High School / PSEO

Explanation of PSEO

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program for motivated high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to talk classes at a college or university while in high school. In the PSEO program, high school students who meet qualifications will take class on campus at a college or online. These classes will earn them dual credit at the high school and the college. This program covers the cost of tuition, fees and books. There may be addition equipment fees depending on the classes a student registers for.

PSEO students can take one class through college or they can take all their courses through college. They can use PSEO as a way to explore what college will be like, try different technical classes to help decide on a future career, or complete a full AAS, AS degree. PSEO is designed for the student to take charge of the education and future. At DCTC PSEO students will work closely with their advisor to ensure their educational goals are being met, that they are successful in their classes, and to navigate the next steps after PSEO.

PSEO is at no cost to the high school student. All classes, textbooks, and fees will be covered. There may be instances with certain programs where students are expected to purchase non-consumable tools which they will keep at the end of the semester. These tools and their cost are the responsibility of the student and are not covered in the PSEO program.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Education's website for more information about PSEO.

Courses and Programs Available to PSEO Students

General Education Courses

PSEO students are eligible to take any general education course which they meet the prerequisites. Visit https://www.dctc.edu/mntc for the list of general education courses offered at DCTC.

General education courses will be the courses most likely to be accepted for high school requirements. We encourage students to talk regularly with their high school to ensure that they are staying on track for high school graduation requirements. We have a PSEO Advising Form to help students track what classes they need to take.

Technical Courses and Programs

PSEO students are welcome to take Technical Courses however additional application requirements apply. DCTC has many program which require students to complete the entire program as a full time student in the order listed on the program data sheet. These programs are considered high demand programs and come with additional application requirements. Acceptance into PSEO does not guarantee acceptance into a high demand program. Completing the high demand program application will place PSEO students on a waitlist. If the traditional student waitlist is exhausted and a space is available, that spot will be offered to an interested PSEO student who has completed this process.

For programs which are not high demand, as long as a student meets the prerequisites they are welcome to try that technical course/program.

Due to state law, there are a few programs which PSEO students are unable to participate as a PSEO student. We encourage students interested in these program to complete the generals while they are in high school. These program prohibited for PSEO students are: Brewing and Beer Steward Technology, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing, and Veterinary Technician.

Am I Ready for PSEO?

Successful Traits

• Successful PSEO students exhibit the following qualities: an independent learning style, good time management skills and a willingness to seek help when it is needed. PSEO will challenge students. It is expected that a PSEO student will seek out assistance and support when needed.
• PSEO students will need to be able to commit 2-3 hours of study time for every hour they are in the class room. When deciding if you are ready for PSEO you will need to take into account how many hours a week your work, participate in after school activities and are socially active. Missing class and turning in late assignments because of high school obligations such as band and sports are generally not accepted in PSEO.
• A successful PSEO student does not need to take all classes at the college. They can take as few as on class or have their entire schedule based at the college. What is expected is that the student is going to take responsibility for their college classes, participate in group work, and seek out the instructor for clarification of class discussions and homework.

Transportation

The PSEO program does not provide transportation to DCTC. Students will need to be able to travel to and from the college, or they will only be able to participate in online classes. DCTC is along the Metro bus route 420. Please visit their website for more information about the bus schedule.

Information Sessions and Tours

View Upcoming PSEO Informational Sessions

• Tour the college or one of the programs Dakota County Technical College offers
• Meet the Academic Advisor of PSEO who will share her expertise about PSEO and what students need to be successful.
• Learn what is required to qualify for PSEO and how to apply.
• Receive hands on assistance getting started on the Admissions process

Unable to make a PSEO informational session? Call ahead before any Tuesday Campus Visit, and schedule time to meet with the PSEO Advisor after the visit, 651-423-8000. Please note calling a week in advance is advised to ensure that the advisor will be available after the visit.

Schedule an appointment with the PSEO advisor by emailing advising@dctc.edu. Please note that certain times of the year the PSEO advisor will have limited availability to meet.

