Minnesota State University-Mankato Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Jen

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there are so many things I would tell myself. Number one, I would have told myself to take post secondary classes senior year of high school so I could save money and graduate early or on time in college. The second thing I would tell myself is to be involved on campus. Being involved on campus is so important and makes college more enjoyable. It has helped me make many friends and make me grow stronger as a woman and leader. The third thing I would tell myself is to live in the dorms freshmen year. Living in the dorms is an experience you need to have. The dorms offer so many activities to help you to get to know people. The dorms are also where you meet a lot of your closest friends. The fourth thing I would tell myself is to check on grades often. You should keep track so you know how you're doing. The last thing I would tell myself is to have fun because college goes by fast, and before you know if you're a senior.

Brittany

If I could travel back in time, the first thing that I would tell my high school self would be to go to college with a clean slate. I wound up at a college with some friends from high school and it made it a lot easier for me to stay in a safe zone and not take advantage of all the outstanding prospects that college has to offer. My second piece of advice would be to go to as many events, club meetings, presentations, etc. as you can that you find to be interesting. College is the time to really find yourself, and there is no better time to explore all aspects of life then during your college career with so much diversity and opportunity surrounding you. My third piece of advice would be to take advantage of all the mentoring services available on campus. I didn?t go see my advisor until my sophomore year, and I really regretted it because she was excellent with helping me put together my class schedule and figuring out my graduation timeline. I think that the best piece of advice would be as simple as this. Have the time of your life!

Rebecca

Be open. Don't judge. These are two of the first things that came to my mind when I think about what I'd tell myself. I come from a small town with hardly any diversity. It was a big transition that I was not aware of when I came to MNSU. Still, after knowing that I needed to be open to this diversity, I am now completely comfortable with this school and the transitions. I will not judge any classmate/student/teacher based on background, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, etc. This diversity at my school is what sets it apart from other area colleges. I would not trade the diversity for anything. It expanded my horizon beyond the small town, diversity-free community in which I grew up. Without this diversity, I do not think that I would be as socially ready for the world which I need to be.

Bryce

Well there are many things I could think of that I would tell myself. I would tell myself that I should jump right into the aviation field right away and not wait to declare a major, it is so much fun. Another would be to watch my money, and finacial needs, the aviaiton field can become very expensive. Another thing would be to meet as many people as you can here, everyone is very nice and it could help you with networking. Networking is becoming very vital to finding a job these days, the more people you meet the more job opportunites there are for you. Getting to know some of your teachers is very important also, they can help you with many things. They can help you find internships, jobs after college and even help you with your homework, who would have known that. Being in college can be very fun, and also very stressful at times, just remember all of the good times that you will make in college. Last thing I would tell myself would be to help more people, do volunteer work, or even just give a helping hand when it is needed.

Shayzell

I would tell myself to take post-secondary classes and apply for every scholarship possible to limit the amount of loans taken out. I would also tell myself to do a lot of volunteer work in many different areas of interest because it can help you better decide what field you want to go into and you may know what you want to major in now, but it will most likely change around sophmore or junior year in college. I would also say, "you did good kid. You found a school that is the perfect size, has many different major options, and is far enough but still close to home!"

Kate

I would tell myself to make sure I have mybest friend's phone number and some tissues, because the first couple of weeks are going to be hard. But after that life is going to get a whole lot bigger. Suddenly there is going to be a whole World to see and new friends, connections and knowledge at your fingertips! But don't be too quick to rush into it. Because you are going to get blindsided by things, your'e going to get knocked down a few pegs and learn things you didn't learn at home. It is going to be scary (they don't tell you that), but here, you will learn how to live life. It's not always going to be easy, but if you take opportunities and strive for your best, it will be worth it.

Rianna

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be prepared to be more outgoing. In high school, I was a very shy person. In college, I have become more outgoing and I have gotten involved in more activities. I feel that getting involved in activities is one of the only ways to meet people on campus. It is a large campus with a lot of people so you want to feel like you know some people and have some friends.

Tina

If I had more time to think about the college that I would attend in the future, I would definitely have done more research on the schools I was considering. I am pursuing nursing, which is a very competitive field. I am just getting ready to apply to the field and am now beginning to fear what I will do if I do not make it into the program. I do not want to transfer schools nor do I want to change my major, but I do not want to continue to waste my time at MSU-Mankato if I cannot make it into the program. I wish that during my senior year I would have looked more different schools nursing programs and came up with a backup plan ahead of time instead of now, because it only leaves me much more stressed, which I do not need at this point in time.

Matthew

I would tell myself, that even though things aren't going to go the way they are planned, or the way you think., don't change anything. Stay focused on your studies and you'll find you will be working a little less hard in the long run, while optimizing your learning, and thus your potential. And above all else, just keep being yourself, and things will always work out.

