Information February 8, 2017 Paul Anderson, Counselor Riverland Community College paul.anderson@riverland.edu
What is Post Secondary Enrollment Options? Definition: “PSEO is a Minnesota state program *that allows advanced high school students to take college-level courses while still in high school. Eligible juniors and seniors take courses that earn both high school and college credit at the same time, for the same courses. These courses also apply toward high school class rank and high school graduation”.
Who can be a PSEO student? Must be classified as a junior or senior (2017-2018 school year). Sophomores can take 1 credit of career/technical course work. Must meet the entrance requirements for a PSEO student: Seniors: Must rank in top 50% of class (current juniors) Juniors: Must rank in top 33% of class (current sophomores) Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.50 or higher and meets any/all of the course prerequisites & Accuplacer cut scores Must score at college level reading on the Accuplacer Test - 78 minimum score for ENGL 1101 Freshman English 63 minimum score for other Liberal Arts classes To take Math classes, one must score at college level on Accuplacer
Qualifying using ACT scores You can qualify for PSEO by using ACT test scores You need an ACT Reading 21 score for Freshman English You need an ACT Reading 16 score for other Liberal Arts courses You need an ACT Reading 15 score for some Career/Technical courses To take Math classes, one must score at least a 16 on the Math ACT. Higher level Math classes require a higher score.
How do you continue as a PSEO student? Attend classes regularly and do well! Meet college Satisfactory Progress requirements: 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate for all credits
What are some advantages of PSEO? Academic challenge Variety of courses and many career options Credits count at both college and high school Students can still participate in all high school activities and athletics - MSHSL rules apply The State of Minnesota pays for the tuition and books for PSEO students
Experience post secondary education without leaving home Chance to be more independent Get a head start on a degree – especially helpful for those going into professions requiring advanced degrees Possibly earn a degree before graduating
Things to consider “Is this option in your best interests?” Scheduling and School Calendars are not the same: Part-time PSEO can be challenging Faculty expectations: Adult behavior Grading may mean 2 or 3 exams and a research paper/project. No late work accepted. No reminders. No extra credit. No excuses for “not knowing.” Additional class supplies are not covered – such as art supplies, cosmetology kits, tools Transportation not covered
Freedom and Responsibility ~ Attendance is important! You need to attend every class! Regular attendance is the number one strategy for student success! Can you handle the increased free time? 15 – 16 hours of class per week, rather than full days at high school. Rule of thumb – for every hour of class, spend two hours on homework This is not a time to increase employment hours Are you independent and self-motivated?
What are your next steps? Class rank/GPA requirements met? Find application materials on the Riverland website: www.riverland.edu Choose: Admissions/College Credit in High School/ PSEO/New PSEO Student/Applying for Riverland & PSEO Download the application materials Make an appointment with your high school counselor , complete all the paperwork and get all signatures – student, parent and high school counselor or principal Bring completed paperwork with you to your RCC appointment. IMPORTANT STEP-You can’t register without it.
Deadline for all PSEO paperwork to be finished and mailed to Riverland: Tuesday, August 1 st HOWEVER: High School counselors aren’t always available in the summer. College Counselor availability is limited. The earlier you sign up for classes, the better your options are because classes fill up. BEST to apply and register for classes EARLY !! Fall Schedule available online starting February 27 th . Registration for PSEO can begin April 3rd. New student PSEO can begin around April 22 nd .
After Acceptance Letter Arrives: 1. Register for and take the Accuplacer (if you have not yet done so). - Go to Riverland website: www.riverland.edu - Choose Student Services/Accuplacer/Register -Prepare for test-Accuplacer/Preparing … test 2. Complete Riverland PSEO orientation, on campus 3. Schedule a meeting with a Riverland counselor to register for classes (Call 433-0600).
AUSTIN RIVERLAND COUNSELORS: Paul Anderson: Monday-Friday(Albert Lea Mon/Thurs.) Jeanne Poppe: Monday-Friday (Owatonna one day) On legislative leave for January-May/Theresa Spiering CALL 433-0600 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A RIVERLAND COUNSELOR!
But wait - what if you do not meet the accuplacer test requirements? Make arrangements to “retest”. There is no fee to retest. You may only retest twice in an academic year. Register for the test on the Riverland website under Student Services/Accuplacer or come to campus to test or register Practice tests are available on the R.C.C. website under Admissions/Accuplacer/Preparing for Accuplacer An ACT score can replace the Accuplacer. Ask for qualifying scores.
Final thoughts… You only have one chance to be a high school student – you can go to college forever! Questions? Paul D. Anderson, Counselor Riverland Community College – Austin campus 507-433-0698 – direct line 433-0600 - appointments paul.anderson@riverland.edu
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