University of West Alabama Top Questions

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

Robin

I was raised in a small town that if you blink while driving you would miss the entire town. When I look back there are many things that I wish that I could do differently or want to change. However, I do know that the main advice I would give myself is to be myself and not care what others think. I spent too much time in high school trying to be someone I was not. I was the girl that followed the crowd at times because I did not want to rock the boat. I wish that I would have realized it is ok to not want to go out every night and party. It took almost 2 years into college to realize this and I hate that I let that time go to waste. There were so many opportunities I missed because of peer pressure thinking it would not be a good idea to go to the quad for the cookout or go to the library tutoring program. Thankfully, now I know that the best thing is to think for myself. I decide whether the activity is beneficial and will make me happy not others around me.

Steven

Be more outgoing within the school and community!! Never pass up an oppurtunity to help others around you. No one knows the impact that they might have on other individuals that day. BEing involved can be very scary, but it is well worth it. YOu make new friends along the way and make memories forever.

Kristen

II would tell myself to work hard and believe in myself. Also, college life seems scary, but you will have a great time. Finally, I would say never to give up.

Samantha

"A Winner" Naive, callow, and petrified is exactly how I would describe myself when I was a high school senior. With no sense of direction or aspirations, I struggled to keep up with my peers as they bragged about where they wanted to attend college. If it weren't for the effective motivation that I received from my high school counselor, I would not be where I am today. A successful undergrad seeking to major in Mass Communications. I would never have thought in a million years that I would be graduating in Miami's top college in the U.S. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that being in college is such an amazing experience that I can't miss out on. Meeting new people, gaining knowledge about the world around me, as well as learning about myself are all positive outcomes from attending college. I would tell other's who are in the same position I was two years ago to take the chance, never give up, and put in a lot of effort. Then they too will feel like a winner.

Khristopher

I have learned that going off to college is that it's a lot tougher than i thought. I had to wake myself up for class, wash my own clothes, and force myself to study. It was a lot easier when my mom was forcing me to do it. I also learned that it is hard living on a budget. You need a plan to make sure you have enough money for the things you need first, then the things you want can come later. Lastly, i've learned that nobody is responsible for your education but you. If you don't put enough effort into the schoolwork and study, it won't help you in the long run. Make time to get up and make it in time to the class and be attentive to what the teacher is lecturing about and set aside time for studying the material. You can have a enjoy your time with your friends even more knowingt hat you put in the time and effort into learning the things you need to know rather than stress over it by procrastinating about doing it until the last minute.

Ashley

I have only completed one year of college and it has already changed who I am. I have learned more about myself and many of my fellow classmates. Through my community college I have had an opportunity to learn leadership and teamwork. Without the thoughtfulness of a teacher, I would not have been involved in many recreational and fun events that the school was hosting. I have learned that all things take teamwork and communication. While on the ropes course at school, I was able to engage in communication and friendliness to ensure a good time and safety for other students. This experience has been valuable to me because it taught me more about myself by meeting others that aren?t quite like me. I have learned patience and respect for those that I don?t know or understand. From being involved in these activities it inspired me to want to get others involved in school functions no matter who they are. I have made many new friends that I would have otherwise never gotten to know by attending these events. Next semester, I plan on informing others of the wonderful things my college has to offer.

Lonisa

Being a college student has been a challenge for me. I have always been determined to do the best that I could up unto this point in my life and I plan on continuing to work hard throughout my future successes. Having college experience has been a very helpful experence for me, because I have learned so many responsibilities that has helped me become the better person that I have become today. While focusing on maintaining an average grade point average, I have to study and be able to score as high as I can on tests, class assignments, and exams, which I work at my greatest to do. I have gotten more focused in college and I appreciate the college experience. College has been a very valuable place to attend because I am able to work harder at my studies with the wonderful guidance that comes with it. Being in college has been one of of the most challenging, yet helpful life experience that I have had and I enjoy it.

Arleta

Please know your purpose. It is true that the college experience provides a lifetime foundation to build on. It is full of academic, social, civic and political organization for you to take part in. Every aspect of your life should be tapped into and expanded in college. However your main reason for going to college is to get a degree, everything else is "desert". The undergraduate degree will afford you the opportunity to prove that you can do certain jobs. I did not finish my education. I decided that I would enter the work force and use the time that I would spend on my education working up the corporate ladder. So for the last 20 years I have worked in the mortgage industry. The industry fell apart and I had to seek employment in different field. I can not tell you how many times, I was told that my work history was impressive but I don't meet the educational requirement. There is no social, civic, or political function more important than your studies. Getting your degree is your foundation for life. Don't try to build your future without a foundation, like a house, it will fall.

James

STUDY! As a nontraditional student rturning to college, I find it much more difficult to balnce study, work and leisure time. Even if I was not going to use my education immediately, having options is so important in life. I am now finding myself trying to eran a degree for a second career and stabilize my future. After being a Paramedic for 25 years, the physical demands are forcing me to sek a second career. If I have earned my nursing degree to begin with I could have followed my passion for being a Paramedic and had options when he time came to change directions. M best advice is do not plan to fail, but plan to have options!

Stephanie

To the students, your experience in college is whatever you want it to be. find a great group of friends and live life to the fullest.

Lasandra

Make sure the campus and environment is safe and has good resources surrounding the campus for those who do not have cars.

