Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
Anoka Technical College PSEO Program
The PSEO Advantage at Anoka Tech
Minnesota law allows high school juniors and seniors (whether currently in public, nonpublic, or home schools) to take courses at eligible post-secondary institutions. Students must meet the admissions requirements of the post-secondary institution, but do not pay for tuition, fees, or books. They earn high school course credits, and if students continue their education beyond high school, colleges or universities may choose to transfer their PSEO completed coursework as college credits.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester: July 15
Spring Semester: December 1
What is required to be accepted?
High School Seniors
Rank in the top one-half or 50th percentile of graduating class OR score above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test
High School Juniors
Rank in the top one-third or 66th percentile of graduating class OR score above the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test.
Students who do not meet admission requirements are asked to submit a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor or teacher. Students must also submit a two-page, typed, double-spaced essay using a 12 pt. font, or participate in a formal interview explaining why they are interested in the PSEO program and what they can contribute to it.
Note: Required scores vary depending on program. Check course prerequisites.
What is the application process?
NOTE: All application materials must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered for admission.
1. Complete the Anoka Technical College Application.
2. Complete Sections 1 and 2 of the Minnesota Department of Education
Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Notice of Registration Form
3. Submit official high school transcript(s) with cumulative GPA and class rank.
4. Take ACCUPLACER tests.
5. Read the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. After reading the FAQs, contact LeAnn Brown if you have additional questions at 763-576-4784 or lbrown@anokatech.edu.
Anoka Tech assessment tests
The assessments are computerized and usually take approximately two hours. It is free and appointments are needed. The assessment center is located in the Academic Resource Center. Students must present a government-issued picture I.D. in order to take assessments. Assessment test results will be available upon completion. ACCUPLACER testing is available on a walk-in basis on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Who pays PSEO tuition?
Tuition, books, and lab fees are paid for by the State of Minnesota’s Post Secondary Education Option Program. These expenses are covered as part of your high school education.
Who pays for PSEO books and supplies?
Books and supplies required for the PSEO courses belong to Anoka Technical College. All books and supplies must be returned to the Anoka Technical College Bookstore at the end of each semester. If you do not return the borrowed materials, you will be billed. All bills must be paid before your transcript will be released to other institutions. Alternatively, students may pay for books and keep them if they so choose.
What is the maximum number of credits I can register for each semester?
16 credits. Credit hours indicate the hours of class per week. For example, sixteen credits would mean the student spends approximately 16 hours in class per week.
Who helps PSEO students choose classes and register?
PSEO students are required to meet with an Anoka Tech PSEO advisor at orientation and again during the first semester prior to registering for second semester.
Do I have to maintain a certain GPA?
PSEO students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete 67% of credits in order to remain eligible for the program. This is in compliance with the college’s satisfactory academic progress policy. If a GPA of 2.0 or better is not maintained, or if a student falls below 67% completion of credits, students will be placed on academic probation for the following semester
How often do I meet with my high school counselor?
You must meet with your high school counselor every semester to complete the
Notice of Student Registration Form. You need to work closely with your high school counselor to ensure that the college courses you take will meet your high school graduation requirements.
What if a PSEO student fails an Anoka Technical College class?
This is one of the risks a PSEO student takes in this program. If a class which is required for high school graduation is not passed, the student might not be able to graduate with his or her high school class. In addition, the student’s permanent college transcript will record the failing grade. It is important for students to realize PSEO grades will permanently appear on the college transcript.
Is coursework more difficult than high school?
Generally, college courses are more challenging than high school courses. The responsibility of learning is primarily on the student. For every hour of class, the student should plan to spend two hours outside of class studying. For example, a three credit class requires three hours of class time per week and six hours of independent studying per week; nine hours per week should be devoted to a three credit course.
Is PSEO offered during the summer?
No. If a student chooses to take classes during the summer, he/she is responsible for tuition, fees, and books.
What is expected of the PSEO student at Anoka Technical College?
Anoka Technical College is committed to the success of our PSEO students and we have a number of services to support students in achieving academic success. We believe the student needs to be accountable in order for his/her educational experience to be meaningful and productive. We expect the student to:
• Attend class regularly.
• Enroll in no more than 16 credits per semester.
• Only register for courses numbered 1000 and above.
• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each term in order to remain eligible for the program.
• Keep in contact with the high school counselor to ensure high school graduation requirements are met.
• Contact your Anoka Tech PSEO advisor, if any problems should arise regarding academic success.
Does a PSEO student have to take classes during both semesters?
Students can participate in PSEO during one semester or both fall and spring. Semester courses conclude at the end of each semester and new classes can be taken during the next semester.
Where can PSEO students eat on campus?
The Cafeteria and the Fresh Stop Café are open to everyone. Students can pay with cash or credit. An ATM machine is located in the Cafeteria.
Where do students park?
PSEO students are allowed to park in any lot they choose. Parking permits are covered by student fees for which PSEO students are not responsible.
At what age am I no longer eligible for the PSEO program?
Students are no longer eligible once they turn 21.
ATC PSEO students contact for further information:
LeAnn Brown
Director of Admission
lbrown@anokatech.edu
763-576-4784