• PSEO Admissions Checklist
• Programs/Courses Available to PSEO Students
• PSEO Advising Form
  Complete this form with your high school counselor before Orientation. Bring the completed form to Orientation.
• 2021-22 Notice of Registration
  This form must be filled out each semester the student registers for classes.
  • 2021-22 Notice of Student Registration Form (Word Version)
  • 2021-22 Notice of Student Registration Form (Digital Signature)
  • 2021-22 Notice of Student Registration (Fillable PDF)
• View General Education Courses available to PSEO Students.
• PSEO Electronic Application
• PSEO Printable Application
• Complete Immunization Requirement (home-schooled students only)
• Submit the PSEO Contract must be initialed and signed by parents and student
• Download the PSEO High Demand Program Application Form
• Minnesota Department of Education: Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
• MN Dept. of Education PSEO Reference Guide

Fall Semester Priority Deadline: June 1
Fall Semester Deadline: July 1
Spring Semester Deadline: December 1

All application materials must be received by the deadline. Documents received after the deadline will not be considered.

Fall Priority Deadline is set to allow students the best possible schedule for classes in the fall. Students with applications completed after the priority deadline may experience issues with lack of available courses.

Steps to Apply to PSEO

1. Determine PSEO is right for you
2. Complete the PSEO Application
   • PSEO students can apply electronically or with the paper application
   • PSEO students younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian signature on the application
3. Complete the PSEO Contract
   • Students and parents must read and initial each item on the contract.
   • Talk with the PSEO Advisor if you have any questions about the rules and regulations with PSEO before you and your parent or guardian signs
4. Turn in an official high school transcript
   • High school transcript must be from the same high school as listed on the notice of registration.
5. Complete and turn in the Notice of Registration
   • Part 1 must be completed by the PSEO student and if the student is younger than 18 signed by a parent.
   • Part 2 must be completed by the high school.
   • If any part is not completed the Notice of Registration will be returned to the student and not accepted.
6. Take the ACCUPLACER
   • PSEO students must complete the ACCUPLACER, or submit qualifying Math and English scores before the deadline for the semester they are applying for.
   • Failure to complete this step by the deadline will result in the student being denied for the semester they applied for.
7. Meet the qualifications for PSEO
   • 10^th Grade
     • Have passed the 8^th Grade Reading Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) with a "Meets the Standards” indicator
     • OR received a score of 250 on the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Assessment.
   • 11^th Grade
     • Rank in the upper third of graduating class.
     • OR have a composite score of 24 or higher on the ACT
     • OR have a score of 250 or higher on the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension
     • OR have received a 10th grade MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher
   • 12^th Grade
     • Rank in the upper half of graduating class
     • OR have a composite score of 21 or higher on the ACT
     • OR have a score of 250 or higher on the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension
     • OR have received a 10th grade MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher
8. For Homeschooled students only:
   • Submit the Immunization Form.

Additional Steps to Apply to a Technical Program while in PSEO

Students interested in a technical program must complete the additional steps to be considered for that program. Acceptance to PSEO does not guarantee acceptance to a program. Please see the Course and Programs available to PSEO students section for a complete list of program requiring these additional steps:

9. Submit the High Demand Program Form
   • Students interested in specific programs at DCTC need to be aware of what additional requirements are needed for their program of interest. Acceptance to the PSEO program does not immediately accept students to a program on campus. Please speak with the PSEO advisor about additional program specific requirements.
10. Complete program specific requirements.
    • Visit dctc.edu/admissions for additional requirements
11. Complete a traditional student application.
    • Students applying to a program as a PSEO must also complete a traditional application. This ensures that if there is no space available for a PSEO student, they will have a spot available in the first open semester after their graduation.

