Minnesota State University-Mankato Top Questions

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

Myra

While I was in high school, I made many mistakes. I made some horrible choices that included spending my money on materialist materials rather than saving a penny. I would highly encourage myself to stop and think about the struggles of supporting myself through the next four years. I would make it a point to say, " You're going to make a differance in the world, you better get started." I would tell myself that if I don't study, I would need to retake the class and pay for it, which would have surely convinced me to try harder. I would tell myself to go on less dates and focus on my future. I used live day by day which put me in a horrible situation in which I was dependent on someone else. My greatest advise to myself would be, "focus yourself to who want to be and always be independent."

Dylan

My high school teachers would always stress about how necessary taking good notes is and how college professors never stop and go back when you need it. Almost every teacher I had would say the same exact thing so I tended to zone out until they began talking about something else. This is why I thought that it was just some gimmick to keep me paying attention in class. Then I went off to college and realized everything they were saying was the truth. The professors do teach you all the necessary material but they often go at a rapid pace in order to squeeze as much information as they can into the day. This seems very unfair but they do have a schedule to maintain and it is not their fault. So, If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to start taking better notes and listen to what teachers had to say about them.

Lisa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that the choices I make today will affect me tomorrow. In high school, I was more concerned with being popular than I was about my academic pursuits. I cared more about my clothes than I did about my grades. If I had put more effort into my grades, I could have made more opportunities for myself. I would also advise myself to filter what I put on social media. In high school, I put a lot of unnecessary, unprofessional and embarrassing information on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. I've learned now that anything posted on the internet never completely goes away, and things from the past can come back to bite you. If you wouldn't want your grandma or future employer to see something, then don't put it on the internet. Lastly, I would tell myself that it's never too late to turn things around. Maybe you got bad grades and made a couple mistakes, but don't give up on yourself! It's never too late to change.

Kristy

No matter what you think college will be like, you can't truly prepare for what is to come. Moving out and being on your own is a lot different than you can plan for. You will be in charge of truly taking the reins on your life. Although mom and dad will never truly leave you to fend for yourself, this is like riding a bike for the first time. A little scary at first, but well worth it once you get on the open road. Make sure you become involved with extracurricular activies as early as your freshman year. This will help you to network and gain experience that will be invaluable as you continue through your education. This will also help you to relax. School work is important, but you need to set aside time for yourself or you will become overloaded with the weight of your classes. You need to stop and smell the roses along the way.

Tanya

Don't let your life be led by the person you're dating, don't rush it. Be more patient.

Nicholas

I would tell myself to attend school where it makes sense for you, and not to base that important of a decision on anyone else's assesment but your own. I would also tell myself to take more time to figure out a plan to decide on a major before picking out a university, because that should be a factor in any decision made regarding your education. Make sure you listen to the people that tell you that grades matter, because even if you don't plan on going to a university with high admission standards it will affect the type of financial aid, especially from the college, you receive. Most of all; have fun, because you're still in high school, and you don't have to worry about real problems for at least one more year.

Matthew

Most of the things I would tell my high school self would regard life in general. Having been enlisted in the Marine Corps and being deployed whilst enlisted, I have been endowed with many truths about the world. First of all, I would tell my young self to finish high school and to study extra hard. Secondly, I would say to have fun while doing it and enjoy the little things in life. Not finishing high school is a bad start to a life that offers so much fulfillment. Without a diploma and the discipline to gain it, life can turn into an unforgiving clock. I did successfully complete the General Education Development (GED) tests. However, I believe I wasted a lot of valuable time that could have been spent in the progression of my life in the interim. Having fun in life is key to a successful and fulfilling life. I was once told, "You should not take life so seriously because you will never get out alive." This statement is more of an acknowledgment than advice. The point is, I have seen some difficult things but, out of the worst possible situations, people overcome adversity and remain happy.

Serena

If I could go back in time, back to when I was a senior in high school, I would give myself three major advices: I could have saved a lot of money by making smarter decisions before planning for college. Second, I would have taken advantage of college credit courses offer in high school like the PSEO program, or AP classes. Lastly, I would first figure out exactly what I want to do in college, before enrolling, to avoid wasting time and money. I say these because, not having enough money my freshmen year, caused me a lot of headache because I could not afford my books. Plus, before enrolling in college, I did not do a lot of research about the finances, so I had no idea how expensive college and textbooks can be. If I was smarter, I would have made this my first priority. Better yet, I would establish a savings account for college by saving $50 on every paycheck. Also, I would tell myself to take enough assessments or explore multiple careers to know exactly what I want to major in, in college. Finally, I should have focused on my academics instead of making friends.

