Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options FAQ
Post Secondary Enrollment Options For Minnesota High School Students Frequently Asked Questions
What is PSEO?
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options program, also known as PSEO, allows eligible high school students to take college level classes on college campuses while still enrolled in high school. The Minnesota Department of Education pays for PSEO tuition and books, so there is no cost to PSEO students or their families. Students have an opportunity to receive both high school and college/university credit for PSEO courses that are completed.
Who is eligible for PSEO?
11th or 12th graders in any public, nonpublic, home school or tribal school are eligible. Students must be accepted by a post-secondary institution and may enroll either full or part-time in nonsectarian courses or programs at that post-secondary institution.
Where are PSEO classes offered?
Students can apply to take PSEO classes at any eligible two year or four year college that has a PSEO program.
Around the Minneapolis area these colleges include the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), North Hennepin Community College, Metro State, and several other public and private institutions.
Why should high school students participate in PSEO?
Lots of reasons!
Get a jump start on your future: earn college credits while still in high school.
Learn more about college and explore interests in classes that may not be offered at your high school.
Save money: tuition and books are paid by the state of Minnesota.
Save time: you’ll be able to enter college with some credits already completed.
How do I apply?
You can get PSEO application materials from your school counselor or visit the website.
When is the deadline to apply for PSEO classes?
Application deadlines vary. Here are just a few:
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: April 1, 2008
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Oct 1-2008
Minneapolis Community and Technical College:
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: May 19, 2008
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Nov. 3, 2008
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: June 6, 2008
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Dec. 14, 2008
North Hennepin Community College:
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: July 1, 2008
- Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Dec. 1, 2008
Where can I get more information about PSEO?
First, check with your high school counselor and make sure you are able to fulfill all of your high school graduation requirements.
The Minnesota Dept of Education: Karen Johnson, 651/582-8733 (karen.m.johnson@state.mn.us)
Check out the PSEO students’ blog (a collection of resources and reflections by current PSEO students and recent graduates):
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cschhh/exchange
This summary is brought to you by the PSEO Communications Council, a group of current PSEO students and recent graduates who want to make sure that all students know that they, too, can take advantage of this great opportunity to experience college while still in high school!
Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008
PSEO participant Lebree Perry recognized as Student of the week!
Insight News highlights IDDS student and active PSEO participant, Lebree Perry, as the Student of the Week!
Aharon Miencha
Aharon Miencha is a 12th grader in Interdistrict Downtown School. He has taken PSEO classes at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities such as English Composition, American Studies, Comparative Literature, Political Science, and Calculus. His Postsecondary/career goal is to complete an as-of-yet undetermined major at Hamline University. Readers should know that Aharon is an open-minded individual and believes that everyone has an opinion based on their own perspective. His message, “I'd like for people to look at everyone's PSEO experiences with an open mind on how it benefit them most.”
High School or PSEO???
There are a number of Important differences to consider!
High School
*High school is mandatory
*Your time is structured by others
*Parents and teachers remind you of responsibilities and help set priorities
*Most classes are arranged for you
*The school year is typically 36 weeks long
*You may study about 0-2 hours/week, typically for last-minute test prep
*You are typically told what you need to learn from assigned readings
*Teachers check your completed work
*Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance
*Teachers are often available before, during, or after class
*Teachers often remind you of assignments and due dates
*Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material
*Teachers often arrange test dates to avoid conflict with school events
*Grades are given for most assigned work
*Grades are based on homework and tests
*Courses typically reward a “good faith” effort
College
*College is voluntary
*YOU manage your own time
*YOU balance responsibilities and set priorities
*You arrange your schedule
*The school year has two semesters
*You need to study 2-3 hours for each hour in class, including a lot of individual reading
*Lectures/assignments assume you have read/understand the assigned material
*Homework is not always checked, but it’s assumed you can do similar tasks on tests
*Professors typically expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance
*Professors usually want you to attend their scheduled office hours
*Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus for due dates
*Testing is often infrequent and cumulative, covering large amounts of material
*Tests are scheduled without regard for other classes and outside activities
*Some required assignments aren’t graded
*Most grades are based on tests and papers
*While “good faith” is important, it won’t typically change the grade you earned
Nickolai Wilson
Nickolai Wilson is currently a junior at the Inter District Downtown School in Minneapolis. He is taking PSEO coursework in philosophy and English at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Nickolai hopes to complete as many PSEO courses as he can at MCTC so that he is done with all the general coursework needed for college. Readers should know that Nickolai likes math and that his native language is Russian; he speaks English as a second language.
Jahi Bernard
Jahi Bernard is a senior at the Inter District Downtown School in Minneapolis. He has taken PSEO courses such as History, English and Japanese at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Jahi’s career goal is to pursue a degree in International Business and Management.
Readers should know that Jahi is going to be an exchange student in Japan next year!
Catalina Nguyen
Catalina Nguyen is a junior at Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota. She has taken PSEO courses in Spanish and pharmacy at the University of Minnesota. Her academic goal is pursue a degree in Pharmacy.
Readers should know that Catalina loves science and history. She speaks three languages fluently: Spanish, Vietnamese and English. She also enjoys painting, singing and dancing.
Erik Sarkinen
Erik Sarkinen is a junior at Rockford High School and is taking fulltime PSEO courses at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus. He has already taken PSEO courses in physics, chemistry, writing and math. Erik’s career goal is to obtain a degree in electrical engineering.
Readers should know that, in his spare time, Erik likes to play hockey and get into some dirt-biking.
Chris Fredregill
Chris Fredregill is currently a senior at Woodbury Sr. High School. He has taken several PSEO math courses, Italian and Psychology. Chris’s goal is to obtain a B.S in Mathematics with an Actuarial emphasis and possibly attend graduate school in a math related program.
Readers should know that Chris loves math as well as playing drums. He also likes to practice his Italian and Spanish.
Jeff Hunger's PSEO Experience
Jeffrey Hunger is currently a student in the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota. Here’s what he has to say about how taking PSEO classes in high school shaped his plans for college and career….
During my senior year of high school, I felt as if I had reached a stagnant point in my education. I had exhausted most of the course options offered at my small high school, and was experiencing quite a bit of boredom. It was then that I decided to investigate my PSEO options, which lead me to Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
