A&M International Welcomes High School Students Early with DAP

Outstanding high school juniors and seniors who are looking to fulfill their high school graduation requirements while earning university credits can do just that at Texas A&M International University this Fall.

The Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) allows high school upperclassmen to earn both high school (accelerated) and university credits taking designated classes, said Minita Ramirez, executive director of enrollment management.

Students interested must have no less than an 85 grade point average for all course work completed and have written permission from their high school counselor. They must also have taken the Texas Academic Skills Program test.

The concurrent enrollment program provides an optimal opportunity for students to accelerate their future degree plans, Ramirez said.

"Concurrent enrollment facilitates students' dual credit, both in high school and university, allowing them to graduate from high school with university hours credited towards a degree," she explained, "Depending on the amount of courses they take, a student may eliminate their entire freshman year before actually graduating from high school. This, then, gives students the opportunity to take advantage of programs such as internships and student exchanges abroad."

Students can sign up for three hours each summer session and up to six hours during the regular Fall and Spring semesters, Ramirez said.

A&M International also benefits from students who start early, said Maria Rosillo, director of admissions.

"By having these students enroll early, we can show them what we are all about so that by the time they are freshmen, they will know what an excellent opportunity A&M International offers them to earn a post- secondary degree here in their community," she said.

A&M International also offers scholarships to a select number of students to cover their tuition costs, said Rosillo.

For further information on DAP or concurrent enrollment, please contact Ramirez at 326-2278, e-mail minita@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Killam Library 161.

For admission information, please contact Rosillo at 326-2442, e-mail mrrosillo@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Killam Library 155D.

For information on student scholarships, please contact Araceli Rangel, financial aid director, at 326-2225, e-mail arangel@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Canseco Hall 302E.

Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday and 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Regular University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu