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 January
2005
"Keep away from people who try to belittle
your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really
great ones make you feel that you too, can become great."
–Mark Twain
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Dear Ventures Scholar,
Happy New Year! Can you believe that 2004 is over already?
What do you want out of 2005? Have you started to think about
your new year's resolution? Make your plan for this year and
set realistic goals!
When you establish your resolution, make sure that you truly
believe you want to change, do not make excuses, and understand
why you are making your resolution. Your resolution should
be realistic and within your control!
Make sure you write down your resolution. Include what you’d
like to get out of the resolution, when you’d like to
achieve it and how you’ll benefit from it. Remember,
be realistic!
Also, it is not too early to start thinking about your summer
plans! This e-newsletter and future e-newsletters will have
information pertaining to summer opportunities as well as
the information about college and career planning process.
Take care and let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ventures Scholars Program
webmaster@ventures.org
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Dan Stasik
Program Associate
dstasik@ventures.org |
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Please Note: Opinions expressed
in this document or linked documents are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the
Ventures Scholars Program.
Suggestions and/ or Comments about the Ventures Scholars
Program:
Please email Ventures Scholars Program at webmaster@ventures.org.
The Ventures Scholars Program provides information
about opportunities for high achieving underrepresented and
first generation college bound students interested in math,
science or technology-based careers. |
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| PARENT/GUARDIAN
CORNER |
[top of page] |
| This section provides Web site links to
topics relevant to parents/guardians of Ventures Scholars. |
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Scientists and engineers play a vital role in the
U.S. educational system, in industrial competition,
and in the generation of new knowledge. A challenge
for our country is to attract the best talent from all
sources to science and engineering to stimulate creativity,
innovation, and change; contribute to the advancement
of science and engineering; and foster a scientifically
literate population. Different perspectives, talents,
and experiences produce better ideas and ultimately
better goods and services to meet the needs of increasingly
diverse markets for products and services in the United
States and abroad. Our Nation needs the most from its
human resources. Indeed, we need the talents of all
our citizens if science, mathematics, and engineering
are to remain a hallmark of America’s excellence.
So vital is this to the National Science Foundation
(NSF) that one of the strategic goals of NSF as outlined
in the Government Performance and Results Act Strategic
Plan FY 1997–2003 is to "strive for a diverse,
globally oriented workforce of scientists and engineers."
To ensure this outcome is achieved, a second strategic
goal of NSF is to obtain improved achievement in mathematics
and science skills needed by all Americans.
Read more:
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/nsf99338/frames.htm
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Indisputably, improvements in the extent and quality
of education will raise the economic prospects, well-being,
and civic engagement of the Hispanic population. Latinos
are now the most poorly educated major population group
in the United States. White males average 13.3 years
of schooling and black males average 12.2. Latino males
lag behind with 10.6 years of schooling. Some of this
achievement gap reflects low levels of education among
many Latino immigrants but that is by no means the entire
problem. U.S.-born Hispanic males average 12.0 years
of schooling (Smith, 2001).
Read more:
http://www.pewhispanic.org/site/docs/pdf/latinosinhighereducation-sept5-02.pdf
(PDF File)
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| ASK THE
EXPERTS |
[top of page] |
The Answers from the Experts section provides
for Ventures Scholars to learn new information from other
Ventures Scholars and VSP Consortium members. Ventures
Scholars can submit articles that provide helpful information
to other Ventures Scholars. Ventures Scholars can also
ask questions to member
institutions. Articles, questions and answers are posted
in the biweekly e-newsletter and then placed on the VSP
Web site (www.venturescholar.org/hs/answers/experts.html).
To submit an article, go to http://www.venturescholar.org/hs/answers/submission.asp.
If you would like
to ask a question to member institutions, please email
the question to cwebmaster@ventures.org.
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Ventures Scholars are invited to ask questions and
obtain answers to the questions. Questions and answers
will appear in the biweekly e-newsletter and on the
Ventures Scholars Program Web site. To read questions
posed by other Ventures Scholars, please go to www.venturescholar.org/hs/answers/experts.html.
If you would like to submit a question, please email
questions to webmaster@ventures.org.
This week's questions:
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Veterinarian-related
Careers
I am a high school senior and as I am looking
at undergraduate colleges, I also know I would like
to go to veterinary medical school afterwards. I
know that after graduation from a vet school, there
are different careers that a person can have, but
I'm not sure what they are. The obvious available
career is that of a practicing veterinarian but
I wanted to know what other kinds of jobs there
are or where I can find out. For now, I'm exploring
my options even though I know I would like to attend
veterinary school.
