What is the Post Secondary Erollment Option (PSEO)?

     Minnesota law allows high school juniors and seniors (whether currently in public, non-public, 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 credit for courses, and, if students continue their education beyond high school, colleges or universities may choose to transfer their completed coursework through PSEO as college credits. More than 7,000 Minnesota students participated in the PSEO program last year.

Who are PSEO students?      Exceptional students who have exhausted the academic resources available in their high schools and are looking for an academic challenge.  PSEO students are expected to demonstrate the emotional and intellectual maturity necessary to succeed in a college environment. Students may apply for full-time or part-time enrollment and may participate in any of UMM's extracurricular activities, with the exception of varsity athletics and some theatre productions.  Approximately 40 PSEO students are enrolled at UMM.

What else should I consider if I'm thinking about PSEO?

     There are a number of people you should speak with before applying for PSEO.  Your high school guidance counselor will be able to help you determine if you will be able to take the right courses at UMM for you to complete your high school graduation requirements.  You should talk to your teachers to find out if they feel you are ready for college-level academics.   Your parents and friends will help to figure out if you are ready for a college environment and how it will affect your high school extracurriculars, athletics, friendships and other committments.

     You will need to be flexible in what classes you need to take as a PSEO student, because UMM can't guarantee that every class will be available when you register.  Be aware that the grades you receive from UMM are also applied to both your high school transcipt and University of Minnesota permanent record—so be sure you're ready!

What services are available to me on the UMM campus?

• All social, personal, and academic services available to regular UMM students are available to PSEO students. 
• All PSEO students are paired with an academic advisor to help with course registration, future academic planning, and with maintaining contact with your high school.
• Tutoring and personal counseling are available and all students are encouraged to utilize these resources to enhance their scholastic performance.
• On-campus housing is available to all PSEO students who wish to study full-time in residence.  The cost of room and board is not covered by the PSEO program.

I'm ready.  How do I get started?

     Begin by filling out the Notice of Student Registration Form with your counselor and file it with your high school.  This form is offered through the Minnesota Department of Education and a new form is required for every term that a student registers for classes at UMM. You should also make a copy of the completed form to send to UMM with your application.

     Next, you must complete the UMM Application for Admission.  You can download the application as a .pdf file or you may request a paper copy by contacting our office directly by email at admissions@morris.umn.edu, or by phone at 1-888-UMM-EDUC.  Along with the completed application, the admissions committee will need an official copy of your high school transcript and ACT or SAT score. 

     UMM is a selective institution and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.  Full-time PSEO students typically rank in the top 15% of their high school class and have a composite ACT score of 25 or new SAT combined score of 1700 or higher. Part-time applicants should take these factors into consideration as well.  To encourage PSEO students to continue their college careers at UMM, admission is offered concurrently to the PSEO program and the freshman class upon successful completion of the student's high school graduation requirements.