PSEO Students

Tips for Advising

Common Characteristics of UMTC PSEO Students

Note: the information listed on this page pertains to high school juniors and seniors that participated in the UMTC PSEO program. This information does not pertain to students from other PSEO programs.

• UMTC PSEO students are admitted through a competitive application process. Typically 1100 students apply, and 600 are admitted. The average unweighted high school GPA of admitted PSEO students is 3.93 and most students have taken a significant number of rigorous high school courses.
• New incoming UMTC PSEO students must attend a virtual PSEO Orientation program that includes a self-directed online Canvas course, a shared Google document with their advisor to collaborate on their fall schedule, and a Zoom webinar registration day to walk through the registration process and answer questions.
• UMTC PSEO students are required to complete freshman orientation and Welcome Week if admitted to the U of M as freshmen. No exceptions! PSEO students are notified of this requirement multiple times during their PSEO experience.
• All PSEO students commute (students cannot live on campus), and most do not get involved on campus. However, some will get extremely active and even start student groups. They can do undergraduate research, and hold a student job (if taking more than 6 credits).
• PSEO students can be actively involved in high school activities while still full-time on campus.
• During the school year, PSEO students register during the non-degree student queue. They register for courses themselves, and get to know campus like a regular undergraduate. During summer PSEO orientation, they register the week after freshman orientation.
• Some take one course, while others are full-time for two years.

While Advising PSEO Students, Keep In Mind...

• PSEO students cannot use the Career Centers, CAPE, the Recreation & Wellness Center (unless they have a course there), and Boynton (for free). They can use Boynton through their parent’s insurance.
• Many PSEO students have spent a considerable amount of time on campus, so check in with them about the resources they’ve already used. Ask them what barriers have prevented them from not using certain services. Keep in mind that if they are commuting, it could affect access to certain support services.
• Since PSEO students aren’t admitted to college yet, their UMTC PSEO GPA can affect college admissibility. As a result, the PSEO advisors take a cautious approach to course registration. For example, students are encouraged to take only 12 credits their first semester if they are full-time.
• The PSEO office requires students to get a C or better in a STEM course to take the next course in a sequence. For example, students would need a C in MATH 1271 to take MATH 1272. 
• Registration priority for UMTC PSEO students is to meet high school graduation requirements.
  • For example, U of M advisors might see two literature courses on their academic record. PSEO students need 11^th and 12^th grade English to graduate high school, so they tend to take two ENGL 1xxx courses.
  • Additionally, if a student needs high school physics, PSEO advisors would recommend Phys 1001W or 1101W even if these students are bound for CSE or CBS.
  • Advisors might notice that students took a lot of courses that don't meet their intended major or liberal education requirements. This is common for PSEO students. Since the courses are free, students will take a variety of unrelated subjects to explore their academic interests or potential majors.