Click here to view responses.
-
Summer
Opportunities for Student Interested in Veterinary
Medicine
Are you aware of any research opportunities in human
or veterinary medicine, or biomedical science for
high school students? I have an interest in infectious
diseases, which I studied at UCDavis last summer
in the COSMOS program. I have a better than 4.0
average and am taking AP Biology. I will graduate
in 2006. I am looking for an internship or research
opportunity for summer, 2005. Thank you
Click here to view responses.
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Mechanical
Engineering Career Path
I want to major in mechanical engineering.
After college I would like to work for a major car
assembly plant in the U.S. What type of work would
someone with a mechanical engineering degree do
in a car assembly plant. Would I be able to build
models of future car designs for presentation?
Click here to view responses.
-
Internship
for a Meteorology Major
I am a senior from Florida. I was just wondering
how I can go about getting an internship, preferably
one with a local weather station, The Weather Channel,
or National Geographic. I want to become a meteorologist,
and my ultimate career goal is to work for either
The Weather Channel or National Geographic. I am
dying to go on a tornado chasing tour with someone
associated with those organizations/networks. Thanks!
Click here to view responses.
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Double
Major in Math/Business
If I were to pursue a business and math
double major degree, could I go for separate master
degrees in math and another in business.
Click here to view responses.
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Career
as a Physical Therapist
I am a senior from Eagle Pass, Texas , a
birder town of 25,00 citizens and is one of the
top counties with a greatest amount of unemployment.
I would like to become a Physical Therapist and
am unsure what bachelors to get. I am ok in math
and science and have always been interested in the
medical field. I have been thinking of getting a
bachelors in Kinesiology, yet will I be held only
to be a athletic coach with such a degree. I am
confused. I am currently in the top ten percent
of my class with a 92,4 grade point average. I also
have a question on scholarships for science or medical
based interest.
Click here to view responses.
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Standardized
Test Scores and Admissions
I am a senior this year. I took two AP classes
during my junior year and I am taking four this
year, which I am very comfortable with taking. I
also have a good GPA (3.7) that could get me into
a selective college and I am involved in many extracurricular
activities and community services. However, some
of my standardized scores are not good compared
to the average scores at the universities I would
like to apply to. My highest ACT score is 25, I
am taking the SATs one last time, but I will probably
score somewhere between 1150 and 1200, and my SATII:
Writing was definitely below 600. On a good note,
I scored 700 on SATII: MathIC, scored a 4 on the
AP Calculus BC exam, and a 5 on the AP Calculus
AB subscore. Do you know how much the low standardized
test scores will affect the way the admission officers
at selective schools (or any type of school, in
fact) look at my application?
Click here to view responses.
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Getting
Research Experience
I am a 10th grader in Groton School, Groton
Massachusetts. I am interested in the sciences and
would like to learn about the way research is done.
I am looking for opportunities in the summer to
work in a lab and/or participate in any other hands-on
experiences in science. Do you have any such programs
available? I am interested in both paid and volunteer
opportunities. If I can not work in your labs could
you please tell me about any place where I can get
such experience? I am also interested in learning
more about the different areas of Medical and Veterinary
Sciences and would love to attend seminars.
Click here to view responses.
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Career
in Creative Advertising
I was considering a major in advertising.
The college I am applying to has both creative and
management advertising. I wanted to know a little
more about the creative advertising field since
I'm not too interested in extremely business oriented
careers. What kind of courses will I be in for in
college if I plan to make that my major?
Click here to view responses.
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"I am a high school senior
and as I am looking at undergraduate colleges, I also
know I would like to go to veterinary medical school
afterwards. I know that after graduation from a vet
school, there are different careers that a person can
have, but I'm not sure what they are. The obvious available
career is that of a practicing veterinarian but I wanted
to know what other kinds of jobs there are or where
I can find out. For now, I'm exploring my options even
though I know I would like to attend veterinary school."
Responses were sent from:
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Thank you for your question about alternatives to
traditional veterinary practice. Presently about 80
percent of practicing veterinarians are involved in
traditional practice models—meaning they provide
care to pets, typically small, companion animals,
and large, farm and/or food, animals. The remaining
20 percent of practicing veterinarians are involved
in a wide array of public or corporate practice settings—encompassing
a range of career opportunities including public health,
homeland security, food safety and comparative medicine.
Practice settings include the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the US Department of Agriculture
and its agencies, the Department of Homeland Security,
and numerous 500 companies and their subsidiaries.
