Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating post-secondary institutions. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Additionally there may be requirements and prerequisites for courses. Additional information to consider:

• Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in the Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09.
• PSEO credits will be awarded as 1/4 of the college credit amount. For example 4 college credits = 2 high school semester credits or 1 full year.
• Students may earn high school credits under PSEO and do not need to have completed all high school requirements before participating in PSEO.
• Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09.
• Grade point and class rank requirements for participation in PSEO vary among institutions of higher education.
• Tuition and books or fees for items that are required to participate are provided at no cost to the student under PSEO.
• PSEO grades are not weighted.
• Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

Students should meet with their Dean to discuss this possibility and to obtain more information.  

Registration Deadlines

Students that are interested in taking college classes through the PSEO (Post-Secondary Education Option) program should note the following application deadlines.  For a further listing of application due dates, please visit the colleges’ PSEO websites.

Post-Secondary Planning

According to the “Choosing A College” guide from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the best way to prepare for a four year college is for students to challenge themselves while in high school by taking rigorous courses in core subjects. Even if students have completed the high school’s graduation requirements, it will increase chances for success in college by taking more advanced mathematics, science, English and social studies courses. Most four-year colleges and universities require the following, at a minimum, for admission: – Four years of English (including composition and literature) – Three and one-half years of social studies (including one year each of U.S. history and geography) – Three years of mathematics (including two years of algebra and one year of geometry)

*** Some colleges are now requiring four years of math*** – Three years of science (including one year each of a biological and physical science) – Two years of a single world language – One year of either world culture or fine arts Public two-year colleges accept all high school graduates and GED holders. However, some programs offered at these schools are more selective and have higher admissions standards and waiting lists to get in. Some students find they must spend a semester or even two just getting ready to enter a two-year career program by taking basic required courses they could have taken in high school. That is why high school preparation is so important. Students who master core subjects while in high school save money and time in college.

***Four years of math is required for admission to the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester campuses.

*** Associate Degrees Associate degree programs require the equivalent of two years of full-time study. They are designed to either prepare individuals for an occupation, or to provide a foundation for the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Some general education courses are included in associate degree programs such as English and mathematics.

****Bachelor’s Degrees All baccalaureate or bachelor’s degrees require the equivalent of at least four years of full-time study. The degree includes both general courses and advanced course work in a defined area of study, typically called a major. There are hundreds of programs of study that lead to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), or discipline-specific bachelor’s degrees such as the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Fine Arts.

College Entrance Exams Most four-year colleges in Minnesota require that students be in the upper half of their graduating class and perform satisfactorily on an entrance test such as the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The ACT tests the four areas of English, math, science, and reading. An optional 30-minute Writing Test was added to the ACT Assessment. Students may register for the Writing Test when they register to take the ACT. It is not possible to register for a separate ACT Writing Test; it must be taken in addition to and at the same time as the ACT Assessment. More information about the ACT Assessment and the Writing Test is available at ACT.org*. Students should check if the writing portion is required for admission to their potential college. The SAT contains three sections: critical reading, math, and writing. The mandatory writing section includes a multiple-choice component and a 25-minute essay component. The addition of the writing section increases the total possible score from 1600 to 2400. More information about the new SAT is available at College Board.org.

Lakeville North High School’s code is #241-325

Lakeville South High School’s testing code is 241-326