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PSEO Students

science lab

The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program at Columbus State Community College has been established to allow qualified high school students to take degree-oriented college-level courses:

(Option A) - student and family pay all tuition, fees, and for books

(Option B) - school/school district pays all tuition, fees, and for required text books

The PSEO Program has been designed to provide an opportunity for qualified high school students who are Ohio residents to experience more advanced academic work through regular degree-oriented college courses that contribute to the broad academic preparation of the student. Participation in the PSEO Program is not intended to replace or substitute coursework available at the high school, but rather to enhance the educational opportunities available to students while in high school.

Amended Substitute House Bill 282 states, "A student may not enroll in any specific college course through the program if the student has taken high school courses in the same subject area as that college course and has failed to attain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent, in such completed high school courses."

Preliminary Qualifications for 2013-2014 

1. Have a Social Security Number (required to complete the online application)
2. Have a single transcript (from the sponsoring high/charter/home school)
3. Have either a minimum high school grade point average or one standardized test score (listed below) by the PSEO application deadline for the selected term/semester.

ACCUMULATIVE UNWEIGHTED HIGH SCHOOL GRADE POINT AVERAGE (on a 4.0 Scale)   ONE of the following STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES (minimums listed, completed within the last two years)
3.0 (or higher) for Seniors (Class of 2014)   ACT: Composite - 22
3.0 (or higher) for Juniors (Class of 2015) OR PLAN: Composite - 20
3.0 (or higher) for Sophomores (Class of 2016)   SAT: Writing - 430 AND
Critical Reading - 450 AND
Math - 520
3.0 (or higher) for Freshmen (Class of 2017)   PSAT: Writing - 50 AND
Critical Reading - 50 AND
Math Score - 50

4. Juniors and Seniors - Have passed the Ohio Graduation Test before applicant can be admitted to the college. (Call the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Assessment at (614) 466-0223 for available test dates and locations.)

5. Freshmen and Sophomores - Complete a 300 word essay (topic sent upon receipt of application). In addition, the high school guidance counselor must submit a letter of recommendation addressing the maturity level of the applicant, what subject area(s) the applicant intends to pursue, what college preparation the applicant has completed, and when the applicant plans to take the Ohio Graduation Test. (The essay and recommendation letter(s) will all be used as a determinant for admission to PSEO.) These applicants are limited to one class per semester.

Note: When considering classes, the student must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the high school subject area before an applicant can take those classes at CSCC and the courses cannot replace a high school graduation requirement. An example would be if a biology class is desired, the student must have completed the three years of required high school science and have a 3.0 grade point average in high school science.

 

PSEO Admission Process for 2013-2014 

For the student to be accepted into the PSEO program ALL of the following steps (1-3) must be completed. The student will NOT receive an official PSEO acceptance letter from a PSEO Program Advisor until steps 1-3 are completed (Steps 1-5 for Private/Non-public applicants).

Step 1. Complete the Columbus State Community College online application for admission.
Step 2. Complete an online PSEO Orientation.
Step 3. Take the COMPASS placement test (see COMPASS placement information below). For Practice tests and hours visit the website at: www.cscc.edu/services/testingcenter/compass.shtml

Applicants must complete all three parts of Columbus State’s placement test (writing, reading, and math) or submit official ACT scores, official AP scores or official college transcripts for college transfer credit to Records and Registration in order to be considered for the PSEO Program. The placement must put the student at or above, English 1100, NO Reading Development courses, and Math 1030 or higher. Do you need to take the COMPASS? Click here.
Step 4. Complete a CougarWeb Registration Workshop. This is highly recommended for all PSEO applicants as the applicant will learn how to register for classes, find course books, print a schedule, access Blackboard, and navigate the CSCC CougarWeb system.
Step 5. (Private/08 school PSEO B applicants only). Submit an Ohio Department of Education request for funding form.

NOTE: The Public/Charter School applicant and the high school counselor or principal will be notified of the student’s admission to the PSEO Program status only after STEPS 1-4 are COMPLETED. Private/08 school applicants will be notified of the student's provisional acceptance only after STEPS 1-5 are completed and an Ohio Department of Education Application for Nonpublic Student Participation has been submitted.
Step 6. (Private/08 school PSEO B applicants only). Submit a funding approval letter from the State Department of Education.

 

PSEO College Readiness information for 2013-2014 

All PSEO applicants must meet college-readiness standards in Writing, Reading, and Math (placement into ENGL1100, placement out of reading courses, and placement into MATH1030 or above). These can be met by COMPASS, ACT, AP, IB, and/or transfer credit in any combination. (Applicants who do not obtain these results/have ACT scores, AP scores, IB scores or transfer credit or any PSEO requirements will be encouraged to enroll in appropriate class(es) in their high school.) Please click for College Recognized Equivalent information to help determine if they need to take the COMPASS placement test.

