The University of Texas at San Antonio Top Questions

I missed out on vital education years and potentially better earnings by starting my college education in my late forties. If I could go back to my high school days I would have sought out my guidance counselor and talked over what I needed to do to enter college. I would have discussed my GPA, what requirements I needed to enter college as a freshman, what schools would have been a good fit for my interests, and what financial aid was out there for me apply for.

Going back in time to talk to myself in a senior would be a nice long discussion about the little things about college that coexist as one large cluster of expenses. I would tell myself, "YOU NEED TO BE ORGANIZED! YOU NEED TO PLAN! YOU NEED TO SPEND AT LEAST ONE WEEK APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! YOU NEED TO SPEND A FEW HOURS RESEARCHING PROFESSORS! AND FINALLY, YOU NEED TO SAVE MONEY AND FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH EVERYTHING WILL COST YOU...ESPECIALLY BOOKS!" Being in college for the past three and a half years has not been all so bad but I know I could have made some wiser decions at earlier times and avoided lots of lots of hassles. My college experience has been well. I have moderately learned the information I felt was very important. I go to class and try to work harder than I did during my first few semesters. With that said, I have seen a lot of improvement. So in a nutshell, I would tell my 17/18 year old self, "GET WITH THE PROGRAM KID!" I feel I am a hard worker, however, it is not my effort that kills me, it is procrastination.

If I could go back in time and start the selection process all over again, I would take more time to "shop around". While I enjoy where I am at, it was the only school I applied to. As the first born, my parents excitedly started planning college visits the Spring of my Junior year. I had to tell them that I was not interested because at the time I couldn't think a week ahead much less a year. I presently am in the process of transferring to a larger state school because I have the confidence now that I didn't as an incoming freshman. Additionally, I feel the larger state school will provide me with the more specifc curriculum I realize I need. However, I have no regrets about the college I chose. I just didn't have anything to compare it to. I don't think I made a wrong choice but if I had to do it again, I would raise my head and at least look out the window at other colleges.

I can honestly say that college life was definitely a reality check. When I attended high school, there was no need to pay for education. Life was pretty simple then; go to school, study hard, live life. When I transitioned to college life, the reality instantly smacked me in the face. Having to meet due dates for rent and meal plans as well as tuition and fees was a growing stress in my life. Financial stress became my biggest problem. If I could go back in time I would advice myself to get a job during high school or before I started college to help with the quickly growing bills. I would have to say that it is the hardest part about college life. I hate feeling like a burden to my parents with all these bills. I would tell myself to prepare better. College is not a joke and it is not something you can take lightly. If I could go back, I would say "Give it your all and don't give up. It's going to get harder but as long as you are persistant, you will make it far and reach your dreams."

Habbits in highschool will not fly. Put that I am an Eagle Scout down on applications more. Maintain my loyalty to my fraternity, friends, and familt, fulfill all of my obligations to my family and myself, respect everyone more than I currently am now, honor my family and friends, show integrety and do what is right all the time and not most of the time. Demonstrate more personal courage and speak my mind when given the opportunity and demonstrate my leadership. College is not just four years but for life, abilities, skills, and talents gained here will follow you through out your life and career. "Kalepa ta kala" - Naught without labor, school is not an easy ride, it requires effort and at times so much that failure almost seems inevitable.

Each person learns from his or her own mistakes, and so have I. Going through a tough time during college, I have learned many things that I could have done during my senior year in high school. Being a full-time student, I had a long, hectic schedule which made me very exhausted. If I built the habit of sleeping early during my high school year then it would have become easier for me to wake up early in the morning and start a fresh, crispy morning. Not only that, making a habit of studying for exams a week before the deadline would be an easier way of not only improving grades, but also getting enough hours of sleep. I would also advice myself to not slack off during the last year of high school because this was one of the important years and the only time to learn yourself be independent. I thought I would be a 4.0 student since I made good, consistent grades, but I started off a GPA of 3.6 during my first semster. Learning from my small mistakes, I believe that this semster will be a great change for me.

