University of North Texas Top Questions

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

Joseph

Younger and less mature version of myself, Greetings from the future. I write bearing witness to the things to come for you in your life. Although I wish I could tell you of every time that I screwed up, I cannot. Some of these mistakes ought to be repeated for the benefit of your future self. For you see, I am now rich in life and have learned well from the experiences of my past, your future. All you need to know is that through every bit of suffering and hardship you will face, however seemingly unbearable, you will make it through. The rewards of this long and tempestuous journey are completely worth all you have to offer. College life will seem, at first, fairly reminiscent to the workload you have experience during your tougher times in high school. Some of your colleagues' light will be snuffed out by the load, as they are inexperienced with such burdens of responsibility. Remain steadfast in your studies, work, guitar, and physical fitness. Though your spirits will be broken at times and your endurance will give out, be joyous in knowing there is grace and rest to come.

Richard

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self. I would tell myself that I made a very good choice in schools, but to prepare myself for an experience unlike any thing I have experienced before. There would be many, many hours of experimenting with art projects and assignments which led to disastrous results, I would tell myself even when these failures happen, it is a learning experience, and every wrong answer leads you one step closer to the right one. If I were to go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to work to keep a social life in college. Thus far in college I have accomplished everything I have set out to do, but in doing so have lost a social life. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self. I would tell myself; the road ahead is not an easy one, but despite all the work and the stress, you will make it through and make great things.

Audriana

College life could not be more different than what you are used to. There is going to be an incredible amount of competition. Do not let this defeat you. Take advantage of your resources by finding tutoring sessions, asking questions without feeling embarrassed, and do not lose yourself in trying to find new friends. When you consider taking the initiative to do something, always finish what you?ve started. Bad habits are bound to start once you let yourself slip up every once in awhile. Remember that the primary reason you are continuing your education is simply to learn. There will be people who seem to know everything already, but it is most likely an intimidation factor they posses. Instructors love to see students who are genuinely concerned about their education, not just their grade. Greater opportunity arises from making yourself known to your teachers. Once you show them your concern about your progress in their class, they will be more than happy to help and not seem so intimidating. In the end, you will have gained a great resource and hopefully learned something that you will carry for the rest of your life.

Ronnie

I quit school in the eighth grade and never attended high school, worked to help support my poor family and lived through pure hell for many years, I then took and passed my GED and eighteen years later finally had the opportunity to return to school to hopefully be able to achieve a first class education to become an author of Academic and Historical Fiction. I applied to University North Texas and after careful consideration was finally granted admission. I have just completed my first semester as a full time student and amazingly with a 4.0 GPA in every class and have been now inducted into the Honors College. This unbelivable experience clearly would give myself the advice that I should have followed this path eighteen years ago, in these hard times it is stressful and very difficault to be able to afford being a full time student, but I will never miss one day of school in the future if I have to work part time jobs 18 hours a day to be able to make my life dream of becomming a Historical Academic and Fiction writer come true.

Sihyun

Don't fret. College is only going to be a little more strenuous than high school was. The only things that you will actually have to worry about are your weight, the tests in your classes, and the females. Food is just... so available at college, especially if there is a cafeteria in the same building as where you live. In the cafeteria, the meals are all-you-can-eat too, so watch yourself. And study hard for your tests. They make up a BIG part of your final grade for the course. As for the females...there are a lot of females. Don't get distracted. Actually, you will get distracted. Just don't be distracted for too long haha. If you can watch the weight, ace the tests, and stay focused... you'll be just fine. No, better than fine.

Joe

I would have applied for more college scholarships.

Julie

College is an experience like no other. It will give you life-long lessons from which to shape the rest of your life. Take it seriously and be diligent to learn from every experience. Give it your full attention. Do not fool yourself into thinking that you do not need it; you do! It is the foundational beginning of your professional career. From it, you will be able to build incredible learning experiences that you can use for your advantage. Moving from high school to college is a humbling, yet exciting experience. Pay careful attention to your every action so that you emanate the person that you want to become in the future. Your future is before you, take it into your hands and make it what you will.

