College Preparation Standards: Guidelines for completing the Preparation Requirements Form

Preparation Standard Requirements: This page describes Minnesota State University System (MSUS) preparation requirements. This form will help you determine which of your high school courses count for college preparation. The following are only examples to help you. If you aren't sure if a course meets the requirements, ask your counselor. Complete the form as accurately as you can.

English: four years. English courses help you learn to read, write, and speak in English. Appropriate courses emphasize English usage, writing, style, theory analysis, understanding, evaluation, research, and public speaking. Courses that focus only on technical applications (for example, graphics and layout or speed reading) do not generally count. Examples of appropriate courses include modern fiction, world literature, American literature, composition, college writing, public speaking, and speech.

Mathematics: three years. Preparation for college requires two years of algebra (at or above the level of beginning algebra or algebra 1) and one year of geometry. Appropriate math courses help you learn to solve problems, use reasoning skills, and understand statistics and computational processes.

Science: three years. Science courses that meet this requirement should help you learn how to use scientific facts, analyze problems, and develop a scientific vocabulary. They should focus on theory, knowledge, principles, and methods and their application. At least one course must be in a biological science and one in chemistry or physics. All courses should include laboratory experiences. Examples of appropriate courses are anatomy and physiology, biology, botany, zoology, astronomy, earth science, chemistry, physics, physical science and geology.

Social Studies: three years. Social studies courses teach you about the nations and cultures of the world and provide skills to help you participate in a democracy. Appropriate courses will focus on the knowledge, theories and methods of the social sciences; teach research writing skills; and foster a tolerance for conflicting viewpoints. At least one course in US history is required and one course or its equivalent in geography is highly recommended (if a high school does not offer such a course, a student is still eligible for admission provided all other preparation requirements have been satisfied). Examples of appropriate courses are US history, world history, civics, political science, government, economics, geography, psychology, and sociology.

World Language: two years. Appropriate courses focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; provide conversational experiences; and foster an understanding and knowledge of the culture. Any language, including American Sign Language (ASL) is acceptable. "Sampler" or language review courses do not meet this requirement.

Specific elective: one year. To be prepared for college and participation in our global society, you need to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and be able to express yourself in diverse ways. Appropriate electives may come from the following:

• World Cultures. These are non-language courses which teach about other cultures, provide a global perspective, and foster an understanding of other cultures. Examples of appropriate courses are area studies (such as Asian studies), Russia/China, international relations, and ethnic studies (such as African-American studies).
• Computer Science. Courses should focus on computer applications, theory, and or programming. Keyboarding and word processing do not meet this elective requirements.
• The Arts. Appropriate art courses focus on creating or performing; teach about the history of an art form and its place in cultures; and foster aesthetic appreciation. Ideally, these courses will include both creative expression and history/criticism. Appropriate courses include music (vocal, instrumental, theory, composition), theater and drama (performance, production), dance (performance, choreography), visual arts (photography, painting, drawing, sculpture), and survey courses (art history, music history, history of the theater).

Internet Address: http://www.winona.edu

E-Mail Address: admissions@winona.edu

Back to Application Menu