The college advantage

When Allison Artz comes to BGSU this fall as a first-year student she’ll have a leg up on most of her classmates. She is starting college with enough credits to be considered a sophomore.

The Perrysburg High School graduate participated in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program, or PSEOP. It provides qualified high school students the opportunity to take college courses. Students who participate receive college credit, which may also fulfill high school requirements. The state assumes the full cost of tuition and textbooks.

Artz took calculus, British literature, both of her General Studies Writing (GSW) courses and geology. She also took economics and Introduction to Business at the BGSU Levis Commons location. The business major says, for the most part, her classmates had no idea they were sitting next to a high school student.

“I went to high school with a guy in my calculus course so he knew I wasn’t a current student,” she explained. “That stayed between us for a while and then someone found out and told everyone and they all starting coming to me for help.”

Artz credits online classes, good time management and organization for her success in PSEOP. Now she’s ready to fully experience college life, beyond class.

“I’m glad I did it. I know a lot about campus now so I can help other people and I’m ahead of the game. I’m looking forward to just being here full time. I can just take it all in and do my own thing.”

Merrina Guitteau is new to PSEOP. The senior at Anthony Wayne High School will take two GSW courses this school year.

“I wanted to be introduced to the college experience and see how classes are run and how they are, compared to high school classes,” Guitteau said.

“I’m ready to go and I’m excited to meet new people, new faces, new teachers and learning what I have to look forward to in college.”