High school students get college experience through PSEOP

It’s been almost 15 years since high school students began taking classes at BGSU. Since 1989, 1,042 students have participated in Advanced High School Programs, administered by the Office of Academic Enhancement.
This semester is fairly typical, with 107 students registered for 708 credit hours. Students come from 21 high schools, with Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Eastwood, Otsego, and Anthony Wayne contributing the largest number of students.

Approximately 40 percent of Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP) students later enroll at BGSU as undergraduates.

PSEOP’s Option B allows high school students in grades 9-12 to earn college and high school credit through the successful completion of college courses. The costs of tuition, fees and textbooks are paid by the state under an established formula. If a student withdraws from class(es), the parent/student is responsible for payment.
Compared to area colleges and universities, BGSU remains selective in its admission standards, requiring a 3.5 high school GPA, with additional requirements for high school freshmen and sophomores. Moreover, freshmen and sophomores are allowed to take only one course per semester and are closely monitored. The course load for juniors and seniors varies according to the needs of each student. Twenty students are currently enrolled for 12 hours or more, which is considered full time.

PSEOP students are encouraged to take college classes that supplement or enrich the courses offered at their high schools. Students typically select 100 and 200 level courses ranging from technology, to liberal arts to exploratory courses in a possible major. Approximately 20 advisers across campus volunteer to advise individual students during the orientation program in May.

It is critical that students complete application materials by the deadline, meet all requirements for admission, attend orientation and meet individually with an adviser prior to registering for classes. Faculty members are encouraged to refer talented students who approach them directly to Dave Garcia, associate director, admissions, at 2-2478; Jackie Dakich, adviser; Barbara Laird, assistant director PSEOP/HSCC, or Nancy McDonald, academic enhancement, at 2-9876.

BGSU developed a parallel program, High School College Credit, which allows high school students to take classes for college credit; however, the parent/guardian is responsible for the full cost of tuition, fees, textbooks and other material required for the course. Faculty and staff may apply for a fee waiver. The application process is similar to PSEOP, although GPA requirements vary by the grade level of student.

Students with extraordinary talent in a particular academic area are encouraged to pursue their interests at BGSU.