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Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)

PSEO allows eligible high school sophomore, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to earn college credits and can use those credits toward the completion of high school graduation requirements. Students who are enrolled in a Minnesota public, nonpublic (private, charter, or online), or home school are able to take classes if they meet the necessary requirements. PSEO is intended to promote a more rigorous curriculum and provide a wider variety of options.

Apply early! The more time a student has to complete the necessary steps (paperwork, Accuplacer tests, meet with advisors, etc.) the better prepared the student will be to start PSEO classes.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible sophomores may only enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course during a semester. If the student earns a “C” or higher grade in this first course, they are eligible to take additional CTE and general education courses the following semester with approval from their high school counselor.


  • Seniors -must rank in the top half of their class
    • If the applicant does not meet class rank or GPA requirements or if the high school/home school does not have a class rank, a letter of recommendation that specifically outlines the applicant's readiness for coursework must be provided by the high school counselor, principal or instructor to HTC.
  • If the applicant does not meet class rank or GPA requirements or if the high school/home school does not have a class rank, a letter of recommendation that specifically outlines the applicant's readiness for coursework must be provided by the high school counselor, principal or instructor to Hennepin Tech.
  • Sophomores- must pass the 8th grade MN Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) Reading at the composite proficiency level of “meets or exceeds” and meets the prerequisites of the CTE course.

Updated Testing Guidelines

Colleges and universities shall use one or more of the following placement measures to determine a student’s course placement within reading, writing, and mathematics:

1. Eligible ACT, SAT, and/or MCA scores

  1. All validity windows apply as outlined within System Procedure 3.3.1.

and/or

2. Cumulative high school grade point average (HS GPA)

  1. A student who presents a HS GPA of 2.6 or higher must be given a placement of college-level that allows for enrollment in courses that designate college-level reading skills as a prerequisite. A college or university may establish lower minimum HS GPA score(s) for placement into developmental reading courses. A college or university may establish higher minimum score(s) for placement into a higher-level reading course(s).
  2. A student who presents a HS GPA of 2.6 or higher must be given a placement of college-level that allows for enrollment in a college-level writing course and in courses that designate college-level writing skills as a prerequisite. A college or university may establish lower minimum HS GPA score(s) for placement into developmental writing courses. A college or university may establish higher minimum score(s) for placement into a higher-level writing course(s).
  3. A student who presents a HS GPA of 2.8 or higher must be given a placement of college-level that allows for enrollment in College Algebra. A college or university may establish lower minimum HS GPA score(s) for placement into introductory college-level mathematics courses other than College Algebra and for developmental mathematics courses. A college or university may establish higher minimum score(s) for placement into a higher-level mathematics course(s).
  4. Self-reported HS GPA must be accepted in the absence of an official, transcripted GPA.
  5. For purposes of course placement, HS GPA is valid for a period of up to 10 years from the date of high school graduation or, if the student has not yet graduated, from the date submitted.

and/or

3. Eligible ACCUPLACER scores (i.e., Classic or Next Generation ACCUPLACER).

  1. Scores already on file may be used. All benchmarks and validity windows apply as outlined within System Procedure 3.3.1.
  2. Remote proctoring of the Next Generation ACCUPLACER is suspended at this time due to availability of resources. College Board will continue to investigate viable options. Minnesota State will monitor those opportunities and communicate solutions as they become available.

Course Information

  • PSEO students are able to register for any courses that they meet the prerequisite for, including online courses.
  • There are certain courses/programs with restrictions for PSEO:
    • Culinary Arts: Student must be 16 years old
    • Dental Assistant: Student must have a high school diploma or GED prior to starting first semester of program (can take pre-reqs)
    • Emergency Medical Services: EMSV 1100 (EMT Basic) Student must receive required vaccinations
    • Ford ASSET: Student must be 18 in order to do their internship at the dealership with a valid driver's license
    • Law Enforcement: Not available to PSEO students
    • Medium/Heavy Truck Technology: Student must be 18 and eligible to obtain a commercial driver's license
    • Nursing Assistant (NURS 1001): Student must be 16 years old

Application Process

  1. Learn about the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program
  2. Meet with your High School Counselor to see if PSEO is the right fit for you and determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements
  3. Apply to Hennepin Technical College
    Indicate that you are currently in high school, your expected graduation date, and select the Post Secondary Enrollment Options application type (PSEO applicants will not be charged an application fee, and will not be admitted to Hennepin Tech until required steps are completed)
  4. Complete sections 1 and 2 of the current PSEO Notice of Student Registration (MN Dept of Education form) and submit the signed form to the PSEO Coordinator.
    Please note: a new form is required each semester.
  5. Submit your Official High School Transcript
    Please note: Home schooled students must also submit an Immunization Verification eForm
  6. Submit MCA and/or ACT test scores. Your high school transcripts may also be used to determine placement.
  7. Complete the mandatory online orientation
  8. Register for classes!

Important to Know

  • If parents and/or guardians wish to communicate with the PSEO Coordinator and Hennepin Tech faculty and staff, the student MUST complete the Consent to Release Information form.
  • The PSEO program covers the cost of tuition, fees and textbooks only during the fall and spring semesters. Books are required to be returned to the bookstore by the last day of the semester, if they are not returned the student will be responsible to pay full price for the textbook.
  • Additional course fees, such as tools, equipment, and consumable items are not covered by PSEO funding.
  • The program DOES NOT cover the cost of developmental courses- those that are numbered below 1000 level.
  • Developmental courses are only allowed under PSEO for students enrolled in an early/middle college program with a state-approved alternative learning program per state statute 124d.09:

(b) An institution must not enroll secondary pupils, for postsecondary enrollment options purposes, in remedial, developmental, or other courses that are not college level except when a student eligible to participate and enrolled in the graduation incentives program under section 124D.68 enrolls full time in a middle or early college program.

Transportation Assistance

PSEO students may be eligible for assistance with transportation costs. To be eligible, a student's family must be under the federal poverty income guidelines. Students who qualify will work with their district on the reimbursement process. More information is available at the Minnesota Department of Education's Webpage.

Related Content

Registration Forms

Contact

Becky Koltes
PSEO Coordinator

Phone: 763-488-2683
Email: PSEO@HennepinTech.edu

Submit PSEO forms and high school transcripts to:

Hennepin Technical College
PSEO Coordinator
9000 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Park MN 55445