COM Collegiate High School Student Grace Pope Wears a University of Texas at Austin Shirt in the COM Library.
COM Collegiate High School Student Grace Pope Wears a University of Texas at Austin Shirt in the COM Library.

College of the Mainland (COM) Collegiate High School (CHS) student Grace Pope has recently been accepted into several top Texas universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Sam Houston State University and the University of North Texas. She has also received four-year scholarship offers from the University of Houston and Baylor University.

“It feels very encouraging,” Grace said. “I feel like I've set a great example for my younger siblings and even my friends who are graduating alongside me.”

Originally attending Dickinson High School, Grace joined COM’s CHS her junior year in fall 2023 after learning about the program through her high school academic counselors. Her older brother also attended and graduated from Dickinson High School and was enrolled in COM’s dual credit program, giving her insight into the benefits of taking college courses early.

“I look up to my brother, and I also want to make my family proud,” Grace said.

She credited her achievement to her brother for setting an example and instilling determination in her, as well as to her mother for supporting her success through advice and encouragement.

When asked what advice she would give to a fellow student, Grace said, “Stay consistent and have discipline.” She went on to share how, through this journey, she learned the importance of making sacrifices. “You have to pick whether you want to go to an event or get your assignment finished—or just have time management and complete the assignment beforehand.”

Through it all, Grace’s determination and discipline in her CHS journey made this achievement possible. She plans to follow in her brother’s footsteps and attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall.

COM's CHS program allows college-ready high school students in the College's service area to earn an associate degree while simultaneously completing their high school diploma. Depending on the school district, this program is open to all ninth-through 12-grade students who meet the requirements. By receiving a 40 percent waiver of tuition and fees, students can obtain their education at an economically discounted rate and get a jump start on college. Despite spending most of their time on the COM campus, students are still considered high school students and can participate in all their high school extracurricular activities.