The University of Texas at San Antonio Top Questions

What should every freshman at The University of Texas at San Antonio know before they start?

Chelsea

If going back in time was an option for me now, I would go back to my senior year and tell myself that If I wanted to do well In college my focus needs to lean more towards my studies rather than my social life. Hanging out with friends and having boyfriends is not as important as having an education. Senior year of high school is the most important year, while everyone gets “senioritis” I am going to have to study even harder to prevent myself from slacking. Continue to keep studying hard and in the end raise my GPA from a 3.4 to possible a 4.0 if I wanted to work for it hard enough. Although it is not possible to go back in time, I don’t regret the choices I have made in high school that involved keeping my grades up. I do wish I would have raised my GPA, and learned better studying and test taking techniques. Since that wasn’t the case and I did have to learn from my mistakes, now I know that in order for me to do better, I have to keep trying and working for what I want.

Annika

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have pushed myself to try harder in everything. I would have told myself that there is no limit to anything. There is always room for improvement and innovation. I especially would have encouraged myself to apply for more scholarships, because money doesn't grow on trees and although you've been accepted into a university, it doesn't mean that you're all set. What is the point of being accepted into a university if you can't afford to educate yourself. And that is where the effort comes in. The effort to apply for scholarships, never thinking that you're finished, because there is no limit.

Danequa

I would tell myself to actively apply for scholarships, because I can't expect them to just fall in my lap. Also, college can be a wonderful experience if you make it one, so get involved with everything that can be handled. And above all, always put studies first. Extracurriculars are great, but I came to learn so that is my number one objective.

Mariah

Procrastination was my number one downfall! Anytime you feel the desire to procrastinate, remind yourself that procrastination is for failures! Actually taking the time to study daily really does make a difference. Always take some time to study whatever you learned in class so that the material can always be fresh on your mind, preparing you for exams. Make sure you have friends that are just as focused as you are. Having friends that are lazy and always focused on partying can be a terrible influence. It is okay to have fun, but it is so much more benefiting to focus on your degree rather than partying all the time. Do not allow your peers to sway you in the wrong direction. Do not allow yourself to quit! While in college, it is possible that you will get discouraged at times. When your grades are not looking the way you want them to and you become homesick, you will probably gain the desire to quit. However, do not give in to that feeling. Keep pushing forward and I assure you that you will be satisfied in the end. Freshman year of college will be a year to enjoy!

Josue

Set more time aside for studying. You'll need more than you think. Also look for a school that specializes in Forensic Science or studies.

Elaine

I would tell myself that it is not exactly what you thought it would be. You wont have time to paint and write like you thought you would, and dont settle for not being noticed like you did the first semester. Use all the resources youre given, go to tutoring, use the counseling center, lord knows you ve paid for them. You can stress a little less your senior year, because college work isnt what people make it out to be. Also, when work asks you if you want the extra hours TAKE THEM, your savings didnt even cover the first year. You will make good friends, you just have to be patient, because the people you will meet later than you wanted to are worth waiting for.

Kent

Sleep, you'll get plenty if you pick the right classes; people, you'll meet all kinds. College is a one of a kind experience, developing this animosity that college will consume you with the social pressures of fitting in, partying, alcohol, while trying to maintain a decent grade point average holds no validity. It's a place where you can callous disregard about life but still receive top notch education if you put the effort, after all, it's college.

Paolina

This may sound so simple, and something we learn the first day of kindergarten, but it is still so important. To this day I feel that the biggest life lesson I have learned is to be kind to everyone. High school can be such a tough time for alot of young people. Peer pressure, racial comments, finding our place socially. We all have stories of heartache, loss and stress in our lives. Some people just need a friend to talk to or to vent to. It is important to listen. It goes back to treat people the way you want to be treated. So often we put so much emphasis on having high test scores, getting straight A's and getting into a good college. Truly if you ask me, the most important thing is to have the close personal relationships with friends, family and teachers. Simple and easy, so why don't we all do it? Fear, awkwardness? Get over it!

Maricela

Senior year in high school is a whirlwind of emotions from feeling overwhelmed in making final school decisions, updating resumes for college entrance exams and writing college essays. Amid of all that every high school senior still struggles with self worth regardless if they are the most popular student or the outcast. That being said, I would definitely tell myself that I am enough. Knowing that my happiness and fierce determination stems from understanding that I deserve a successful life because I am enough to deserve it propels me to be a good person and leader and to work hard! I would tell myself not to worry about the minor details and worry about my heart since that will always be there, individuals and essays will not. Those come to an end, but the heart and spirit of a person remains. On the finance side, I would tell myself to research! Research ALL options for financial aid and not to expect everything to fall into place. Being the first in my family to attend college is a wonderful accolade but be careful and consider all the options for paying for college before getting wrapped up in the “college life” experience.

Angel

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself quite a few things. For starters I would emphasize heavily on learning how to be more responsible and manage your time BEFORE you start college. Of course you eventually have to get your boots dirty and the experience is always the same no matter how you prepare, but it's better to have some knowledge. I would then tell myself to get more organized. In college, it is a MUST to keep track of every document so that you have it at the ready in case you need it, so prioritize. Next, I would say to myself to start hoaning in on what I want to do and just focus on that rather than to try to do as much as I can to try to make my college applications look good, because in the end, there won't be enough time to not only not finish all them but it will only end up hurting you. The last thing and most important thing I would tell myself is I would look at myself and say that it will all be worth it in the end.