University of North Texas Top Questions

As a high school senior, I had no idea how much I really needed to plan for the future. As a high school senior, I did not even know what came CLOSE to what real academic hard work was about, and I should have prepared myself more. Most importantly, I would tell myself to research more and more on what I could consider majoring in. I am an Undecided student now, and college could not be any harder. Although I am told that being Undecided isn't always a bad thing because many students change their majors later on anyways, I wish I would have at least started off with something! I find myself lost and confused and am just now starting off the researching of my options, when I could have started this throughout high school, when my work load was much lighter. But through my mistakes, I know I can easily break through. I have already narrowed my options down to at three. My first semester of college, I made the Dean's List. With my determination now and learning from my past mistakes, I know what I need to do to continue to have a successful future.

I would have put forth more effort so it wouldnt have been such an eye opener to actually study. I would also tell myself how to manage my time, and how some things aren't as important as they seem. Ultimately school work should be your first priority. I would have also taken the AP exams to give me a head start in college.

I would advise myself to not stress about the small things because, no matter what you go through, there will be stress; especially in school. You shouldn't make college a stressful time. It is supposed to be the "time of your life" so live it up!

Honestly, I wouldn't really change anything. I got out of High School fairly well, got my classes done, always did my best, didn't fool around with anything dangerous or damaging to my future career, and I got into the college that I wanted. I've met some amazing people, and love my classes, and am transitioning at a healthy rate. So, collegiately, I wouldn't change a thing. But if I were to give myself advice about anything else, I'd definitely say to apply for more scholarships, so I could spend more time on learning and growing rather than grinding for cash to pay for the classes. Other than that though, I wouldn't alter a single thing, because other than a shortage of funds, I'm really happy to be where I am.

I would have told myself to relax, do not stress about the transition to college. You are going to love the university you have chosen and you are going to have a lot more fun than you expected. You will meet good people and make friends quicker than you think. Know this, work hard and change those bad habits as soon as possible because, there will be a point in time when things will get hard and those habits will come back to bite you. One last thing, stay on top of everything.

Assuming I had an awesome time machine, I would go back in time and tell my senior self to not get super involved in my last year of High School. I was so involved that it actually hurt my chances at scholarships. I never had time to fill out scholarships because I had other obligations I was so worried about that I only filled out one! Being involved is not bad, but you have to remember that scholarships can save you thousands of dollars that go to a solid, stable future in life. I was so worried about my friends and current grades that I am now feeling the debt of not filling out any scholarships. I would also tell myself to relax in my last year of high school, because college is a whole other animal. I'm not saying to kick back and let your grades drop... because that would defeat the purpose! Do your best and make time preparing for a whole new world. Look into careers! Think about what you would like to do the rest of your life. Find a college that meets all your standards and try your best to get in.

Plan for college. Do the best you can do - even if there aren't any adults to guide and/or help you.

One thing i would definatly tell myself is to study study study. In high school i did some studying but not very much in college in order to pass you have to study and do all your homework eben though some professors might no collect the homework you habe to do it because thats the only way your going to learn.

Get out of the dorm. My dorm was pretty great; there were nice people, and the food was pretty good and always available, and there was always something to do. But I had much more important things to do than sit and watch TV with some friends my first semester. That time should have been spent praciticing, or finding new, awesome things at the library, or meeting people in my major that I can connect with and talk about things that really matter to me. College isn't a place where it's fun all the time; it's the place where you become an adult, and that means doing as much as you can with the time you have, and being resposible for promoting your education and your professional image.

First I would explain to my high school self how I was able to travel back in time; after all that is quite the accomplishment. Once the high school me had calmed down, I would inform him of his possible future with the following statement. I am, in most respects, a very successful student. I have earned two associate degrees, one in general studies and one in mathematics. I am applying to several highly respected universities and most importantly, I feel as though I genuinely enjoy the study of engineering. Knowing the future you has accomplished these things, does not mean you yourself will automatically earn them. Furthermore, my accomplishments have not come without sacrifice, failure, and hard work. I am diabetic as of sophomore year and I advise you to take care of your health first and foremost, so you can enjoy the knowledge you have earned for many years. Be honest with yourself, and overcome your challenges one at a time. Don’t forget what mom and dad said, “We are not behind you, we are right next to you.”