Erin

Both parents and students should look at, first, at the list of majors that the school offers and whether or not the school offers what the student wants to study. Secondly, they should look at the tuiton and whether or not it is affordable. They should also look at location of the school and whether or not it is fitting to the student. When a major and a college is found, go look at it. Experience what the college has to offer and make the most of your trip by visiting the town and getting to know the lifestyle that the town has to offer. To make the most of your college experience, go to the events on campus. They are usually fun, entertaining, and you can meet new friends along the way. The friends you make in college seem to be your friends for life. Rush a soroity or fraternity. They may be what you want to be. Being greek has a lot to offer as well. Doing all these things and much more will make your college experience a blast and enjoyable. These are the days of your life that you will remember and enjoy throughout your life.

Shaquondra

Choose places thats most appealing to your lifestyle. Dont move for relationships; education is the most important aspect! Don't go to a culture based institution.

Stacy

Students need to go into college with an open mind. Attend all sorority/fraternity rushes, school events, and sporting events. Students have to find themselves in the college or they will not have a successful college career.

Lindsay

First of all, find a place with a low student to faculty ratio so that you can interact with the professor and he/she will know you and your work well enough to provide help when you need it. This is also important when the time comes to seek a job or an advanced degree since they will be able to write a detailed and personal recommendation for you. Take basics in a wide variety of fields during the first year, especially if you are undecided on a major. You will have to take them anyway, and you may discover that you love something you never considered studying before. This will save you time and money later on if you decide to change majors, as most students do. Learn to write well since you will need that skill no matter what field you enter. Also, take the opportunity to do research whenever you can. It looks great on a resume and will get you into grad school if you are so inclined. Most importantly, keep your priorities in order. Having fun is great, but college should be a chance to get a good education and prepare for a future career.

Nicole

When searching for the right college for you, no college is going to suit every need for you, the student, or you, the parent. Also when I began my college search, researching the college did not make a very strong impact on my decision. I had to actually visit the Universities and experience the atmosphere first hand. I know that may not be possible in all cases, but there are other ways. We have different tools that can help us network with individuals that attend the Universities in which we are interested. For example, there's facebook. Facebook allows you to become friends with anyone at any given University in the country. My most helpful tip that I feel can help anyone when choosing a University would be to go outside the box. Go somewhere that's not a familiar environment. try to choose something that's not so close to home. Meaning, try not to go around the corner from yoru parents house, or an environment that's the same as your parents environment. It will allow you to have a better learning experience and growth experience.

LaToya

May sure the college fits the child personality and career path.

Jessica

As a senior at my university, I have seen many students come and drop out after their first semester or two. The number one case appears to be the difference between school environment and home enironment. I suggest that when looking for a college, one should analyze what they like about the city and/or cities they have lived in. This will make it easier to find a school with an external environment such as malls, movie theaters, and more closest to what they like. Now, it's not just about the external environments. Most students also tend to have a hard time balancing school requirements with the things available in the eternal environment. For this problem, I suggest that the potential students and parents find a college that is similarly structured to the highschool they attend. A slight difference for the better will challenge the student, and they usually perform better. But, chosing a school that is too different in several different aspects will generally be the cause for the freshmen dropouts.

Monique

What advice that would be helpful to the parents/or students is to may sure you read all fine print . Please ask all type of questions concerning your major, financial Aid, and all different scholarships avaiable. Please keep in close contact with your high counselors to make sure you don't take to many elective classes and When you enter college continue with your advisor because need to take all your required courses and then chose some electives. Please remember to make sure also that you don't take a class before you have a another that you need to take. Example : dont take ENG 102 and you have taken ENG 101. If you do you will be lost.

Corney

Go visit the colleges and not for the senior days. Ask the students that are attending the college about the atmosphere. Find out the costs.

ashley

WHEN A STUDENT IS TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT COLLEGE MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHOOSE IT BECAUSE IT IS WHAT YOU WANT NOT WHAT ANYONE ELSE WANTS. YOU SHOULD GO TO THE SCHOOL AND SPEND TIME TRY TO MEET A FEW PEOPLE AND SEE WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT THE SCHOOL. DON'T CHOOSE A SCHOOL BECAUSE ITS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM OR YOU DAD WENT THERE. AFTER YOU HAVE VISTITEDALL THE SCHOOLS YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT ATTENEING YOU WILL JUST KNOW WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU. AS YOU WALK ON CAMPUS JUST IMAGINE YOURSELF GOIN TO SCHOOL THERE, MAKING FREINDS, AND BEING INVOLVED. IF IT FEELS RIGHT THEN THATS THE SCHOOL FOR YOU. THAT IS HOW I CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA AND IT HAS BEEN THE BEST CHOICE I HAVE EVER MADE.

Anthony

My advice to others is to tour the campus, observe the people around each of the campus.

Carrienetta

I would give positive advice telling them to choose a college that best fits their personality. If they enjoy being away from and love meeting new people then maybe they would like to attend a big college or if they like smaller classrooms and one on one interactions with their professors then they might want to look into a smaller college. I would definiately tell them to tour schools and talk with advisors to see what college their more comfortable with. To make most of their college experience i would tell them to study hard, meet new people, and get involved in the classroom.

Anne

Go West!

Shannon

I would advise a student to do whatever it takes to go to the school that you want to attend even if you have to start out at a junior college and work part time to save up some money. Start as early as possible after you graduate or even before with college courses. That way you won't have so much to do when you actually get to collge. Apply for any and all financial aid that you can. It helps. A lot! When you do start school, don't get sidetracked. Stay focused. Nobody wants to waste time and money if they don't have to. I know I don't. Most importantly PRAY. God will see you through any and everything.