Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

What should every freshman at Texas A & M University-College Station know before they start?

Melinda

The most important advice I would have given myself as a senior in high school would be to have a very open mind and accept others' differences. Although I believe I attended a very diverse school and was accustomed to different cultures and religions, a college campus is home to even more cultures and people from around the world will become your classmates and possibly your best friends. It's important to have an open mind to their diversity because it can only increase your knowledge and understanding of the world and in turn lead to acceptance rather than hate. The only reason people feel hate towards other people is because they do not understand their differences. Being able to accept diversity is key to attending a large university.

Amanda

I would tell myself to enjoy your last year of high school and don't wish for it to go by so quickly. It is one of the best times of your life. When you get to college join an organization right away and don't be afraid to branch out and meet new people. They are all just as afraid as you. If things get tough, don't worry. Stick with it. Things will get better.

Sebastian

Although it may seem cliche, I would go back and tell myself to stay focused and not let myself get distracted by the big changes coming up in my life. Many things were about to change and no matter how hard it may seem, my future and my career are the most important. I would also tell myself to go ahead and change majors to biology from engineering and save my self the hassle of trying to figure out what it is I wanted to do with the rest of my life; becoming a doctor and a member of Doctors Without Borders helping people around the world. I would remind myself that studying medicine is a long career as well and to not let myself get to caught up in the moments but as well dont let them go because the small things are what will keep me going through these difficult times.

Jillian

I would tell myself not to be afraid. "You are going to mess up, and you are going to hate your major," I'd say, "but don't give up. Don't go against what your parents tell you just because you don't want them to say I told you so; however, don't do what they say just because they say it. Listen to them, and take their advice, but also trust in your own opinion. If you mesh the two, you'll be okay." I'd warn myself not to freak out after the first round of tests; everyone fails them because no one is as prepared as they thought they were. I'd assure myself that I would fit into Texas A&M even though I was worried about it, and that I would eventually call it home, regardless of my vow never to say that. I'd tell myself to meet as many people as possible, to hold on to good friendships and let the bad ones go, but most of all, I'd tell myself to have as much fun as possible, because college is unlike anything else in life.

Molly

If I could go back and have a conversation with my high school senior self, I would tell myself that high school does not provide you with the best days of your life! Being in college holds so much more opportunity to expand your knowledge about the world and about yourself. I would tell myself that the transition from high school is one of the best opportunities I will have and that I should look forward to a whole new world!

rocio

As a senior in high school it is hard to imagine what college will be like. Many misconceptions occur when people think about college. Moving away from home and having freedom is an exciting thing, but the experience is not to be taken lightly. As a college senior i was so excited to finally not have my mom nagging at me about homework and be able to stay up as late as i wanted. I got so caught up in the excitement, that i forgot what college is actually about, the education. When i finally got to college i was rudely awakened by classes and homework that was hard and didn't fit into my image of my super fun college life. If were able to go back in time and talk to myself, i would advise myself to be excited about college, but also not forget that college is still school, you mneed to be mentally prepared for the harder academics that approach.

Katherine

?Stop studying Kate! ? I did not receive admission into my first choice school. Most people have a second choice that would be permissible. I, however, did not. I knew I would be transferring. In order to cement my application I made the goal of achieving a 4.0 GPR. I would literally study twenty-five to thirty hours for tests. I did not just receive A?s; I got close to a 100 on everything. ?Kate, an A is an A whether it is a 90 or a 100.There is no 4.0+ !? ?Kate, classes and grades are just a minute part of the privilege of being at a University. ? I missed going on an Archeological dig one Saturday because I was afraid of getting below perfect grade on a quiz I had the coming Thursday. It was one Saturday out of sixteen that semester and the only opportunity that I have gotten to be part of uncovering our History. ?And Kate, when you go off to college, do not find your acceptance in grades. Kate, your relationships with others, community and your health are more important. And most important, is your relationship with Christ.? No one said stop.

