Application Process for High School Students & PSEO Students

What is PSEO? / PSEO Requirements? / Other High School Students (non-PSEO) Admissions?

Steps to Become a PSEO College Student

STEP 1. Apply by mail or in person

Complete the Anoka-Ramsey Community College PSEO Admission Application
Additional application documents needed:

• Complete the PSEO Notice of Student Registration Form  (also known as the state form). High school counselor or administrator signature required.
• Gather your qualifying academic records: high school transcripts or nationally standardized test scores.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEXT Steps after you are admitted

STEP 2. Schedule & Complete Placement Test

The results are used to determine the appropriate course placement. Placement tests are offered on a regular basis throughout the year and the first set of tests are free. Schedule a Placement Test online or call:

• Cambridge: 763-433-1980
• Coon Rapids: 763-433-1180

STEP 3. Complete Online Orientation

Anoka-Ramsey Community College provides students the opportunity to learn the necessary information to begin college successfully. PSEO students are required to complete online orientation prior to registering for any classes at ARCC.

STEP 4. Attend Registration Planning Session (RPS) - Attendence Required Before PSEO Registration

Students will have the opportunity to talk with an advisor regarding degree/program requirements and appropriate course load, receive help with registering for courses, and tour the college campus. PSEO students are required to attend an RPS in order to register for classes.

Restricted Courses

PSEO program funds cannot be used for developmental courses (all courses numbered below 1000), or for courses that have high activity or material fees. These courses include, but are not limited to: Applied Music (MUSC 1105, MUSC 2105), Business Seminars (BUS 1189, BUS 2189), Ceramics (ART 2251, ART 2252, ART 2281), Glass Blowing (ART 1131, ART 1132, ART 2131, ART 2132), Photography (ART 1165, ART 1166, ART 1167), Sculpture (ART 2261, ART 2262), Stained Glass (ART 1121, ART 1122), Sailing (HPER 1179), Skiing (HPER 1132), Snowboarding (HPER 1134), Honors Experience (HUM 1172), and study abroad courses. PSEO students enrolling in these courses must pay for the credits and associated fees. 

STEP 5. Get Books

PSEO books are available approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the term.  You must have your stamped PSEO schedule with you when you pick up your books at the bookstore.   All books and materials that you charge must be returned after the course has ended, or you will be charged a fee equal to 75% of the original price. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is PSEO?

The Post-Secondary Educational Options (PSEO) program is a state program for high school juniors and seniors, which offers the opportunity to enroll in and attend college-level courses and apply earned credits toward high school graduation requirements and a college degree. State funding covers the cost of tuition and required books for eligible courses.

PSEO Academic Eligibility Requirements

Anoka-Ramsey Community College follows the PSEO admission guidelines set forth by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU). Students are admitted based the following criteria:

Traditional High School, Charter School and Home School Students:

• High School Juniors: Must be in the upper one-third of class, or high school GPA of 3.00 or above, or test score at or above the 68th percentile.
• High School Seniors: Must be in the upper one-half of class, or high school GPA of 2.50 or above, or test score at or above 50th percentile on any nationally standardized, norm-referenced test such as the ITED, PLAN, ACT, PSAT, or SAT.
• Home School or Area Learning Center Students: May be eligible for admission if they demonstrate readiness for college by completion of college Placement Tests (Accuplacer).

Special High School Admission

High School students who are not enrolled at Anoka-Ramsey Community College through the PSEO program and are at least 16 years of age may be admitted to enroll in courses outside of the PSEO program for any term, including summer session. Students are responsible for payment of tuition, fees and books. Interested students must complete ARCC’s general paper application, submit placement test results and receive written permission to enroll from a parent or guardian. High school transcripts may be required.