Advancement Placement VS. PSEO
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 nonsectarian 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 admissions 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 are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis.
COST
There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.
ACTIVITIES POLICY
Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.
School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether online or on campus.
Steps 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. Access the list of Participating Postsecondary Institutions
- Send a copy of your current high school transcript through Parchment that includes cumulative GPA. Some colleges also require a copy of your standardized test score ( ACT, PSAT…)
- After the college receives your completed application, you will be notified by the college about your admission decision. Students will not be accepted until all paperwork listed above has been submitted.
AFTER you are accepted as a PSEO student
- Complete the placement test if required. (Students may substitute ACT exam score of 18 or higher in English and/or a score of 22 or higher in math)
- Schedule an appointment with your high school counselor to discuss appropriate college classes and to adjust your CNS schedule. Students are required to inform their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses by May 30.
- Meet with PSEO Advisor & register for classes (typically in the summer).
- Email your high school counselor about your PSEO course list for final approval.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Neither CNS nor parents have access to monitor the student’s progress in their PSEO classes. They are considered a college student and protected by FERPA.
PSEO participating colleges automatically send final grades to the student’s high school. The exact grade assigned by the college is transferred to student's transcript. For most colleges, one college credit equates to a .25 CNS 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).
For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage
