University of the Incarnate Word Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of the Incarnate Word know before they start?

Taylor

Thinking back to my senior year of high school there are many things I would do differently based on the things I know now. First I would tell myself not to stress so much over finding the perfect college because each university has something great to offer. Secondly, I would tell myself to take a tour of every campus before I sign up for dorms. I submitted my housing application and paid the enrollment fees before I took a tour of the campus then found out it wasn't right for me. Thirdly, I would tell myself that more freedom and more responsibility are coming so enjoy the lack of responsibility in high school and look forward to the freedom.

Jaclyn

I would tell my past self to go out there and meet the new and exciting people at the university. Don't be this shy girl you were during your high school years, but rather let your personality shine before you so that others may see. You have much to offer and with that alone, you will succeed in your passage to college life.

Vanessa

If i went back in time I would let myself know that college is tuff. It is not like high school and I better start learning how to study. There is no TAKS in college but there is alot of quizzes and exams. It is a great experience and you are lucky to make such a good choice in education and in school. Always go to class with a positive attitude and get much sleep because it is important. Be prepared to be independent because mom and dad wont be here to hold your hand. Also, get involved in community service because it is needed and be open to everyone. Don't hold yourself back from asking questions or answering them. College is great as long as you put effort into it and it goes by really fast so don't get caught up in anything that is not important. Tutoring is also somethin you should look into. It helps alot with a subject that you may be struggling in and make a buddy in each class that way if you miss a class for some reason or don't understand what your learning they can help you out.

Adriana

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to work harder and to be a pushover and tell people how I feel. I did work hard in high school, but I could have done a lot better. Now that my brother is a junior in high school I tell him everyday that he needs to work hard in order to be proud of himself and get his first choice school. Even though I did not get my first choice I am glad I am here, but even with a higher GPA I think I would have ended up here one way or another because I love the small classes especially being an undergraduate and I love being able to have one on one time with my professors. I do not think I could do that at a Texas Public Univerisity.

Jonitra

If I could go back in time to my senior year I would tell my self to fill out finatial aid early and apply for scholarships, and dont slcak off. It will make your life easier. I would tell my self to fill it out sooner so that i would be able to recive more money from the state insteade of waiting untill the last minute to do it and getting the bare minnium amount of money. I would also tell myself to fill out scholarships so that I wouldn't have had to take out so many loans to pay for college. Lastly, i would tell myself not to slack off because I almot was not able to go to college because i faild one class that i needed. Luckly i took a cbe and passed but i would be $64 richer if i didnt need to do that.

Amy

Do not dwell in the now, but think of the future you could have. Do not think or stress about your current hurdles and obstacles but use them as leverage. Do not run away from problems, but embrace them and learn how to deal with them. Do not be discouraged that no one in your family has attended college but use that as motivation to set an example for others. Do not be afraid, but be courageous.

Katie

High was a time in which I developed study habits, time management, and appreciation for the people in my life. If I were able to have insight to what that transition from high school to college life was like I would definatly tell myself to be ready for change and don't be afraid of what it brings. It is important to take chances and go after your goals. I would tell myself that although things will not always go the way I may like, don't get discouraged, or give up. It is a totally different world, college. A world of fast pace, new opportunities, great independance; it is an exciting place. I would tell myself not to hold back, stay focused, and enjoy the ride.

David

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself about college, I would be telling myself lot of helpful advice. One of the first things that I would tell myself and strongly advise is to apply to scholarships no matter how much it is because it will add up. I only applied to a few scholarships and one only two, when I could have applied myself to do more to increase my chance to get more aid. Especially now that I am going to a private school, those scholarships could have came in handy. Another thing I would tell myself is to try and apply to other colleges and open up my choices. I never got the chance to know if any other college would offer me more money or give me a full ride. Even though I got a scholarship from this school, it still isn't enough to cover the bill. Finally I would tell myself not to change my studying ways and to keep school as my number one priority. It may be a little more challenging but it will be all worth it in the end.

Ariana

I would tell myself to spend more time looking for scholarships, and be better prepared financially.

Jessica

My senior year was not a typical senior year. First off, I was a junior graduating early. Second, I was going to become a teenage mother. I did not get to experience the normal senior year as most do. If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, the first thing I would tell my self is to pay more attention in class. They teach us things for a reason and the better we understand it, the better we will do in college. Sometimes it is easier just to memorize things in high school. But if I would have taken the time to really understand it I would still know the material now. Another thing I would tell myself is to focus on getting as many scholarships as possible because college is expensive! College is a time of learning and experiencing new things that cannot be forwarned.

Lauren

I would tell myself to fill out as many scholarships as possible, to have a better chance of getting more money so I wouldn't have to worry about being not able to finish college at my choice school because lack of funds. I would also tell myself to get use to reading the books for each class, taking notes quickly, and forming study groups with people in your classes. Its also important not to miss class if at all possible because it is harder to make things up in college if your professors allow it at all, and you are paying for your own education so you might as well get your moneys worth. The main thing would be knowing when to ask for help, and not being afraid to go to your professors office hours, because they are there to help if you are willing to learn.

Patricia

What you do in college will follow you for the rest of your life. Don't get distracted; the partying, the clubs, and relationships will always be there. Grades do make a difference; they open many doors of opportunities for scholarships and grants. Don't give up. . . .

Edith

Listen to your instincts and do not be afraid. A degree from a university will facilitate many of the obstacles that lay ahead. To succeed in a business environment, you need a degree. As a young latino woman, take advantage of your virtues and pursue your international business degree. I was on the right track. I earned dual credit from Palo Alto college while attending high school. Unfortunately, our family finances got the best of my situation. All I needed was a bit of courage to submerge myself in school and worry less about the finances. I decided to help my father and joined the work force full time immediately after high school. My journey has not been easy, but I am on the right track again. Now, I have more responsibility, but I am finishing my degree this coming year. I plan to graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word this coming year but not alone. I will graduate with Tom (husband), Isabella (6 year daughter), and Joshua (4 year old) son by my side.

Gabriella

I would go back and tell my self that you should take as many Dual credit classes as you can possibly take because you still get highschool credit while you are recieving college credit, and that will save you so much money. Also you should really go to summer school dont follow what your friends want to do you do what you want because you want to. And i say that because your friends come and go but what you decide now is your future.And plus you get ahead. Dont wait till the last minute to do finacial aid, and dont wait to turn in scholarship applications. but while in school know what you want to do after you graduate. Keep your grades up your senior year is by far the most important aside from prom and graduation parties. You need to stay focused and keep your mind set on what you want. College cost alot of money and its no joke. its your future!

Marcus

What I would tell myself is to try and receive a little more scholarships to pay the cost of tution rather than having to resort to loans. As of now I have two student loans under my name and another one under my parents. Mine aren't that bad because I don't have to pay them till after I graduate but my parents are having to pay them as of now. Also try to get a workstudy job as soon as possible. I was offered it my first year at UIW but failed to get all the nessary steps to getting it to work that year but this year I got the workstudy been working this past semester and it has help a lot greatly. Another thing I would tell myself is don't major in Computer Graphics because I recently changed from that because it was just to much of a hassle for me that first year and now I'm majoring in Computer Information Systems. I would tell myself just stay with Computers in general as your major.

Chrystal

I know you do not need my advice. You already have a well thought out and carefully scrutinized plan outlining your entire future. Nevertheless, there are a few things I think you should know. First, college is not four more years of high school. College is a journey characterized largely by freedom of choice. With freedom comes enormous responsibility and some of your carefully made plans will fail. For this reason- be flexible. Second, you do not have to decide the rest of your life today. You may take classes and meet people that change your perspective in everyway. Things you never knew will become important to you. For this reason- be open. Finally, although it is good to have a plan and stick to it, do not forget to take a few risks along the way. Sometimes it is possible to be so careful and so organized that you miss out on some of life?s most precious moments. For this reason- be brave. You are ready and focused, just do not get lulled into thinking you know everything. College, and life, are full of the unexpected and will require courage, an open heart and a flexible mind.

Frederick

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the advise I would give myself is to not let myself get burned out about working hard, and remember all the work and dedication I had put into my school work before hand, to use that as the inspiration to not let even the smallest bit of procrastination work its way through my being. I would say, work smart, and not just hard; manage your time wisely, and don't let the little things in life and work drag you away from the overall important goals, in that, be a perfectionist. And get as many scholarships as you can, and don't complain about taking time out of your leisure activities to get ahead! It didn't stop you before. And know that God is with you, and that you have nothing to fear, not even fear itself.

Maria

Dear Me: You are about to enter into a world of the unknown and knowledge is power so I am here to prepare you for what is comming your way in college. first, face everything with knowledge, respect and values. Research every step you take in school; from your degree selection to your school's accreditation. Do not have any relationships until you graduate ! Please, Never be shy or afraid of class presentations and lock yourself as much as you can in the library or your car until you finish your homework! Place in your head very good that school is #1 and everything else comes 2nd. Choose a degree that you will marry forever until you die. volunteer to help the need and learn from the wise people that have build greatness in this world. Never loose your sense of humor and respect for others. Keep your strength and head up all the time. Never be afraid of the unknown and be a leader that creates its own path to greatness. earning a degree is called a degree because when you reach one, you have gotten into a degree of self respect and knowledge.

Martha

I have thought about this question so many times before, especially now that I just acomplished my dream of getting an Associates degree. If I could go back in time and talk to my High School self, I would start by telling myself that I am not alone. I would tell myself that even though it seems like the end of the world losing your father, there are much bigger trials in life that I would eventually face. I would tell myself that I need to focus on school because that would be the best way to honor my father. He always said that the best inheritance one can leave their child is an education. I would tell myself that's true Martha. College is a neccessity and valuable. I would tell myself that I know what potential I have and that the dream that your father and you had of going to the University of the Incarnate Word is possible! It is unbelievable just how fantastic college is! Martha, you can become the first to graduate from college in your family! You can go as far as get your Masters and even have that career you dreamed about!

Lisl

College: the unknown academic universe, the great enigma that haunts all high school seniors who wish to further their education. As a university student, I am now able to offer a few sage words of advice to my former self and all current and future high school seniors who wish to learn some helpful tips. The first piece of advice I have to offer is to take the SAT more than once. The first round of testing never goes as well as you hope and you are better prepared for taking it again. Also, apply to colleges that have a diverse program. You may change your mind more than once regarding your major and you want to attend a school that offers different classes in a variety of academic and professional fields. I would advise my eighteen year old self to try and live on campus, even if just for one year. Living on campus helps make friends for your first year and contributes to your social life. It also makes participating is extracurricular activities much easier. Good luck and remember to stay focused on your goal throughout your academic years!