Lamar University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Lamar University know before they start?

Shemia

If I could talk to myself as a senior, the main advice that I would give myself is to apply for as many scholarships and internships as possible. If I would have gone to the internship where you get to stay on a college campus for the summer and take summer classes, I wouldn't have such a hard time with the transition. With the scholarships, I would make sure that I would have filled out every one that came my way, because your first year of college is stressful as it is and trying to see how you are going to pay for school doesn't need to be added on to the stress. Another thing that is really important is to look up your professors and make sure that you don't wait until the last minute to register for classes. This year I had the worst professors? because of that. I would finally tell myself that I should always stay focus on why I'm there; it's ok to have fun, but never forget why I'm there!

Denisha

if i could go back in time and redo things i wouldve taken high school more seriously instead of bs-ing my way through it because the transition from high school to college was a big awakening for me and if you're not ready for it then you're destined to fail until you start buckling down and not taking things for granted because college isnt cheap if you're paying for it out of pocket.

Keren

I would tell myself to learn good study skills so that when I got to college I would be better prepared. I would encourage myself to get a work during high school because it is harder to work when you're in college. I would also tell myself to do my best in high school and make the best grades that I could. Colleges look to see how much you apply yourself so I would tell myself to put out every effort to do my very best.

Dustin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep up the good work and that it does pay off. Since I constantly wondered whether or not all of the time in effort that I put into my classes and extra curricular activities was definitely worth it. I would remind myself that there should be no doubt about this because education and knowledge are priceless, and all things that are worth having are worth working hard for. I would also tell myself that although studying is important, but it is also important to make more friends and have some fun. Making friends and participating in college activities is helpful to the trasition from high school to college. If I could go back, I would remind myself to be thankful and take advantage of every positive opportunity that comes my way. One last thing that I believe would've have been beneficial for me to hear then is to never give up on dreams. It may not be an easy path, but since we only get one life it is important to live, laugh, and learn.

Brittni

As an incoming freshman I was immensely unprepared for the journey ahead, I felt I was running a race in high heels. If I could share any knowledge with my self as a high school senior it would definitely be to, 'stay aware'! Stay aware and conscious of people, the social life, your financial aid, and definitely grades! And when you stay mindful of these things they bring about positive outcomes....such as my 4.0 GPA, activity in the NAACP, and an overall worthwhile college experience. Yet no one taught me better than experience and dare I say my high heels, which by the way, I traded in for Nike Shocks.

Johnnise

I know this is the last year of high school, but it is rapidly coming to an end. Hanging out with friends and parting is a lot of fun, but making sure you are ready for college is more important. Do not procrastinate, make sure you turn in anything that is needed before the deadline. Fill out your FASFA as soon as possible, this will help you get the most financial aid there is avalible for you. Dont get discouraged and think everythings is too much to handle, talk with your guidence counsler and teachers, they are there to help you! Take advantage of that.

Alma

Knowing what I know now as a college freshman than when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should have taken more advantage of trying to apply for more scholarships because right now I barely have enough to cover everything I need to pay for. Also I would've told myself that it wasn't going to be easy my very first semester because it's a big change and I need to really study so there's no time to be playing around all the time like I usually do. I would also tell myself that now is the time to grow up and become a more responsible adult because once I graduate, it's time to face to adult world. In the adult world, it's not going to be easy and at times things are going to be thrown at me that will bring me down but that is why i need to stay focused, persistant, and not stray from my goal in life. If I could go back in time to tell myself all that...I would.

Gabriela

People all along have say to me that going to College would be very difficult. That teachers would be mean and not understand you if you had problems in class but I guess they were just trying to prepare me for the real life. As a college student I have found myself learning how to study for a test, how to be prepared for class and many other things. If I could go back and give advice to myself I would tell myself to take the time to study properly and not the day before, that only makes things harder. Studying weeks or days prior to test day makes everything so much easier. After finishing school for the day try to review a little of what was thought for the day, doing that can help you understand better if there was something that was confusing, and if that does not help the next class period ask your teacher for help I know for a fact that they will help you. Also, being prepared for class is not only arrieving on time to class but mentally be prepared to learn. Focus only on your education and forget the rest.

