Admissions requirements for the
Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program

The Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program was created by the Ohio Legislature to allow high school students in Ohio to enroll in a college or university. The program is available to qualified students who are enrolled in public and non- public high schools.

Through the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program, high school students are eligible to enroll in The University of Akron classes for the fall and spring semesters. It is recommended that prospective students work with their high school guidance counselors to discuss specific high school policies.

Enrollment options are not intended to be a substitute for the academic programs, social growth or maturing experience provided by Ohio’s public and private high schools. It is not intended to interfere with or replace advanced placement courses nor the high school’s college preparatory curriculum available to students within their school system.

Two options are provided:

1. Option A: allows the student to receive college credit only. All costs associated with enrollment including, but not limited to, textbooks, materials, parking, tuition and fees are the responsibility of the student.
2. Option B: allows the student to receive both high school graduation credit and college credit. For public high school students, the college will be paid directly out of the public school’s state funds. Non- public students are subsidized by a specific sum of money set aside by the Ohio General Assembly, and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Required textbooks, non-consumable materials, and tuition and fees related to coursework are provided for both public and non-public students.

(Both Option A and Option B students are required to pay the admission application fee, ACT/SAT test fees, orientation fees, and parking fees.)

Eligibility

Requirements for 11th and 12th grade applicants:

• 3.30 cumulative GPA with a 24 ACT composite or 1110
  • SAT math and critical reading combined score, or 3.50 cumulative GPA with ACT/SAT scores for placement purposes (applicants must meet qualifying scores to enroll in math or English courses).
• 11th and 12th grader students may enroll in 14 credits per semester

Requirements for 9th and 10th grade applicants:

• 3.75 cumulative GPA
• 26 ACT composite or 1150 SAT math and critical reading combined score
• Letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor supporting the student’s preparedness for college level coursework
• Grade of at least B+ in all English courses
• Write an essay, 500 words or less, regarding why the student wants to enroll in the program
• 9th and 10th grade students may enroll in only one course per semester

Steps to apply for admission

Application deadlines for the fall and spring semesters are May 15 and October 15, respectively.*

1. Complete the Undergraduate Admission Application; check the box marked Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program; signatures are required by the student, parent or guardian, and the high school counselor.
2. Include a non-refundable $40 application fee (unless you have paid it before).
3. Submit an official high school transcript. For applicants in the 8th grade, the transcript should include 7th and 8th grades. For applicants in the 9th grade, transcripts should include 8th and 9th grades.
4. Submit ACT or SAT test score results (Testing must be completed before the application deadline.)

PSEOP through distance learning

You may be able to take Postsecondary courses without leaving your high school.  The University of Akron currently offers courses through interactive, multimedia classrooms in Medina County high schools, Barberton High School and Springfield High School.

The application process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines are the same for students participating in Postsecondary options via distance learning.

New student orientation is required for Postsecondary distance learning students, as well as mandatory on- campus advising appointments each semester.

Non-public high school students

Once accepted, non-public students must bring the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) funding application to the University to be signed. Completed funding applications must be mailed to the ODE, Office of Finance Program Services and postmarked between May 15 and June 15.  Funding is based on a specified amount determined by the Ohio Legislature.

Students will be notified by the ODE regarding the approval for funding within three weeks of the June 15 deadline. Students must submit a copy of their ODE funding approval letter to The University of Akron no later than one week prior to the start of classes.  In the even that a student does not receive funding, they may choose to enroll under Option A and assume all costs.

All students must submit the Intent to Participate Form to high school administrators by March 30 to be eligible for enrollment in PSEOP for the following academic year.

To request an application for admission, apply online or contact the Office of Admissions at: 330-972-7100 or 1-800-655-4884.

* The University reserves the right to accept only as many qualified students as can be appropriately serviced.  Exceptions to eligibility requirements may be considered on a case by case basis, only per the request of the high school counselor.