University of Louisiana at Monroe Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Louisiana at Monroe know before they start?

Justin

I would go back and tell myself to try atleast a little harder in school. Before I applied for ULM I did not know that if my ACT score would have been one point higher I could have gotten a $3,500 reward with a $500 housing award, but I did not apply myself as hard and am now in college struggling with paying for it. I also would have told myself college is easy and going through senior year, applying youself to get atleast a 3.6 GPA, would have been worth it. I also would have told myself that being more friendly and open goes a long way with a smile, because in college it's all about having fun with your friends while maintaing grades to have a sucessful career.

Aidan

As a college freshmen, I do look back at my high school experience and think about what I could have changed. One thing I would have told myself my freshmen year of high school is, "Aidan, you better work harder and longer if you wnt to make it to the top ten of your class!" I only say this because I graduated as number 11 in my class. This did make me sad that I was not announced at graduation. The transition to college was easy for me because I took all the advice I could have given myself in high school and applied it to my college experirence. I strive to be in the top ten of the graduating class of 2018 at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and I fully intend to put the best I have into this dream. One day I will look back and be so proud of myself for being so determined and getting to stand on that stage in front of all my peers and say "I made it."

Derrick

Dear Derrick, When you arrive in college the opportunities for distractions will be great. There are many fraternities for you to join, many activities to be involved in, and many social gatherings for you attend, but none of them will contribute to your ability to do what you came to do. Remember, you are going to college to get a degree and everything else is a distraction. While you should allow yourself time to relax, do not allow yourself to become complacent. While you should find time to socialize, do not allow it to deter you from your studies. While you should enjoy yourself in college, do not let it prevent you from getting your degree. You are going here to obtain a degree and that should be your primary focus, it is the prime directive. I love you very much and I want you to succeed. Do not take everything people say to you to heart. Find yourself and find your focus and in this you will find success. With Love, Your Future Self

Briyana

BE PREPARED!!!!!! I would tell myself this because I went there alot of things because I was not prepared. It would have be alot smoother and less stressful if I came prepared. I would also tell myself to enjoy your last months in thwe house, because once you get to college you will be on your on. Just try not to stress out and enjoy.

Aaliyah

Save your money! I worked all my senior year and have nothing to show for it. I could have had thousands of dollars saved up and now I wish I had it all back. I understand the true meaning of not having money being in college on my own. Also, I would have told myself to not get wrapped up in these guys. They cloud your mind and make you want to stay up late, be late for classes, and even skip when you need to be in them the most! That is something that I struggled with my first semester. That second piece of advice would have been very useful seeing in participating in all of that, I lost one of my scholarships as a result of the dropping of my GPA. Now that my entire first year is over, it's school first, play later. My education is more important than anything else that I have going on with anyone. If I had known these things before I went through my first year, it would have gone so much smoother.

Alexandra

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school self, I would give the following pieces of advice: -Manage your time wisely. You're going to have much more free time, and while it is important to relax and have fun, you should use every moment you can on your studies. -Do not be afraid to be yourself. College is a whole new world compared to high school. You're an adult now. Be yourself and be proud of yourself. -Get enough sleep. Class is hard enough without sleep deprivation. -Talk to your professors. They're glad to help you and speak with you. -Make good food decisions. They better you eat, the better you'll feel. Don't be a victim to the Freshman 15. -When you're feeling stressed, go to the gym. Run. Turn your mind off and just run, girl. -Manage your money. You really don't need that new top. You will need books next semester. -Apply for every scholarship you can right now. You have no idea how expensive college is. -Just be happy. Learn to let go and forgive. Learn to relax after a bad day.

Lesa

If I could talk to my high self and give advice I would tell her to go and travel for the summer and then come back and go to college. To stay in college and study whenever possible. That it is not forever but you need it to succeed in life. Alos, find out what you like. Do not settle on what everyone is telling you. If I would have listened to my inner voice I would have done culinary years ago. Also, livei n the dorms and not off campus for the first year. You will get to know people and be more inclined to study. The big one to understand is that guys are not your life. You have plenty of time to meet the right one and the college ones come and go. Wait until you are older to settle down.

Alana

Hey girl, things will get tough. You know what though? You're strong. Don't ever doubt yourself, because you can make it through. You'll have to study hard and make sacrifices, but you'll understand and appreciate it in the long run. Also, don't spend all of your money on Taco Bell every night. The cafeteria has awesome food, and it's free! You'll learn to love the meaning of that word soon. Another thing, don't try to keep up with people, especially if they don't make an effort for you. You don't have time to cry over silly things like petty people; you have bigger things to worry about...like calculus. Get as much help from students, professors, family and friends as you can; it will take you farther than you can imagine. Get involved, and stay on top of your school work, and you'll be just fine! You're going to LOVE college! Sincerely, Future you

Emily

Emily, Do not become a biology major. Choose Psych, it is so much fun and super interesting. You will thank me for this in the future after you barely pass chemistry. Good Luck!

