The University of Texas at El Paso Top Questions

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

Karen

Change is good and don't let anything or anyone change your views on school. Do what you want and leave if you can. School is not easy but with a litlle effort everything is possible.

Shelly

Everything is different than what you thought it would be. College is not like high school, you can't just blow your way through it. Practice your violin more and enjoy it more because in college, sometimes the work isn't very enjoyable. Pay more attention in your classes right now! Because you really will use all of the stuff you learn later in life; surprising I know. Don't take your education for granted; take it seriously because with the economy the way it is today, a high school diploma just doesn't cut it anymore. Spend more time with your family, because the friends you have in high school will not be your friends anymore in college unless they are studying for the same degree. You will make friends in college that will last a life time. Don't take no for an answer but don't assume that "yes" is the right answer for everything. Reach for the stars because time flies by and sooner or later, those stars that seem so close right now will burn out eventually.

Brenda

Fisrt thing i would say to myself woulb be..COLLEGE IS NOT HIGH SCHOOL! It is no just another step in your education, it is a whole different world all togheter. College is not something to take lightly, it is a mayor step in your life. Without a college education many of the dreams and ilusions flying around in your head will never come true. A college education is not everyone, its for those willing to commit to do the hard work.

Nubia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have given myself the advice to start college even stronger than I did. I would definitely coach myself by giving strong words of advice, such as, "Make sure you consider your major and minor carefully." I would have also asked myself to strongly consider the classes I would need to take as a biology major and look into other fields, such as toxicology, which really interests me. I would have strongly encouraged myself to speak to my professors about starting undergraduate research in the biology field as a freshman. I would encourage myself to start reading into my subject of interest right out of college so that I could be more knowledgeable in my biology courses as a freshman. I would let myself know that there are plenty of jobs available on campus that are very student-oriented.

Justin

I would tell myself that I'm a very talented person. Then I would tell myself that it's not enough. True success goes hand-in-hand with a determination to not be mediocre, and a solid work ethic. My parents gave me the latter, but I had to learn the former the hard way. I would remind myself not to lose my vision, not to forget why I'm here and what I really want out of this. Disctractions come in the most tempting and alluring forms, but in the end they rob you of purpose. Remember your purpose - the reason you're pusuing a degree in the first place. Don't forget about networking; it's a necessary skill, and it just might save your butt one of these days.

Manny

do not be such a bad procrastinator.

Ivan

I would advice myself to work hard and learn as much as possible. College is not impossible, one just needs to work hard. This actually does not only apply to college, but to everything we do.

Marshall

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School Senior, the one thing I would tell myself is to stay on top of everything: studies, knowledge of college costs, background information on the university before attending just to name a few examples. If I had simply taken the time to go more in-depth in these things, I wouldn't have had such a rocky first semester of college. Although I recovered from the rough start the following semester, saving myself the trouble by taking those things into account more often when I was back in High School would have been more than worth it!

Caitlin

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stop procrastinating. I would say that it does no good in college. When it comes to getting work done correctly and applying for financial aid and scholarships in enough time there is no room for a student who procrastinates. ?Caitlin, you need to plan ahead and think of the future, you need to manage your time to study, sleep, and have personal time without putting things aside.? This is what I would say to myself. I?d emphasize how important it is to be prepared to work through classes that can be difficult to understand at times. I would have said that it was a good decision to graduate early.

Luis

One of the advice that would give my self if i whent back in time would be to, learn howto manage time. Time is something very important, that if one does not know how to manage it he or she will leave every thing till the last minute. Now that will cause the person to do his work in a rush that the work will come all wrong, and effected his gardes. something else that i would tell my self would be to teachmy self to have a studying schedule or in other words to study daily. so in college studying would become much easier. Then the last thing i would tell my self is how in college you make friends with every one and learn how to communicate with every one clearly so they would understand you. because in college you speak with every one and you will see them fgor long time. the ymay even be your roommate. Now does would be the three things i would tells my self if i cpould travel back in time,to my senior year.

Adam

Get ready for a great time. Its tough but dont get down on yourself. Keep your head up, ask for help when you need it and dont play so many video games.

