Tarrant County College District Top Questions

What should every freshman at Tarrant County College District know before they start?

Fabiola

The advice I would of given myself as a senior would of been to be more productive in saving money and finding ways to go to school on scholarships. That would of saved me and my parents money these past few years. Another word of advice would of been to sign up for classes as soon as the become avaliable because they go by very fast and you end up with horrible class times. Also, do not procrastinate on anything because it just leaves you worried and not with the best results. Use all avaliable time to study and do research on the colleges or universties you want to attend, the more you know the better you will make your decision. Last advice I would of given myself, would be to not worry about want I want to major in because it will just come naturally to you. Just be yourself and do not slack off, its time to be serious.

Calvin

I would have studied harder and worked smarter. Had I known that my study methods were hindering my ability to operate at my optimal level as a student, I would have sought other successful methods at an earlier time. The skills I have developed now could have enabled me to be more successful in High School and, thus more doors would have been open for me in regards to colloge. I also would have told myself to research what I wanted to do and discover what my passion was, while I was in High School, so that upon graduation I would have had a greater understanding and a more directed focus on accomplishing specific goals. I would have encouraged myself to be more active than I was in my community, with the Salvation Army, and church missions, and school auxiliaries. I would have told myself a lot, but that opportunity does not exist. I refuse to live in regret, but instead I take all the experiences that I have previously written about, and I use them to affect and cultivate the dream that is inside of me.

Krista

I would tell myself to think about something for atleast 2 weeks before making a big decision such as quitting a sport or transferring to a different campus. I would tell myself to look at all of the options and possibilities first before making a quick decision.

Lauren

If only I really could go back in time, I would tell myself that it's never too early to prepare for college and that communication with parents is so crucial. Make sure that your parents and you are on the same page regarding where you want to attend and how it's being paid for. I would remind myself that college is very expensive and that I should've applied for tons of scholarships as opposed to assuming my parents would pay for college, because it's not their responsibility. Be persistent and passionate in your studies and complete every assignment or project or exam with all the gusto you can manage, because highschool is only the beginning.

James

I graduated from high school at the age of 16 and decided that I was too young for college. I waited a few years to start attending college. So if I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to start college as soon as possible. It is a totally amazing experience, which is nothing that I was expecting. Plus, had I started right after graduating high school, I would already be graduated and on my way to a career!

jonathan

If I could go back and talk to a younger, right out of high school version of myself, I believe I would tell myself that college is going to be a great experience where I would have the opportunity to learn and experience many new and interesting things. I would warn myself that it would not always be easy, and that I would have to put a lot of hard work into passing classes and making good grades, but I would also be able to tell myself that that in the end all of the time spent reading biology books, writing English papers, working on math problems, and practicing for hours to ace that Spanish final would pay off in the end. Most importantly, I would tell myself that no matter how boring or tiresome the work might seem at the time, it would always be worth it to make myself keep at it until the work was done, and that it was always more enjoyable and far less stressful do your school work first, thereby insuring good grades, and to then use the extra time left over to do the fun, less important things.

Heather

Knowing how I was as a senior, who knew since the age of eight she wanted to attend college, yet, didn?t have clue what college she wanted to attend, to truly make an effort and research multiple universities; to not tour only one campus as I did my senior year, but many campuses. I?d advise myself to look into Baylor University, because she?ll find it to be a perfect fit of academics and faith. However, I?d encourage myself to attend community college, and complete the core classes, because the classes will transfer ? saving time and money spent at university. I would strongly advise my past self to not rely on the fact that for the past thirteen years of schooling, I didn?t need to study to excel in my courses, because it?ll be that train of thought that will cause our father to cease funding for school, and lead me into debt in order to pay for school. Not to mention, that lacking a study routine will cause me to struggle unnecessarily. Most of all, I?d tell myself to enjoy the experience, and not be afraid to spread my wings and soar.

lester

If I could go back to 1989 and talk to myself, I would inform me that I could do it. To stay focused and not work 40 hrs a week. The pay checks could come later and it would be alright to persue my goals . Also I would inform myself that college is affordable and there are many grants, scholarships and loans that can be acquired. Follow your heart and dreams I would say.

Mike

There are many advices that I wanted to give to myself, but in reality there is only really one I needed. That is to not give up. I gave up on everything I did or attempted to do. I had no sort of motivation or passion for what I was learning. I came to school with the mind set of being dumber than most others. How did I come up with that sort of attitude? After some college experience I looked back and realize that I was just lazy. In my mind I chose the easy way out. Deciding that it was easier for me to not try at all, than to challege myself mentally and learning. I believe and I know that I can do most things that I gave up on, it's the lack of determination that I have now is missing. I really wanted to tell myself that I can achieve the things that I thought I couldn't achieve back then if I have just tried a bit harder. I know I can do it, and yes i can.

Aubrei

When I entered highschool, I heard all of the warnings of how difficult it would be ringing in my head over and over. However, high school was not very difficult to me; I even graduated Cum Laude. So naturally, as time to go off to college approached, I took the many warnings of how tough and stressful it would be and let them go in one ear and out the other! Well what I should have done was listen to those warnings! If I was able to go back and talk to Aubrei in highschool and tell myself the things I know now, I would make sure I knew that in college, depend on only YOURSELF!! NOBODY is going to hold your hand. You have to take it upon YOURSELF to get your assignments, know the material, and not to mention supply your own EVERYTHING and ALWAYS have it with you!! Your professors only say things ONCE; get it then or never! Be on time, be respectful, and follow rules. Most importantly I NEEDED to know: Set aside time to acually DO homework and STUDY!! There's NO COPYING!! "PROCRASTINATE" can no longer be my "middle name!!"