Elisabeth

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to begin preparing now for next year's course load. I would say, "Next year's going to be tough and trying. You're going to have to study hard and focus to make the grades for professional school, but you can do it. Classes might seem intimidating at first, but you'll soon figure out that after studying the tests are hard but in no way impossible." I would go on to explain that even though Mom and Dad weren't there to watch over me, God was constantly there to guide and comfort me. My final comments would be, "Sometimes you're going to feel lonely, but in time you'll make some of the best friends and greatest memories of your life. Your relationship with God is going to grow so strong that He will become your most treasured friend. I know you're tired of high school and you don't feel like you fit in anywhere. But trust me, the world is so much bigger than high school and you will fit perfectly in college."

Morgan

Ding! Zing! I have a arrived at Lago Vista High School. Where should I start? There is so much to say. As I am released from the cramped machine so many things race through my head; friends, teachers, and school work! Wow! There is so much advice to give but I have reached the most important. Morgan, you need to be more open to new things. There are so many options in college and you should prepeare. If you see a new person this year practice introducing yourself. Start the conversation so you can feel comfortable meeting new people. What is your name? What is your College Major? What year are you? Where are you from? These are all great ways to begin the conversation that may change your life. You never know how the people you meet will impact your future. In College the shy people get left behind, so dont miss out! College is a great experience and you need to make the most of it. I believe in you, so make a difference! After leaving my highschool self I enter the time machine programmed for my return to Texas A&M University. Zip! Ding! Zing!

Stephanie

College is a LOT different from high school, and this time, I mean it. Living on your own, being in charge of your own studies, of your own well being can be a tough endeavor if you're not well prepared. Study in high school; put a real effort into learning the material and not relying on teachers to solve all of your problems. Some college professors don't care if you show up for class or not. Some expect you to read the books and learn on your own. Take AP's and earn college credit. Teachers aren't lying when they say AP's are blessings. You may avoid that 8AM class or that awful professor by earning an AP credit to get out of a class. Learn to be on top of things. In college, noone is there to watch over your back and tell you what to do. You'll need to learn how to take care of things yourself and get it done properly. Do your own research in regards to your decisions. Beating the crowd can be the difference between a great professor and a tough one. Good luck!

Ashley

College is an exciting, challenging transition from high school. When transitioning into college and completing your freshman year, one needs to take advantage of the many opportunities the university offers. Time management is the key to surviving college. There are a variety of activities in college and it can be overwhelming and a temptation for an incoming freshman. It is beneficial to develop useful time management skills before you step onto campus?having the ability to coordinate your activities and allocate time to study will help you out in the long run. Additionally, do not overload your schedule. An individual can tackle only so much, and taking too many hours as an underclassman can be stressful and time consuming. It is important to take time to exercise and unwind. Exercise can relieve stress and provide some relaxing down time. Besides time management, one should take advantage of academic opportunities. Get to know your professors. Most professors are willing to help if you take the time and effort to meet with them. Also, there are many student held organizations at any university you attend. Join a few organizations and get to know other students and faculty.

Lucas

I flung open the door powerfully and enthusiastically. Home. It was great to be back after my freshman year of college. I gave both my parents a warm embrace, then began to ramble about college life. Grades, friends, intramurals, sporting events. Within ten minutes my father asks, "Lucas, was there ever a time where you walked past a really pretty girl, and wanted to talk to her, but you didn't"? This was the most rewarding question ever asked to me. I thought about it. I thought about it far too long. I still think about it. This simple question produces an important mindset as well as the answer to this question. I advise my high school self to do not fear failure. Try anything and everything that you may have interest in. In your four years of college, you will never be confronted with so much opportunity. Take advtange of it! College life throws more curveballs than Nolan Ryan! Always be flexible and have a positive attitude. Believe in yourself. Try new things, meet new people, and live it up. Most of all, know that the biggest mistake you can make is always worrying you will make one.

