New admission standards and new programs at Minot State in place to help more students succeed
On October 11, Minot State University announced new admission standards that are in place for new freshmen entering the fall of 2011. The new standards, along with recent support programs designed to increase attention to first-year students, will enable Minot State University to help more students reach their educational goals.
"Minot State University is empowered with the mission, first and foremost, of being dedicated to the success of all students," said David Fuller, president of Minot State University. "As a university, we need to better assist these students in the difficult transition from high school courses to life as a student of higher education. Our new admission standards will allow us to fulfill our mission as we endeavor to bring in students who are better prepared to succeed and then assist those who are less prepared with the Passport Program."
| ACT/SAT | H.S. GPA Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Any | and | 3.25+ |
| 22-36/1020-1600 SAT | and | Any |
| 20-21/940-1010 SAT | and | 2.5 - 3.249 |
| 18-19/860-930 SAT | and | 3.0 - 3.249 |
| Passport Program (see below) | ||
The previous standard of admitting any student who had at least an ACT score of 17 has been raised. Students will now need to attain at least an 18 on the ACT along with the appropriate high school grade point average. To receive the needed support to help them succeed, admitted students with ACT scores between 18 and 21 will receive special guidance as to courses and total enrollments, based on their specific academic needs and preparation. Students will receive personalized guidance and support for their potential academic success and persistence. Students with a 22 ACT or higher and those who earned a 3.25 GPA or higher will be admitted to MSU without any provisions.
Students are encouraged to apply even if their scores do not fall within the standards of the admission chart. These applications may be reviewed by a committee that will assess additional criteria.
The new admission standards will not impact students who are transferring to Minot State University.
The Passport Program, a unique collaboration between Minot State and Dakota College at Bottineau, ensures those students who want a four-year degree from MSU but do not yet have the test or grade point necessary can still receive the appropriate courses and educational opportunities. With the Passport Program, a student will take 24 credits of classes from both DCB and MSU on the Minot State University campus. In their second year, they can transition seamlessly into Minot State as a full-time student.
"Our new admission standards are about much more than simply raising some of the standards for admitting new students; it’s about providing the right opportunities for students in northwest North Dakota and throughout the state to succeed," said Kevin Harmon, dean of admissions.
New, key programs are already in place at Minot State to assist students in reaching their educational goals.
The Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning is in its second year at Minot State. CETL focuses on the needs of freshman students by providing first-year experiences that center on the student being part of a learning community. Approximately 155 students are divided into 10 groups. Each group attends the same three courses, which are centered on a theme or idea, for an entire semester. These courses fulfill general education requirements for the freshmen and give them a core group of similar students with whom to study and rely upon. These first-year experience courses are led by a trio of faculty members and CETL staff who assist in the students’ transition to Minot State and university life.
The Office of Career Services has now been renamed the Student Success Center and refocused to include additional advising and tutoring services for students.
10/11/10