I would probably tell myself what i wanted to major in. I spent so much time deciding my major I took classes i didn't need. It would have saved me a lot of time. Also not to take eight a.m. classes freshman year. That was rough.

If I could go back to talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself that everything is going to work out and not to stress too much. I spent so much time worrying about everything from how would I graduate, where would I go after I graduate, and what would happen if I got sick again. Worrying about what could or might happen won't help me at all, it will just drain my energy and cause me added stress. I would tell myself to enjoy the time with my friends and family because the dynamics are about to change drastically, and that I do not have to be friends with everyone. Having a small group of close friends is better than a large group of acquaintances. I would tell myself that things get better and that I am stronger than I realize. Also I would tell myself that it is okay to not be okay, I do not have to be the strong one all the time and it is okay to let other see that I am human.

High School Ashley, I know this is a rough time for you. Believe me; I've been there. What you don't realize is that it could be so much better. You know all of those people that you're "friends" with that you don't actually like? Stop talking to them. You'll be happier in the long run, I promise. Try being friends with smarter people who will like you and encourage you to be better. Try actually doing your math homework, because you really will need it later on (if only to get you through College Algebra). Equations of circles, especially. Apply for scholarships. All of them. Don't balk at the essay-writing, because you're good at it and you're definitely going to need the money later on. Every little bit helps. $100? That's a textbook. $200? That's a class at community college. Look for the people in your life that love you and that are always there for you. They are going to make the next few years better for you. Always remember that you're beautiful and wonderful and that you have a bright future ahead of you. Love, Me.

I would most definitely advise myself to go ahead and take just one class at a time at a community college, because every effort makes the difference.

I would pay closer attention in picking my professors. I also will consider the best school for my major and not because it was a last minute decision

Dear Stressing Senior, Relax. I know what you're thinking. "How could I relax at a time like this?! I have millions of decisions to make and the rest of my life depends on the decisions I will be making! Plus, this is supposed to be the best year of my life! That's a lot to live up to!" Forget it. I know, I know. Everyone is pressuring you to make decisions and to make them fast. In fact, the rest of your life can't start until you make them, right? Wrong. Don't get me wrong, the decisions you will be making in the following year will affect your life. However, this is not a reason to rush. Instead, take your time. Explore your options. Get to know yourself. Enjoy this time. Oh, and start saving money! You'll thank me later. Sincerely, Slightly More Experienced Sophomore

Rebeca: Visit more college campuses and compare before making a final decision about where you want to be. This will save you from dealing with transfer issues later. On another note, it is a VERY bad idea to do a potluck roommate because things could get ugly. What if she never brushes her teeth or stays up at night on the phone in the shoebox of a room that the two of you share? This would be a very bad thing Rebeca. Speaking of bad ideas, remember that you have to pay for two semesters and possibly summer sessions with that financial aid, so don't go on regular shopping sprees to Forever 21. Also, don't eat Ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day because you could end up with a rare disease induced by sodium overload that causes you to have severe episodes of vertigo. That would definitely interfere with your studies! Do not, I repeat, do not schedule morning or night classes because you will have a strong urge to skip them. Above all, remember that Professors are your friends. The more times you show up in their office, the higher your grade will be!

I would tell my younger self to go to college right away and not to make excuses because there are scholoarships out there to help you. I would use the famous line from Forrest Gump to encourge me, which was "Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you're going to get". Also, there will be difficult moments in college life but to think of those chocolates in the box and realize each one will challenge you and in the end it will define who you are and it will inspire you to move forward.

Do your homework. Really. Had I known the importance of a good GPA, I would have been at my dream school. Great SAT scores only get you so far. Also - take AP tests. They're worth it.

Ultimately, college isn't just about classes and books. It's a journey that you take to get yourself where you want to go. Take the time to know yourself because if you don't know yourself on this journey, you may find yourself in a place where you may not want to be. Being in college gives you choices that you wouldn't otherwise have, but if you don't take your time you won't see clearly what those choices are. Slow down, enjoy the experience, and learn.