Claire

When I was a senior, I thought I knew what my college career would be like. Now that i've made it through my first semester, I realize that I barely knew anything about life at a university. If I were able to give myself advice about my future as a college student, I would simply tell myself to be open to new ideas, new lifestyles, new people, and new experiences. There is always something to learn from everything and everyone around you. I would tell myself to be true to who I really am, and always stand for what I know when someone challenges what I believe. My life as a college student, although there have many times that I have wanted to throw in the towel and simply give up, has been worth every bit of frustration. I would tell myself to calm down and be ready for one of the greatest experiences to come!

Angela

I would explain to myself that studying is one of the most important things ever, and that being involved in school can be one of the most beneficial opurtunities for reccomendations that I could get. I'd tell myself not totake my high school friends forgranted and to not rush into everything as much. I was way too stubborn and should lighten up on the intensity with which I used to express each and every one of my opinions. Itis definitely important to save money and learn the vcalue of a dollar before going to college, no exessive spending or shopping sprees. Enjoy every moment you have because you won't get any of them back and spend more time with your family. The books I loved to read will become distraction so read as much as I possibly can during the summer. Be prepared to go through major changes and do not over spend. tart trying harder t use a planner and stick to it. Neve give up on your dreams or goals. I would have to tell myself to believe in everything firmly and understand that a healthy lifestyle is important to controling stress levels.

Amanda

I would tell myself to study hard but enjoy it at the same time. So far my college experience has gone by so fast. I wish I could go back in time and convince myself to maybe have transferred after just one year at a community college. I missed so much these past two years at UNT that I won ever get but at the same time I am making the most out of the time I do have here. I would tell my high school senior self that you only live life once and you only have one college experience right out of high school once. College defines a persons future and what takes place in this short period of time is a huge part of your life.

karly

get used to turning off the TV more often and getting some good studying habits under my belt

Brian

Remember that everything that is being done is for your own good in the future. Apply for any and all scholarships available as soon as possible. Keep high school GPA as high as possible

Esther

I come from a large family, with seven other siblings, four of whom are still at home, it can hardly be considered small. I graduated high school in May of 2008 alongside my twin sister. I knew that attending college had always been my dream and I intended to make it a reality. My parents are very supportive of everything that we do, but paying for college is something they are unable to help us with. My dad owns his own small construction company and my mom is the choir director at our church. If I could go back, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I have always worked hard to achieve high grades at school as well as work. I am very happy with the way my college career has developed. I have been very active on campus, I probably would have reminded myself to get a planner for that first semester as well. College courses require a greater amount of time spent studying, I made the transition successfully. Often times, I found that I needed the help of a planner to schedule out my classes and work to make my valued time more efficient.

Lacey

Having the oppurtunity to share the wisdom I know now with my past self would have been priceless. I would let myself know that college is not the place to mess around. When we arrive at college we are hit with this newfound freedom. We feel as if we can do anything and everything will just fall into place. Now that I have finished a semester I understand the hard work that you have to put into your education in order to become successful. I would tell myself that I can do it and even when I was stressed and doubted all of my abilities I had to have faith in myself and what I have been taught by my teachers and parents. College is an entirely different situation than High School you have too take it one step at a time. I would explain that too myself. Take it slow and have faith. Work hard and never give up because that is not how you become who you know you can be in the future.

Anna

If I could go back and give myself advice based on what I now know, I would say: ?Yay! You picked the right college! Now, it is time to be an adult and rely on yourself to achieve your end goal. Yes, it will be hard and, yes, it will be exhausting at times ? but you can do this. Remember that there are people in this world who would give anything for an opportunity like the one you have been handed, and immerse yourself in the knowledge you will gain." If I had realized these things a bit sooner, my college transition would have been easier. I failed a class my first semester of freshman year due to lack of motivation and had to work twice as hard later just to fix the negative effects it had on my overall academic record. The elated feeling I had after making a 4.0 the second semester of my freshman year has motivated me to continue the goal of making straight A's. All the late nights, books read, lectures attended, and subjects learned have truly given me a sense of worth and a greater understanding of the world around me.

Jessica

Learn time management and how to study better. In high school I was able to breeze through a lot of classes and now in college it is harder for me to go through classes as easily. That is where time management comes in. I get distracted easily and I do not realize how long I have been distracted. Time goes by fast when you get to school, especially when you have things to do or tests to study for. That would be my biggest reason to go back and talk to myself as a senior. It is a big part of college and would have made the transition easier on me.