Elizabeth

Major in something you love to learn about and worry a bit less about exactly what you will do with it later. Not all majors have a distinct career path and that's okay.

Keyana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself is to prepare for the ultimate transition and know that college is not for everyone. I would constantly tell myself to do well and keep my grades my highest priority than join as many extra- curricular activities as possible that interest me without me being over worked. I would tell my self every once in a while that I can make mistakes but hope to change by not repeating them and tell my self no regrets. I would give myself to not hold any grudges because life is short and I don't want it filled with sorry. My biggest advice to myself would be to not lose myself in the transition to college and remember where I came from and who all has helped me on the way.

Benjamin

I believe that I would tell myself not to the the perception of others dictate how my college career is going to play out. I would tell myself to look past the cultural perspecitves we hold about college students and do just do what you love right away. Not to let what other people think, affect my learning. To be a bold student who is willing to take the risks and to throw myself on the line in order to succeed. I would remind myself that nobody is going to do these four or five years for me and that how I feel about myself will be one of the biggest factors in my success at the collegiate level. But most of all, I believe I would tell myself that college is what you make of it. Yes, the tests will be harder, the papers longer and the homework will take up more time. But you only have this part of your life to make it count. So just go out there with a smile and by God if you fall. Go down swinging.

Andrea

I would want to address the difficulties in transition from high school to college. Studying, organizing, making friends, balancing are all issues that I faced and overcame. If given the oppurtunity to go back in time I may just wish myself good luck and remind myself of my potential because at that age I would not have been able to comprehend the transitions I was to make.

Mark

If I were allowed to go back in time to when I was a senior in high school I would take as many college credits that I could. Little did I know how much that would help me now. I wish my high school would have offered more college classes or at least encourage seniors to take them. I feel that I wasn't allowed to get out and explore what other options there were to us seniors.

Chad

The advice that I would give to myself as a senior would be: study hard, and you can do anything you want to do if you give it your your best. In High School, I never would have thought that I can acomplish a Electrical Engineering Degree and get my Master's Degree as well as further my education as a Professor at the University I went to school. This is my dream and if I would have told myself this in high school, I would have never believed in myself. Therefore, if I had to talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would say that you need to believe in yourself and you will go far. There is not one person or thing stopping you from doing what you would like to do or dream of doing. The only person that stops you is yourself. And lastly, I would leave with the remark, "Don't Give Up, Too Many People Out There Do!"

Betsy

Hindsight is 20/20 in practically every situation. I normally would wish that I would have researched community colleges, instead of trying to get into the best schools in the country. If I went to a community college and graduated with an AA degree, then transferred to a 4year school, it would have been a heck of a lot cheaper. However, I didn't do that, and I'm okay with that. If I could go back to high school, I wouldn't change a thing. I would tell myself to relax though; college isn't as scary as they make it out to be. The advisors are helpful, the instructors are kind, and your classmates are going through the same thing you are. Also, do not get a job for your first semester, you need to experience the full college life before it's work, work, work. Have some fun, college is about getting to know your true self. So join a club or an intramurel; go to as many activities as you can; watch the sports games; just be involved. After college, jobs are looking for experiences not degrees, everyone has a degree now days.

Anastasia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself a lot. I would tell myself that I need to get on the ball and not put things off until the last minute. I would also tell myself that I should go away to school instead of staying at a community college because I would have done better.

Glenn

I would tell myself to get involved in as many activities as possible to learn how to communicate and make friends easier. I would tell myself to take harder classes in high school and even some college credit courses so that I would be able to register ahead of the other freshman going into college. Work as much as I could to make as much money as possible to save for college and not spend on things I just wanted but didn't need. Learn how to do my homework and read all the textbook material while managing my time more efficiently. Become more comfortable with asking for help from my peers and teachers because in college no ones asks you if you need help, you have to ask for it. Overall, just take school and learning more seriously and take advantage of as many oppotunities as possible because once you're in college you're on your own so you better be ready.

Michael

The advice I would give myself as when i was high senior all over again is that to be committed academically on all my classes since college its deciding on my future that i want to do for the rest of my life.

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot to say. I would tell myself to relax and take a deep breathe. I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect as I went off to college. I would also tell myself to be more careful with my money. I would make a chart of my future expenses and work harder to save. Money is a very stressful thing for me and this scholarship would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Carrie

College is not as hard as you think it is going to be.

cristina

I would have definitely planned more for college in many different ways. I had a job as sophomore all thru high school and I wish now I would have saved money better. I should be a sophomore in college now but have been working hard trying to get money to live near my college or to even have food for things such as groceries. I also would have given myself the advice to try and get scholarships or loans. I truly wish I were in college now. It is my goal to get my degree and make not only myself but my family proud.

Nicole

Never take good friends for granted. Don't get into a serious relationship while in college, it takes up too much time and energy and takes away from your social life. You can have a fun social life and make friends without drinking Thursday through Saturday nights. Believe in yourself, and never stop.

