Admissions

Don't let it being a public school fool you. Getting accepted into the Liberal Arts college is probably the easier, but if you are looking to get accepted into one of the specialty colleges like the College of Biological Science or Carlson School of Management know that it is very competitive. Good grades aren't enough. I know two students that had very high, like 33/34 on their ACT that didn't get in. Most of the specialty schools look for well rounded students. Make sure you not only have good grades but also plenty of volunteer hours, leadership experience, extracurricular activities and work experience to help you nab one of the precious spots.

Apply early, make sure you go to the financial aid website and submit any scholarship applications you're eligible for, and buy a winter coat! Expect to work hard, but see results extending past your GPA into the academia of your chosen field.

Although it took some time to adjust to the college life, now it is so rewarding if you are willing to put yourself out there and take chances. There are always opportunities to better yourself or your possible future career. When taking those chances and making them happen, you first off get your name out there and second better yourself for the future. Even if you don't know what you want to do or are deciding between a few things, get involved in whatever you can and that will help you decide what you want and don't want and you'll meet a lot of new friends along the way. I think that's why I am enjoying the college life so much because I am getting out there and taking chances. The bigger the risk, the better the reward. Be careful though and choose your risks wisely.

Come to this University with a will to work hard and desire to seek out and exploit the opportunities offered to you. Although there's a lot going on, a strong work ethic to do well academically is the best tool you can bring to school. There are so many opportunities for you to succeed academically here, like professor's office hours, study groups, online resources for classes, free writing services for all University students. By taking advantage of opportunities like these, you will have no trouble doing well.

Also, don't think that you have to be involved with every opportunity offered to you--I certainly am not. Give yourself time to adjust to your new schedule, friends, and surroundings. It's a big change for everyone, and time is the best way to help yourself adjust. Don't feel the need to rush into every opportunity offered to you in your first semester. Take time to explore and see what interests you.

1. Don't be afraid of approaching a new kid in your dorm or your class.
2. Name your interest, and you will find a club. If not, start your own!
3. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun.

1. This is a big campus and there are tons of things to do. If you have trouble prioritizing or understanding who you are as a person, this may seem daunting and challenging. The campus is huge too so be prepared to do a lot of hiking.
2. If you are afraid to meet new people then this isn't the place for you, either. This campus is large and the population is large but there are so many opportunities to find your niche. There's clubs, events, dorm houses, etc. that you will be able to find that small group closeness on this university. However, you have to initiate.
3. Don't think that just because this is a public university that it is much easier to get into than private universities or that the rigorousness of this college is not up to par with private universities. If you want to attend a great university, that university should also want great students.

READ THE CHAPTERS! You'll regret it otherwise...also, talk with your teachers and don't skip class. The more they know you care, the more you may hear will be on the exam. Finally, on your first day of class, sit next to someone you think looks cool and wouldn't mind being friends with. You'll thank yourself later.

For those thinking about applying: UMN is a competitive public school in a big city that is very generous with scholarships. Just think about what all of that means. Its grad schools are nationally ranked (3rd in pharmacy, 7th for primary care, for example); the undergrad has to live up to that.

For those accepted: Sign up for the earliest orientation you can make. That's where you'll be registering for you fall semester classes, and there might not be seats in the classes at the times you want. It's not necessary to know exactly what you're going to major in (people don't need to declare until sophomore year), but it's useful to have a general idea. You'll meet your adviser during orientation and he or she will, well, advise you, as well. Otherwise, follow deadlines, and have fun! Oh, if you forget to bring stuff with you to your dorm, it's ok. During Welcome Week, UMN will bus people to Target for a midnight run.

1) Find at least one person to be friends with in big lecture classes. You'll be less likely to skip if you know you have a friend waiting there in class.
2) Take time to read the textbook examples and explanations if you still don't understand something the professor taught.
3) Go to any review sessions your teacher or other students are having. You WILL benefit.
4) Ask questions until you FULLY understand.
5) Don't depend on the final to bring up your grade. If you do poorly on one midterm, that's usually already a third of your grade down the drain. So never wing a midterm!!!!
6) Find a favorite place to study. Not a favorite place to take a nap.
7) Learn the Gopher Way, the series of underground tunnels that let you get to class while staying warm during the winter.
8) The Humphrey Center, on West Bank, and the Music Library in Ferguson Hall, are two secret study places that no one seems to know about. Also, the Nolte Center, on East Bank, is a cozy home setting that's great for quiet study time.

The Univeristy of MInnesota is one of the largest universites in the country and its important that you know this before you attend this university. It would not be a good fit for someone who is more comfortable in a smaller classroom setting and who is not use to living in such a big city. One other tip is that the winters can be VERY cold and long here in Minnesota so be prepared for that.