Shannon

As cliche as it sounds I would tell myself that procrastination is never the way to go. All throughout highschool I skimmed by barely making the grades I needed. This was all well and good, except now I don't have the study skills I need to remotely get by. I would tell myself that it's not worth the game of flag football if it means a C on a test. Just getting by doesn't get anyone where they want to be. I would also tell myself to stick to my beliefs and don't let anyone tell me they're wrong. Figuring out how you feel and what you believe are the most important steps to figuring out who you are, and once you know who you are you can figure out who you want to surround yourself with. You are who your friends are, and that is definitely something I have learned this past year and a half.

Deen

Quick fooling around in Calculus and really learn the material, trust me it'll come in handy. Don't be arrogant, be patient with others, and remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. You are that talented.

Ashley

If I were to go back in time and give my self advice I'd probably talk about studying. In high school I rarely had to study because it wasn't needed. I knew college would be different from high school but because of all my advanced classes I figured I would only have to study a bit. I was wrongly mistaken. I had to study alot in college, and because of my inexperience in it I had to figure out the best technique for myself along the way. If I would have studied in high school I would have been able to know the best technique for me. Since I decided to not I had to figure it out during test times. Figuring out my technique along the way caused my GPA to be lower than expected. It was lower than I wanted because I didn't know what worked best for me and had to go through many trial and error tests. Knowing the correct way to study would have made my first semester a lot easier and my GPA a lot higher.

Edward

First of all, do not worry too much about choosing "the right college." Now that I am on my own, I feel like my entire life has only just begun, and I've realised that it is ultimately me who makes my life what it is, no matter where I go to school. As Ms. Frizzle would say, "Take chances, make mistakes, and GET MESSY!" Exploring the world around you, and your interests, are the ultimate education you get from the college experience. Do your best, of course, but don't hold on to things so much that you can't let go because change is a constant and vital part of my life now. And secondly, learn to prioritise and work efficiently early on! You're going to have a lot to keep up with, but when managed properly, you'll experience a freedom and exhilaration that comes from the realisation that you are making your way in the world and bettering yourself as a person at the same time. It's entirely possible to make good grades and have fun; trust me, I did it! Trust God; he'll take care of you. You're gonna do great!

Tyler

I would tell myself that i need to study more, read the chapter more carefully, and to try and make better grades. I would have taken a few more summer classes before i went off to school so that i could be even more ahead and i would not have to take as many classes through out each semester. Also i would tell myself that i need to make a schedual time list of my day to day activities so that i give myself plenty of study time.

Pedro

First of all I would hit myself in the head, make me open my eyes and realize that college is nothing like high school. Time management and studying is the key to success in college. Take a jumpstart in your classes, if you have time in the summer start knocking out our basic classes in your community college. Learn from what you want and what you need, do not underestimate anything you don't know. Learn to study in advance, if you procrastinate you are planning to fail, so don't do it. Then finally I would tell myself to never stop working hard and do everythin you can to be successful and give it everything you got at everything you do.

Kacey

When I was a graduating senior in high school I wish I could have known how happy I would be a few short months later. In High School I was less then thrilled at the prospect of attending Texas A&M University, a college with over 40,000 undergraduate students, but today I am the loudest and proudest member of the fighting Texas aggie class of 2013! I had always expected myself to attend a small liberal arts school in Texas; however, with the money issues I encountered I decided that a state school was a wiser decision. I consider these financial issues a blessing in disguise, because after being at Texas A&M for one semester I can not imagine being anywhere else. The key to happiness in college is getting involved. After joining a leadership organization within the university I fell in love with the school. College is about pushing yourself, treat every class as the most important class your taking and please GET INVOLVED! It is not the size or location of the school that shapes your next four years it is the attitude you bring with you that will make college the best experience possible.

Laura

To relax and know that there are thousands of people in your same position. Also, I would advice myself to save money where I could; yet, allow myself to have a little more fun.