University of North Texas Top Questions

If I could go back in time I would have told myself to go to an art school, and to focus more on creating my own personal art work before I started attending college, while I still had some free time. I would also have told myself to be prepared for many all nighters and late nights, and to get lots of sleep while I still could. Another very important thing I would tell myself, as a current graphic design major, is to make sure I studied and became familiar with graphic design and designers while I still had the free time I had in high school. I would have to let myself know that I would make it into the graphic design program and that I should not spend the whole semester stressing out and wondering if I would make it in. Last thing I would tell myself is to relax and not worry because college is a much more easy going social environment than high school.

Knowing what I know now, and the career realities I am facing- I would tell myself to sit down and evaluate everything in life that makes me happy. From things I am ultra-passionate about to hobbies. Everything is relevant and important to your future. You may not know it yet, but everything you do and have done is instrumental in helping you find out what you are destined to do. That may sound scary, but its true. Don't look past little things you love just because you know everyone expects you to do something else. Don't feel like you're giving something up to pursue something else that you may not be so sure of yet. You can always switch majors, its never too late. This is contradictory, like an ancient Kung-Fu secret, but think seriously about what you intend to do, but don't think too hard about it. The best thing to do your first 2 years of college is feel around a bit, try things you think you may be interested in. Introductory courses exist for this very purpose. Just enjoy the experience, it doesn't come around very often in your life.

Looking back at your life over the last 37 years, there are so many things I wish you would have done differently and as a result so many regrets. If only I could tell you how many promotions were passed up and how many missed opportunities you experienced due to not finishing your education. You are embarking on new beginnings that are exhilarating but take the time to realize how precious time is and once it is gone you can't get it back. Remember, your fate is not something that just happens, it is up to you to make things happen. The decisions you make today will affect you forever, so make wise decisions. There are times you will want to follow your heart, but think with your head instead. Think hard about where you want to be in 5 or 10 years and everyday make steps that move you closer to those goals. Distractions are constantly working against you and though you feel invincible understand youth is temporary but your education will be with you forever. Finally, write down your dreams and keep them in a safe place, one day you may need to remember what they were.

be prepared to listend and not get distracted in class. the perfesors will suck and there tests are different then what they teach. do outside research or you will fail.

Visit multiple universities to get the feel of rural college towns and universities within big cities, and do your research. Don't look at the overall reputation of the school; make your search major specific. Some people may choose A&M over UNT but they may not realize journalism is accredited at UNT and isn't even availible at A&M. For parents, give all schools a chance. Some students fit better at private schools with a student body smaller than their high school while others feel at home in a 30,000+ student population. I looked at division III schools for a long time and right before I made my decision I realized I wanted to play soccer in a more competetive environment closer to home. Take your time. Keep all your options open until your child is comfortable with their decision.

Find a college that you want to be at and can see yourself becoming more of who you want to be. And go out and meet people. Don't let new social experiences terrify you. Other people are just as afraid as you.

In high school, I remember my teachers saying that colleges want well-rounded students; so why shouldn't we demand a well-rounded school? Choosing a college is just not about finding a school that has the best program for the career you want to pursue. Why? Because most of us come in undecided or end up changing the major we decided on. My advice to you would be deciding on a college that fits you, or if you haven't figured out who "YOU" are yet, then choose a college you think will help you discover your potential; your worth. If you really want to go to a certain college but you think you can't because of how expensive it is, remember that most college students graduate with some kind of debt. The only difference is how much YOU want and are willing to be in. It depends on how much you think you're worth. College is an experience, a life changing event. It's your choice on how life altering you want it to be. Risks are always part of the package, but regretting something you should've done doesn't have to be.

Go to a school that will help you attain your future career. Do not just pick a school soely on it's reputation!

When looking at colleges and choosing which one will be best for you, you have to look at where you would feel most comfortable in and be able to fit in. Also it is important to look at the programs they have for your degree and how helpful the faculty is. To make the most out of college it helps to join a club or some sort of sport. You are able to meet plenty of people that way and make those networks that you can use later in life.