COMPASS placement test - They may test twice on any or all parts of the test to see if they can achieve the required score. (There is a $20.00 fee for retesting in Columbus Campus and Delaware Campus COMPASS lab). For more information: Testing Center

ACT scores – To receive proper placement students must submit official ACT scores (unofficial ACT scores may be submitted to Advising Services on Columbus Campus, to an advisor on Delaware Campus, or to the PSEO Program Office - ACT scores on a high school transcript will not be accepted). Instructions on submitting official ACT scores can be found at www.actstudent.org/scores/send/index.html. Columbus State's ACT school code is 3261.

  • An ACT English test score of 18 or higher will place a student into ENGL 1100 and all other classes which require ENGL1100 placement as a prerequisite. 
  • An ACT Reading score of 21 or higher will meet the "no reading course required" standard of the COMPASS.
  • An ACT Math test score of 22-24 will place a student into MATH1116, MATH1125, MATH1130 and MATH1148 and all other classes which require placement into any of the above math classes as a prerequisite.
  • An ACT Math test score of 25 will place a student into MATH1150 and all other classes which require placement into MATH1150 as a prerequisite.
  • An ACT Math test score of 26-27 will place a student into MATH1131, MATH1149 and STAT1450 and all other classes which require placement into any of the above classes as a prerequisite.
  • An ACT Math test score of 28-36 will place a student into MATH1151 and all other classes which require placement into MATH1151 as a prerequisite.

AP credit – To receive college credit students must submit an official AP transcript to Records and Registration. Click here for AP credit information.

IB credit – To receive college credit students must submit official IB scores to Records and Registration. Click here for IB credit information.

Transfer credit – To receive transfer credit students must submit official college transcripts from all previously attended institutions to Records and Registration. Click here for information.

NOTE: Please allow 7-10 days of processing time for entry of your scores or transfer credit information. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the PSEO Program at Columbus State

  • What kinds of classes may I take while enrolled in the PSEO Program?

    Students may take courses from more than 40 technical programs or may take college-level courses that are designed to transfer to other colleges. Students should consult with their high school guidance counselor and a CSCC Academic Advisor to determine the appropriateness of the courses. PSEO students are limited to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. However, the student must have a 3.0 accumulative average in high school in that subject area BEFORE the student can take those classes at CSCC AND the courses may not replace high school graduation requirements as prescribed by the Ohio Common Core. Click here for information on CSCC and the Ohio Core.

    Please use the chart below to determine under what course area(s) you may be able to take classes. A Carnegie Unit is defined as one high school credit.

    Course subject area CSCC PSEO requirements to take a class in this area
    English 4 Carnegie Units completed, 3.0 or higher in HS English, may only take ENGL1100 or higher
    Mathematics 4 Carnegie Units completed which includes Algebra II, 3.0 or higher in HS Mathematics, may only take MATH1148 or higher
    Science 3 Carnegie Units completed, 3.0 or higher in HS Science
    Humanities/Social Sciences e.g. history, psychology, sociology 3.0 or higher in HS Social Sciences, may not take HIST1151/1152 unless American History has been completed or POLS1100 unless American Government has been completed
    Physical Education ½ Carnegie Unit completed, 3.0 or higher in HS PE, Must be SES major
    Health ½ Carnegie Unit completed, 3.0 or higher in HS Health, Must be part of major
    Fine Arts 1 Carnegie Unit completed, 3.0 or higher in HS Fine Arts, Must be part of major
    Economics/Financial Literacy Must provide proof of completion, 3.0 or higher in HS area, Must be part of major
    Foreign Language 2 Carnegie Units completed, 3.0 or higher in HS Foreign Language, Must be taken as part of AA or AS
  • What time will I take my classes?

    Columbus State offers classes during the day, evening, and on weekends. PSEO students may take classes during any of these times. Students will need to check the Course Descriptions & Schedules webpage prior to the beginning of each semester to determine the times that the classes are being offered and then register for their classes.

  • Where are the classes taught?

    On our Columbus Campus and Delaware Campus. We also offer certain courses at our Regional Learning Centers. PSEO students may take classes at any of these locations. PSEO students may also enroll in distance education (web based, video based, video conference, etc.) classes.

  • May I take classes during the summer in the PSEO Program?

    Yes, under PSEO A only. PSEO B is only available during Autumn and Spring Semesters.

  • Is there an application fee for Columbus State?

    No, but upon registering for a class, a one-time registration fee will be part of the first bill. For PSEO B students, this will be charged to your district.

  • What other fees does a PSEO student pay?

    PSEO students pay $35 for a parking sticker each semester. Students must also pay for their own supplies, such as pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Students who are admitted to the PSEO Program and elect Option A must pay for all required books, tuition, and lab fees. Students who are admitted and elect Option B will have these costs covered by state allocated funds through their local school district. If the student who enrolls under Option B does not complete the course(s) or fails the course(s), the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) may be assessed the cost of required books, tuition, and lab fees by their local school district. *(PSEO B only) Textbooks must be returned at the end of each semester or a bill will be sent to the student and school district.

  • Whose responsibility is it to get the student accepted into the program?

    It is the student’s responsibility to follow and complete all of the PSEO Admission steps. (You may check your PSEO status at My PSEO Account.)

  • Do I have to take a placement test?

