News

A new program created by PSU's Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid is providing college opportunities to high school students who might not have otherwise seen college as an option. The "Instant Viking" program is an admission-on-the-spot initiative that sends PSU admissions counselors to high schools to review and discuss applications with students, make an on-the-spot decision about acceptance, and then provide students with information, guaranteed housing in the Freshman Year Experience program, and a certificate of acceptance.

On March 9, 2004, the first Instant Viking program took place at Woodburn High School. Prior to that day, only seven Woodburn High seniors had been admitted to PSU for fall 2004. PSU counselors met with an additional 19 students, 18 of whom were accepted. Although labor-intensive, the face-to-face interaction replaces a weeks-long process that can be intimidating to students who may become the first in their families to attend college. PSU counselors also met with Roosevelt High School students on April 1 and hope to expand the program in 2005.