Lauren

I would tell myself to make sure you schedule yourself a long enough lunch break, to get to class early, and apply for every scholarship you can find!

Brentin

The best thing I have gotten from my college experience is the abilty to stay focused. I have put so much effort to doing good in school and I really want to succeed in life. Being focused on a goal has brought me to a point now where I see a future. College has helped me see that I have to be dedicated and grounded to be a successful person. I have spent countless hours studying and preparing for classes and assignments. It is so rewarding to see the end results after I give my best in classes. I am a good student and I have what it takes to prepare and get through college. The most valuable part of school is that it opens doors for you and that is the most anyone can ask from an oppurtunity such as college.

Erica

To get a good job!

Lauren

I have gained an aspect of learning from several divisions of Life. Keeping academic success as a top priority and attending classes are extremely imperative. Attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe has been a valuable experience in the degree that finding a degree to suit me as an individual best is the key to a successful future.

Logan

I am so glad that I am attending college; "I now know what i want to do with my life." Now whenever people ask I tell them, I become like a little kid with excitement, " I am a Mass Communications major. I'm going to be a Producer!" Even whenever I actually was kid, it was never Ballerina or Doctor. It was either a Director or an Actress. I just never thought I would have the guts to go for it. However, as soon as I walked into my first college class and learned about Mass Communications, I knew that I had found my calling and myself. And while I realize that Mass Communications is just a start for me and my college career(I plan on going to grad school), I will always remember that MCOM class and that feeling I felt.

Jared

I know you want to enjoy your senior year by partying , having a good time, and doing anything and everything you want to do except study and make good grades, but you have to get your priorities in order. What you do now will determine how hard or easy your admission into college will be. If you make at least a 21 on the ACT and have at least a 3.0 gpa, you can just about write your own ticket into any school in the state and scholarship money and financial aid will be handed to you. I know it seems backwards, like the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, but that's just the way it is. Get your act together, make good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer...all of these things will make you a better person.

Ashley

Assuming I could go back in time and speak to myself about college life and the transition, I would have to make it is not at all a hard question. First, I would make myself aware of the different methods of teaching. Those things done in a high school class room do not follow you to college. For in high school you could really look to your teacher to help you out a lot more. But when you step out of the high school class room you step into the world of self dependence. For you have mostly yourself to rely on. And that itself is a big change. Second, I would explain to myself that things I felt came to me so easy, I would now have to really work at. For in high school, I maintained at least a 3.0 Grade Pont Average, never falling below. For with the aids of my teacher i caught on very swiftly. We could go over things as many times as needed and the pace was not as fast. And you really need to apply time to studying because in college there never seem to be enough time.

Tanasha

College is different from anything you have every experienced before. No one will be standing over you forcing you to study, and your new-found freedom is wonderful. With that freedom, though, comes responsibility. You must be very dedicated, and it will all pay off in the end. Be sure and emjoy the ride - have lots of fun, make lots of friends, and don't be too hard on yourself. This is a brand new world, and you are going to love it. Never get to the point where you are having too much fun to study, though. You are going to college to get an education and ultimately start a new and exciting career. College is what you make of it. If you take full advantage of the education that is offered to you, you will have a wonderful life and career. Going to college is a privilege, not a right. It should be treated as such.

Carmen

I would tell myself to stand firm in my beliefs. I would let myself know that when I arrived at college there would be a lot more people than what I was used to and not to let these new people influence me or change the way I think. I would tell myself to be more outgoing and make as many friends as possible. I would encourage myself to become more involved in campus activities. I would also tell myself not to slack off of my study habits. I would remind myself that even after college I may want to go back to school again, to specialize or get a Master's, and that I need to try my hardest to keep my GPA up while still having fun at the same time. I would advise myself to make decisions carefully. Most importantly, I would tell myself not to lose sight of God but to remain close by His side and really work to make my relationship with Him stronger because with God, anything is possible.

LaKeshia

If I was able to go back and tell myself something it would be to stay focused. I say the word focus because it can have many meanings to it. One reason I would tell myself this is because you have to have a clear mind and think things through when making decisions in college beause one decision can have an effect on your college career. Another reason I would say this is because majority of the time in high school you do not have to study for tests because you are given a study guide. That is not the case in college and I found that out the hard way by failing one of my first exams. Last but not least, I would've told myself as a senior to stay focused because with college comes alot of peer pressure to do things such as party, drink, smoke, and have sex. These few things can get you off track from your school work and once thats done it's very hard to get things back situated. Again, if i had a chance to tell myself this one word, it could have made a huge impact on my first semester

James

Follow my heart as to what I want to do for the rest of life, let my passion determine my major!