After a tedious first semester at UTSA and knowing what I do now from that college experience, I would tell myself back as a high school senior that "it is possible"-possible to succeed at college and feel accomplished. For some silly reason with all the anxiety about attending a four-year university, I thought I could not succeed at college at all. That I would just go and fail. But I know now that all it takes is hard work and dedication, something I've done all through my high school years- so the thought of doubt I had towards college makes little sense when I think about it. Some experiences I'd tell myself to embrace is the new freedom of being able to drive 45 minutes away from home with my twin sister and taking classes when i want. It's a very different and invigorating experience compared to the small community where my high school was located, plus- I get to meet and see a variety of people with different cultures. I would not anticipate the college experience with fear but fully embrace the transition by cherishing the past and welcoming the future memories to come.

If I could go back into time and talk to myself as a High School Senior with the knowledge that I know about College and making the transition from High School to College, I will tell myself that it will be more difficult to balance my time than what High School prepared me for. I will also tell myself to think about attending College and if it is the right choice for me, as well as making sure that my family is supporting me one hundred percent. In addition, I will tell myself that I understand the information on deciding what College better suites me and the studies that I want to pursue.

I remember as a senior in high school I was so ready to get out, especially towards the end of the year. Although I enjoyed high school and was privileged to have loved all my teachers, it was something about being able to have freedom, and knowing that once i entered college I would have control over pretty much everything I did. As often has it is said "College is absolutely nothing like high school". If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know about college now, I would advise myself to practice time management and listen to your teachers now because the advice that they give will be much needed. I would definately tell myself studying in high school is nothing like studying for college, it requires more research and much more reading. Learn to be more open minded, and most importantly be deeply rooted in my faith. Distractions are everywhere but keep in mind the real reason you are there. The freedom that you are granted seems lovely, but be very careful to stay on track because you may lose focus.

As a senior in high school, time seemed to be slipping through my finger tips. With so many applications, confusing FAFSA forms, and lengthy essays, applying for college seemed more stressful than useful. Graduation just around the corner and trying to maximize my time with friends, I failed to prioritize applying to college. It is important to apply early, and actually put quality time into every aspect of the process. My mentality was that large colleges let everyone in, and therefore did not truly show why I was an amazing applicant on paper. It is imperative to remember college is a new beginning with new friends and a new a lifestyle. Although high school was fun, getting into the school you most want is more than just a few verbose sentences, but actually displaying your heart and soul to the committee.

Dear Past Self, It is very important that you learn to study efficiently. I know you study a good amount, but in college time managment is key. This semester my hardest class was Biology. Although I managed a B+ in my biology course, my other grades suffered because I dedicated too much time to solely studying Biology. Knowing this, I would suggest to start studying early for any upcoming tests so that you can spread out your studying and distribute your time more effectively. You'll also find that much of your schoolwork is done over the internet. I missed a few quizzes and homework assignments this semester because I would forget to check my online homework. So be mindful and keep a planner or calendar if you need to. Sincerely, Your Future Self

If I could go back in time, I would better prepare myself in high school to make the transition into college a little easier. College is a overwhelming experience! I would have taken more pre-AP courses as well as AP courses to prepare yourself. During my senior year, I wanted to have an easy case load. I took some AP courses, but I should have taken more courses to better prepare myself even if it meant more studying! You can never study enough, and it would have definitely helped transitioning into college. II would also have visited as lot more colleges and applied to more colleges to learn about the different curriculums. It's a tough decision, but the more you know about different colleges, the easier it is to decide what you want to study. I am happy where I'm at now and am looking forward to transferring to UT Austin in the fall of 2010!

Michelle, Oh Michelle, I know that you think senior year is a waste of time and a bore - which it is [boring], if you could just overcome your feeling of boredom and do something productive like apply for scholarships, life won't be so difficult when you start school during the Fall of '09. Seriously, you aren't doing anything else, and if you don't do it senior year then you will most definately be doing it whenever you have free time (i.e. the time that you aren't working to pay for tuition, preparing for finals, or human things like eating or sleeping). The seasonal bills your receive from UTSA will bring you anxiety like you've never felt before and it will become awfully distracting because you will owe money in numbers you've only seen in Algebra class. Apply for scholarships! Now!

