Junior Scholars get a head start on their university education by earning college credit and becoming familiar with campus life. Some Junior Scholars want to learn more about subjects not offered at their high school, while others want to increase their chance for being accepted at a university of their choice.

"Junior Scholars gives students a feel for what college is like, so they know what to expect," former Director Lillian Mayberry said. "For students who are bright, high school may not be difficult. They don't realize the demands that will be placed on them in college."

A high school student interested in becoming a Junior Scholar must have a composite SAT score of 1,030 or better, or a minimum ACT composite of 22. Students who are not TASP exempt, must provide TASP (Texas Academic Skills Program) results or take Quick TASP, which is available at the UTEP Testing Center, Education Building, Suite 210. TASP results are used for placement and are required before a student can register for classes. If a student plans to enroll in a math class, they need to take Accuplacer for math placement. The test schedule is available at the Testing Center: (915) 747-5009 or on their website at academics.utep.edu/testing.

Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to apply and should obtain an application form from the Honors House, and return it to:

The University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP Junior Scholars Program
Honors House
El Paso, Texas 79968-0607

Junior Scholars must also submit a official high school transcript and have their ACT or SAT scores sent directly to UTEP from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Copies of SAT/ACT scores will not be accepted. Before a student can be admitted, ALL application materials are due at the Honors House no later than two weeks prior to the first day of classes each semester.

Students who are accepted to participate in the Junior Scholars Program should visit the Honors House with one or both of their parents or a guardian. A representative of the Junior Scholars Program will explain how the program functions and assist help them make choices about courses, scheduling and other details.

Junior Scholars receive a UTEP ID which entitles them to use all UTEP facilities open to regular students: library, most special events, drama and film series, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc.

Our 24-hour telephone number is: (915) 747-5858

Junior Scholars take classes in English, math, foreign language, history, science, computer science, political science, music, psychology, or sociology. Junior Scholars will normally enroll in one or two university courses during any given semester.

Certain courses that meet the requirements defined in the Texas Education Knowledge and Skills may be taken for high school credit and university credit.

Classes taken under this option count toward high school graduation and the grade is averaged into the high school GPA. Students who do not wish to apply UTEP coursework toward high school graduation take university classes for college credit only. Please contact the Honors Program Office for a list of courses approved for dual credit.

Junior Scholars must pay for tuition, textbooks, course materials, and registration fees. A one-time only $100.00 student fee is also assessed in order to cover the administrative costs for a new student.