Optional documents to submit:

12. Authorization to Release Data
    • PSEO students are protected under FERPA as a college student. Regardless of age, once a student has applied to the PSEO program DCTC will not discuss a student's account without their written permission. The Authorization to Release Data form must be completed for each person that a student wishes to grant access to. The student must also specify which information the college can discuss with the person listed on the form. DCTC will not accept an Authorization to Release Data form by email.
13. Placement Test/ACCUPLACER Exemption Form
    • Students whose MCA's or ACT test scores exempt students from needing to take the ACCUPLACER test must submit an exemption form with official test scores. Please note exemption forms must be turned in with official documents by the deadline to be considered for application. No documents turned in after the deadline will be considered for admissions
14. Accommodations
    • Students who utilize an IEP at the high school level should contact the Office of Accessibility Services at DCTC. While the K12 IEP is not valid at the postsecondary level, PSEO students are eligible for accommodations. PSEO students are expected to seek out the Accessibility Services to set up accommodations before classes start. Choosing not to reach out to Accessibility Services prior to classes starting will result in a delay of or denial of accommodations. You can contact Accessibility Services at 651-423-8469.

* All steps must be complete and received by the Admissions Department at DCTC by the deadline for the semester applied for. No late applications will be accepted. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all materials are received on time.

Accepted: Now what?

15. Register for Orientation
    All new PSEO students at DCTC must attend Orientation. There is only one Orientation for PSEO students each semester.
    • Orientation Dates:
      • Fall Priority: Second Monday of June
      • Fall: July Dates TBD
      • Spring: Second Monday of December
    • Preparing for Orientation:
      • PSEO Advising Form needs to be completed and brought to Orientation. Failure to complete this form and bring it to orientation will result in a delay of registration.
      • Please meet with a high school guidance counselor before orientation to decide what to take in PSEO. DCTC is not responsible for high school graduation requirements. The Advisors at orientation will help you to choose a schedule that meets PSEO guidelines for DCTC. It is your responsibility to ensure that the classes you take will keep you on track to graduate high school.
    • At Orientation
      • Orientation will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Students will learn: the policies of PSEO, the policies for DCTC as a college student, how to use the online tools, how to get textbooks, register for classes, and meet the other PSEO students on campus.
      • PSEO students are encouraged to bring a parent or guardian to orientation.
16. Interested in a Program
    • If you are interested in a program you should also complete a traditional student application for the program of interest.

Changing Class Schedules

1. PSEO students can add/drop classes until the 5^th day of the semester
   • Adding/dropping classes does not affect the student’s transcript.
   • It is encouraged that students contact their high school guidance counselor and the PSEO advisor before making any changes to their schedule.
2. Adding classes after the 5^th day of the semester
   • Classes added after the 5^th day of the semester must be approved by a PSEO Advisor.
3. Withdrawing from classes
   • Withdrawing happens when a student drops classes after the 5^th day of the semester. A "W" appears on the student’s transcript. This does not affect a student’s college G.P.A. but it will affect a student’s cumulative completion percentage at college.
   • Withdrawing from a college course will transfer back to the high school as a fail grade.
   • You should refer to the course schedule to determine the last date in which you can withdraw from a class.
   • PSEO students must contact the PSEO advisor before withdrawing from a course.
4. Maintaining "Satisfactory Academic Progress"
   • PSEO students are held to the same academic standards as a traditional student. They must maintain a cumulative 2.0 G.P.A and a cumulative completion percentage of 67%
     • Students who drop below this standing for one semester are placed on warning.
     • Students who remain below this standard for 2 consecutive semester will be suspended.

Textbooks

1. Checking out Textbooks
   • In-Person Process:
     • Register for courses.
     • Once schedule is determined and the bookstore has started selling books for the upcoming semester a PSEO student will take their printed schedule and their StarID to the bookstore.
     • Tell the bookstore clerk that you are a PSEO student.
     • The bookstore will get your textbooks.
     • You will need to put a credit card on file with the bookstore.
     • PSEO students have until the 5^th day of the semester to check out their books from the bookstore.
     • Keep the receipt. You will need this when returning textbooks
   • Online Process:
     • Register for courses.
     • Once schedule is determined and the bookstore has started selling books for the upcoming semester a PSEO student can log into their bookstore account to request books.
     • Log in or create an account with the bookstore.
     • Select the classes that you have registered for.
     • Add the books from those classes to your cart and proceed to check out.
     • Select Third Party for payment option and select PSEO.
     • PSEO students have until the 5^th day of the semester to check out their books from the bookstore.
     • Keep the receipt. You will need this when returning textbooks
2. Returning Textbooks
   • Process:
     • All textbooks and materials must be returned by the date listed on the bookstore website.
       • Students who have a final after the time the bookstore closes must return the book before their final starts.
     • Late returned or/and damaged books are not accepted. Any book that is returned late, or damaged will be charged to the student. Student’s transcripts will not be released until the charge is paid.