I would first advise myself that starting college life is not simple. One of the major aspects that one must look at is knowing how to budget your money when having to pay for tuition and books and also knowing your expenses if living in or outside campus. Another major aspect is picking the right college or university. One must realize that college is not highschool. Highschool is expected to teach and prepare you for higher education. Once entering college, one must be able to adapt to changes and apply their higher learning skills to their major and basic, first two years, curriculum classes. Another major aspect is selecting the right college major that best suits what you want to dedicate your future career in. If I could go back in time, I would have gone into college with a degree in mind knowing exactly what I wanted to be. This would have benefited me in not having to waste time by changing to another major. If I could go back in time, I would consider these three things and realize and understand the transition from highschool to college prior enrolling and living the college life.

There's nothing that can quite prepare you for a journey like this. You may hear things, get advice, try to prepare youself in every way, but no luck. There's no way you can prepare to tear yourself away from your focuses now, family, and focus everything you've got on school. It's nothing quite like what you've been used to. School has a whole different definition here. Just hold your breath, close your eyes, and leap forward. You'll do great.

I have always been told that, ?College is not like high school. You must study and work even harder.? Even though I knew this, it still does not prepare you for college. In comparison to high school, college is a life experience that really isn?t understood until you are there. If could go back, there is general information I wish I had known earlier. Never believe information from a school advisor or school office without double checking the information yourself. Always get the information in writing. Make a budget and never buy new textbooks. Always buy used textbooks and check online for deals. Use all of your resources- study groups, professors, and teaching assistants-to help you. In class, sit in the front row and exchange numbers with someone near you. It can become very valuable later. Be careful who you trust. Make sure your professor knows you and that you come to class. Ask for a recommendation even if you do not need it now, it can help later. Always update your resume; you might need it. Enjoy college because it's one of life's best experiences, but do not forget the reason why you are there.

I would tell my self to be less concerned about what others think of you, and what your social life consists of, and more concerned about the quality of your future and what you are doing now in high school to prepare for college! Being a junior and having to retake classes now that i didnt do well in my freshman year of college, i would stress the importance of good study habits and hard work. College isnt about partying and going out, thats not the reason we are here! Its about making the grades that will secure a promising future and making a change in a world that is ever changing and becoming deeper and deeper in problems revolving around the economy, ecosystem, and poverty. So I would simply ask myself what am I doing now to make sure that I will be making a difference tomorrow!

Knowing what I know now, I would have liked to have taken more Dual-Credit courses, as those would have easily saved me a year of school at college and money. I have given my sister the advice of getting all the possible Dual-Credit her school has available as it will save her time an money in the long run. In doing so, one will graduate at a younger age and have more opportunities to find a great career.

I would advise myself to save money throughout the summer because there are expenses that come up that are not always expected. Also, it's smart to talk to an academic advisor to determine what classes need to be taken. Always make sure that any tests (i.e. the Accuplacer) are taken ahead of time so that you are not surprised when you are ready to register. If your instructor has the information, find out what books you need ahead of time, but DON'T BUY THEM RIGHT AWAY. Sometimes the instructors will not require the text. You'll find out within the first week what books you will and will not need for the semester. It's a chance to save your money. It's also important to know the parking policy for the campus. What kinds of permits they have, how much they are, etc, are important things to find out early.

The advise that i would give myselft will be to fulfill my dreams and to never let other people put me down, to do good in school and to make my mother proud of me for following my dreams. Also i will be more aware of how college classes work, how students need to make their own schedule not like high school that the conselor will tell your what to choose and with what professor and how great all the help the University offers, opportunities to succed in every classroom and the great people that attend to the University. Although, i will know how there is a lot of clubs, faternities and academic help in my University. On the other hand, what i love about my college is that there are different races because like that, students can learn from each other, about where they are from, their different types of culture and their dislike and likes. Last but not least the University also has amazing housing where students can experience their housing experience and how is like to live with different types of personalities and different type of living. Of course is challenging but it is an amezing experience.