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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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- What is the Texas Scholars Program?
The Texas Scholars Program is a course of study that encourages students to take challenging classes in high school. It provides an education that better prepares students to enter a technical school, a community college, a university or the work force. A joint effort of schools districts and the business community, the Texas Scholars Program is endorsed by colleges and universities, the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Business and Education Coalition.
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- Who are the Texas Scholars?
The Scholars are students who graduate from high school under the state Recommended High School Program. This program is designed to prepare them for success whether they choose to attend a college, university or trade school or to enter the work force immediately after graduation. Mathematics, science, social studies, computer literacy and languages are the key academic components of the state-recommended plan. The Texas Scholars philosophy is based on the believe that it is better to pass an academically rigorous course that to get a high grade in a less demanding class.
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- Who supports the Texas Scholars Program?
Many colleges, universities and employers support the Texas Scholars Program because they care about an applicant's overall education, not just his or her grade point average. They want people who have completed a demanding course of study in high school. Special Texas Scholar seals are put on the transcripts of students who complete the program, and when looking at transcripts, many employers give preference in hiring Texas Scholars. Often they select applicants who have earned C's in harder classes rather than those who have made higher grades in easy classes. In addition, Texas Scholars who can prove financial need are eligible for the Texas Grant, which pays for tuition and fees at public and private colleges and universities as well as some special technical schools. For more information, visit http://www.collegefortexans.com.
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- What role do parents play in the Texas Scholars Program?
Parents are crucial to a student's success in the Texas Scholars Program. In the eighth grade, each student prepares a state-recommended high school four-year plan (the Texas Scholars Plan) with the help of his or her parents and counselor. Parents should work with the counselor to help their child meet Texas Scholars course requirements. Most importantly, the encouragement and support of parents are essential in helping a student succeed in this challenging academic program.
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- Why become a Texas Scholar?
Recognition
As a Texas Scholar, you will be recognized for you academic achievements at graduation. Teachers, parents and community leaders will identify you as a student who accepts challenges and sets high goals for success
Privileges
Your high school will reward you with special benefits and privileges that are available only to Texas Scholars.
Choices
After graduating as a Texas Scholar, you will be better prepared to enter the workforce or to attend a college, university or trade school. Texas Scholars have more choices after high school graduation.
Better Jobs
Like other Texas Scholars, you will find that employers prefer to hire individuals with strong academic backgrounds to fill good, well paying jobs.
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- How can I qualify to be a Texas Scholar?
You can become a Texas Scholar by passing the required courses in the state Recommended High School Program with a "C" average or better and graduating from high school.
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- Texas Scholars Program Requirements
English: 4 credits. The Credits must consist of English I, II, III & IV
Mathematics: 4 credits. Three of the credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra IIm and Geometry. 4th credit may be: Precalculus, APs, IBs, AP Computer Science, Mathematical Models with Applications, Independent Study, College Courses
Science: 4 credits. Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology (1.0) No more than one credit may be chosen from each of the following three areas (2.0):
- Integrated Physics & Chemistry
- Chemistry, AP Chemistry or IB Chemistry
- Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics or IB Physics
Social Studies: 4 credits (including a half-credit in economics)
U.S. History (1.0), World History (1.0), World Geography (1.0), U.S. Government (.5), Economics (.5) Two credits of foreign language
Physical Education: 1 1/2 credits
Health: Half credit
Technology: 1 credit
State approved computer science applications course
Fine Arts: 1 credit
Speech: Half credit
Electives: 3 1/2 credits
Total Credits: 26
Notes:
- Students preparing for higher education are encouraged to complete an additional math course and additional laboratory science course.
- Your school district may have specific options for electives; check with your counselor.
- Advanced Placements and Concurrent Enrollment courses may be substituted for requirements in appropriate proficiency areas.
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