The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Top Questions

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would advice myself to slow down and take in everything slowly. I would advice myself not to take too many classes my first semester and to study the work we do in class every day when i get home so i dont fall behind. I would also advice myself to get more involved in school activites because your freshman year is the easiest year for you to get involved. I would advice myself to choose a major that interests me and stick to it. Make goals that i would like to accomplish during my four years and space it out so that i dont run out of time. If i feel like im falling behind for any reason i should get help so that i stay on track. I would tell myself college is not easy but i can do it if i stay focused and involved in my studies.

If I could go back to the past when I was a freshman I would tell myself that what I do now in school will either make thing easier or make things complicated to achieve my goal of being a teacher. I should study and try hard to pass my class than just tring to get by. There is alot of help and ways to pay for college not just because I was in a low class and a member of a large family would denie me from attending a university. I would have explained the process of what I need it to enter a university since I never knew anyone that went to college. I would have give myself a list of what I need to do to keep myself in the right path. I would also given my self information how to start working on programs or activities that would help. Watch the Gilmore Girls show because that show would tell you how hard and dedicated you have to be even from high school to enter a university. I would also tell my self what it felt to be rejected from a university that I would like it.

Now that this is my third semester at the University of Texas Pan American, looking back to my senior year, I would say to myself, "Keep up the great work!" For the most part I don't have any regrets, only the fact that I still need to get my license. I would tell myself to hurry up while I'm still a senior in obtaining that license because it is very essential to drive in college. Also, to learn more about myself and be more avid in finding what is it that interests me the most and makes me passionate in working in it. Furthermore, I would advice myself to learn how to communicate in front of groups and to perfect my Spanish in order to be a real bilingual instead of using a Tex-Mex language. In addition, as a senior I would say to relax, apply to many scholarships, and make the best of my senior year. Lastly, one thing that I would definitely tell myself as a senior is that life is a rollercoaster; it is not the end of the world when things aren't going my way, and to live life step by step.

I would tell myself that even though people say college life is easy, its not. Its about responsibility and self-control. And It definitely is not the same as High School. My High school was one of the more challenging ones in my place. The teachers would say that if you work hard now, college life would be easier for you. My highschool prepared me well for college, but it is not easier. In fact you need to put in more effort and time into studying if you want to maintain a 3.7 or 3.8 and higher GPA. I would tell myself to push myself harder so that I get used to studying harder. Also picking a career you are passionate about is important so that you can stay dedicated and interested. Its also important to know what method of learning is most efficient because Pre- Med is not easy. It takes time, effort, and perseverance to get through. Not just to get through but to be on the top (especially for an average student like me). But college life is not all about studying either. Getting involved on campus helps relieve stress and helps build good character.

Pick something that offers a good program in your destined filed of study.

For the best college experience, keep an open mind! If you enter any university with a negative attitude, you will have a negative experience. But, if you enter with an open mind and get involved on your campus you will make friends that can last a lifetime. Trying goes a long way in academics and social activities.

Remember why you are there and focus with a little fun.

The advice that I would give to parents/students regarding searching the right college is to search for a college that is right. What I mean that is right, it has to be a college that the student or parent really likes. For example, it has to be in consideration the mayor chosen, size of college campus, class size, college ranking, college evaluation of teachers, and also college prestige in some instances. For many students they have to have in consideration choosing a place to go to college along with expenses. It is important to consider all the factors mentioned.

When you graduate from high school so many questions flow through your head. "What college should I choose?" "Should I stay at home or go somewhere far".I was there not to long ago. And here is what I concluded. First off, choosing a college. Although people say choosing a college is not hard, but to a senior in high school it is basically figuring out which path will lead you to the life you want. First decide if you want to be close or somewhere far off. If you're independant either will work for you. If not, some distance will help you grow ,get some sort of responsibility,and experience to figure things out on your own. Find a school that has things you like, hobbies (hiking, surfing, etc) As to finding a major, here is what I suggest.Get involved. Find something you are really passionate about and find people who share that passion. Also, try new things. But also do not be afraid to venture out of your circle of friends. Meet a lot of people, because the friends you make in college will be the friends you will have for a lifetime.

There are so many things to consider when choosing the "right" college for you, but my advice is to make a checklist of what qualities you are looking for in a university, from location, available programs, tuition and fee cost, availability of financial aid, professor to student ratio, and any other quality you consider important in a university. I advice you to write the checklist with their parents. Despite the fact that the parents might have not attended college themselves, it is imperative that they know what steps you are taking in order to help you succeed and so they know where you stand on declaring your academic pursuit. Next, research the universities that you may have heard of or your school might have recommended and, from your checklist, check off what each school has to offer you based on the qualities you are looking for. I encourage you apply to atleast five universities, and if possible, contact an advisor from each university if you have any questions about the school or simply to get an opinion of the school from a primary source. Finally, visit the school, and if you like what you see, go for it!