Portland Scholars Admission Requirement
All incoming first year students whose cumulative unweighted high school GPA is below a 3.0 are required to successfully meet the program requirements listed below. The Scholars program project coordinator will check registration records to confirm all scholars fulfill the relevant requirement for their start term. If you do not successfully complete the applicable requirement, your admission to PSU will be revoked.
This program is intended to prepare students for the rigors of college and are designed to introduce students to PSU, the resources that we offer, and support for exploring majors while completing credits that go toward their PSU degree. Holistic year-round support is provided through peer mentoring and dedicated advising and tutoring, and unique opportunities for customized personal development.
If you submit final transcripts that reflect a cumulative, unweighted GPA of a 3.0 or higher, you will not be required to complete the program.
If you are required to participate in the program, Portland Scholars details will be provided via email and in your Admitted Student Portal. Log in to view your portal and next steps for enrollment.
Program Requirements
- Enroll in a maximum of 13 credits per term for your first three terms at PSU
- Complete the majority of your coursework on campus
- Complete the Portland Scholars program associated with your term of admission:
- Fall & Summer Term:
- Enroll in a First Year Inquiry cohort
- Participate in the Portland Summer Scholars Summer program in September 2026. This free program is available to students admitted for summer or fall term on or before June 15. If you are unable to participate in the summer program, contact portlandscholars@pdx.edu.
- Winter & Spring Term:
- Complete UNST 194: College Success (3 credits) during your first term at PSU
Participants in one of the following retention programs must enroll in a Portland Scholars First Year Inquiry cohort, but are not required to complete either UNST 194 or the Portland Summer Scholars program: ACCESS, EMPOWER, GANAS, INSPIRE, NATIONS, or TRIO SSS (Only students admitted for the fall term who have applied and been admitted to these programs to participate).
Notifications
If you are required to participate in the Portland Scholars program, you will be notified via email. If you submit final high school transcripts with an unweighted 3.0 GPA or higher or demonstrate that you are eligible for admission as a transfer applicant, you will not be required to participate in the program and will receive an email notification.