Katie

Get excited! You are about to embark on a new part of life that will guide you through different experiences that will help you figure out how you want to live your life and who you want to be as a person. Take a chance and dont be scared to get involved in anything and everything, everyone is just like you and is coming in not knowing anything. No one is better than you and you are better than no one, but you can be an amazing person. I would say pace yourself, you have plenty of time to sort out your college time, but keep it in mind it can fly by really fast, so dont let something go by if you even think you might want to get involved or try it. Dont ever be scared to go ask anyone around campus a question, knowing all about campus and the people on it makes it a better experience. Meet as many people as possible even if you dont plan on keeping in touch, because memories and the experiences you go through on campus will shape your life. Mistakes are part of college, be smart and have fun!

Brittanye

I would suggest that I not spend all of my spare time in my dorm room. You will not meet friends unless you take the initiative to get out and get involved around new people. College is the greatest experience you will ever have, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Raquel

Definitely study hard, and learn how to manage your time from a young age because if you aren't discipled, you will not make it.

Adrian

Join the military now and stay there. Although a college degree is virtually necessary to get a decent job in this country its probably not worth all of the hassle. Go military and stay there. Make that your career. Don't get out because your wife hates the military and then once you're out she leaves you for your best friend, who also is military. Forget about the fact that they got married and now have a child. Forget about the fact that you'll be miserable and poor as a collee student. Leave it all behind.

Kathryn

I have just made it through my first semester of college. This time last year, I was worrying about everything: my future roommate, my classes, payments, everything imaginable. If I could go back in time and and talk to myself, I would tell myself not to worry. I would tell myself that working hard is an A deserved, and if I do the absolute best I can, that may just have to be good enough. I would tell myself not to worry, that living in a dorm is a blast and having a roommate is one of the best experiences to have. I would also tell myself to get involved and not be afraid of the endless possibilities; UNT is a huge school, but that doesn't mean you can have a small part. I would tell myself to try new things, especially sushi, operas, and ballets - things I could never experience in the small town life I'm accustomed to. The last thing I would remind myself to do is to call my parents. As busy as I am, calling Mom and Dad is always a good idea and hearing their voices is cure for almost everything.

Ashley

if i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to look harder for a job so i could save more money earlier on before transitioning to a university. I would tell myself that its good that you listened to your dad and continue listening to him because his advice is very handy. Don't spend the leftover money from your financial aid just because you can, save it so you can apply the leftover money to next semester's classes. Having a back - up savings for college rent, car repairs, and books can save you from taking out unnecessary loans that will take forever to pay back. Also, i would tell myself to look for as many scholarships as i can instead of waiting until the last minute.

Heather

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, the first thing I would tell myself is that there is no way to graduate from college in four years unless you are absolutely certain about what you want to do. I would tell myself that it is important to experience college life to the fullest, so find a balance between socializing and school. But most of all, I would tell myself to listen to others advice but always follow your heart in the end because only you know what is best for you.

Jessica

If I could go back to highschool, I would give myself the advice to think about saving up some money before going to college. Or I would have told myself not to go to Valparaiso and instead to go to a less expensive school. I would tell myself to not take out student loans and to try harder to get scholarships. I would have also told myself that you should try and work a little bit while off to college even though the load of school work would be tough.

Alison

I would research college campuses before applying and I would visit each campus to get a real feel for the campus and students. I would also apply for scholarships and get much more involved my freshman year. I wouldn't be afraid to meet new people and I would make more plently of time for reading.

Monica

I woulld give adivse to a high school me about getting involved in college activities and clubs. There is more to college than just studying all the time. Also to make more friends.

Austin

I would tell myself to pick the major that truly interests you and go with it. If you are interested in what you are learning it will be easier to succede and progress towards a degree. I would also tell myself to not waste time and practice and get involved in jobs related to my field as soon as possible and learn more through experience so college will be that much easier.

Natalie

Visit the campus before you decide to attend the college.

Robert

Learn what you can, try to retain as much as you can, because you'll need it later. Don't worry too much about the details just pass and graduate the diploma is what counts and is the first stepping stone into a work centered life. Have fun while you have the time to do so!

Janine

In high school they almost push you too much on a career mindset instead of an academic one. They focus a lot less on the importance of your GPA and mastering the skills needed to complete the SAT and ACT. I took it upon myself to study harder for my ACT and without that I would not have been accepted into UT Austin. I took UNT as my choice instead. I would tell a high school senior to get their GPA up, do better on their ACT/SAT, and make SURE the school they pick is really what they want instead of picking it for financial reasons.

