder, you will be awake until at least two in the morning studying and getting your homework done, but don't worry, it all evens out. You will make incredible friends that will stay up with you and make your bad days better. I know mom is already trying to convince you to stay home and go to a university closer to home but don't give in. Moving to Denton will be the best decision you have ever made! You need to be independent and figure out how to be an adult without the supervision of mom and dad. It is okay to be worried about being homesick, you will miss home, but UNT will become your home away from home and the people you meet will become your second family. High school is just a small stepping stone to the rest of your life. You are destined for great things; never forget that. With love, Future Julia

If I was a high school senior again I would apply for more scholarships. I constantly worry about how I am going to pay for this year's school expenses, and I get stressed out about not finding a job. It would be a lot easier if I had applied for more scholarships so that I would not have to worry about this now.

If I could give my-high-school-self advice, it would be to relax! If I knew that attending the University of North Texas was going to be fun, enjoyable, and stimulating instead of scary and difficult I would've saved myself a lot of sleepless nights. Earning my Bachelor's at UNT was a fatastic experience. I've even chosen to attend UNT for my Master's degree in military history! I certainly stressed more than needed during the transition from high school to college, but I successfully made it through to the other side. It took a lot of hard work, but every minute of it was worth it.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships an prepare for the transitions because that last year goes by much faster then you would expect.

ok, dude college is one of the best experiences you will have in your life. at first its scary because you're basically leaving the warmth of your home and entering a world where you can no longer act like a child. those who act like children in college usually end up back at their parents house. if you act like an adult, then college is a wonderful experience. i know you slacked off in High school, but that is something you have to fix before entering college since you and only you are responsible for your grade, plus you're paying thousands of dollars to a university for what, to get a D? no, thats why you have to be mentally strong to succed in college. the biggest thing about college is the people, this will be the few times in your life where you can start over and meet diffrent people and that shouldnt be taken for granted. the point is college is a great experience if you're prepared and take it seriously. also there are alot of hot girls so work on your flirting skills.

If I was allowed to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot of wisdom to bestow upon myself. The main point I would stress would be to not abuse this new freedom that comes with college. The first freedom to not take lightly is financial responsibility as an independent student. I would explain that it is possible to graduate debt free. Take advantage of scholarships and grants offered, and only accept loans if in dire need. Money that exceeds your need will be offered but only accept the minimum amount needed. Debt adds up fast and in most instances is not worth it. I would also share the importance of completing and putting in maximum effort for every class the first time. Use your freedom to do the right thing instead of paying for the same classes more than once. I would also tell myself about the importance of campus involvement. Being involved on campus and in the community helps to build great character and experience that will be helpful in the future. I would explain the importance of learning to network and connecting with others. Lastly I would simply say enjoy the journey!

If I could counsel my high school self, I woul tell myself to slow down and not rush into adulthood. I would tell myself to take college courses while you are still in high school, and get a head start on your education. Make a plan for your four years, and stick to it. Learn all the in's and out's of financial aid, and take advantage of the many scholarship opportunites out there.

If you go to college you CAN get funding.

To find scholarships and make better grades in high school so that I can attend my first choice, not attend a junior college to obtain an associates degree then proceed on to a four year university. Need to apply yourself a little more and figure out why when you have an exam that you freeze once the exam is placed in front of you but you can answer the quize questions by friends prior to the exam. Figure out how to write a good essay that includes all topics discussed.

College is worth the time and the time does fly. Don't find satisfaction in low wage jobs, but in a long term career. Just because people don't know what you can do with your degree does not mean that you can't do anything with it. Apply yourself, study whenever possible and you will succeed.

I would tell myself to make more time to study instead of cramming right before a test. I would also tell myself to be more social and more involved in school activities.

Dear high school me, I know that as a senior your life has been hectic and your future may seem as elusive as ever. However, don't give up! Retain that courage that you worked so hard to obtain during your high school years. Keep up your attitude towards learning, and never miss an oportunity to learn a new life skill or make a lasting relationship or grow in an area where you are weak. Growing up, mom and dad urged a younger you to not talk to strangers, but in college that will all change. You will have to talk to people and learn to start conversations; even the uncomfortable ones. I know that right now you are stepping out in faith into a world that has only recently become much larger, but you will make it trough. I know you will becasue I did. Sincerely, College Me

If given the opportunity to go back to being a senior in high school, I would definitely change the way I approached college. My freshman year I partied way to much and didnt take school as seriously as I should have. Moving out of your home after high school gives you freedom to make your own decisions and do what you want, but make sure you be productive with your life and do not get behind in your work. After my freshman year I finally realized how important doing well in school was, something I should have realized but in the begininning of high school but was too caught up in girls, sports, and enjoying myself. I would also recommend to join a fraternity as soon as I entered college. Joining a fraternity allows you to meet a lot of people at your college as well as get you involved on campus and push you to maintain a good reputation and good grades. College is supposed to be the greatest time of your life but remember the reason that you are there in the first place, to recieve an education and prepare for the real world.