Find the balance between work and play your first semester in college

When it comes to finding the right college, I would recommend filling out applications to multiple colleges and universities. The pain of writing an essay(s) or another information form may seem tedious, but in the end, it's worth it when you receive acceptance letters. The little sacrifice the student makes to fill out another application can alter his/her college life. Visit as many universities/colleges after receiving your acceptance letters. Don't only visit the close ones, especially if you're looking into staying at a college out of state. Visit it before you make your decision. Fill out scholarships and financial aid. Trust me. College is expensive! To get the most out of their college experience, the student must get out of his/her dorm and stay out for the majority of the day. Work on homework in the library. Eat out with friends. Socialize almost immediately after you first unpack your suitcase. Friends also help to alter one's perspective of college. If one is alone in their room all day with nothing to do, college will only seem dark. Get out and make friends! Get involved! Have fun! Make yourself stand out!

The most important piece of advice I would give to parents would be to not pressure their child (children) into going to a certain or to NOT go to a certain school. Give them advice, let them know how you feel about it, but in the end it should be their decision and no one else's. I know that in this economic environment going to a local community college is the smart thing to do finacially speaking, but for some people it really is not. I was one of those people, though I chose the wrong college at first. To students, make sure that you know the environment of the school you want to go to. I am a fairly conservative person, and going to University of North Texas was a big eye-opener. I live in a typical Texas town, with a church on every corner, so seeing some of the student groups (such as the local gay and lesbian association) was a shock. You should also compare what you want to major in with the programs offered at the school. Make sure that your major is offered or else you will have a problem!

Tour the campus before accepting the admission award and meet the professors that will teach those classes you think more important for your career.

First and foremost , being financially educated about where you choose to go as you graduate from high school. I believe that starting at a community college is the smartest way to begin your college experience whether money is an issue or not. As far as money is concerned, courses are less expensive at a Community College than at a University. Tuition at a University covers more than the class itself. It includes fees like: Transportation Fee, Library Fee etc. This can turn a one 3 hour credit class at a Community College from being roughly $140 to costing over $500 at a University. This is why I am a firm believer that the Core Curriculum (English, History, etc.) should be taken at a Community College. Besides the financial aspects, gaining college experience is also important. Starting at a Community College gives the student a brief outlook, as far as scheduling classes, the workload and also the reward and "punishment" of attending class. Many high school students go directly into a University not knowing the workload or distractions of a University. Many end up on academic punishment their 1st semester spending a semester or two making up for their rough start.

When searching for the right college students and parents should tour each campus that is being considered; the campus atmosphere makes a huge difference in opinions a lot of the time. Parents should remember that their child is the one that will be spending the next four or more years at the school, so thier happiness should be weighed a little more slightly. When it comes to making the most of the college expierence, remember: be yourself. There are many different organizations and activities, find the right one for your and join; many times this is where you will find your life-long friends. Don't be afraid as a freshmen to meet people. Many times, people that you meet your freshmen year are in the same boat as you: looking for friends or somewhere to fit in; so don't be afraid to talk to people in your dorms and classes.

Have an open mind, because once you see all the different faces, and learn about the world from other classmates or professors points of views, it opens a world of discovery, and i think you will get a rush, and a new high that you would not want to come down from.

let your kids have fun and stay focused

I think it is important to find a college that specializes in areas of study that pertain to your chosen career path. I have been lucky enough to find a college (within my budget) that has a very highly accredited art program. It is also important to find a school were you can meet people and have a healthy social life. My classes are all very demanding of me, which I do feel will benefit me in the long run, but I also feel that my close friends have had to take a back seat to my education at this point. The best advice that I could give is to keep a healthy balance. You should definitely stay school oriented and make the grades that are going to have others in awe of you when you enter your chosen field, but you should also set aside some time to go out and have fun with your friends. You're supposed to have some fun in college, right?!

Finding the right college can be difficult. Take advantage of college rescources. Do research about the schools you may be interested in. Having as much information as possible will greatly facilitate in the decision making process. When doing your research don't be afraid to ask as meany questions as possible. Take advantage of the staff on campus, and ask those questions; get the information that you want. Make sure that you visit the schools that you are interested in, and spend time in the surrounding community as well for a few days. Do some exploring; you won't be on campus all the time so make sure you like the surrounding area as well.

I would recommend that the student and parent begin the process with online research. The geographic area is a great way to start the search and helps you focus on specific Universities for comparison. I definately recommend visiting the campus, doing tours, and utilizing the Universities services and facilities. My largest mistake in the college process was not utilizing the help that my campus offered. Above all I recommend keeping your faith. College is difficult and can get you down at times, but remember your goals and why you began the journey in the first place. Explore your surroundings, meet new people, learn new cultures, and do not let peer pressure bring you down. College is about learning life lessons, and becoming a stronger person!