College of Arts & Sciences
PSEO Student FAQ
Who can apply?
Minnesota high school juniors. Bethel accepts PSEO students for the full academic year only.
Who gets accepted into Bethel’s PSEO program?
“Well-rounded” students are the ones who usually gain admittance. Strength of academic program and co-curricular activities both play sizable roles in admissions consideration. There are no specific guidelines, but to be competitive for admission, ranking in the top 20 percent of a student’s high school class is a good benchmark.
The pool of PSEO applicants to Bethel actually “sets the bar” for admission in any given year. There have been years when only valedictorians were admitted, as there were so many exceptionally high-achieving students in the applicant pool. In contrast, there have been years when a 3.7 GPA and an ACT score of 24 gave a student a solid shot at admission. Acceptance is not guaranteed for any prospective student.
- Bethel’s PSEO application
- Sealed (official) copy of your high school transcript
- Copies of ACT, SAT or PSAT scores (No student will be admitted without submitting one of these scores.)
- Two completed recommendation forms (one from a high school counselor or teacher and one from a pastor or youth pastor from your church)
What is the deadline?
All pieces must be received by April 1 of your junior year in order to be considered for the program.
When will I find out if I am accepted?
Notification of admission occurs on or before May 15.
Can I attend Bethel part time through the PSEO program?
Yes, you can enroll part time or full time.
How many students are accepted into Bethel’s PSEO program?
PSEO admissions at Bethel is competitive. For example, this year Bethel accepted 45 students out of approximately 130 students applying for PSEO. In a typical year, Bethel accepts 30-40 students for the program.
Can I live on Bethel’s campus as a PSEO student?
PSEO students may live on campus when space is available.
What costs am I responsible for?
All academic fees (including book costs) are covered by the state and the postsecondary institution. You are responsible for room and board if you decides to live on campus.
Will people know I am a PSEO student?
A Bethel PSEO student is, for all practical purposes, like any other Bethel freshman. Students are not known to be PSEO students unless they themselves reveal it.
What classes can I take as a PSEO student?
More than 95 percent of all classes available to new Bethel freshmen are available to PSEO students. The only group of courses that is necessarily excluded from PSEO attendance is Biblical and Theological Studies, this owing to the “separation of church and state” edict in this state-run program. Other courses may be excluded, usually due to high course fees. To see the courses Bethel offers, check out the catalog.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Contact Bethel’s admissions counselor who is dedicated to helping PSEO students and their families.
How do I apply?
Click here for application details and a link to our online application.