Keys to Success

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/admissions/success.html

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You have the passion and the potential to be a great college student, but do you have the "Keys to Success?" At Minnesota State University, Mankato, you'll have a support system like never before. This support system, along with your hard work and dedication, will help you to develop the necessary "Keys to Success!"

Why are you going to college?

It seems like a simple question, but asking what you want out of your college experience is a fundamental question that every student should examine. Take a moment to reflect on some of these questions:

  • Why are you going to college?
  • What factors influence you to attend a four-year university?
  • What are your goals for the future? Do I know what major or career I am interested in?
  • Is a four-year university the right fit for my goals?
  • Am I academically and socially ready for college?
  • Am I ready to make sacrifices to be academically successful?
  • Am I prepared to make a financial investment in my future?
  • Who am I going to college for? Are you going for yourself or others?

If you are able to answer most of these questions, you probably will be able to tell if university life is for you! Once you know this, then we welcome you to apply to Minnesota State University, Mankato for your higher education!

Transition from high school to college

At Minnesota State Mankato, we can guarantee that by attending our university that you will be different person when you graduate compared to when you start. For many students, this will be their first experience away from their family and the beginning to develop your own independence.

Life in college is very independent and autonomous–you are ultimately responsible for yourself! You can choose the person you want to be, study what you want to learn, hang out with people you choose, and spend your free time the way you want. However, Minnesota State Mankato has a wide variety of services and support network to help you through you college experience. Click on these tools to help you become a success, independent college student!

Being "Undecided" About Your Major

Many new college students are still unsure what they want to study or do with the rest of their lives...you're not alone! According to information on the [PDF] first-year class of 2005 (10 KiB), nearly 25% of them come to Minnesota State Mankato as "undecided!" Of the other students, many of them change their minds in their first 1-2 years of college. You don't need to lose sleep over what program of study you will be engaged in while in college, but you should begin right now to explore all the possibilities! Check out the following areas before college starts and right away when you start

fye logoOffice of First Year Experience (FYE)

The Office of First Year Experience at Minnesota State University, Mankato is a dynamic office with a core mission of first year student success and retention. FYE provides academic advising for "undecided" students and offers services and workshops to help first-year students with their academic and social transition to college!

cdc logoCareer Development Center (CDC)

The Career Development Center provides services and resources which assist students and graduates with career planning and the search for employment. This includes a comprehensive range of services from career counseling and major choice assistance; to assistance with finding part-time employment and internships; to extensive job search support and guidance.

academic programs logoAcademic Programs and Advising

You have the opportunity to learn more about majors by using visiting their individual web pages. There you will find information on classes, admissions requirements and graduation requirements, facilities, special events, and faculty members. Feel free to contact the departments at any time to learn more about them!

Developing a relationship with your academic advisor is cornerstone to your success as a student. Academic advising is provided within each academic college at Minnesota State Mankato and led by a Student Relations Coordinator (SRC). The SRC's administer academic advising and referrals for students in their academic college.

Academic Skills

In college, you will be collaborating with the best and brightest! No matter what major you choose, there are basic skills that you will need to master to be academically successful. Here are some areas that will assist you to become the best student possible!

Money Management

College can be one of the most important investments you can make in your future. Here are some areas that can help you with tuition, financial, part-time jobs, and money management:

Push Beyond Possibility

At Minnesota State Mankato, you'll have the opportunity explore and expand your future beyond what you ever thought was possible. You'll gain a new perspective on yourself, your community and the world around you. From first-year orientation to graduation and beyond, we'll provide the resources and support you need to pursue your dreams.