The University of Texas at Arlington Top Questions

What should every freshman at The University of Texas at Arlington know before they start?

Miguel

My advice would be: college is not the same as high school; you will have more responsibilities that will take a lot of work, dedication, and time. Also, procrastination is a terrible thing to do, so stay away from it. First, for the transition from high school to college to go by smoothly, you will need to make sure you are on task. Create a schedule with your classes and make time to study for every class. College requires time management, if you do it well you should be studying at least three hours outside of class for every class that you have. In order to pass your classes, you need to be responsible and plan for tests, quizzes, and homework. College professors are not going to be reminding you of the things that are due so put assignments and tests on your schedule and prepare for them. Homework, papers, and assignments need to be done on time and early so that the work you do is at its best. One last thing, work hard, stay focused and enjoy college by exposing yourself to productive and beneficial organizations on campus. Best of luck and see you at graduation day.

Clarissa

My high school self could never have imagined the depth and breadth of growth which I have experienced in my first semester of college, and I wish I could calm my past self's worries of fitting in and keeping up with all the responsibilities associated with college. College has forced me to mature in every aspect of my life- whether it is academics, relationships, finances, or responsibility- simply by setting me in a position where I have no choice but to put myself out there and learn about something new, make lasting friendships, or make a tough decision. Not only that, but I feel like I have learned twice as much (if not more) in half the time of what I would have learned in high school or any other previous point in my life. If I could tell my past self that worrying is useless because everything happens at a certain time for a reason and you just have to trust that everything will work out, my transition from high school to college would have been much smoother. I am extremely grateful, though, for the invaluable learning expereince that I have had in my short time at college.

Laura

I would tell myself that going to community college is a great thing. I would tell myself that it is the right decision for me and not to worry about not having anyfriends. I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay and just to focus on graduating high school.

Kyle

If I could go back in time, there are a number of things I would change. I would take biology and calculus in high school. I wouldn’t even begin to attempt to get a biology major, and would instead focus on communication. I would have taken microbiology at Sam Houston State University from the beginning. I would have taken more summer classes. I would have left my job at the Maverick Activity Center on campus much earlier, or found another job all together. I would have brought a car with me to college despite the price of maintenance. I would have joined a fraternity sooner, and begun attending bible study at the Methodist sooner as well. I would have checked my professors’ reputations throughout the years more thoroughly. Lastly I would have applied for more scholarships throughout summer.

Diana

The transition can potentially be stressful, but you have to realize that there are so many other students making that change with you, so you're definitely not alone! With the college scene, there is a ton of freedom as well and at first it can be overwhelming to have so many choices, be able to do so many things, and best of all not having to worry about a bell from class to class. It's important to make connections quickly so you have someone to back you up when you're down or overwhelmed. The worst mistake you can make is to try to go it alone. But you definitely have to keep in mind that you're an adult now, and you have to be more responsible for yourself. You will cross paths with people who may change your life forever, you will face both beautiful and unfortunate circumstances, but most of all, you will learn things about yourself and about the world that are deeper and more profound than you ever thought possible. It's a fun transition, but you have to recall the seriousness of actually being on your way to finding a career.

ANIL

College life is unlike highschool life. There are some part similar and some part different. Similar part is that your main purpose is going to school for learning some thing new every day. Different part is that there is not going to be that much rules that controls and guides you all the time. Once you are in college you are on your own. You are going to have several responsibility on your head. There is not going to be that much friend that you have in school. Once you go to the college you will see so many different fields and routes you can go to. Its you and only you who have to make decision where to go. I wuould always suggest to go to that field which is really interesting to you. Do not go to field which you really not interested in. Once you have decided which field you want to go and build your career, you should make a road map by selecting required courses as well as involving respective clubs and organisation. Always remember, when learning some thing every mistakes, is a step for the success. So do not give up no matter what.

Natalie

High school is full of children, and college is definately for adults. Some students may think it is cool to slack off and not give their all, do not follow in their footsteps. Have fun with your friends, but remember to take time each day to study. Focus on what the professors say they want out of you during the semester. Do not be afraid to talk to a professor outside of class time, either in person or via e-mail. Professors at UT Arlington like to help students that put in effort. Go to each and every class! One lecture missed usually equates to ten questions on an exam! Most exams are only fifty questions, so you're already cutting yourself 1/5 of your grade! Create study groups with classmates, and meet once a week. You can reserve a library group study room online, and it will make studying together much easier. Talk with your advisors and financial aid counselors once a semester and see what they recommend for your next steps.

Lydia

I believe I adjusted better to the University of Texas at Arlington than most students; although I would still offer some advice to my high school self. For starters, I would recommend living on campus instead of driving two hours a day. Every day I arrive home fatigued and find it hard to achieve anything in that state. Not to mention the cost of gas pressured onto my parents. Most importantly, I would tell myself to make UTA my first choice. Last year, I missed UTA’s scholarships deadlines because I was undecided about UTA. The effect on me was tremendous; I constantly think of how I am going to afford tuition and frequently become upset. I do not want to disappoint my parents or let my dreams escape my fingertips. I am the first to attend college and I know my parents expect me to succeed. I have, to this date, succeeded with a 4.0 G.P.A. However, I also know they depend on me to bring home scholarships. Therefore, I would also advise my senior self to search for scholarships every day, so I could earn more scholarships and not have this burden on my shoulders.

Susy

I would tell myself to apply for cscholarships and grants earlier so that I would not have to take a student loan and worry about it during my freshmen year in college. It can really stress you out. And to make sure and explore what you really want to do. Ask for help when you need it. And consider taking your basics at a community college first because universities can be really expensive. Take studying more into consideration. And try to talk to people who might be attending the same school as you so that you may meet up and you won't feel lonely.

Kala

The best thing I would suggest is to give it your all through high school. Your high school rank and your test scores on your SAT and ACT make a huge difference when you are an entering freshman, and could help you get a ton of money that will help out your college career. Do your best to at least be in the top 10 percent in your graduating class and be involved with your school and community. Another thing I would suggest is understand how to take proper notes in class and not goof off when the teacher is lecturing because in college that is how you make good grades. If you skip classes in high school then stop, learn to go to class because in college no one requires you to do anything but if you do not go then you will most likely fail. I would just really loved to tell myself is that if you stay concentrated on your school work and study and go to class then you will do great in college, but just make sure you do not put things off and always give it your all!