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.