Andrew

I would tell myself that its notmuch different than high school. The only major difference is time. While your in collegeyou need to larn how to manage your time wisely.

Renee

College is not going to be easy and it does require dedication. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because it is important that you understand what you are going to be doing and what will be expected of you. Make new friends, they help you get through rough times because they are there to go through what you are going through. Family is also very important because they are there to support you and let you know everything will be okay. Anytime you are feeling like you can't do this, just look at the big picture and remember why you are doing this. Time management is very important! Try to keep a planner and organize your time to ensure that what needs to be done gets done. Don't procrastinate. Study, study, study! You have a lot to learn, but you will enjoy it!

Marcie

You can do this, but be prepared to grow. Please don't allow the bad attitudes of others to affect yours. Don't expect people to hand you anything. (That means apply for scholarships!) You've worked too hard to go unnoticed and unrewarded. Most of things that you think are important now won't be in a year, so stop stressing, and just do what you know you need to do. Thank your english teachers for being tough on you now. It pays off. Be open and tolerant to the ideas and opinions of others, but don't be afraid to have faith in your own. When you're pretty sure that you're right, you probably are. However, it is crucial that you recognize the things that are most important and don't waste energy fighting to be right about the things that really don't matter. You won't have any regrets if you make your mistakes into lessons. Trust yourself and hope in God.

sara

I think that college life has a big influence into one's life, so it is a very important decision to select the right college. Before students enroll colleges, they must search first the website of each college and look out how certain areas are available to the students. What I meant to say is that if one concerns more about books, one should look out how the library works; and if one concerns more about physical exercise, then searchs about the gym and programs they offer like pilares or yoga.

Amber

Make sure you set your priorities straight. You have to cut out a lot of friend time because studying comes first. Make sure the school is in a good location.

Rachel

My Name Is Rachel King I`m From Lake Charles, Louisiana. I am currently attending Lamar University. I am a Mass Communications Major. The advice i would like to give to parents an/or students in finding the right college is to research each college , their programs and really see whether it coinsides with what you want to do in your life.

Saundra

When looking for a school first and formost make sure that their is a good education given in your field. While visiting be sure that you feel comforatable there and enjoy your surroundings. And when school begins make new friends and joins groups at school and be involed. But always remember schoolwork comes first above all.

Christina

Always go with your first instinct. If a school doesn't feel right, don't go there. Also, bring your friends with you if you can. It always helps to have a support system if you are far away from home or even if you are close to home. Just do what you think is right in choosing the right college. Also, have fun. Meet new people that you can be friends with forever.

Joshua

I would encourage students and their parents research the universities that they are thinking of attending: check on the student/teacher ratio, the graduation rate, the job acceptance rate, the research opportunities, the social environment of the college, alumnae's opinions, diversity (cultural, racial, sexual, and religious), and the overall ideaologies dominant in the community. Weigh these in the balance when comparing one colloge to another. As for making the most of one's college experience, I would reccomend that the student do their best to network starting that crucial freshman year. Network with societies and organizations, with academically minded friends and fraternities, the career center, tutors, advisors, and especially with faculty and staff that are influential in the areas of scholastic and financial benefits. And never, never forget to form a personal relationship with your college president, vice-president, and other executive members. This is a must.

Elizabeth

In my opinion, the best place to start your college experience is close to home. That way you have the love and support of your friends and family. Then if you still wish to go away to school, you have and idea of what is required of you at college.

Tracey

Chose a college that fits you and your future, oh and your wallet. My motto that I live by is 'try everything once, twice if you like it.' Trying everthing once in your life allows you to live life from the experiences you make not from a rule book they give you.

Cheryl

Make sure that the student is well prepared for what is ahead of them. They are on their own and need to be responsible for their own work and actions. They should not be babied any longer and should never complain about all their work they have to do to other students, because everyone is in the same boat they are.