The Pasadena ISD Collegiate Scholars Program is an invitation only program that is designed to target and support students who strive to qualify as National Merit Scholars, Commended Scholars or to qualify for the National Hispanic Recognition Program. The program is designed with multiple entry points so that students can receive the level of support that best addresses their needs.

10th grade students qualify for admittance into the Collegiate Scholars program by scoring within the top 100 students in the district on the October PSAT/NMSQT during their 10th grade year. Pasadena ISD uses the NMSC Selection Index Score to determine eligibility. 10th grade students who qualify for the Collegiate Scholars program will be notified in April of each school year and will be given the opportunity to apply for acceptance into this distinguished program. Students who are accepted in the Collegiate Scholars program will be notified by the end of April.

The Collegiate Scholars program provides custom designed support for our top scoring students as they prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT in their 11th grade year. The instructors are chosen for their expertise in their content area and are trained to meet the needs of high achieving students. Qualifying students are required to attend at least one of the Collegiate Scholars prep sessions, as well as improve their Selection Index score on their 11th grade PSAT/NMSQT, in order to receive the designation of Collegiate Scholar. 

Upon successful completion of the Collegiate Scholars program, students will receive a certificate of merit to be awarded at the annual Collegiate Scholars luncheon and will also receive a set of cords that they will wear as a mark of distinction during graduation. 

For more information on this program, you can contact the College Now Coordinator for your student’s high school or Pam Johnson, Advanced Academics Specialist. 



NMSC Selection Index Information

PISD Collegiate Scholars Prep Sessions


Information on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Information on the National Merit Scholarships Corporation.



For more information on the Collegiate Scholars program contact:

Pam Johnson Instructional Specialist for  Advanced Academics 713-740-5257 [email protected]