With course selections due February 5, students are rushing to fill out their four-year plans. But, have you ever noticed the little section where it says “Endorsement” at the top?

An endorsement is necessary to be eligible for automatic admission to Texas schools, as well as earn a distinguished level of achievement. CISD ensures that all students earn an endorsement by mandating students take four years of all four core courses, which earns them the multidisciplinary endorsement. 

A STEM endorsement can be earned by taking four CTE STEM courses, four computer science courses, Algebra II (plus the two math courses required as a prerequisite), five science courses (or Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and three additional courses previously listed. For those students who love science, this is a great option.

The Business and Industry endorsement can be earned by taking four sequential English electives (Broadcast, Newspaper, Public Speaking, Yearbook, and Debate), four sequential CTE courses (Agriculture, Architecture, Audio-Visual tech and communications, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology (IT), Manufacturing, Marketing, and Transportation and Logistics), or four technology application credits (project based courses in computer science). There are many choices in this sector of endorsements.

To earn the Public Service endorsement, students must take four sequential CTE courses in the following clusters (Education, Human Services, Health Science, JROTC). Additionally, students can earn the Arts and Humanities endorsement by taking five social studies courses, four levels of the same foreign language or two levels of two different foreign languages, or four sequential fine arts courses (Art, Dance, Theater Arts, Band, Choir, and Orchestra).

Students are able to earn more than one endorsement for graduation, based on the courses they take. With so many endorsements to choose from, College Park students are sure to succeed with college admissions.