Concurrent, Dual Enrollment Help HS Students Get Ahead at TAMIU

High school upperclassmen wanting a head start on their higher education can do so this Spring at Texas A&M International University through TAMIU's Concurrent Admission Program.

High school juniors and seniors with an 85 or higher GPA for all course work, and who have written permission from their high school counselor, have the opportunity to gain credit for University-level classes early while completing high school requirements. Prior to enrolling, the student must also have taken the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test or have been granted an exemption from the exam.

Gina De La Miyar Gonzalez, associate director of admissions, said starting University courses early has distinct advantages.

"By participating in this program, students can fulfill high school credits with University level courses and at the same time, satisfy their requirements for the Distinguished Achievement Program," she said, "Students can also get a head start on their degree while still in high school and defray the cost of tuition and fees by applying for the Concurrent Admission Scholarship."

Gonzalez said high school students considering this option would find others following the same path.

"Every semester we have a good number of high school students taking classes here on campus. This past fall, we had 47 students and in Spring 2004, we had 55. The largest numbers come in the summer. In Summer 2004 we had 163 concurrent or dual enrollment students," Gonzalez said.

Overall, she said concurrent enrollment and dual credit programs can provide students with remarkable opportunities.

"This is a wonderful chance to get a head start in higher education and we encourage students to avail themselves of this remarkable opportunity available to them at their hometown University," she concluded.

The University will reopen for Spring 2005 at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3. Registration is ongoing through the first day of classes on Monday, Jan. 10. Online Late Registration is available, with fees applied, through Friday, Jan. 14. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at 326.2200, e-mail enroll@tamiu.edu , or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 155.