Continuing for a second semester

1. PSEO students who wish to register for a second semester must complete a new Notice of Registration and a new high school transcript. They must be turned into the Enrollment Services office and processed.
2. Once the Notice of Registration form has been turned in the student will meet with the PSEO advisor to discuss what courses they wish to register for. Once you have talked with your advisor you will receive an Access Code.
3. On the date of Open Enrollment will be able to register for the next semester courses.

Planning on transferring after DCTC?

1. Save all course syllabi to help make the credit transfer process easier.
2. Meet with the PSEO advisor and the advisors at your next college to best determine what classes are right for you.

Graduating High School and continuing with DCTC

• Apply as a traditional student
  • Students already in a program should note on their application they are already in the program.
  • Students interested in a waitlisted program should apply as early as possible for the program of choice. Many programs have a waitlist that is a year out. Meaning if you graduate high school June 2020, you will need to apply for the program by June 2019 to reserve your spot in the program.
• Attend Traditional Student Orientation
  • PSEO orientation will not exempt you from traditional orientation. Continuing students will not be able to register for classes until they have attended tradition orientation.
• Submit official high school transcript after graduation
• Apply for the FAFSA

Graduating High School and Transferring to another College

• Apply early to your next college.
• Remember that you will need to send an updated transcript once final grades are posted.
• Generally, general education courses are automatically transferred without additional steps being required.
• Technical education courses will need to be evaluated by the school you are transferring to. It is a good idea to save all course syllabi.

Graduating from High School and Gradating from DCTC

• Apply for graduation at DCTC by April 1^st. Applications after April 1st are not guaranteed to be processed in time for your name to appear in the graduation booklet.
• Remember DCTC's graduation occurs in early May. You will want to purchase your graduation gown and hat starting in April

What is the PSEO program?

The Post Secondary Enrollment Options program, also known as PSEO, was created in 1985 as a means to "promote rigorous educational pursuits and provide a wider variety of options for students." Through PSEO, high school students receive both high school and college/university credit for college or university courses that are completed. Through PSEO, students may take courses on a college or university campus or, where available, at their high school. PSEO courses offered in high school are commonly called concurrent enrollment courses.

Who is eligible for PSEO?

Students currently enrolled in high school, who meet the Minnesota Residency Guidelines, meet the qualifications, and have at least one open class period can participate in PSEO. Please review the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Reference Guide found on Minnesota Department of Education’s website for more specific information.

Can PSEO students take online classes?

Yes, all college level courses with space availability are available for PSEO student. Certain limitations are based on program eligibility.

How much does is cost to be in PSEO?

The PSEO program covers all course tuition, fees, and required textbooks. Supplies that the student keeps at the end of the semester will be purchased by the student. Books and materials that are not returned by the due date at the end of the semester will be charged to the students account and their transcript will not be released until the balance has been paid.

Can PSEO students take summer classes?

No, the PSEO program is only an option during the regular academic year (fall and spring semesters). Students interested in enrolling in summer courses can speak with the Admissions Office about summer courses, you will need to reapply to the university before enrolling in summer courses. Students will be responsible for tuition, fees, and textbooks for summer courses.

What academic standards do PSEO students need to meet in order to remain enrolled in the PSEO program?

All students in the PSEO program will be expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 ("C") or better and maintain a course completion rate of 67% or higher. If a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and 67% completion rate is not maintained, students will be dropped from the PSEO program.

What if a student does not successfully complete a college-level PSEO course?

That is a risk for students in this program. If a class required for high school graduation is not successfully completed, the student might not be able to graduate with their high school class. In addition, there will be a permanent college or university transcript on which the grade is recorded.

When can I register for my PSEO classes?

New PSEO students are required to attend new PSEO student orientation and will register for PSEO classes at orientation.