Nancy

The best advice I can give to parents and students about finding the right college is to make sure that they know exactly what they are investing their money into. I strongly advise parents and students to research every college that they are considering. It is crucial that parents and students know exactly what each college offers as well as what sort of reputation each has. I also advise students and particularly parents to find out what sort of community the college is in, as the community can say a lot about the college itself. Since every college has its pros and cons, I advise parents and students to weigh them carefully when choosing the right college. Furthermore, I strongly advise students to make the most of their college experience and parents to encourage their sons and daughters to do so. While buckling down, working hard, and getting good grades is undeniably crucial in college, there are also other things that go with having a full college experience. I strongly advise students to participate in college events and to join as many college organizations as possible. Only then will students be able to make the most of their college experience.

Ricardo

Make sure you are comfortable with the environment of the university you are going to and that you are doing what you are doing for the correct reasons.

Nadia

Get informed, know what your options are and remember that at some points it is better to worry about your GPA and not a job. Thus, if you need to get a loan, don't be scared, think of it as a cheap car you will pay off once you have that great job you worked so hard for.

Ashli

My advice would be that college is an investment in yourself and you cannot put a price on that. In the United States you cannot be taken tp jail for debt so pile on those student loans as long as you have to. You as parents need to help your child or as a student figure out what you have a passion for and find some sort of degree which is condusive to that job choice. Please do not worry about making money because you can be wealthy yet unhappy which is not a favorable situation. Parents please do not pressure your child into doing something they do not want to do either,; that was your dream, not theirs. You only live life once and you cannot take material things with you so make the most of the time you are allowed by doing something you care about. Also take advantage of everything college has to offer, there are so many clubs, organizations, and activities that have really made my college experience worthwhile because I am engaged in my education and learning experience. Remember that college is what you make of it!

danielle

Visit the college first, and stay for a few days without your parents or friends. You will know if you belong there or not.

Cesar

Finding the right college for you and/or your child is something that needs to be done with time and thought. It all depends on what you are planning to study, the financial situation you are in, and the university's expertise on the subject you are planning to study. But the best advice that I think I can give to anyone, student and parents alike, is this: Life is full of obstacles, and it will not be an easy path to tread. Rather, it is a part of your life that challenges you in many ways, and it can become extremely difficult at times. But in the end, it will be the most rewarding achievement in your life. So stay the course, no matter how hard it gets. You are there to become something greater than what you already are. You are training to be the best at what you want to be. All the obstacles and problems that life will throw your way should not stop you of achieving your goals and reaching your dreams. In summary, do not give up on your dreams and do not let anything get in your way.

Miriam

I would tell the parents to help their child look into the choices the child has. I can say I haven't really been able to live the college life and that is something I kinda regret but due to my circumstances I wasn't able to. For those that do have the opportunity they should definately take advantage of everything the college has to offer and in knowing that they have to do their homework on the school and the city if they are planning on going elsewhere to school. College is a life learning experience that will hopefully open some doors for the student in the future and choosing the right fit is just the beginning. It is imperative that the student fill out any necessary paperwork from the school of their choice in a timely manner. Getting to know what programs the school has to offer will also help the student enjoy and embrace the college life.

Jacob

To all future college students, congratulations on your continuing path of education! Remember, when you set out to apply for dream colleges, backup colleges, or any other colleges you may apply to, just a word of advice--visit those colleges! Sure, you may feel that the brochures can hone your decisions or that positive statistics can help you decide which college to attend, but, always try to make an effort to visit those colleges. From personal experience, it can change your whole outlook not only on your decision but for your future years as a college student. Now, you would not want to waste four or more years of money and time at a college that can make you feel miserable or unsatisfied. It is just like buying a new car; you would not want to purchase a new car without test driving it, eh? It just takes some time searching for the right school that can offer you the best of your academic yearnings, social scenes, and other factors and curiosities. Once you have found the right college, your college experiences and memories will forever be the best! Your future is bright!

Daniel

Have an open mind! College is not just about receiving an education; it is an experience in itself. Everything you learn in the classroom will be applicable to your future profession but the experiences, organizations, events, friends, etc. you make during your college experience are what eventually shape your future. Don't be scared to try new things. Don't be scared to get involved. Don't be scared to be a leader! Everyday will present itself with new challenges but at the same new opportunities to advance your education, your future career, your social life, your view on life. Always work hard but know when to take it easy. Surround yourself with people with similar goals and aspirations. Never look sight of why you are attending college. It is a privilege. Look for a college that will align you with the best opportunity to fulfill those goals all the while allowing you to experience the most at your future Alma matter.