How to Apply & Enroll in Ridgewater PSEO
A complete application includes the online PSEO application, Notice of Student Registration form, and additional documentation listed in step 4 of the process below. Applications will not be reviewed and processed until all materials are received.
- Step 1: Review Eligibility
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Determine your eligibility for admission by consulting with your high school counselor. Discuss whether PSEO is appropriate for your academic plan and individual circumstances (extra-curricular activities and/or jobs, study skills, maturity level, support system, etc.).
You may also choose to meet with a Ridgewater PSEO representative by contacting [email protected].
- Step 2: Approvals Needed
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Parents/guardians and high school counselors are required to sign-off on paperwork included in the application process. Get them involved in the conversation early!
As you work with your high school counselor, create a list of courses you still need to complete in order to meet high school graduation requirements. High school graduation is the priority for PSEO students, and continuous contact with your high school counselor is important.
Whether you intend to start during the Fall or Spring Semester, Minnesota State Statute section 124D.09, subdivision 7, requires public school students to inform the district by May 30 prior to the start of the school year.
- Step 3: Apply Online
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Complete and submit the Ridgewater College Online Application for PSEO. Refer to our application deadlines on when the application opens each semester.
You will create a StarID and password in order to access the online application. Make note of your StarID and password as you will need this information throughout your Ridgewater College experience.
Students applying for fall semester on August 11 or after must email their NOSR form, transcripts, and Credit Balance form to [email protected] immediately upon completion of the application. Applications received without these forms will not be processed.
- Step 4: Submit Additional Documentation & Complete Testing
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Complete and Gather Additional Documentation
Once you complete your online application, you will receive a link by email to submit the required forms and documentation through an online form. Your application will not be considered complete or reviewed until you submit this documentation:
- Credit Balance Supplement Form – to be completed by a school counselor or other contact. Required for juniors and seniors.
- Program Notice of Student Registration (NOSR) Form – required for all PSEO students.
- 2026-2027 Notice of Student Registration (NOSR) [PDF]
- This form is also available in alternative formats.
- Application Supplement Form – required for sophomores only.
- Official High School Transcript
- Accuplacer Testing – Students may be required to complete the Accuplacer Test to determine placement into college-level English or Math courses.
You can submit any of the following ways:
Email to: [email protected]
Mail to:
Ridgewater College – PSEO
2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201
In person: Place in drop box outside front entrance or bring to front desk staff inside. - Step 5: Await Notification
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Once your online application and additional documentation are received, admittance to the program will be determined and you will be notified via email of your admission status and next steps.
Students applying for technical course work who meet admission requirements will be accepted after October 1st for Spring Semester and February 1st for Fall Semester on a space available basis.
- Step 6: Complete Orientation & Meet with Your Academic Advisor
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All new PSEO students are required to complete an online PSEO orientation prior to their first semester. Information on orientation is included in the acceptance letter.
All PSEO students are required to meet with their PSEO academic advisor to select courses prior to registering. Students will be advised on the credit balance sheet submitted with their PSEO application and must confirm with their high school counselor that their Ridgewater courses meet their high school graduation requirements.
Students will not be able to register until their Program Notice of Student Registration Form is completed. This form is required as part of the PSEO application process.
Students will not be advised for courses not covered by the PSEO program unless requested by the student. Payment for non-PSEO courses will be required by the tuition due date to secure a spot in the course.
- Step 7: Maintain your Eligibility
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Students participating in the program must maintain a cumulative Ridgewater GPA of 2.0 or better to remain active in the program. Students who fail to meet the 2.0 cumulative GPA requirement will be suspended from the program and must make arrangements to return to their high school.
Ridgewater PSEO students must also follow college policies regarding satisfactory academic progress. It is imperative that students understand the grades they earn and the performance they present will become part of their permanent college record.
Performing poorly in PSEO can affect your ability to graduate from high school and gain future college admission. It may also impact your financial aid and academic status at another institution.
To participate in PSEO it is important to submit materials by the required deadlines.
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09, subdivision 7, requires public school students to inform the district by May 30 of each year of the pupil’s intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year to assist the district in planning. A pupil is bound by notifying or not notifying the district by May 30.