Returning PSEO students do not need to attend PSEO orientation again and will register on their own starting on the date of open enrollment.

Do I have to attend a PSEO orientation session?

All first-time PSEO students must attend a special PSEO orientation session. Information about the orientation session will be emailed to the PSEO student upon acceptance to the PSEO program. Students must be accepted to the PSEO program to attend orientation.

Will my PSEO coursework transfer to other colleges and universities?

All courses taken in the PSEO program will appear on the Dakota County Technical College transcript. Courses that are part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum are widely transferable among state colleges and universities for general education credit. The receiving institution determines how coursework counts towards completion of the student’s degree. If you are interested in transferring to another college or university please work with the PSEO advisor to assist you to transfer your courses to the receiving college.

Is there a maximum number of credits I can take?

Dakota County Technical College encourages PSEO students to limit their credit load their first semester to 12 credits and PSEO students need permission from the PSEO advisor at Dakota County Technical College if they wish to take more than 18 credits in one semester.

Is there transportation available?

PSEO students are responsible for their own travel to and from Dakota County Technical College. There is not a public transportation option to DCTC. There is a travel reimbursement option for students who meet the income guidelines.

Can I participate in high school activities if I am a PSEO student?

Yes, PSEO students are still able to participate in high school activates as long as they do not interfere with the students class time. In addition, high schools must let PSEO students use technology on the high school to assist with college homework. PSEO students are also eligible to participate in college events at DCTC.

I use an IEP can I use it as a PSEO student?

Accommodations are available with the appropriate documentation, however the K12 IEP is not valid in the Post-Secondary setting. PSEO students are expected to seek out the Accessibility Services to set up accommodations before classes start. Choosing not to reach out to Accessibility Services prior to classes starting will result in a delay of or denial of accommodations. You can contact Accessibility Services at 651-423-8469.

How do I allow my parents to have access to my account information?

FERPA states that "If a student is attending a postsecondary institution –at any age- the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student." PSEO students who wish for their parents or guardians to have access to college records should complete the Authorization to Release Data. Students much select what type of information they wish to grant authorization to.

Are there courses that I cannot take as a PSEO student?

Yes. PSEO students are unable to register for:

• Developmental courses (below 1000 level)
• See Courses/Programs available form for a complete list of programs prohibited from PSEO
• Summer Courses

I am interested in a specific program. Can I complete the entire program as a PSEO?

PSEO students are able to enroll in MOST programs offered at DCTC if there is space available on the date of open enrollment. Each program will have their own specific requirements that a PSEO student must meet to qualify for. There are certain exceptions and limits to PSEO students in programs. The programs that have required summer courses: a PSEO student must pay out of pocket for those courses, including tuition, fees, books and supplies. Please contact the PSEO Advisor for more specific information pertaining to the program of interest.

Are the PSEO credits transferable to another college?

Yes. All DCTC credits are accredited and transferable.

What if I need to change my schedule?

PSEO students have until the 5^th day of the semester to make any changes to their schedule. Courses registered for after the 5^th day of the semester will not be covered by the PSEO program. It is not required that a PSEO student meets with the PSEO advisor before they make a change to their schedule but it is encouraged.

After the 5^th day of the semester if a PSEO student chooses to drop a course it will be considered a withdrawal and their transcript will reflect the withdrawn course.

How does college coursework compare to high school coursework?

College courses are more academically challenging, and the primary responsibility for learning is yours. You should plan to spend two to three hours of study for every hour spend in class. If you also work and/or participate in after-school activities, consider whether PSEO will be a good fit. Keep in mind, you will be taking classes with students who have already completed high school.

What are the expectations as a PSEO student?

PSEO students are expected to:

• Attend all regularly scheduled classes
• Be aware that high school academic calendar differs from DCTC’s academic calendar, which means you may have college classes on days you do not have high school classes.
• Arrive to class on time, be prepared and complete all assignments
• Keep in regular contact with both your high school counselor and the PSEO Advisor
• Read all materials provided to you at orientation and sent to you via email and regular mail.
• Be respectful and follow all university policies, procedures, and the Student Code of Conduct
• Check your email daily and read all messages sent from the college.