    Maybe. The student must meet all three (3) college-readiness areas either by taking the COMPASS, by submitting qualifying ACT scores, by submitting official AP scores on an AP transcript, and/or submitting transfer credit on a college transcript. Do you need to take the COMPASS? Click here.

    COMPASS ACT
    Writing: English 1100 Composition I English - 18 or higher
    Reading: Placement OUT OF Development Reading Courses Reading - 21 or higher
    Mathematics: MATH 1030 Beginning Algebra II Mathematics - 22 or higher
  • What do I need to know about getting my required textbooks each semester?

    PSEO B students need to take a photo I.D. & their college schedule with them to the Columbus State Community College bookstore on Columbus Campus. PSEO B STUDENTS CANNOT ORDER BOOKS ONLINE. All BOOKS must be RETURNED at the end of each semester by the PSEO B student only, or students will not be issued books for the next semester. This does not apply to PSEO A students who must purchase their own books.

  • How do I find out what is required of me as a student in the PSEO program?

    Complete an online PSEO Orientation session and visit the PSEO website at www.cscc.edu/PSEO.

  • In what grade can I begin participating in the PSEO program?

    Students can begin their 11th grade year in high school. Exceptional students in the 9th or 10th grade may apply for the program but must meet the same admission requirements as older students, complete a 300 word essay on a topic provided after receipt of the PSEO application. (The essay and recommendation letters will all be used as a determinant for admission to PSEO.) The 9th and 10th grade students are limited to one class per semester.

  • How many credits do I need to take at CSCC to equal one high school credit?

    Five (5) of our semester college credits equal one (1) high school credit. However, your high school guidance counselor/district must determine which high school credits are satisfied.

  • What if I want to take certain classes that have prerequisites or I have AP credit?

    You will need to talk with the department (Modern Languages, Mathematics, etc.). For AP credit to be awarded you must submit an official AP transcript to Records and Registration (click here for AP credit information). The PSEO Office cannot override prerequisites or grant college credit.

  • What if I have an IEP or a disability?

    It is the applicant's responsibility to contact CSCC’s Disability Services (614) 287-2570 if any accommodations are required prior to taking the COMPASS placement test, completing a mandatory PSEO Orientation session, or beginning classes.

     

PSEO Application Deadlines & Scheduling Dates

Academic Year 2013-2014 (May 20, 2013 - May 10, 2014)

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Public/Charter schools and Homeschools* Private schools*
PSEO A PSEO A
Summer 2013 – May 1, 2013 Summer 2013 – May 1, 2013
Autumn 2013 – July 1, 2013 Autumn 2013 – July 1, 2013
Spring 2014 – November 1, 2013 Spring 2014 – November 1, 2013
PSEO B** PSEO B
Autumn 2013 – July 1, 2013 Autumn 2013 – May 1, 2013
Spring 2014 – November 1, 2013 Spring 2014 – May 1, 2013

*Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications after receipt in our office of academic information and a current high school transcript from the sponsoring high school.

**Homeschool students are not eligible for PSEO B.

SCHEDULING DATES (all PSEO students)

Summer Term 2013 - February 18 - May 5, 2013 (a late registration fee will be charged for all registration beginning May 6, 2013)****
Autumn Semester 2013 - April 15 - August 6, 2013 (a late registration fee will be charged for all registration beginning August 7, 2013)****
Spring Semester 2014 - October 21 - December 29, 2013*** (a late registration fee will be charged for all registration beginning December 30, 2013)****

***The PSEO Office and the college will tentatively be closed December 21, 2013 - January 2, 2014.

****It is the student’s responsibility to be initially scheduled by the last day of EACH PSEO scheduling date. Payment of the late registration fee is the responsibility of the student.

 

PSEO Orientation

Full acceptance is based on completing an online PSEO Orientation session.

All PSEO applicants must select an Online PSEO Orientation session. (Call (614) 287-5961 during regular business hours or send e-mail to PSEO@cscc.edu if you have difficulty accessing a session. Allow 24 business hours for a response.)

Summer Semester 2013 session:

Must be completed with orientation forms (Letter of Understanding, Financial Responsibility, Emergency Medical Treatment and PSEO Knowledge Assessment) submitted to the PSEO Office no later than May 1, 2013.

Autumn Semester 2013 session:

Must be completed with orientation forms (Letter of Understanding, Financial Responsibility, Emergency Medical Treatment and PSEO Knowledge Assessment) submitted to the PSEO Office no later than August 1, 2013.

Spring Semester 2014 sessions:

Must be completed with orientation forms (Letter of Understanding, Financial Responsibility, Emergency Medical Treatment and PSEO Knowledge Assessment) submitted to the PSEO Office no later than December 1, 2013.

 

Need to drop a class or change a section

1. Complete a PSEO Change Form

2. Complete the Columbus State Community College Registration Add/Drop form and return it to Records and Registration (Madison Hall, Columbus Campus or Moeller Hall, Delaware Campus) or to any Regional Learning Center. (Contact Records and Registration at (614) 287-5353 for information and form instructions.)

 

Apply to the PSEO Program

Click here to Apply to the PSEO program