Anthoinette

I submitted this statement before taking the survey: First focus on your general class courses before focusing on a major, because your mind changes constantly as you grow. I would also say to go for the "A" in the class because that will help you to gain opportunities for scholarships throughout school. I would also say to research the schools you plan on attending and not to go just because your friends are there. This could save you on cost and can help you to remain focused if your friends are not there to distract. Whatever your field you are attempting to major in, volunteer if possible, within that field to see if that is something you really want to do before you waiste time and money. Research programs to get involved in, work study etc, that can help you to complete and enhance your education. This can also build your resume over the course of time. Most of all, make it your goal to remain in school until you complete your degree. It is possible to go back to school, but it is harder when you have other obligations. Stay positive!!!

Estephanie

?Shut up and stop thinking so highly of yourself. You don?t have all the answers!? When it came time to pick a college I already had my mind made up. I was sure I?d be offered a scholarship, I had excellent grades so I didn?t put any real effort into looking for one-Just signed up to the college of my choice and left it at that. I was so sure everything was going to go my way that I even ignored my mother?s battle in becoming a legal citizen, finding comfort in the knowledge that the government would ?never? separate her from her three American children. I was accepted into the college of my choice, but my mother was to remain on the other side of the border until further notice. I didn?t get a scholarship. I had to give up on my college, and set my sites lower. Even then the situation with my family only worsened. I put college off for a while. We had no money, and I couldn?t pay for my own education I wish I had that chance, but now that I know I can only go forward.

Brittany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have made a genuine effort to look at more scholarships and financial aid offerings. Also, the transition to college is a bit different than high school. Getting to pick your own hours is easy! However, making study time for yourself is a bit harder. You have to "grow up" in a sense and start making decisions that are going to be with you for the rest of your life. Hit the books and stay out of the clubs. I know it sounds boring but it will be well worth the time spent, and who knows, you might even get out of there faster than you might have thought! Good Luck and Study Hard! Love, Yourself

Heather

As a high school graduate I had decided to take a year off before college. Knowing what I know now and talking to my younger self, I would tell me, "DO NOT TAKE A YEAR OFF! It is a bad idea, in fact, its the worst idea you will EVER have, I know this because I am your future self! So listen to me...you...whoever.... GO TO SCHOOL, DON'T BE A FOOL!"

Brittany

As a freshman, I've been privileged to experience the exciting phenomenon that is known as college. So many intriguing aspects of this new life captured my attention. I was introduced to new found freedom, a multitude of cultures coexisting together, and enormous amounts of junk food (at a surprisingly affordable rate). I became aware of just how much I knew-- and just how much I DIDN'T know. If I could travel back in time, and conversate with my younger self, I would advise myself to be overly prepared. College is nothing like high school. While I could ace any test in high school without even having to study, college proved to be an humbling experience. I learned to prepare myself for the worst, even if that wasn't the case. I would let my younger self know that preparation is a key fundamental to success in my future endeavors in college. As long as I am prepared, I can succeed in every possible way.

Courtney

Absolutely, positively do not worry. Don't worry that you don't know what you want your major to be. Don't worry about what your peers are doing, or for that matter, are not doing. I want you to know that everything is going to work out for the best. You know people who rushed into their collegiate decisions, paying (and wasting) precious time and money. You don't need to be like them! Do what is right for you, not for your best friend or your neighbor. While others feel the need to fly the coop, leave the state and be as far away from home as possible, feel secure in the fact that you chose to do what was best for you. To be close to your family, the people who are truly important to you. Relish in the fact that your wisdom and self-assured ways have helped to guide you in making all of your decisions thus far in life. Be who you are, and not who others want you to be. Enjoy your senior year, and good luck to you in all of your future endeavors!

Brianna

If I could go back in time, to talk to me, at 18 years old, I would encourage myself to listen to, and take all my mother's advice. I would then reassure myself that she does indeed know what she is talking about, regarding preparing for college. I would tell myself that my mother's idea to start taking correspondence core courses was infact an awesome idea. I would also tell myself that the beginning of my life was just around the corner, and NOW is the time to set my goals and stick with them, regardless of what was around the corner with the future. I would tell myself that although you will be discouraged sometimes, keep on keeping on. Lastly I would tell me self the reason for the talk is simply put this way, you have two options...sink or swim. By all means choose life.

Cristina

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to start with classes like foreign language and math so that I would better understand them while the information is still fresh from high school. These classes are required for my major, and I think that I would have been more successful in them had I started them earlier in my college experiance.

Carlos

As a high school student i was never worried about college, to me it seemed like something unimportant. I graduated high school and immediatly started working. I made nothing of it, I was happy because i was working and had money. In high school i was an avarage student, a regular joe. Now here I am two years later, seeking an education. I realized that just a high school education wasnt going to get me anywhere. The transition has been hard for me, i had to change alot just so i could get back in school. My work hours have been cut therefore putting less money in my pocket. I had to get in school mode once again it had been too long since i graduated. If I could go back i would tell myself one thing... Listen Carlos, hear what everyone is saying and dont be so self centered. Appreciate the advice and take it to heart, the ones that care only want the best for you. Your future is what you make of it, so start now and make something of it.

Christopher

If i could go back and talk to myself i would give myself alot of advice so i could be ready for college. I would tell myself is to start applying for as many scholarships as i can because college is expensive. That prevented me from getting into the college i wanted to attend; I messed around my senior year and next thing I knew all of the deadlines for scholarships and loans were coming up and i had missed out on getting any. I would also tell myself to start getting my priorities together. So that i can make good use of my time, for instance going to class, then the library to study, then work, and back to the dorm to do homework. College is alot different from high school I really do wish i could go back and beat some sense into myself if that makes any sense. I figured that college would be just like high school and if i ever needed anything i could find somebody to help me but that is not the case at all. I had to take on alot of responsibilities once i made the transition from high school to college.