College Prep 101
Choosing the right school is personal—and sometimes stressful. We offer tips on how to stand out in the admissions process.
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North Dakota State University
Total enrollment: 13,229
Tuition: North Dakota resident - $5,264; Minnesota resident - $5,504
What are your criteria for accepting applications? High school or college performance. Guidelines include an ACT of 21 or higher and high school GPA of 2.5. Transfer students must have at least a 2.0.
What is the deadline for receiving applications for classes beginning in fall of 2009? Aug. 15, 2009
What do admissions counselors look for in a good application? Excellent academic record
How do you keep your competitive edge? We consistently provide a top-notch educational experience. One of our guiding themes is “Students are Paramount,” and we live that promise every day.
What one comment do you hear over and over again about why students choose to attend your school? Students very often tell us they know someone who attends NDSU or graduated from NDSU who have nothing but good things to say about their experiences.
Office of Admission, Box 5454, Fargo, ND 1-800-488-NDSU www.ndsu.edu
St. Cloud State University
Total enrollment: Approximately 17,000
Tuition: $6,146 (academic year tuition and fees)
What are your criteria for accepting applications? Applicants who rank in the upper one-half (top 50 percent) of their high school class are assured of admission as long as space remains available. Other applicants will be individually reviewed, in which case the admissions committee looks closely at students’ high school performance, their ACT or SAT scores, and high school and community activities. Students are eligible for admission as transfer students if they have earned 12 or more college-level credits with at least a 2.0 GPA.
What is the deadline for receiving applications for classes beginning in fall of 2009? May 1, 2009 (for fall semester). Those applying after May 1 may be placed on a waiting list and considered if space is available.
How do you keep your competitive edge? We offer the advantages of a large university (city life, more than 200 programs, topnotch faculty), but in a smaller, more personal setting that provides good value.
What one comment do you hear over and over again about why students choose to attend your school? The wide range of academic offerings— we have more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Would you like to add anything else? Within Minnesota’s state university system, St. Cloud State offers the only programs in meteorology, land surveying and mapping, real estate, insurance, radiologic technology and Chicano/Chicana studies. Unique master’s degree programs include applied economics, criminal justice, physical education instruction, social responsibility, exercise science, sports management and travel and tourism.
720 Fourth Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN
877-654-7278
www.stcloudstate.edu
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Total enrollment: 11,366
Tuition: $8,230
How is your school distinctive? UMD is a medium-sized, comprehensive campus of a world-renown University system. We are a national leader in undergraduate research, offering world-class faculty teaching undergraduate courses. Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, we offer an invigorating environment that provides opportunities for recreational team and club sports, individual fitness and outdoor recreation.
What are your criteria for accepting applications? We consider cumulative high school rank, cumulative high school GPA, college entrance exam scores, curriculum and academic preparation, and trend in grades/GPA as the primary criteria for acceptance.
What is the deadline for receiving applications for classes beginning in fall of 2009? Priority is December 15; final is August 1.
How many applicants are there for how many open spots? Approximately 4:1
Would you like to add anything else? A tremendous amount of the college search process can be assisted by the utilization of online resources, including institutional websites. However, visiting a campus in person is an essential part of the process, and is highly recommended to assist the student who has determined that a particular school meets the desired criteria for the college choice “on paper.”
1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN
218-726-8000
www.d.umn.edu
University of Minnesota, Morris
Total enrollment: 1,607
Tuition: $8,230 (in-state and out-of-state)
What is the deadline for receiving applications for classes beginning in fall of 2009? Priority deadline for students who want to be considered for competitive scholarships is December 15. The final application deadline is March 15.
How do you keep your competitive edge? The University of Minnesota, Morris is student-centric and offers an environment in which meaningful relationships are developed and made for life. Also, as one of the five campuses of the University of Minnesota, students, faculty and staff have access to the resources of a world-renowned university—all on a small campus. Morris offers students personalized support in all aspects of their academic experience.
What one comment do you hear over and over again about why students choose to attend your school? The close student-faculty interaction allows for an outstanding undergraduate experience, including research, mentoring, internships and study abroad opportunities. Students build relationships at Morris that prepare them for future success.
Little-known fact: Ourgoal is to be energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral by 2010!
Would you like to add anything else? Approximately 45 percent of Morris graduates seek advanced degrees. We offer 34 majors and minors and 8 pre-professional programs.
600 East Fourth St., Morris, MN
1-888-UMM-EDUC
www.morris.umn.edu
University of North Dakota
Total enrollment: 12,748
Tuition: 2008-2009 Current tuition & fees = $6,846, room and board = $5,404 (undergraduate Minnesota reciprocal rate.)
What are your criteria for accepting applications? Students are considered for admission on the basis of a complete review of both their standardized test scores and high school cumulative grade point average. A sliding scale is used and an easy to use admission estimator can be found at www.go.und.edu.
What, from an admissions standpoint, is the single most important way in which a student can present themselves to the school of their choice? Apply early and promptly provide the application fee of $35 along with all academic documentation (transcripts and test scores) as early in the process as possible.
What one comment do you hear over and over again about why students choose to attend your school? Students choose to attend the University of North Dakota because of our strong academic reputation and the perceived value of a UND education – our grads get great jobs!
Little-known fact about your school: Our graduates include an astronaut who was recently on the space station, and nationally known politicians.
Carnegie Hall Room 100,
250 Centennial Dr. Stop 8135
Grand Forks, ND
1-800-CALL-UND, www.und.edu
University of St. Thomas
Total enrollment: 10,963 (undergraduate, graduate, and law)
Tuition: $27,328 (tuition per year 2008-2009/ 8 courses-full time each semester)
What are your criteria for accepting applications? The University of St. Thomas conducts a holistic review of each student’s application for admission. As part of this review we carefully consider the student’s academic credentials (cumulative high school grade point average, rank in class if provided, ACT or SAT scores, the quality of the courses taken in high school, etc.) and the contributions the student has made to his/her school, community or church.
How many applicants are there for how many open spots? We annually receive in excess of 5,000 applications for 1,300 spots in the freshman class.
What, from an admissions standpoint, is the single most important way in which a student can present themselves to the school of their choice? At most institutions students have the opportunity to share an essay or a writing sample with the Admissions Committee. Students who take the time to share their “story” have an opportunity to make a very important impression. A great essay/writing sample along with solid academic credentials and a history of extracurricular and co-curricular activities is important.
What one comment do you hear over and over again as to why students choose to attend your school? Students and parents appreciate many things about St. Thomas…we hear a great deal about the quality of our academic programs and the personal attention students receive from faculty and staff…we hear that students and parents know that St. Thomas is committed to them and to helping them realize their educational goals and dreams while also making certain that one day the student is employed and/or successfully enrolled in graduate school. We also hear about the success of our athletic programs, our location and the benefits it offers students for internships and access to our extensive alumni network.
2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 651-962-5000
www.stthomas.edu