Melissa

Time management is a huge thing in college and for the rest of your life. Be able to set important things as your first priority. Time doesn't wait for anybody and remember you have to beat time. If you don't, time will beat you and it'll be hard to get ahead of time. Always remember to ask questions when you are struggling. It's never wrong to ask a "stupid" question because there's no such thing that is a "stupid" question. Go on and ask and it will only help you even more with your task, goals, and dreams.

Donniesha

I would tell myself that I am stepping into another chapter of my life where I would need to use tools that I have gained from the last. One tool is speaking. I have never taken an interest of getting into know my professors. I would tell myself to get to know my professors; besides discussing grades professors can help open doors. I will tell myself not to wait until the last minute to ask questions or to ask for help. I want myself to know that she will find another diverse group of friends that will make her feel right at home. I will like for her to know that she finds a piece of herself every day.

SHantasia

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. You’re playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” These words will help you remember that you are beyond capable of succeeding just utilize all the resources provided if needed. Never be afraid to communicate your struggles because there is always someone around who will be willing to help. You’re fighting hard in your classes? Good, don’t become a procrastinator just because you feel that your struggle has ended when it’s only beginning. You have the ability to make friends; Just don't dwell on what others are thinking. Then you will be just fine.

Nicole

If I could return to myself a year ago as a high school senior, I would tell myself to just focus on the future. I would tell myself to not be so wrapped up in high school, because in a few short months, I would be getting my diploma and I would not be looking back. If I had heard that advice last year, I would have immersed myself deeper in the Post-Secondary Education Option program at Minnesota State University and registered for more classes. This advice would entice me to look further into what I needed for my major through the University, and I could have taken classes that would have applied more directly to graduating earlier. This advice would have also helped me realize that I could take any class that I would want to for fun, which is something that I could not do within my high school.

Marjean

Make sure that you know exactly what field you want to work in. Do your research into that field to make sure it is a profession that is in demand. College is a expensive education that is the base for your profession. Do not waste your time or money just to party, take your education seriously.

Tori

Everything will be okay. Everyone else is in the same position you are leaving home for the first time. I would tell myself to get involved and meet as many people as you can. Don't sit around and wait for something to happen, you have to make it happen. I would also tell my self to bring a backpack because you will really need one!

Chariss

First of all, I would encourage myself to take the ACT over again. I realize that an ACT score is not everything, but it can help when it comes to getting sccholarships. Also, I would tell myself to be more prepared for transferring into a four year university. Even though I went to a two year college right after college, I would tell myself not to wait to prepare. It is a difficult process transferring into a four year college and the more prepared you are the better you will do and excel.

Jessica

i would definitely have warned myself that that college will be a big change, even though i thought it wouldnt be. i think that this is important because when you come to a college campus it is a very different world. when i first came here i thought that it was going to be fun and studies. but, i got caught up in all the activites my freshman year that i forgot about school. my first semester my GPA was lower than what it should have been. so if i would go back and talk to myself as a senior, i would tell myself to not get caught up in boys, or in all the activites and to make sure that i focus on my school work.

Kathryn

Here is some advice from me as a college student now, going back in time to tell me as a High School senior about the transition into college. 1. Be ready to have roommates. Your room is not only yours. You have to learn to share. 2. You can not take all your clothes to college with you. 3. Don’t forget to bring your pillow back to college with you when you take it home on breaks. 4. Be flexible, be ready to do whatever needs to be done. 5. Be willing to pray out loud. 6 Be ready to go to class at 8 o’clock in the morning. 7. Get your drivers licenses so you can drive, and not use other people to take you places. 8. If you have a problem with someone go to that person and ask for forgiveness from them.

Laura

Do not be scared of change. Change is inevitable and can be a good thing. Transitioning into college is a positive step in life and will prepare you for your future as an adult and in your career. It is not as scary as you think. Have fun and enjoy the ride!

Nancy

Nancy, I know that you have a lot of pressure being the first in the family to graduate and furthur your education, but you have to have faith in yourself and quite doubting if you can do it or not. The classes are going to be longer but you only take it once or twice a week. Everything will be okay, and you will not only make mom proud but grandma and grandpa. The secret is to learn to have faith in yourself and work hard.