Tierra, you are such a good student, so stop worrying so much about how you're going to pay for college. There are so many scholarships out there. If you put your best foot forward and apply for as many as you possibly can you are bound to get at least one of them. Money is no object when it comes to your education. Just relax, and if you stay focused things will work themselves out because you are doing the best you can. On another note, I think you should break out of your shell. You seem so shy. Just put yourself out there once you get to college. Friendships will form naturally. Some will flourish into something great and others will die off, but remember that some people are only meant to be in your life for a season. Just learn to network and enjoy yourself. Talk to everyone you can because even the smallest encounter can change your life in the biggest and best way. Keep your head up, and don't tire yourself out. Most importantly, remember to balance work and play. It's important to focus on your classes you need a social life too.

Work harder in your high school classes and apply yourself more to your studies. The information you learn in high school will help increase your chances of success in college courses.

Knowing what I know now about college life, there are a few things that I would change about my senior year in high school. I would focus more on improving my GPA because there were a lot of undergraduates coming from high school with 4.0's. I would have tried to join more activities and tried to become a leader so that I could use these abilities for college. As I recall, many student in college do well because they actively involved in organizations. This in return makes them want to apply themselves compared to the average student. As a senior in high school, I would have made sure I was ready to attend college mentally, physically, and emotionally. When you are away from almost everything and everyone you have grown accustomed too, it places you in a state of mind as if you feel you are in a drowning pool and there is no escape from it. Overall, I would have enjoyed my experience as a high school senior because you only experience it once and everything after it is entirely up to me.

Take advantage of all the opportunities you have, work on honing your writing and never neglect allowing the mind to prosper. Do not dilute your faith and interest in the face of others who judge, because in the end you are the running the stage of your life so run with it. The passion and skills that you put effort towards now shall be made even stronger in years to come, now is the time to decide what to do and how to do it. Planning out the next four years of college will enable you to make sure that you take advantage of all opportunites and your dream. Make it valuable and worthwhile, lifes an ocean so sail it and seize the day. Do not let the burden of indecision and worry weigh you down because your dreams are brilliantly blazingly hopeful.

The advice that I would give myself before entering college is to learn how to study properly. Studying and being successful is everything in college because it gets you somewhere. Studying is the most important thing and knowing how to study correctly will help to get by during school. Struggling is always going to be a part of the college and educational experience being able to get help and have the right kind of support around you will help in the long run. I would also tell myself to pick friends who have the same kind of motivation that you do in succeeding in college. One finds out who they will become in college and getting there is the hardest part.

I would tell myself a few things actually, one I'd say pay attention, take notes, be on time and, study harder! I'd also tell myself to go to college right out of high school, it's hard to get back into the swing of things. I'd also tell myself to be calm and collective you can do this, get organized and devote all your time to the work, it'll be worth it in the end!

I would give myself the advices to not give up on education if money is the problem. Help exist that allows one to continue education. Is very important not to lose hope and give up on dreams. If one is determine to reach one goal there is always hope and help available to those that seek. College is a road of accomplishments not only academically but also personally. College gives the tools for one to feel secure and posite about oneself. It is not an easy road to go through but it is defianally worthed. Education is something we will have our whole life and no one can take it away.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would prepare myself for the true college experience. We all see the movies about college that portray it as a time of partying and heavy drinking. No one captured the true college experience. Today, it takes a self-motivated person with a great desire to be successful. One needs to be able and willing to hold down at least a part-time job in order to help pay for the expenses. Balancing work, school, and making time for friends and family is an art that is learned over time. If I could go back in time, I would better prepare myself for the hard work I would have to put in through my college years. I would tell myself to put childish things aside and strap in for 4 years that would forever change the way I see the world around me.

I would tell myself to try a lot harder and be much more motivated than I was. Once your GPA is bad, it takes a long time to bring it back up again. Always be thinking about the future and how focusing and getting good grades now will affect it. Also be sure to keep in good shape and exercise regularly, it helps you sleep better at night and feel a lot better! And another important thing is to get plugged in. There are so many great opportunities to take advantage on campus so stop being so lazy and actually get out and join a club or a sorority or even get a job. Just make sure not to let it get in the way of your grades. Those always come first; that's what you're here for remember?

