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