Rachel

Study very hard. Take a math class this year no matter how hard it may seem.

Cherie

You have only lived for a fraction of time. Invest the rest of your life in something you are passionate about. Don't waste time on working at a dead end job, fighting with your parents, or dating. These things will not make you happy in the long run. Paint your picture and then live it!

Mike

Mike, you need to really focus here, work hard and make sure to take as many A.P. courses as possible. Start deciding what you want to do in life. If you know what you want to do before going in to college it will help you to not waste your own time and money trying to figure out what you want to do. Don't fall into the trap of drugs, alcohol and spending too much time with friends and not enough time on your studies. But don't be shy in college, you'll need friends to help you through. This year is very important and so are the next four. They are arguably the most important four years of your life. And, once your done, you'll look back and be extremely happy you got it done, worked hard and committed yourself to doing well. Make sure to stay focused and don't give up. Your attitude is the hinge to your success; so don't get frustrated when it gets tough, because it will. Happiness is not a state to arrive at but rather a means to travel by. And, always be passionate in everything!

Shannon

If I could go back to my senior year, I would make some different decisions. I thought that going away was the thing to do, and that everyone was doing it. Come to find out, I really hated being away. I let people influence my decisions on where to go to school that I wish I had not listened to. Funny that I would find myself at the school I said I would never go to. I would have reminded myself, like I would remind seniors today, to follow your heart, and your gut feeling. You do not have to do when your friends are doing, and it is okay to stay closer to home. I would remind myself that everyone is different, and all that matters is that I am happy and proud of myself. It is difficult to succedd in a place where you are not comfortable. Follow your gut feeling, work hard, and do what you think is right. If you do that, then there is no room for unhappiness and failure. All that matters in the end of college, no matter where you go, is that piece of paper, and the knowledge you have gained.

Holly

Learn how to study --everyone learns in a different way, and in college, your teachers don't spoon feed you the information you'll need to know for the exams. Start planning early ---figure out what you want to do, what you want to major in, apply for college admission and financial aid early. Don't make decisions based on your friend/boyfriend ---Remember this is your investment, your education and your life. Make the choices that are best for you.

Bailey

I would have told myself not to take a semester off, it would put me too far behind. I would have also told my self to obtain better study habits now and not to let myself be so shy.

Rachel

Don't slack off. Take math classes your high school year so you will not forget how to do simple math. Take a foreign lanauage. Keep your GPA up like as a 3.0(out of a 4.0 scale).

Kirsten

Well I was never a high school senior, I graduated a year early, but if I went back and talked to myself my junior year, I would just let myself know, college classes are NOT high school, you are not going to work for what you want and be prepared for that, do not let anyone hold you back, do not feel bad because you don?t party and instead stayed home to study. Do what feels right, your life is in your hands, you make it what it is, and NO ONE can stop you. You are smart, and if you try you can do anything that you want. All you have to do is believe in yourself, you will succeed, and you will prove every wrong. Let your family be your rock, no matter the distance they will always be there, and they will always have faith in you. When you feel like you are alone and have no one else, you have yourself, and when you learn that, that will be enough and everything will fall perfectly into place.

Ro'Derica

Being able to go to college is an awesome opportunity that should not be taken for granted. It is fun and you get to meet new people of all cultures and learn interesting things. The most important part of college is the education you receive. It is so important to stay focused and study study study. Utilize the resources the school offers you, after all you're paying for them right? Don't be afraid to ask questions, because it only makes you smarter. If you're unsure about something and don't ask a question, then you'll never know how to find the answer. Get involved with on-campus activities and clubs. These groups and events are not only fun, but are important to put on your resume` when applying for a job. Employers want to see that you were able to balance school and you social life well. Also, get involved in the community and give back to others. Whether it's picking up trash around campus or volunteering at a food bank. Every little bit helps and you'll feel good about yourself. Remember work hard play hard and it'll all payoff. Good Luck!

Stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself how hard paying for college is and that I need to start looking for scholarships EARLY! Its really hard when you are the first generation student to go to college and try to make something of herself. I want to be a great teacher one day and show my knowledge that I have gained in college. It really hard to keep going at your dream when you know you might not be able to take an extra class because of your money situation. I know I have it in me to accomplish my dreams all I need now is financial support to help me. I would tell myself in high school that college is not all fun and games all the time. I love UNT and what they have done for me but I am very unhappy that I don't get as much financial support that other people get, that I see can afford college and are not struggling. That is what I would tel myself if I could go back in time.

