Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

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

Tasha

Honestly, college was not much of a shock for me, as far as academics and independent living. I was raised to figure things out on my own and provide for myself. Also, my parents pushed me hard in grades, so I already had a good study ethic. The big change for me in the transition from college to high school was the social aspect. In the small town where I grew up, fitting in meant being just like everyone else. Looking back, I realize everything I did - how I dressed, the music I listened to, the way I acted - revolved around being accepted by my friends. Therefore, the advice I would give myself would be this: Live YOUR life. I know it's hard to believe now, but there's a whole world of people out there with the same interests and hobbies as you. Your true friends should love you regardless of who you decide to be. Cliché as it sounds, don't worry what others think. Put yourself out there and be bold. The opinions of those who matter most won't be the ones judging you.

William

You can't do anything alone. Dealing with the stress of acclimating to a new environment and new responsibilties is hard and it will take a toll on you if you don't ask for help. Asking questions does not make you any less of a person. Make friends you can trust. Everything works out for those who are willing to work hard. You may not be the smartest person in your class but you can be the hardest working. The best advice I can give someone who is making the transition from high school to college is to work hard and don't stress out. Do the best that you can and work from there.

Shelby

I would tell myself not to be afraid to talk to the professors. To make friends and to attend SI's. I would also tell myself not to worry about bombing a test it happens and that all I can do from there is to get better. Always ask others about classes you are taking and share what you know. We are all here to help and you would be suprised what you can find. Most importantly I would tell myself that it does not matter that you do not know what you want to do after college right now. You will find that most people change their minds in college several times. As you take more classes you will realize what you like and what you do not like. It is amazing how much you will be shaped by these classes. Lastly I would say A&M is great and you will love it.

Karma

If I could go back in time I would tell myself how important it is to search tirelessly for scholarships as well as how necessary it is to save up for extra spending money in college. As a high school student you do not really realize the financial burden that going to college is; the cost of tuition itself, housing, gas, food etc. All of the costs come up concurrently to one another and sometimes unexpected expenses also arise which can create financial trouble if that expense is not accounted for in the money you have available. So again I say, strong financial awareness and planning is paramount for any high school senior preparing to go to college. If you are prepared for a majority of the expenses that will arise and have a strong savings plan prepared, college would not be nearly as stressful or worrisome of a decision.

Sandra

Join clubs early on. Volunteer more. It's harder to "fit in" when you're a Junior/Senior because everyone your age has already established their social circle. Study more efficiently, but don't be so hard on yourself. All of those all-nighters don't always work out in the end.

Rochelle

Get that job and license early: the earlier you assume an adult role in your financial responsibilities, the easier it is to be more prepared in dealing with it on your own in college. And don't quit the IB Program even though you really want to: if you put your all into the program and pass all your exams, you'll get the credits that could help you in college.

McKenzie

As a timid and supposedly attractive woman, I have had the typical guy problems of any good-looking girl. Because of this, I would warn past me of the different guys I would encounter and what I should do in each situation, saving me discomfort, fear, and some heartache.

Cole

Dont get too caught up on one thing. Their are lots of options to consider and you want to be open minded. Just because you are studying autobody doesnt mean you are going to be stuck as a body tech. forever. Utilize your time and skills. Most important dont cut yourself short. You are new to this feild and you wont know everything right off the begining, but with time you will develope into one of the best there is. It wont come quickly though. It might even be years after college before you are compfortable with everything. Make sure you never reach your peak. Their is always something new to learn and something you can do better. You might be a little scared of what the future holds but dont let that hold you down. To be the best, you have to beat the best, which means you have to believe in yourself.

Jessica

Pace yourself. I know you're super ambitious but just sit back and enjoy life. Don't change your work ethic because that will take you very far in life, but also don't freak out so much. You will have time to get things done and enjoy life, don't forge to take advantage of every precious moment and relationship you have because before you know you'll be done and out of college. Whatever you do, don't compromise who you are, if you can't find people who like you for who you are, they're not worth your time. Take advantage of every opportunity and don't be afraid to take risks, make new friends, and get out of your comfort zone, where there are risks there are rewards. Enjoy! You'll do great.

Matthew

Looking back at my senior year, there is not much I would tell my past self to change for his last year in high school and the subsequent rollercoaster that is college life. I would however tell him that there will be struggles; more than he's ever faced before, but he should not let that hinder him, nor should he use that as an excuse to not give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} every single day. I would also tell him that there will always be time to play and enjoy life, but that studying and focusing on a rigid schedule would do him good and would benefit him far more than going to football games or other frivolous extracurriculars ever would. Saying that, I would encourage my younger self to actually talk to other people and ask to study with them, because two heads are always better than one, plus there is no way to tell how much one person can affect your life in a positive manner. I guess the moral of the story would be to study hard now, so that there will be ample time to play later, with a lot less stress hanging over your play time.

Mckensey

When I was younger, I was the kid who had to touch the stove to know it was hot. While I’ve received much advice over the years, I' ve always preferred to make mistakes myself and learn my own lessons. If I could give myself advice as a young go-getter, it would be this: listen to others. Freshman year, against all advice, I worked weekends during the fall semester. Weekends were a crucial bonding time for members of my organization, and, because I was often at work, I missed out on many hours of getting to know my buddies. This later caused much strife against those in my class and created a rift between all of us. This led to negative actions on everyone’s part and I eventually had to switch units in order to break free from the animosity that had developed. Had I listened to the advice of others, not only could I have saved myself from becoming a social pariah within the unit, but I also could have salvaged the lifelong relationships and not lost great personal friends. In a nutshell, I would tell myself, “Stop burning yourself, and listen to those who care.”

