When I decided to attend UT Tyler, I thought I was doing it because it was close to home, inexpensive, and my only college option. What I discovered during my freshman year was something completely different.
One of the biggest lessons I walked away with at the end of this year was this: Size and prestige in a university does not determine the level of education you will receive, and it does not determine the amount of knowledge you will walk away with. Yes, good professors are important in the learning process, and yes, it is good for your pride to say you study at a popular university, but what will really determine your education in the end is your ability to believe in yourself, to make your goals and dreams possible, and to do what it takes to be the best you can be.
At UT Tyler, I had a great support group. My professors all knew me by name and were not only willing, but more than eager to help with any problems I had and wanted more than anything for me to understand everything that they told me. Homework assignments were only designed to help us learn the material and to prepare us for major exams, and they were not meant to give us busy work or make college difficult and time-consuming. I knew all of my fellow students within my major and related majors because of the size of the school, and we had regular study sessions, helped each other with homework, and encouraged each other when it was time for exams.
Overall, I am very happy that I decided to stay in my hometown and attend UT Tyler. Being there has taught me more than what can be learned in a textbook. It has been a life changing experience.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
One great thing about UT Tyler is its beautiful campus. All of the buildings are centered around several small lakes with walkways that weave in and out, and there is nothing like walking to class in the morning and looking out over the shimmering water and seeing a turtle basking in the sun.
During the fall, the treas are beautiful, and there is the smell of pine in the air everywhere you go. I've found myself many times taking a stroll between classes or on my lunch break just for the view and to breathe in the fresh air after being cooped up in classrooms for a few hours. The environment seems to absorb all of the stress and tension of the week right out of your bones and give you the feeling of waking up fresh and excited for what the day has in store.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The main reason I chose UT Tyler was because it was affordable. What I did not know before I attended was that affordable does not equal unsatisfactory. I have been more than satisfied with many of the features that UT Tyler is strong in. I believe the level of education and the comfort of the campus is well worth every dime spent on tuition.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Do not go to UT Tyler expecting the worst as I did. It will take you too long to come around and enjoy the many things UT Tyler has to offer. Instead, step onto the campus with an open mind. Be ready to make changes, meet new people, and experience the unexpected. It will change your view, and it will change your life.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
I believe UT Tyler has something to offer for everyone, but if you need to narrow it down, here is how I would do it:
#1: Students who care about knowing a lot of people and having close friendships - Because of the size of the campus, students who have decided on their majors will take classes and attend events with many of the same students. They will form lasting friendships and have a great support group as they juggle homework assignments and study for exams.
#2: Students who want their professors to teach them; not just lecture them. I've had both kinds of professors; the ones who lecture, but never lift a finger to help you, and the ones who teach, and will even walk around the room to make sure each individual person has heard what they needed to personally in order to understand what was being taught. If you want to be close to your professors and to have the kind of relationship with them where no question is dumb, and your learning experience is worth their time, then UT Tyler is the school for you.
When I decided to attend UT Tyler, I thought I was doing it because it was close to home, inexpensive, and my only college option. What I discovered during my freshman year was something completely different. One of the biggest lessons I walked away with at the end of this year was this: Size and prestige in a university does not determine the level of education you will receive, and it does not determine the amount of knowledge you will walk away with. Yes, good professors are important in the learning process, and yes, it is good for your pride to say you study at a popular university, but what will really determine your education in the end is your ability to believe in yourself, to make your goals and dreams possible, and to do what it takes to be the best you can be. At UT Tyler, I had a great support group. My professors all knew me by name and were not only willing, but more than eager to help with any problems I had and wanted more than anything for me to understand everything that they told me. Homework assignments were only designed to help us learn the material and to prepare us for major exams, and they were not meant to give us busy work or make college difficult and time-consuming. I knew all of my fellow students within my major and related majors because of the size of the school, and we had regular study sessions, helped each other with homework, and encouraged each other when it was time for exams. Overall, I am very happy that I decided to stay in my hometown and attend UT Tyler. Being there has taught me more than what can be learned in a textbook. It has been a life changing experience.
One great thing about UT Tyler is its beautiful campus. All of the buildings are centered around several small lakes with walkways that weave in and out, and there is nothing like walking to class in the morning and looking out over the shimmering water and seeing a turtle basking in the sun. During the fall, the treas are beautiful, and there is the smell of pine in the air everywhere you go. I've found myself many times taking a stroll between classes or on my lunch break just for the view and to breathe in the fresh air after being cooped up in classrooms for a few hours. The environment seems to absorb all of the stress and tension of the week right out of your bones and give you the feeling of waking up fresh and excited for what the day has in store.
The main reason I chose UT Tyler was because it was affordable. What I did not know before I attended was that affordable does not equal unsatisfactory. I have been more than satisfied with many of the features that UT Tyler is strong in. I believe the level of education and the comfort of the campus is well worth every dime spent on tuition.
Do not go to UT Tyler expecting the worst as I did. It will take you too long to come around and enjoy the many things UT Tyler has to offer. Instead, step onto the campus with an open mind. Be ready to make changes, meet new people, and experience the unexpected. It will change your view, and it will change your life.
I believe UT Tyler has something to offer for everyone, but if you need to narrow it down, here is how I would do it: #1: Students who care about knowing a lot of people and having close friendships - Because of the size of the campus, students who have decided on their majors will take classes and attend events with many of the same students. They will form lasting friendships and have a great support group as they juggle homework assignments and study for exams. #2: Students who want their professors to teach them; not just lecture them. I've had both kinds of professors; the ones who lecture, but never lift a finger to help you, and the ones who teach, and will even walk around the room to make sure each individual person has heard what they needed to personally in order to understand what was being taught. If you want to be close to your professors and to have the kind of relationship with them where no question is dumb, and your learning experience is worth their time, then UT Tyler is the school for you.