The University of Texas at Arlington Top Questions

If I could go back into time before I started college, I would tell myself NOT to get a boyfriend especially the first semester. I still managed to make all A's, but being in a relationship when starting a new school added more stress than I thought I could bare. I would tell myself to focus more on school and friends and enjoying the college life. It may seem like the days go by slow now, but as you look back on all the fun and activities you missed out on becuase you wanted to be with your boyfriend, you will be so upset that you wasted away the social part of your college years.

Take all AP classes, forget about girls, and focus on getting good grades. If I effectively took AP classes (which aren't that hard in the first place) and passed all the tests, I could have saved thousands of dollars. Also, don't be lazy and apply for all the scholorships you can, even if you don't have a shot, you might be surpised.

The advice I would give myself is to make sure I apply to all of the scholarships that I could. To make the transition easier you should joing different clubs and organizations to make friends with different people and eb well orientated. Don't take any classes that are too early and don't take any classes too late in the day. Don't buy your books from the school bookstore because they are very expensive and when you sell them back you only get one fourth of the money you spent to buy them.

If I were to travel back in time to meet myself before college, the one piece of advice that would help me the most would be to remember that college is not about the grades, it is about the knowledge. I would have reinforced the fact that I am useless as a graduate, employee or professional if I don?t hold the knowledge that my degree says that I do. Knowledge is power, not honor rolls or good grades. Honor rolls and good grades should come if you have the knowledge. If all you seek is a good grade you could forget everything you have crammed for that test , and even worse others might succumb to cheating. Seek to truly understand and master the material. It will enable you to excel not only in work, but in all aspects of your life. I still regret some freshmen classes that I took and got A's but didn?t REALLY learn.

"Senoiritis" does not just last your senior year! Take that last year of high school to really prepare for the college world. Practice good study habits and make sure you are organized. Partying is fun, but there is a time a place for everything. Stay focused kid!

High school is only the beginning; when you enter college you are open to so many new choices. You discover yourself and are opened to so many possibilities. Let yourself be open to anything and everything (edcationally speaking). If you dont have a major in mind that's ok. Start small with your basic courses and maybe something will spark your interest. Not everyone starts off college knowing what they want to work towards. College is completely different from high school and everyone adjust different at different rates. As long as you're enrolled in a college and taking classes it doesnt matter where. Don't get discouraged your friends are off at 4 year universities and you are attending a community or junior college; chances are your getting the same quality of education. Involve yourself in your community and extra-curricular activies, not only does it look good on applications and scholarships but it gives you a sense of purpose. Last, apply for every scholarship or promotion possible, you never know what can happen.

If I had the opportunity to go back I would tell myself that all the high school drama isn't worth all the energy. Because in college if you surround yourself with people who are concerned with completing their degree and finding a good job you won't have any drama, you will have people in your life that will keep you motivated. So instead of focusing on the latest gossip or what boy you like today learn all you can, and develop good study habits. No one is going to force you to read your book or show up to class you've got to put in the effort. Your a smart girl but you've got to learn how to manage your time and really focus.

Stay focused. Play fewer gigs. Save the partying for later. Add a minor in Theatre. Don't break up with Terry.

If I could go back to talk to the 18 year old Jacqueline about the college experience, one of the first things would be, to take advantage of the time and opportunities that are presented to you. I was fortunate enough to have parents that were supportive and knowledgeable on how important my education is. Looking back on it, I am sure my life would be drastically different today if I did not continue my education. School was something I struggled with in my life, being labeled with learning disabilities didn?t stop me either. In a way furthering my education made me realize how I was not educated well in our public schools. This is one of the reasons why I chose to become a teacher in hopes to encourage children that were like myself. Overall my past is what brought me here and made me who I am today, so the best thing I would tell my 18 year old self is not to give up and try my best.

I would tell myself that you may think you know what you want by just getting a job as a CNA, and that would be good enough but honestly you should think again cause things happen that are out of your control and you need more of an education to make it in this world. You should start right out of high school so you can enjoy your life before you get to old to go to college. I know that you enjoy the finer things in life and getting a education will give you those things like a nice car, nice home and most important a nice job that you enjoy. Don't wait around until your 30 years old like me to wonder what you are going to do with your life and be a single mom and a bad income to think about it act now and you will be a happier person for it . I hope you take this talk to heart and really listen to what i am saying because i know you better then anyone in the world.