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The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program allows high school and home-schooled juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit for courses completed through a college or university. Metropolitan State University participates in this program.

Learn more about PSEO and how it can benefit you.

  • Seniors must rank in the upper half of their class or have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or have an ACT composite score of 21 or higher
  • Juniors must rank in the upper third of their class or have at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA or have an ACT composite score of 21 or higher
  • Sophomores may explore available courses at other Minnesota State institutions. Metropolitan State University does not accept sophomores for the PSEO program.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall semester: March 1
  • Spring semester: November 1

All materials must be received by the final deadlines above in order to be considered for admission. These dates also apply to returning PSEO students.

Note: If you are a returning PSEO student, we do not need a new high school transcript. However, we will need the PSEO Notice of Student Registration form by the deadline posted above.

  1. Meet with your high school counselor

    Make sure the program aligns with your academic goals and abilities and discuss the program with your parent/guardian(s) first. Then arrange a meeting with your high school counselor to start the application process and discuss course selection.

    Note: If you have trouble filling out the form, contact the Metro State admissions office.

  2. Apply for undergraduate admission

    Complete the admissions application online.

    For questions or assistance with your application, call 651-793-1302.

  3. Send in your transcripts and PSEO registration form

    Request your official high school transcripts and provide the completed PSEO Notice of Student Registration form. They can be mailed to:

    Undergraduate Admissions
    Metropolitan State University
    700 East Seventh St.
    Saint Paul, MN 55106

    Or sent electronically to admissions.documents@metrostate.edu.

    Note: If you are a returning PSEO student, we do not need a new high school transcript. However, we will need the PSEO Notice of Student Registration form (available above) by the deadline posted above.

  4. Register for PSEO student orientation

    All new PSEO students are required to attend a mandatory orientation and registration session.

    Information about the orientation and instructions on how to register will be emailed to you.

  5. Learn about student services

    After you receive your letter of admission—provided at the required orientation session—Gateway Student Services is your contact for information about Metropolitan State and services offered to students.

Eligibility and expectations

Who is eligible for the PSEO program?

Students currently enrolled at a Minnesota public or non-public high school. Seniors must rank in the upper half of their class, or have a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Juniors must be in the upper third of their class, or have a 3.25 or high grade point average.

What is expected of me as a PSEO student?

You are expected to:

  • attend all regularly scheduled classes
  • be aware that your high school academic calendar differs from Metropolitan State University’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 contact with your high school counselor and the PSEO Coordinator
  • read all materials provided to you at orientation and sent to you in the mail or via email
  • be respectful and follow all university policies, procedures, and the Student Code of Conduct

Additionally, when grades are posted, you will be automatically dropped from your next semester’s courses if you:

  • do not earn a “C” or better in each PSEO course taken
  • earn a cumulative GPA of under 2.0
  • earn an incomplete
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 spent 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.

Credits

Will the courses I take as a PSEO student at Metropolitan State University count toward my high school diploma?

Yes, provided you pass the classes. It is very important that you work out a plan with your high school counselor if you wish to complete high school requirements by taking college courses.

Will I get Metropolitan State credits, too?

Yes, provided you pass the classes. How the credits you earn apply toward a college degree depends upon the specific college and program you select. It is important to realize that you will be establishing a college record at Metropolitan State, which will be on your permanent college record.

How will my high school get my grades?

Metropolitan State University will forward your transcript to your High School Counselor once grades are posted at the end of each semester. You will be able to view your grades online through eServices.

Applying and cost

What are the application deadlines?

March 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. Details on the application procedure are under the "How to Apply" tab.

You only need to apply once when you would first like to be considered for the program. To continue in the program, you will not re-apply, but you must submit a new Registration Form each semester by the deadlines listed above.

What does the PSEO program cost?

There is no application fee for PSEO students, and your school district pays the cost of the tuition, which includes parking. Metropolitan State University pays the cost for textbooks. You are responsible for any other costs incurred at the university (e.g. extra supply fees). If textbooks are not returned at the end of each semester, you will be held financially responsible.

Course registration

When will I register for courses?

You will register for courses during the mandatory on-site orientation. Returning PSEO students will receive notification by email when their registration window will open.

What do I need to do prior to orientation?

You will need to:

  • Meet with your High School Counselor and complete the associated required form (College and High School Planning Guide), which you will bring with you to orientation
  • Complete your diagnostic assessments in reading, writing and math and have those results sent to Metropolitan State. However, if you have ACT scores as follows: Math 22, Reading 21, English 18, you will be exempt from that portion of the Accuplacer testing, so please send a copy of your scores with your high school transcript. Further information is available on our Placement Assessment page.
Are there certain courses I cannot register for?

Yes. PSEO students are unable to register for:

  • Developmental courses (below 100 level)
  • Independent study courses
How many credits can I take?

You may take up to 12 credits (full-time) per semester. For most students, particularly juniors, we recommend attending only part-time when first beginning the program. This will give you time to adjust to the college environment and expectations.

Can I take courses in the summer?

No. The Minnesota Department of Education does not fund the PSEO program during the summer.

How do I get my textbooks?

We will contact you by email when your books are available (typically 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the semester). You will pick up your books in person at the Metropolitan State bookstore using your University student ID card. If you drop a class, you must immediately return the textbooks to the admissions office, or you will be held financially responsible for the cost of the books. Once the semester ends, you will return your textbooks to the admissions office.

What if I need to change my schedule?

Check the course description on eServices for add/drop and withdraw deadlines every term. Students can add/drop courses up until the published drop date for each semester. You will be notified by our office when registration window will open for each semester. Students who have registered for restricted courses listed above will automatically have their courses dropped.

What if I need to drop a course after the semester begins?

You will have until the university established deadline to drop or withdraw from a course and are responsible for doing so by the deadline (see metrostate.edu and search for academic calendars by semester). To drop a course after the semester begins, please email admissions@metrostate.edu with PSEO in the subject line prior to the deadline, and the course will be dropped on your behalf. No courses will be permitted to be dropped or withdrawn from after the university-established deadline.

What if I fail a course?

If you don’t pass a college class required for high school graduation, you might not be able to graduate with your high school class, and you may need to pay for the course.