1. Information Night February 2016 Jeanne Poppe, Counselor Riverland Community College Jeanne.poppe@riverland.edu

2. What is Post Secondary Enrollment Options? The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program is a state program for high school and home school juniors and seniors, which offers the opportunity to enroll in and attend college-level courses and apply earned credits towards high school graduation requirements and a college degree. Sophomores are now eligible to participate as well, but they must have successfully completed the 8th grade MCAs. State funding covers the cost of tuition and required books for eligible courses. Technical or career programs may require you to pay for tools, clothing, consumable or personal supplies.

3. PSEO Academic Eligibility Requirements Riverland Community College follows the PSEO admission guidelines set forth by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU). High School Seniors (current juniors): Must be in the upper one-half of class or test score at or above 50th percentile on any nationally standardized, norm-referenced test such as the ACT, PSAT, or SAT. High School Juniors (current sophomores): Must by in the upper one-third of class or test score at or above 70th percentile on any nationally standardized, norm-reference test such as the ACT, PSAT, or SAT. High School Sophomores (current freshmen) are allowed to take one career technical education course during the first semester of enrollment. If the student receives a grade of C or better in the course, the student shall be allowed to take additional career technical courses as a sophomore.

4. Other considerations for admission for juniors or seniors would include: Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.50 or higher and meets any all of the course prerequisites, Accuplacer cut scores, or other course enrollment standards established by the college. OR Students who do not meet the class rank or ACT, SAT, PSAT requirements have an option to submit a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor that specifically outlines their readiness for college level coursework. Recommendations will be reviewed by a college counselor, Academic Dean, and the Director of Admissions and New Student Relations to determine admittance.

5. Minimum Assessment Score Required Must meet test score minimum on the Accuplacer Test: 78 minimum score for ENGL 1101 (Freshman English) 63 minimum score for other Liberal Arts courses Students who have taken ACT must meet minimum: 21 minimum in ACT Reading for ENGL 1101 16 minimum in ACT Reading for Liberal Arts courses College Level Math courses require college level math test scores in Accuplacer or subject specific ACT

6. STUDENT MUST MAKE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS AND BE A STUDENT IN “GOOD STANDING” Students must make Satisfactory Progress each semester and on a cumulative basis: 2.0 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale (grades of C or above) Complete 67% for credits attempted

7. Advantages of PSEO Academic rigor and challenge Variety of courses and many career options Credits count at both college and high school Students can still participate in all high school activities and athletics - MSHSL rules apply Students who earn 30+ credits of PSEO/concurrent can save between $5000 and $40,000 The State of Minnesota pays for the tuition and required books for PSEO students

8. Experience post secondary (college) education without leaving home Chance to be more independent and practice responsibility Get a head start on a degree – especially helpful for those going into professions requiring advanced degrees Possibly earn a degree before/when graduating from High School or gain valuable career skills to begin technical job

9. Things to consider “Is this option in your best interests?” Are you independent and self-motivated? Are you doing this for yourself or your parents? What are you “giving up” to do this? Are you able to manage your time well? Can you reach out for help if you have any struggles, concerns or problems?

10. NOTE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HS AND COLLEGE: Scheduling and School Calendars are not the same: Part-time PSEO can be challenging Faculty expectations: Adult behavior Grading may mean 2 or 3 exams and a research paper/project No late work accepted. No reminders. No extra credit. No excuses for “not knowing.” No participation = FW. Additional class supplies are not covered – such as art supplies, cosmetology kits, tools No free bus ride - Transportation not covered

11. Along with the opportunity to be a college student comes Freedom and Responsibility ~ Attendance is important! You need to attend every class! Regular attendance is the number one strategy for student success! Can you handle the increased free time? Approximately 12 - 15 hours of in-class time per week, rather than full days at high school. Rule of thumb – for every hour of class, spend two hours on homework How well do you manage your time? Are you well organized? This is not a time to increase employment hours.

12. What are your next steps? Find application materials on the Riverland website: www.riverland.edu Choose Admissions/ PSEO/Applying for PSEO Download the application materials Make an appointment with your high school counselor, complete all the paperwork, and get all signatures – student, parent and high school counselor or principal

13. BEST to apply and register for classes EARLY!! Orientations and Registration for PSEO begin April 21st. HS Counselors may not be available in the summer. College Counselor availability is limited in summer. The earlier you sign up for classes, the better your options for classes are! Course, location, time. The FINAL Deadline for all PSEO paperwork to be finished and mailed to Riverland for FALL 2016: Monday, August 1 st

14. After Acceptance letter arrives: 1. Register for and take the college readiness assessment (Accuplacer) if you have not yet done so. - Go to Riverland website: www.riverland.edu www.riverland.edu - choose StudentServices/Accuplacer/Register 2. Register for and attend PSEO on-campus orientation - Go to Riverland website: www.riverland.edu - choose Admissions/PSEO/PSEO orientation - At the orientation, you will be scheduled to meet with a Riverland counselor to register for classes

15. What if you do not meet the Accuplacer test requirements? Make arrangements to “retest”. You may only retest once in an academic year. Register for the test on the Riverland website under Student Services/Accuplacer. Practice tests are available on the Riverland website under Admissions/Accuplacer/Preparing for Accuplacer. An ACT score may replace the Accuplacer IF you meet the qualifying scores. Talk with HS counselor to consider options.

16. Final thoughts… Starting college is a BIG step! Make sure you are ready, willing, and able to be successful! Questions? Jeanne Poppe, Counselor Paul Anderson, Counselor Riverland Community College 507-433-0600 – appointments Jeanne.poppe@riverland.edu Paul.Anderson@riverland.edu