Hannah

Take your time to find what you love, just beacause the path may mean a high paying job it may not mean that you will be happy. Thankfully you learn this but it sure would have saved you some time. Stay healthy in school, eat right and workout, don't let go of your fitness, it sure is hard to get back. Make friends with everyone and keep in touch with them, they will be your life long friends. Don't take things to seriously, this is where you get to make mistakes!

Breanna

As a hgh school senior, I was a bit timid on how to put myself out there. Sure I could make friends but how was I supposed to make the friends that last forever. I had heard stories of old college friends from my mother and father, and now I was about to embark on the journey of my own. My biggest fear was making friends with the wrong people and not realizing it right away. Now I know that the fear I just mentioned was irrational and irrelevant. If i could go back in time I would tell myself to stop over thinking things. Friendship is something that can't be forced and the right friends will come along if you just be you. Those college friendships that last forever will come. If they dont happen during your freshman year you've got three more years to experience and develop them.

Laura

To my high school self, I know what you are thinking, you are in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your class, As and Bs your entire life. But guess what! You will fail all of your classes if you don’t study! If you play video games and sleep all day instead of going out, making friends, and actually going to class, you will fail! High school wasn’t difficult, college is a completely different merry-go-round. And you know those tutoring sessions you never needed in high school? Go to every single one in college. Believe me, it will make both our lives easier. Future you

Catherine

Given the opportunity to prepare my high school self for college, I would tell myself to be more outgoing; everyone is in the same position and is just as nervous to be on their own. For my first semester, I wasn’t shy, but I was nervous about what others would think of me and I still carried some insecurities from high school. I’m so grateful for the opportunity of college because even though it took a few weeks, I completely blossomed and became so much more open with my classmates and those I had the blessing of meeting. I can say that after leaving behind old insecurities about what I dressed like, or how I looked, I met some of my lifelong friends. College brings out different ideas of importance in people (like keeping up grades, working, and clubs), so being themselves is more important than what their appearance regarding brands and the latest fashions. The truth is, no one in college cares about anything but being comfortable in their own skin, and it should be a priority for everyone. College is a time to figure out who you are and who you’re becoming.

Shatoria

If I could go back to my high school self I would say ""Self! Loosen Up, enjoy yourself, cherish the moments and live in the day". College is an amazing experience I meet alot of people I dont think I would have every met if I wasnt here. I also experience alot of different customs and cultures. In high school I was so serious, all I cared about were my grades and I didnt really have much of a social life. When I got to college I wish I would have been more open and diverse in high school, however I am making up for that now.

Casey

Casey Clarke [email protected] There are several things I wish I would have known as a high school senior. I did a majority of things that I was supposed to. I worked two jobs, participated in Drama, Choir, and Future Teachers of America and did a lot of volunteer work. What I didn’t do a lot of was scholarship research. I’m a smart woman, and in high school, had above average grades. I’m almost certain that if I had done my research I could have already paid off the tuition I’m about to endure at UNCW. Do not wait on scholarships, Past Me. Apply to several, and keep them all organized. Keep your registering smart. It may be tempting to schedule just four classes at a time like you had in high school. Don’t do this. Also, keep any classes you are worried about back to back. You’re going to wish you scheduled math back to back 5 semesters later. Also, I have one more thing. You need to network for future jobs. Trust me on this one. Some of those volunteer places you’re working with may need employees in the future.

Brittany

Never forget that you are made beautifully and perfectly just the way you are. You have such a bright future ahead of you, and do not ever let the voices of others or the voice inside your head define who you are and what you can do with your life. God is the ultimate answer for everything, and you have to learn to lean on Him and trust in His will for you. With Him, you cannot and will not fail, for the war is already won. Let Him love you, let others in, and do what you do best-love others with all your heart. Do not forget to tell others that you love them, because you do not know when they will be gone. Live and love every day as though it were your last, and never let anyone dull your shine. Sing with all your heart, and love with all your spirit.

Amelia

Knowing what I know now about college I would have told myself to be more positive. Granted it’s a new situation and a whole different situation than high school you are capable of being successful; you just need to be positive about the experience. Look at yourself as a brand new person, learning new things, looking forward to a new career. Set your mind to what’s ahead of you and don’t look back. Look for help, when needed and make each moment of your college career count, otherwise it’s a waste of your time. Your mind is powerful if you let it be, your heart is dedicated if you allow it to remain open and then at that point in your life you will prosper. This is your time to shine be positive and determined. Never give up or let go of your future dreams. When you realize you are amazing and college is only going to make you better you will succeed. If I only knew, what I know now back then.

Leah

You are about to embark on an amazing journey. The hard work that you will put in will have the greatest rewards. Grow the friendships that are filled with support and care because these friendships will carry you through the best and hardest times. Stay motivated in your school work and study as much as you need to because it will pay off in the end. Getting involved on campus is crucial. Follow your passion to selfless serve the community and don’t be scared to start something new because you will soon be the founder of an amazing service and leadership organization. When you are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, don’t be scared and lean on others to help you with this life change. I know you will feel like breaking down, and might not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but believe me, your life filled with happiness will continue shortly. Also, your parents are your greatest supporters. Don't forget to say thank you and I love you everytime you can. Stay strong, motivated and don't lose sight of your goals because you will soon be proud of what you have accomplished.