Caitlin

If I could give myself advice when I was a high school senior, I would say to double check my first choice of both degree and college choice. I would push myself to apply to more colleges than the one I did, limiting my options severely and I went in with uncertainity into the major I chose, unsure if that was what I really desired. I would remind myself that I need to choose something I enjoy, not make my choice based on what would make my parents most proud. I cannot base my drive on what will please them but does not have my intrigue.

Jeffrey

I would have told myself, "Chase, you have got to focus on what you love and not party so much. You are an artist, and UNT is full of them. It's very competitive, man. Get your head in the game."

Natasha

Tasha, you have potential to do anything you want to do! Find what you love and are truly passionate about! You're going to make some amazing friends who have found their passion, but don't become distraught when you meet them. They are an example for you and they will be your encouragement to finding what you love. And mom is always behind you! She's always so proud of you and always pushing you to try and do your best. Take that advice! She's a wise woman who is very successful herself. You're also going to miss her a ton when you're at UNT so get ready for that. Four hours is just too long of a drive to see her every weekend so just really soak up all the time you have with her before you get here. Always try to soak up as much of life as you can! Live everyday knowing that you'll never get it back and look toward the future knowing that you will make a difference. You're going to be fine. Just keep up the hard work! You'll also still be 5 ft in 3 years.

Lindsay

In all honesty the college life hasn't been that big of a change for me. Yes it's hard being away from your family but other then that it's more like a great adventure. I think two things I would have atleast told myself is to stay focused more and to follow my intuition. College all in all is a big part of ones life cycle. It's a time where you find out who you really are, where you want to go in life, and truely what you're capable of. I love and cherish this time in my life because in experiencing the college atmosphere I have most deffinately made some life long friends, realized some things about myself that I didn't realize were there, and have learned to truely follow my dreams and never give up. I'm doing my best to strive for all that I can be and also learning to stop and smell the flowers and enjoy life for what it is.

Leah

Look at your interests. You need to find a degree that would be fun to you, and yet get a good job. Don't waste four to six years of your life on subject that you will hate using. Take a break between highschool and college, but keep in mind if you live on campus, the ages of those around you will be young. Don't wait to long.

Tanya

I would tell myself that life goes by fast and that now (as a high school senior) is the time to start worrying about the future education and success. I would also tell myself that high school is a great and unforgettable experience that will never come back and that I need to enjoy my school, teachers, and friends as much as I can because I don't really know what the future has prepared for me and I might not see them again. College is a huge transition that makes you realize how tiny you are in front of the world and how hard you have to work in order to succeed and make a good living. At this point of my life, and knowing what I know, the most important advice I could give a high school senior is that its never too late to apply for college, education should not be put aside! The funds will come from somewhere but hope can never be lost, or else, the chances of success would decrease dramatically. Enjoy life! And be thankful for everything you have been blessed with.

Petite

The advice I would to myself as a high school senior as a college student is that "You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar." Meaning that if you treat people nice and be respectful, appreciative and considerate then you'll definitely get that back from others. It really helps. Also, procrastination is a bad thing, it will make you ill. So be on top on things. And also, know what you exactly want in life and research and learn about your passion, like with me, I'm want to be a cinematographer and so I'm reading books about it. So learn about yourself and your career so you know what to do in life. And lastly, be dedicated and committed to your passion.

Brittany

I would have enrolled in college as soon as I graduated high school. Even though I am happy with the University I chose, I would have taken time early in my senior year of high school to look at different University's and college's. I wouldn't change anything else though. I love the University I am enrolled at. The staff and my classmates are nice, helpful people.

Candice

Put your school work ahead of all the org., teams, parties, social events. The main focus of attending college is to better educate yourself and to become successful in the world. Don't procrastinate and put the important things off until later because it will never get done. It is ok to enjoy the college life and it's atmopshere but don't let it overtake you. Keep your main objective in the fore front of your mind.

yolanda

I would like to go back and ell myself about collages. What kinds there are, the easy and the hard. What good to get into and whats not worth it. How important education is and that there is a good career in store for me.