Kaylin

Don't worry. Seriously. You should be focused and hard working, but don't stress yourself out. Not worrying does not mean that you should be lazy or careless, but it is important to remember that worrying doesn't get you anywhere. It's hardwork and a postive attitude that really matter. With those two things, you'll make it through your first semester, and beyond. Also, be friendly. There are so many people around you from so many walks of life. If you take the time, you can learn more about the world from your fellow students than you can ever be taught in a classroom. So, high-school-senior-Kaylin, remember: when you get to college, don't worry and be friendly.

Allison

Practice memorizing in high school and know what study techniques work best for you.

Emily

The advice I would give to myself is be yourself. If one group of people doesn't like the real you, there are thousands of other people that would love the real you. I would tell myself to not waste my time trying to be somebody that I'm not, to go with the flow, and enjoy what college life has to offer!

Ellen

Go to the college that is going to make you the happiest. Be near the people that are going to make you the happy and support you. Have no fear and take risks. Don't make excuses and do not fool yourself. Money was a big factor for me and I didn't take the risk I needed to. I regret that decision now, and I know that if I would have taken the chance last year then I would be a happier person now. Even though the risk might be large, nothing compares to happiness. Never sell yourself short and always pursue your dreams. You may believe that your dreams are out of reach, but if you don't take a chance you will never know what could have been. Do not sit in fear hoping that things will just work out on their own because it is important to make your own happiness and do whatever it takes to get there. If I could go back, I would tell myself to follow my heart and to take a chance. There is nothing more regretful than not trying your hardest and telling yourself, "what if?".

michaela

i have not been to college and i would love to get this scholarship so that i can show my family what i can do . And make a better life for me and my future family i wanna be a better person for me and my family.

Nicole

Unfortunatley, I have not gotten anything out of my college experience mainly because I have not attended college for more than 2 months total. I now understand it is valuable to attend in order to climb the career ladder. However, the three years I spent working in various jobs and working my way through the reastuarant ladder I have aquired time management, patience, a work ethic, and an understanding that you will never be happy in life unless you love what you do. I would not trade these qualities and experiences for a traditional out of high school into college experience. I feel that when I do graduate in four years I will still be ahead of my peers. This is due in part that I will have a degree in the exact major I intend to pursue as a career, and that I have a very extensive track record for someone my age. However, it is valuable to attend college no matter where you are when you graduate high school, because as you get older more "baggage" will hold you back from attending school. Wether it be financial, family, or just a matter of not having the time.

Amanda

So far, the first year of my college experience has been nothing like I expected it to be. I expected to spend more time socializing than studying. I expected to immediately make a lot of new friends and create the lifelong connections that everyone says you will make in college. I also expected classes to be very hard and for me to struggle through exams. My first semester was very easy and so far my second semester is looking to be the same. Although it's nothing like I expected, it has been an interesting experience. I have made a few new friends and mostly I have learned new things about myself. I learned that I do not cohabitate well and I like to have my personal space. I learned new study habits and revised old ones. I have also learned that I need to work harder to step outside my comfort zone. Finding out all these valuable things about myself has made college a valuable experience.

Samantha

I grew up in a small town with little diversity. I went to a great school with very friendly people, but I was not exposed different cultures. Moving two and a half hours away from home to an unfamiliar city knowing absolutely no one was an unforgettable experience that I would not trade for anything. I feel that in just the semester I have completed at Minnesota State, I have gained so much more than seventeen credits. I have made friends from different cultures and walks of life, learned to be assertive, and gained independence. I have learned to think in different ways and adjust to the problems that come my way, without my parents' assistance. I have come back a slightly different person, but I believe all the changes were positive ones. The college experience is more than moving into a small dorm room and attending difficult classes. Its becoming independent, adjusting to a wide range of changes, learning to make important decisions, and becoming the person you want to be.

Jenna

What I have gotten out of my college experience has been life changing and I would not trade it for the world. I have learned so much more already in two years of college than I have ever expected by not only learning in the classroom but learning and growing more as a person overall. I have learned that while the opinion of others are important, in the long run it is my life and I decide what happens with it. Whether that be the type of classes I take, the types of people I surround myself with, how I dress; I am in control of my life. This applies directly to the classroom as well. When it comes to school work and studying, I will only be as successful as I want to be. I have learned it is all up to me to get what I want out of my time in college. I think this is something that everyone should experience; whether an individual chooses to go to a two year program and simply get an associates' degree or go for eight and get a doctorate, college can benefit everyone and anyone in whatever way they want.