The main thing about my first year was I had a tremendously hard year. It was not even due to classes either. My parents who had been together for 27 years started going throuh processes of divorce and I took it hard. Even worse since my mom was the only one financially struggling everday was hard becasue i did not recieve enough financial aid. Now I am praying about hoping I can pay of everything so I won't have to drop out of school due to money. So with all that being said, I would tell my past self to remain calm, keep your head up, and stay strong.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself I would say to stay focused on the task at hand. It is so important to never forget what your purpose is while attending college. Overall, your main focus should be on succeeding in life and never giving up on the goals you know you have the ability to achieve. As a future teacher, it is your resonsiblity to share the knowledge you have obtain with our future generations in order that they may be prosperous as well.

If I could go back into time during my high school career as a senior, I'd advise myself to stay in college on my athletic scholarship that I was granted. I never realized how much college expenses were until i had to pay out of pocket. As a senior in high school I didn't realize the importants of continuing my education, and I'd make sure to tell myself that continuing school after high school is the best solution to reach my goals and dreams. I would also advise myself to set aside some extra money and start applying for scholarships ahead of time instead of waiting till the last moment and struggling to come up with money for college expenses. With this advise it would be an eye opener and a real life changing moment for me instead of struggling to come up with money to pay for college on my own.

There are many things I would say to myself, many changes I would make, many mistakes I would avoid- even though those mistakes produced the most beautiful miracles in my life. I would have told myself to wait until I had a degree to get married and have two daughters, I would have told myself to work hard in school so I woudn't have to work so hard later for minimum wage and a uniform, I would have told myself to study hard and get excellent grades to have the best opportunities and help available to me when attempting to reach my academic goals. I would have taught myself patience, and told myself that you don't have to grow up so fast, enjoy your youth and all the things that come with it.

First of all, take your time. Enjoy what you have, because you only have this last year to be permanently surrounded by people you've always known, and you will never get this time back. Make every moment count. You need to consider what your college goals are, understand how the difficulty will increase, and begin preparing now. You have been, a lot of the time, coasting through high school without studying, but college is a whole new story. There is no more real extra credit or make up exams, and there is very little wiggle room for errors. If you truly want to get the most out of college, take up study habits that give you the ability to excel in all classes. Put down the cell phone for thirty minutes every day and acquaint yourself with the information that is presented to you, because all of it will be more applicable than you think. Even if you are not going to do a math major, the subject is excellent for learning how to learn. Focus your study sessions, expand your mind, but most of all, live life and show love to your close ones every day.

Knowing what I know now about college, if I could go back and talk to myself as a High School senior there is a lot I would tell myself. To begin with, I would of advice myself to have chosen a better studying method. I do not think I prepared myself as well as I could of. Now that I have been in college for a few years now, I learned to take school a lot more serious than I did in high school. All seniors think throughout their last year of high school is how fun college is going to be, the parties, new people, being away from their parents and the number thing they think about is finally being done with high school. I know that is what I would always think about. I never paid much attention to the responsibility that I would have in college. If I could talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to be more prepared, to study harder and work on not procrastinating so much. College is more than what High School seniors make it out to be.

Well I believe that you should never want to change your past just learn and grow from it ,but if i had to I would go back and tell myself to take the dual credit math and retake your act. I would also tell myself to apply for scholarships because money is definitly a factor in continuing my education.

Picture your being as a circular water ripple froming from a raindrop tumbling into the ocean's depth. The expanse is endless, the water deep, and the other raindrops are pounding and choatic, falling from the sky on their own paths with their own agendas. The world is filled with noise from obstacles and other people trying to live their lives simultaneously on a single planet. Your heart is the bullseye of the ripple, the core, and everything rolls off and away from this one thing. Your heart is the truest. The successional ripples are your thoughts, experiences, and expectations. They all stem from that centermost ripple, the initial impact point of that drop before it is melded into the masses with the rest of the storm. Your future is the decent into the ocean. As long as you remember that core, your future will follow accordingly. Have no fear in the fall because the heart never deviates from what it truly wants. The mind distracts from the blatant pull of passion your heart has always provided. Don't be afraid to make mistakes on the drop off because you are simply a single drop in the ocean.

I would tell myself to get a job, and start getting adjusted to time management in regard to studying (which goes hand-in-hand with maintaining a high GPA), practicing my craft (music and painting), and holding down a job. This would have helped make the adjustment to college life much easier.

If i could go back in time as a high school senior i would have done a couple thing different.The first thing i would have done was apply myself alot more then i did.I also got pregnant as a senior and that is one major thing i wish i would've thought about.Its alot of work going to school and taking care of a baby.At the time i thought this will be fun thats what i wanna do with my life, be a mom.So after that i really didnt care to much about school i was just there getting by not applying myself like i should have. I thought i dont need all this useless information.Man was i wrong if i wouldnt applied myself more and not had a baby while in highschool collage life would be alot easier.

If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice to be prepared for my first year of college my main objective would to learn as many study skills as possible. Being able to study well is key in college. If I miss something that my professor says one day he/she wont review just for me the next day. I feel that in high school I relied on my teacher too much in order to get the material. In college the books are my best friends; I can have all of the one-on-one time with my books that i need, unlike my professor. STUDY, STUDY, and STUDY!!