I have always been driven in completing my schoolwork in a timely manner, but I would tell myself as a highschool senior to push myself harder and go above and beyond. I would tell myself to take more classes and not be afraid of change. I would also tell myself to start saving money when i was a lot younger. I would push myself to do better because I am a better person then i let myself be. I would apply myself more to my studies and pay better attention in classes to get better grades.

I sometimes find myself thinking if I knew what I know today. When I was a high school senior, I thought college was not important if I'm capable of doing thing. I thought of those successful people without their college degrees in the magazines. But I had to ask myself, 'what is that thing? What do I want to do in the future?' I couldn't answer because I wanted to be everything; my dream changed everyday. Until I chose current major at the last minute of my college application, I had a hardest time ever in my life only because that I wasn't prepared for my future. I realized that I should have done a lot of research on my major and decide which university I would apply for. If I could go back in a high school senior year, I would make myself clear and mature for my future.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell my self to relax and not worry about all of the new things I will encounter. College life is fun, I will get to meet interesting people, and I will begin to learn about the very thing I'm passionate about. I would tell myself not to worry about class sizes or getting lost in the shuffle, because the class sizes are not as big as I imagined them to be, and professors do take the time to council students and encourage them on their educational journey. Mostly, though, I would tell myself to enjoy the journey.

Make sure that I can ballance my academic life vs. my social life. Grades are what matter at the end of the day and you can't let yourself get carried away and lose yourself that you screw up on everything in life.

Time management is the most important skill one will need when making the transition from high school senior to college freshman. In fact, it wil remain an important aspect throughout the college journey. Yes, the work will be more complex but, studying and paying attention are traits that are taught in high school. Unlike grade school, college is not structured. The scheduling is completely at the student's discretion. The new freedom is sometimes overwhelming. Often times, students run wild, party, and forget all about the work that needs to be done. If time is managed properly, not only will the work be completed but there will also be time remaining for some fun activities. Remember the old saying: Work hard then play hard.

Take more advanced classes in high school.

I would tell myself how everything works and what I should do when registering. I would explain the things I needed to do for my portfolio so that I could get into the program and to take all my art classes at the university. I would say to make sure to meet and network with as many people as I could and to get to know my teachers more. I would say relax and don't be so stressed out and try to have as much fun as I could but still be resposible and do what I needed in order to be successful. I would motivate myself and say that I am on the right track and to never give up!

College is so different from high school, be ready to work harder than you've ever thought you were going to work yet be ready to have fun like you never had the chance to. Be ready to finally make friends because others do think as you do and people will accept you as you are. You will find out things you thought you did not like you actually do, you will learn so many things as long as you keep your mind open. Apply yourself rigorously in all of your classes, maintain your gpa because many organizations and internships look at your average. Try to stick to a major and no hopping around from college to college because a lot of credits won't transfer. You can do this!

The advice that I would give myself is having better organizational skills and better time management.

I really think i was very prepared for college physically. However, i was not mentally and emotionally ready for all of the choices and decisions to be made when i started college. I wish i would have known how to study effectively, and to time manage my studying well. I also wish i was more prepared to live closely with others, living in a dorm i never expected to live this closely with strangers and i struggled with that in the begining. However, i think a large part of going to college, especially moving away to college is about growing, and learning about yourself and making grown up decisons. I just wish i would have known how much i hadn't grown up in highschool, i thought i was very mature, especially as a high school senior. Right now i am still learning about myself, and growing up to be more responsible and mature, im learning to embrace the growth.

It may not seem a skill at first, but being able to admit you need help before it is too late is probably the most important skill you will need to get through college. No one can succeed without help so there is no shame in asking for it. Universities have many resources to help students, resources you are already paying for so you may as well use them. If it feels like it is getting to be too much, reach out for help. You will get it and be a better student for it. Do not wait until you are failing every class and facing the possibility of academic probation. When you have an academic problem, find someone who can help you whether it is a friend, a professor or a tutor. If you are having personal problems, see a counselor. They say it takes a whole village a raise a child so it is with graduating a college student. Get the help you need to succeed.