Ananya

it seems like a good college

HeatherMorgan

I have attended the University of Pheonix Online for the past year and it has been a surprisingly wonderful experience. I have learned so much about my accounting field and other wordly subjects. I have been able to live my life normally becasue of the scheduling and I am currently expecting to have a baby. Without the online college I wouldn't be able to do what I can at home. I am looking forward to graduating very much. I am happy to say that I was able to furthur my education and will enjoy my carrer after I obtain my degree.

Jason

I have attended Mississsippi Gulf Community College for two years. I have learned the social culture of the school, the college environment, and the disciplinary study habits. I am glad that I am currently enrolled because my life has changed in a positive way. Not only I feel for first time that I am able to complete college courses like everybody else, but I also beleive that I can contribute in society and help the Hispanic community in the future. I am really interested in continuing my education so I can share my language skills and knowledge of the Spanish culture with anyone who might need me.

Jannet

I have gotten hands on experiance that i need in the field i am goin to school for. It is valuable for me to go to school so my son can see that continuing your education is very importent. He will see that i have done it and so can he when he gets to that point in life.

Kate

I have learned a lot so far from college, both academically and non-academically. For example when i first started classes here I had no idea how loans worked, where I could find them, and what I needed to obtain them. I learned this really quick even before classes started. Knowing how to do financial things like take out loans is not only going to help me here at college but in the future when I'm buying a house or a car. Academically my brain has been tipped sideways and upside down, I have been given a new perspective on almost everything I know. College has drastically changed my views on religion, economics, the media, and climate change. I feel like I have a voice now, that I know enough about things that I can talk about them and make my opinion heard. I suppose the most important thing I've realized is that I have a voice and just one person's voice does make a big difference.

Morgan

It was easy to join, they helped out out a lot. Everything is online for me so it works out for me cause I have a daughter so I'm a stay at home mother while my husband is off at work. We may not be able to afford what we have right now but at least we're happy.

tim

I am now earning a second master's degree, because I have changed career directions, and love to learn. So I have some experience in the classroom. I have also been on the other side of the podium, teaching as an adjunct professor. College is much more than earning a piece of paper. It is time for young adults to break away from the family nest, get out of their comfort zone, and become mature, successful, and contributing individuals within society. Students learn responsibility, accountability, dedication, and how to balance life?s task along with its unexpected curve balls. College is a time when young adults look at the image in the mirror in front of them and have to answer, ?Who am I? What will I become? Now, how do I get there??

Ryne

The best things I have gotten out of my experience would have to be the preperation it takes to be here. Not just my college by all colleges in general. Being in my first class made me realize that this is not just your post-secondary education, this is your future life you are planning for. Every step is crucial if you want to graduate in a timely fashion, and the time and money cannot be used for just screwing around. So definitely, my college experience has helped me mature a little more, and at the same time realize colleges true importance and place in the world.

Thomesa

Be prepared for classes to be taught differently. Tests and/or quizzes are weighted much heavier in college compared to high school. In high school you could get by by doing well on homework assignments and decent on tests. This is not at all the case in college, so I would tell myself to keep up with the information and study frequently. I've learned that it is much easier and I do much better when I go over the information I've already learned in the class almost daily instead of studying a couple days before a test.

Kimberly

I would tell myself to stop worrying about fitting in with aquaintances, and focus on my studies. I would tell myself that after graduation the other students wouldn't be concerned with me and I wouldn't need to them to be successful in life, but that I would need college and a degree. I would make sure that I understood the importance of education, and push myself to try harder. I would tell myself to seperate my home life from my school life, and leave the stress at the door. I would make sure that I pushed myself harder to find the resources I needed to fulfill my college dream. I would make myself see how much I would regret not doing the things that I needed to do, and doing the things I wanted to do. I wouldn't allow myself to be lazy on my homework, or have the need to stress on exams.

Erica

The biggest thing I would beg myself to do it to stop procrastinating. It has been my biggest vice through out college and it was pretty bad during High School also. I know I would be doing so much better academically if I were to stop procrastinating so often.

Alyssa

If I were able to go back in time the first thing I would tell myself is: don?t be afraid to be different. In my high school graduating class there were roughly 38 people so it was pretty hard to break out of the traditional mold. When I chose to come to Minnesota State University Mankato I was breaking that mold because I was going to college 6 ? hours away from home and going alone. I was truly starting a completely different chapter in my life with no one from my hometown coming with me. I would tell myself that it is ok to be scared of moving away and it will be hard at first but never forget the place you came from and the people that love you there. I would tell myself to never give up on my dreams and don?t listen to those people who may not believe that I can do it. I am the one in charge of my future, not them! I would also tell myself to seize every opportunity that college throws my way and don?t be scared to go out on a limb and try something different.

