Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) at Iowa State

Classes can only be taken at the college level, through the high school, if not offered at the high school or if all high school levels of the subject matter have been exhausted. The student must meet the entry requirements of the postsecondary institution and apply via materials acquired from the associate principal. Students are responsible for their own transportation and still must meet the requirements for graduation from Ames High School. A student who drops or fails a course taken under the PSEO assumes the financial responsibility that the institution charges for the course. Grades earned on courses carrying three or more credits are calculated into the Ames High School GPA.

Required Forms: Non-Degree Application (required only for first-time enrollment); Returning PSEO enrollment at ISU.

11th/12th graders are eligible for PSEO.  9th/10th graders classified as ELP (Extended Learning Program)  students are also eligible. Juniors and seniors can take up to twenty-three credits of college courses during each semester of the regular school year while attending high school. However, this is an extremely full load and is not recommended. More often, students take one or two college-level courses per semester.

Space is limited so you are strongly encouraged to submit your paperwork as early as possible. High demand courses are filled based on the submission date of PSEO forms.

Iowa State’s Office of the Registrar has put together a couple of videos that help explain the pros and cons of PSEOs, how to apply and register for PSEOs, and a list of important deadlines.

Course Restrictions

SPCM 2120, ENG 1500, ENG 2500 are the 3 classes that ISU will not accept as PSEO (even if the high school approves them).  These are high demand classes for ISU students since all three are required by all ISU students for graduation.

Chemistry and Math require the ALEKS placement exam to be taken first.

Foreign Languages also require a placement exam.

Apparel, Merchandising, and Design are all NOT available for PSEO.

HSAP Eligibility

To be eligible for PSEOs, students must be dual-enrolled at the time of registration. If in doubt as to whether your student will take classes at the high school or participate in any extracurricular activities through the school district, then dual enroll your student for “PSEO” or “extracurriculars.” You cannot do this after your CPI form is submitted at the beginning of the year.