Naturally, I've gotten an education out of my college experience, although that education goes far beyond what I've learned in class. I grew up in a conservative household, which greatly influenced my own political views, and being on a very liberal campus has changed the way I see things and allowed me to really understand different views. I have been able to meet people from other countries, religious backgrounds, and walks of life, and it opened my eyes to the world around me. When I look back on the person I was two years ago and then look at myself today, I see that I am more open and accepting of people who are different than me, and am not afraid of being different myself. I understand now that these differences that once made me uncomfortable actually mean nothing. Ultimately, we're all just people, so the fact that someone else is Muslim while I'm Catholic has no affect on a shared interest in indie music, vintage fashion, and sign language. Any differences are simply acknowledged, accepted, and forgotten. I believe that this may be one of the most important things I have gotten out of college.

Like many students, I have been struggling to stay in school. I have had to face many financial obstacles that continue to prevent me from being able to attend college regularly. If anything, this expereince has taught me the value of hard-work and persistence. There have been several occassions where I wanted to give up and join the workforce but, achieving a higher education is important to me. I will not become a statistic and give up.

The jobs I will be eligable for will pay over twice what I was making before attending college. I am learning a lot of valuable information that I will be able to use in my chosen career.

Going back to school was a little nerve racking for me. I anticipated the classes to be difficult, but I was wrong. The teachers are knowledgable and willing to help during and after class. My experience from college so far is that I am learning and retaining the information in my field of study. Attending college has been valuable to me because I want to change my career.

College has been a struggle for me since I began attending. It hasn't been keeping my grades up that has been difficult, it has been keeping myself afloat financially. Since my parents have very little money to give, I took a job working on the early morning stock team of a department store about a mile away. Work begins at 4:45 am generally, and it's just under a mile of walking distance to and from. However, I'm glad I was in this financial position. I think it helped me to appreciate what hard work can do for you when you try. If I hadn't began attending college I very possibly could still be living at home, without a job soaking financially off the gains of my parents. College has definately changed me alot, the thing that I have gotten most out of my college experience, is the responsibility!

Everyone says college is a time of self-discovery. This is most definitely true. In college you discover who you are, even if you don't set out with that intention. You discover if you're willing to set the heater at 60 degrees to save a few bucks in the winter. You discover what kind of student you really are when Mom isn't hanging over your shoulder. You discover what kind of friends you make when you're given a fresh start. You discover how you choose to represent yourself to people who have no preconceived notions about you. College has been the best phase of my life so far. Besides knowledge from the classes, I'll come away with irreplaceable friendships, eye-opening cultural experiences, and a hearty dose of life experience.

There are some amazing professors and classes at UNT. I would highly recommend finding a junior or senior and asking them who their favorites are. I'm a clinical laboratory scientist, so I'm biased towards the labs; I think some of them are an amazing learning experience. Living in Denton was a fantastic experience as well. I met some of the most interesting people there and there are always several live shows to attend, by local or traveling musicians. As a person and not just a student, college taught me how to be strong and independent, personable, outgoing, friendly, and responsible. My college experience was invaluable to my career, my personal life, and my growth as a person.

I believe college isn't just a way to improve my knowledge but a way to obtain valuable life leasons. The leasons I have learned so far in my college experiance are passion and determination. I have learned to work harder for my goals and to do so with passion. Although they sound the same, determination and passion are completly different. Determination is the un-wavering belief that you will reach you goals. Passion is the emotion you feel while working towards your goals and it lingers long after you have finished. My life as a college student has taught me these ideals. I never had this drive and sense of purpose while in high school. I feel so strongly about this that even if a person wasn't able to finish their degree they would still have learned something about themselves and life on this little blue marble.

i have gained a new perspective of what it means to be responible and how to stay on top of my responsibilities. It has been very crucial to my future well being having learned to be pro active and procrastinate absolutely nothing.

I have gotten a good education out of my college experience so far, but what I think is more important than that is the confidence I've gained by going to UNT. I have a much easier time expressing myself and feel better about myself now. I started UNT as a meek, quiet girl and I believe that I will graduate as a confident woman. Also, the friends and contacts that I've made will probably last longer and be more valuable to me than most of the friends I made in high school.