Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th,11th, and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If they earn at least a grade of C in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses. There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) PSEO website for more information including an updated list of participating colleges and to download the required 2022-2023 PSEO Notice of Student Registration form. Note: This might not be available until February. The 2021-2022 form will NOT be accepted.
HOW TO BECOME A PSEO STUDENT:
- Follow the PSEO application directions found on the college’s website. Make sure all required documents are completed and signed.
- Request an official high school transcript for your application. Some colleges also require a copy of your standardized test scores ( ACT, PSAT…)
- After the college receives your completed application, you will be notified by the college about your admission decision. All paperwork must be submitted before the college’s posted deadline.
AFTER YOU ARE ACCEPTED AS A PSEO STUDENT:
- Complete the placement test at the college if they require one. (Students may substitute ACT exam score of 18 or higher in English and/or a score of 22 or higher in math)
- Attend orientation and registration - attendance required before PSEO registration (Bring placement test results or ACT exam results to your orientation and registration session).
- Meet with your EPHS counselor to discuss appropriate college classes and to adjust your EPHS schedule.
- If accepted during the summer, see the EPHS registrar to adjust your EPHS schedule.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Students who begin PSEO mid-year will often find that the end of the EPHS semester one overlaps with the beginning of the colleges’ second semesters. Students must realize that they are responsible for all of the EPHS coursework through the end of the semester.
Students may participate as a full-time or part-time student. PSEO students may participate in EPHS co-curricular activities, dances, etc.
Students enrolled in Normandale for PSEO can have a full EPHS schedule in addition to PSEO classes. Students enrolled in other colleges have to have at least one open hour each term in their EPHS schedule.
If you are aiming for the Honors Diploma, make sure to ask your high school counselor for the PSEO approved courses list. Not all courses are approved.
Neither EPHS nor parents have access to monitor the student’s PSEO grades and progress.
Students are responsible to communicate with their Connections teachers and/or find announcements on the high school website if they will not be attending Connections. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain announcements, graduation materials (including ordering your Cap and Gown).
Most PSEO participating colleges automatically send final grades to the student’s high school. The exact grade assigned by the college is transferred to the EPHS transcript. For most colleges, one college credit equates to a .5 EPHS credit.The Pass/No Credit and Drop Policies are followed according to the college’s handbook. Students need to complete a PSEO enrollment form each semester (found on MDE website).
Students should be registered as a full-time EPHS student until they meet with their counselor to adjust their schedule. Summer enrollment may happen when the counseling office is closed so plan accordingly by being prepared with a graduation balance sheet from your counselor prior to the last day of school.
