PSEO (Post-Secondary Education Option)
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a dual credit program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn high school and college credit tuition free, through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses taught by college instructors. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college and university sets their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs.
High school students may attend PSEO courses either part-time or full-time during the fall and spring academic school year; the PSEO program is not available during the summer, unless the student is enrolled in a State-Approved Alternative Program (SAAP). Tuition, fees and textbooks related to the course are provided at no cost to the student.
For more information about PSEO, visit the MDE PSEO Program Page for Students and Families. If you have specific questions about the PSEO Program, contact mde.postsecondary@state.mn.us.
Benefits of the Program
PSEO courses are a great way for high school students to challenge themselves academically, earn college credit, and save time and money. Many Minnesota colleges accept credit transfers of these courses in the same manner they would accept credits from another college. Students should check that the college they plan to attend after high school will apply these credits toward their chosen college degree. Participation in college-level courses is a helpful determining factor for college admissions after high school.
Choosing to Participate
The decision to participate in PSEO is an important one, and students should start planning early. The student will be expected to be a responsible, self-starting independent learner. Students and parents should seek out additional information and counseling at the high school and at the postsecondary institution to ensure that they are making the best choice for themselves and their educational future.
Students and parents should consider the following:
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High School Graduation Requirements: Students should meet with their high school guidance counselor and review the courses needed to graduate. Enrollment in an incorrect PSEO class or failing a PSEO course could result in delayed high school graduation, so careful planning and communication with the high school is very important.
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Academic Ability: Is the student ready for college-level course work? It is important to remember that a student is generating a permanent college transcript. Courses and grades earned through PSEO cannot be expunged or re-taken for a higher grade.
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Maturity: Is the student mature, responsible and self-disciplined enough to be successful in a college setting? This includes navigating the campus and student learning system as well as time-management skills and self-advocacy. Postsecondary institutions do not communicate directly with parents. Most of the time, college instructors are unaware which students in their classes are current high school students.
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Scheduling and Transportation: Will the student be able to manage schedules at two locations and have the transportation means to get to each location?
How to Apply
Students should consult with the principal about their interest in postsecondary courses and which requirements are still needed for graduation. Counselors can help students come up with a plan.
PSEO law requires public students to notify their district or charter school of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30 (for fall enrollment) and October 30 (for spring enrollment). Students should use the Notice of Student Registration Form.
Be aware of postsecondary admissions requirements and deadlines.
It is the postsecondary institution that determines admissions requirements into their postsecondary courses – not the high school. Postsecondary institutions also set their own application deadlines and timelines for admission. For example, fall semester application deadlines range from April-June the previous academic year, while spring semester application deadlines range from October-December.
Many postsecondary institutions create admissions guidelines for PSEO students based on class rank, GPA and/or specific score minimum on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test (like the ACT, PSAT or SAT).
Most schools allow an appellate process for students who do not meet those criteria; in general, students must provide documentation or proof of their readiness and ability to perform college-level work, as determined by the postsecondary institution. In addition to program admissions requirements, students need to meet the college course prerequisites.
Discuss and determine transportation options.
Districts are not obligated to provide transportation for PSEO students between the high school and the postsecondary institution. However, funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information, contact pupiltransportation.mde@state.mn.us.
Decide where to enroll – and which courses to take.
There is no list of available PSEO courses available across the state. Students should locate the list of PSEO courses offered by the postsecondary institution where they would like to enroll. Refer to the list of PSEO Participating Institutions approved to offer PSEO in Minnesota; most of these institutions have their own PSEO webpage and contact information for PSEO coordinators on the college campus. These contacts can help families navigate the admissions process, find or explain classes and schedules, and provide general information. Many colleges offer PSEO orientation nights or informational sessions. Participation in PSEO is based on space availability in the desired course.
Minnesota West Information
Ellsworth students have traditionally used Minnesota West for PSEO courses.
PSEO eligibility Requirements
Minnesota High School sophomores, juniors and seniors may be eligible to take one or more college-level courses through PSEO if they meet the certain requirements, including the following:
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11th & 12th grade: High School GPA of 2.6(+) in Reading or 2.8(+) in Math
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Sophomore/10th grade: Complete the 8th grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) reading test and meet the proficiency of “meets or exceeds.” Sophomores who qualify for PSEO may enroll in one career and technical education course.
Application Deadlines:
Notify your High School of your intent to enroll in PSEO by the following dates:
APPLICATION STEPS
Step 1: Meet With Your High School Counselor
Make an appointment with your high school counselor to review your high school graduation requirements. Contracted public school students should complete a PSEO Student Registration Form.
Non-contracted public schools, private, charter and home school students will need to complete a PSEO Notice of Student Registration form.
Step 2: Submit a FREE Online Application
Start Your Application
Tips for applying:
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Before you apply, you will need to “Create a StarID.” (Write down your StarID, as you will need it while you are a Minnesota West student.)
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After you have created your StarID, return to the application webpage and click “Login.”
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Under the Application Type, choose “Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Student."
You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24-hours after submitting your online application. Following the e-mail confirmation, a letter from Minnesota West will arrive within two weeks of your submission.
Step 3: Send Minnesota West Your High School Transcript
Request that your high school send a current official high school transcript showing class rank/size.
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Attn: Admissions Staff
1593 11th Avenue
Granite Falls, MN 56241
Electronic official transcripts can be issued directly to admissions@mnwest.edu from the High School.
PSEO Courses for 10th Grade students
For more information, explore the MN West PSEO website.
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