LEAP program offers choices

By Alejandra Pena
Bridge contributing writer
Published Monday, April 13, 2020

With an early acceptance program, TAMIU students can fulfill their dreams of attending a graduate or professional program.

The Laredo Early Acceptance Program is a partnership between Texas A&M International University and the University of Texas Health and Science Center at San Antonio.

“LEAP is a program where students take an agreement where they will be guided through courses and other requirements to be accepted into the program of their interest in UT Health,” LEAP student Desireah Rodman said.

There are five programs available to LEAP students, as well as various advantages that come with program participation.

“Some of the benefits that come with being LEAP students is that we have direct mentoring with the director of health admissions as well as we get to meet some of the faculty and staff from the specific programs of our interest,” Rodman said. “We get to see what makes us strong applicants in order to continue to better ourselves when it is time to apply.”

With LEAP, the program’s goals are to help students develop plans for a successful future.

“LEAP gives us a roadmap for success and acceptance into the programs of our choice,” Rodman said.

The Biology and Chemistry Department in the College of Arts and Sciences guides students to necessary courses needed in order to gain acceptance into the school.

“I would recommend this program to other students interested in the medical field, yet not specifically medical school, because this program offers many tools that students can utilize to accomplish their goal as a healthcare provider,” Rodman said.