Amy

I would have told myself to be more open-minded with my decisions. Since I was 12, I wanted out of Minnesota and close to my dad in North Carolina. No matter what school I was accepted to, I was moving to N.C. I did not apply to any colleges in Minnesota, and that was a big mistake. I limited myself to 3 colleges. I was rejected from UNC and Wake Forest, so I resolved to attending AppState. If I would have researched the golf program at AppState a little more, I would have known that it was not the right place for me to be. With more research and open-mindedness, I would have figured out that even though I always thought I was meant to be in N.C., it was not the right fit for me after all. After a year of being away from all that I know and love (including my love for the game of golf), I made my own decision to attend MSU-Mankato. This environment has proven to be the best place for me to develop academically, athletically, and socially. To be truly happy, make your own, informed decisions.

Jenny

Follow your heart, you only live once! Know what you're good at and pursue a career in it! Don't do something just because your parents want you to. Also, balance between school, friends, and activities is key in being successfull.

Jessica

I would say that if you think you are interested in a certain college then you need to go and visit. See what the college has to offer. If you are deciding between two colleges go with your gut, you will make the right choice

Courtney

Don't let your parents decide for you, the only thing that will make you happy is if you decide for yourself.

Caitlyn

Advice for students about making the most of their college experience: Don't be afraid to be yourself or take risks. College can be fiercely intimidating the first two semesters, so make sure you have a solid support group when you're feeling overwhelmed. Also, do not forget about your friends back at home. Everyone wants to meet new people but you can't just abandon your old friends. They might need you in their life more than you think.

Brett

Go to a lot of schools and check them out and to see which ones are right for you, and look at what you will get out of thoes schools and if you can see you going to class and making new friends and having a good time then that is the school you should go to. Just think about what you want to get from that school and if that school fits your wants then that is the school for you, do not go to a school because your friends are going to that school or your lover is going to that school so should go to or even if you parents want you to go to that school, do not do want you feel is right and go with what is in your heart it is about what you want, and thoes people do not have to be there for 10months and be in the class so,. Like I said it is all about you, remeber college is wear you start taking your steps in to the real world.

Kelly

When looking for a college choose one that you feel comfortable with. Make sure you are as close or as far as you want to be from your parents or family. Join as many clubs or activities as you feel comfortable with. Choose classes that interest you, especially with any early morning classes you may have, because trust me if you have an early class that you hate you will never end up going and you might end up not getting the grade you want in the class. Prepare for any surprises that might take place. Try not to overwhelm yourself by taking on too many tasks or activities at once. Plan ahead and study often.

Brittany

The advice I give students about finding the right college for them is making sure it is what YOU really want. College is your time to be independent and search for what you want out of life. When choosing a college, don't focus on the schools that your parents went to or that most of your friends are going to. Go where you can picture yourself most and where your interests are shared with your peers. Size doesn't matter when it comes to secondary school, pick whatever setting you're going to feel most comfortable in, yet also thrive in. Making the most out of your college experience is a lot simpler than one would think. First get involved. In anything! Sororities and Fraternities are exciting, but they cost a lot of money. Try a special event planning club, an intramural sports team, or even volunteering with other college students. Everyone says to get involved, but what they don't tell you is to try doing it on your own. It's great to have friends who attend the same school, but you'll never meet new people if you always hang out with the same group!

Kristina

Get involved right away. Get really, overally involved, then as you figure out what you like better slim it down to a few areas. Don't wait to get involved.

Shealah

The advice that I have found most useful in my college career, is to be out-going and to take risks. When I first came to MSU i was terrified, there were so many activities i could have participated in but i didn't, i sat on the sidelines and watched everyone else have fun. After one whole sememster of not taking my life into my own hands, I realized I had nothing to lose! and i put myself out there. I can now say I am a confident, friendly, happy sopohmore here at MSU and im having the time of my life.

noah

find something that fits you and your personal needs, but will also make you grow as a person, that will push you beyond what is normal. Try to find a happy medium.

Stephanie

To choose the right school you have to listen to your heart and how you feel about the campus and it's surroundings. College isn't just a place where you have eight o' clock classes, eat ramen and pizza, or pull all-nighters; it's a place where you could find true happiness and acceptance. And once you find that place, that place where you feel wanted, needed and part of a family it is up to you to keep that going. It is also very important to get your priorities in order; I am an RA and I have seen first hand what it's like to have a student who has lost their way, and it can be hard to get back on track. So start out of track and know what is most important in your life at this certain point. Remeber to always do what YOU think is best for you and not what others believe; this isn't a bandwagon. It's life!

Katherine

Use the resources available to you, visit schools and ask questions.