Rashelle

College is for everyone don't wait to go . Start looking now for a place to rent and for the school of your choice ,interview all of your choices wisely have a pen paper with for questions and to write down information that will help you figure out what you ant to do use all channels go on line and enter all scholarships you can so you won't have to take out a loan like I did, Plan ahaead. Save every pennie in a roth that you don't get penalties for taking out eraly I use ModernWoodmen . Becareful as to where you choce to live read the fine lines.Interview interview! Do your reascherch.

Luke

I would tell myself to value time, money, and above all, people. I would advise myself not to waste a single moment or dollar, but never hesitate to spend time or money on the people I love. I would also remind myself how important it is to live by decisions and not by feelings. I would encourage the younger me to stick with his guns even when he didn't feel like it.I would advise myself to be fearless in experiencing new things and new people. Oh, and I would tell myself to watch One Tree Hill every Monday. My current girlfriend watches that show every week, and I tried to watch it with her the other day and had no clue what was going on, haha!

Johnny

If I could go back and time talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that the transition from high school to college is not as hard as people try to make it seem. You really just have to prepare your self for a change and and take responsibility and manage your time accordinally.

charmaine

i would tell my self to not take high school as a joke because the things you learn there can help you in the long run in college . also make sure you develope good studying techniques.

Kelsey

I would tell myself to take online classes offered, as a PSEO student because there were no college credit classes offered at my highschool, it could have saved me alot of time and money upon arriving at college. I also would have told myself to look into nursing schools around the state to know what I needed for credits before attending Mankato.

Catrina

Some advice that I would give myself would be to not bring my life!!! I brought so much with me. And I live in Illinois so it's an 8 hour drive and I can't just bring things home on the weekend easily. So when my mom came to pick me up for winter break I had to pack the car with a whole bunch of stuff that I shouldn't have brought. It was such a pain. And to bring a pair of slippers! I never wore slippers before, but now I wear them everywhere. A lot of things are in the same building and slippers are easy and comfy. Also to bring a fan because it gets really stuffy and hot in a tiny room you have to share with someone and your roommate might not like to have the window open..mine didn't. So I would sweat to death.Bring a water filter and a nice metal waterbottle. I wasted so much money my first semester on bottled water! I remember being a senior and freaking out about going to college. But really, its not much different except you have a lot of independence!ENJOY!

negar

continue education and do not stop. Find out what is it that you really really really want to do and enjoy doing it, go for it perevere and make it happen.

Brittany

College is not all about studying and getting the grades. It is also about making a lifetime of memories, creating life long friends, and expieriencing things that you have never exprienced before. Life is short, so work hard and have fun. Classes are not that much harder than high school and you do not need to be nervous for them and they can even be fun!

Isiah

Well the very first thing i would tell myself is to work harder at getting scholorships because i didnt get any money for scholorships for the fall term and paying for college ran me broke. I would tell myself to start looking for a job right now because at this point in time it is basically impossible to get a job for i have put a application in litterally everywhere and only could get a seasonal job which is now over with. I would also like to be able to go back and tell myself that if i wanna play college basketball that i am the only person who is going to get me into playing because my good for nothing coach doesnt help me at all and that if i dont go out and get schools to watch me myself i will not be playing college ball and that i will miss it a ton. And last but not least i would tell myself that if i do not take college seriously and buckle down and study as hard as i can and go into civil engineering instead of electrical engineering or else i will fail my first semester.

Britany

I would start by saying that college is not as scary and overwhelming as it may seem or as other people may describe it to be. I would tell myself to just be yourself because others will love you, professors will care and you will find where you will be going in the future. College is all about making decisions on your own. It is okay to make the wrong decision as long as you learn from them. Decisions help you learn how to handle any curve ball that life throws at you. Make positive decisions to study and have fun so you have memories later in life. The final point I would tell myself is that you can achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it. Having the right attitude is important for success in college as well as in life. All the hard work will pay off in the end. All the habits you develop in college with studying, interacting and communicating with people, time management, and establishing your attitude will all be habits you carry with you throughout the rest of your life. Make them the best habits possible and HAVE FUN!