Students who participate in the Regents Foreign Language Academy Summer Session and the Academic Year Session that begins in the fall must be enrolled in a Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program. This program is designed to provide qualified high school students with access to college level coursework. The language courses taken under PSEOP during the Academy will count toward completing University language requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Fashion and may also fulfill some high school graduation requirements, if approved by the student's local school district.

Two options for enrollment exist: Option A (college credit only) and Option B (for both high school and college credit). Option A or B (in the summer, Option B requires the School District's permission) can be taken during the summer session of the Academy but only Option B can be taken for the academic year follow-up session. Students must normally be juniors or seniors in order to be considered for Kent State University PSEO Programs including the Language Academy.

The State of Ohio Department of Education and the admissions offices of the state universities in Ohio have endorsed a minimum core of 16 units of high school college preparatory courses. In order to participate in PSEOP, high school students must have completed at least nine units of this minimum core in order to be considered for admission as a first-semester high school junior or at least 13 units in order to be considered for admission as a first-semester high school senior. While state law allows freshmen and sophomores to apply for PSEOP, each university establishes its own admission criteria. Kent will consider freshmen and sophomores for the Foreign Language Academy only as exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Students admitted to the PSEOP for the Language Academy do so under admission requirements distinct from those for Kent State's general PSEOP program (see below). Admission to the Foreign Language Academy PSEOP allows students to take only classes offered through the Academy. Language PSEOP students must meet the general University PSEOP admission requirements to take University courses outside the Academy and must apply separately to take such courses. The admission requirements for the Language Academy are as follows:

• Under state requirements, a "B" average is required in any high school subject for which additional coursework is requested at the university; since the languages offered in the Academy are generally not taught in the high schools, the Academy expects a "B" average or better in any English or foreign language courses taken.
• Academy students cannot be native speakers or heritage speakers of any of the languages offered in the academy.
• Students should have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher; students not meeting this criterion will be considered on a case-by-case basis and a personal interview may be required.
• The ACT or SAT tests are not required for admission to the Academy, although such scores will be considered if available.
• A recommendation from a foreign language teacher, an English teacher, or other professional dealing with language programs at the high school is required.
• A recommendation from a PSEOP counselor is required.
• A short essay in which you discuss why you wish to be in this program, the language you would most like to study, and what you hope to gain from participation is required.
• Admission will be based on the totality of the high school record, previous language and English coursework, any test scores, recommendations, the essay, and, if necessary, an interview.

You should note that:

• Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors.
• Proven success and persistence in the study of foreign languages will be a major criterion for selection.
• Student motivation to study the language chosen will play a major role in selection.
• Emotional maturity and ability to manage time will also be a factor in selection.

Students seeking admission to PSEOP must demonstrate their academic preparation for the challenge of college study. Ideally, applicants to PSEOP should rank in the top 15% of their class, have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and have a minimum ACT composite of 26 (SAT of 1180-1210). Under state requirements, a "B" average is required in any high school subject for which additional coursework is requested at the university. Kent State also requires an essay, a recommendation from the high school principal or counselor, and a teacher recommendation from each content area of the course most similar to that requested. While students who do not meet these ACT/SAT and grade point average guidelines may apply, additional testing and a personal interview may be required. Evaluation will be based on the totality of the high school record, test scores, nature of the coursework requested, recommendations, and interview.

Tuition for Language Academy PSEOP students during the summer academy session will be paid for by grants from the Ohio Board of Regents and the National Foreign Language Center (STARTALK). For most students tuition for the academic year follow-up session will be paid for under the provisions of State Bill 140 (PSEOP). To qualify for this tuition reimbursement, students must enroll under Option B. High School students wishing to take advantage of this financial opportunity must contact the local school district PSEOP coordinator, guidance counselor or other PSEOP official.