The University of Texas at San Antonio Top Questions

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.