Lee

College selection follows whatever thought process the student puts into his/her desired career path. With that said, not every student right out of high school is ready to make that decision. Once an area of study is selected, be sure to tour what ever colleges fit your criteria to make sure it suits your needs. The college experiane is whatever the student makes of it. It is best when the student is surrounded with positive influences, but ultimately is up to the students best judgement.

Thomas

The best advice I can give to students preparing to go to any college is get active from the start. In high school I was in sports year round, involved with other student extracurricular activities, and worked at the same time. When I started college last fall I decided to not play sports or take part in any of the student organizations on campus and I just focused on schoolwork, and as a result I became a bit complacent. Fortunately I realized early on that I needed to be more active in order to maximize my experience and ever since I've been having a great time. Last spring I studied abroad in Spain, this year I started playing rugby for the varsity team at Mankato, and I participated in some of the campaign events during the presidential elections this fall. Everything I've just said pertains to my advice about being as active as possible with events and organizations on campus and around the community because it really does make college life more interesting as you are able to meet a wider variety and greater number of people sharing common interests with yourself.

Chelsea

It is scary to think of where you could possibly be going to school for the next 4-5 years so i would start at some state universities and looking at their campuses and asking lots and lots of questions to people that can have to right answers because usually people are pretty excited to answer as much as they can or direct you to exactly where you can find the correct answser. You dont have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you get to college there are usually many general education courses that are great to be in and can help you to figure out exactly what you want to do.

Chris

Make certain that the school you will be attending is a good fit with the career goals that you have in mind. Find a college that has a strong emphasis on the field of study which you are interested in.

Nathan

nothing

Sarah

When looking for a college you must look at what your interests and focuses are in life. From there explore as many options as possible so you have the chance to choose where you want to go in life, not be forced to one institution. Choosing a college can be scary, but do not hide from it. College is a great experience. You meet many friendly people and learn life lessons along the way through the school and the surronding community. Make sure the college best fits your needs and wants. The location of the school as well as what they can offer are huge factors in picking a school. Therefor you need to sit down and find out what it is you are seeking in life and match that with the college of your choice. One last thing, start looking early! This gives you more time to learn about many schools and debate the postives and negatives of each school. No one likes to be rushed. Time is precious, so do not waste the time you have.

Jena

Visit as many colleges as you can while you are choosing a school to go to and try to spend a night in the dorms that you think you want to live in. Go to as many events as you can to have fun and meet all kinds of people, but don't forget about you course work either.

Jake

Go to MSU Mankato!

kelly

Don't go to a school just because you're friends are going there. College is the time for you to really grow up, and you'll learn who you really are. The friends I made here I will always know, and I can't imagine my life without them. Choosing your major early is really important, and will make your life so much easier! Also planning out the classes you will take each semester would help a lot.

Amy

My advise to any parent who's student is trying to find the correct school for them would be to trust their child?s instincts. In the end, it is the student who has to live at the school and if they aren't comfortable there, they are not going to be successful. The parent also needs to be supportive of their student's decisions and supportive of them while they are attending school. That is very important. My advice to any student is to be realistic about what they want and what they are really looking for out of college. Don't say what you think you are supposed to, what do you really want? Really think about it. Figure out what you want out of college and your experience and look for places that fit those criteria. Then visit the school and talk with the staff, but more importantly, try to find someone currently attending the school and talk to them and find out what the school is really like. Then, once you've made your decision, follow through with those goals. Have fun, make friends, and study hard. College is a great time in your life!

Katie

I would advise students when choosing the right college to take in the advice of others, but to follow their hearts and choose the right school for themselves. The first year of college is the most important and leaves an impression on you, so it is very important the student is making the decision for themselves and not someone else making the decision for them. The most important consequence to consider is the outcome of your future. You have been blessed with the privilege to attend college which many people cannot say, so take advantage of the opportunity of making your dreams come true. Live life with no regrets. I have found that the first year of college is the most valuable part in a student's college experience. I recommend that students have fun, meet new people, and get involved with school activites/groups because these are the things that will remain memorable throughout life. During the first year though, it is important to stay focus academically and not get too comfortable with the fun part of college because that may lead you down the wrong path.

Jake

I would definately pick a school that you will have fun at and get involved in activities outside of the classroom. Try to pick a school that will support the activities you do. For example if you like to ski or snowboard, try to go to a school out west or near a good resort. Look at all of your options before you make a decision and it is much easier if you know what you want to major in. I believe that I made my decision too fast and did not look to all my options.

Devin

state college if likes people and socializing, religious college if really religious and not too into the "socializing" aspects of life

Maria

Be open minded and spend time visiting campuses. Remember that these visits are an investment in your future and not just trips for fun or a waist of time. Research your degree and check what your school choice has to offer you. Once you have chosen a school, make the most of it by becoming involved in areas of interest to you. Volunteer, participate in on campus and off campus activities and most of all remember that school is your full time job so devote time to it first!