This public/corporate practice component of the profession
is expected to grow dramatically over the next decade
as the demand for the unique training that veterinary
medical education provides increases.
In a recently produced white paper published by the
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges,
states, “Veterinarians are a unique national
resource, as they are the only health professionals
trained in multi-species comparative medicine. As
a result of this training, the veterinary profession
is able to provide an extraordinary link between agriculture
and human medicine. The uses made of this link have
been extensive, with multiple benefits to society.
In fact, public support for veterinary medical education
has, as its historical basis, the profession’s
relationship with food production and the control
of zoonotic diseases.” This paper goes on to
recommend that the US Colleges of Veterinary Medicine
will need to step up efforts to recruit students to
consider these alternative career paths within the
profession. Studies indicate that roughly 1/5 of graduating
veterinary students are needed to fill the impending
needs of the public practice setting. The AVMA brochure,
Today’s
Veterinarian, touches briefly on some of the additional
roles veterinarians can play in practice. In short
the field is much broader than it seems and subject
to tremendous future growth in the coming years.
Lisa M. Greenhill, MPA
Associate Executive Director for Diversity
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
1101 Vermont Avenue, NW; Suite 301
Washington, DC 20005
202-371-9195 x47
202-842-0773 (f)
lgreenhill@aavmc.org
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"Are you aware of any research
opportunities in human or veterinary medicine, or biomedical
science for high school students? I have an interest
in infectious diseases, which I studied at UCDavis last
summer in the COSMOS program. I have a better than 4.0
average and am taking AP Biology. I will graduate in
2006. I am looking for an internship or research opportunity
for summer, 2005. Thank you."
Responses were sent from:
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Thank you for your question about summer internship/research
opportunities at colleges of veterinary medicine.
I’ve attached the list of institutions that
have programs in place; you’ll note that few
of them have programs in place for outstanding high
schools students like yourself. You may consider contacting
Tuskegee University regarding their Vet Step program.
It may be a good fit for you. You may also consider
contacting the departments of veterinary science,
biology and agriculture at the undergraduate institutions
to which you may be applying for admission to inquire
about summer programming.
In the coming years, students are likely to see a
dramatic increase in the number of enrichment programs
offered by the colleges of veterinary medicine as
we increase recruitment efforts.
Lisa M. Greenhill, MPA
Associate Executive Director for Diversity
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
1101 Vermont Avenue, NW; Suite 301
Washington, DC 20005
202-371-9195 x47
202-842-0773 (f)
lgreenhill@aavmc.org
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"I want to major in mechanical
engineering. After college I would like to work for
a major car assembly plant in the U.S. What type of
work would someone with a mechanical engineering degree
do in a car assembly plant. Would I be able to build
models of future car designs for presentation?"
Responses were sent from:
Youngstown State University, and Bucknell University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
You might check the website for a major automobile
manufacturer to see what types of jobs they have and
the desired qualifications.
Dr. Ron Shaklee
Director, University Scholars and Honors Programs
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-4740
E-mail: rshaklee@ysu.edu
Limitations cannot be placed on the type of work
that you could find yourself doing. It really depends
a lot on the assembly plant and the work that they
ask of you. There are various designated tasks that
a car assembly plant could ask of you.
Tim Johnson
Bucknell University
tmjohnso@bucknell.edu
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"I am a senior from Florida.
I was just wondering how I can go about getting an internship,
preferably one with a local weather station, The Weather
Channel, or National Geographic. I want to become a
meteorologist, and my ultimate career goal is to work
for either The Weather Channel or National Geographic.
I am dying to go on a tornado chasing tour with someone
associated with those organizations/networks. Thanks!"
Responses were sent from:
Youngstown State University, and Bucknell University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
National Geographic routinely offers summer internship
possibilities for college students. You could also
check with the Weather Channel and your local television
and radio broadcast stations for internships. Another
possibility would be the National Weather Service
for internships.
Dr. Ron Shaklee
Director, University Scholars and Honors Programs
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-4740
E-mail: rshaklee@ysu.edu
The most probable way to obtain an internship is
to write the weather station of your choice expressing
your interest in receiving an internship. News stations
and other companies are usually willing to find ways
to help eager young minds in their field. By writing
a carefully crafted letter you should gain the attention
of the news station and hopefully begin building a
productive relationship.
Tim Johnson
Bucknell University
tmjohnso@bucknell.edu
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"If I were to pursue a
business and math double major degree, could I go for
separate master degrees in math and another in business."
Responses were sent from:
Youngstown State University, Mary Baldwin College, and
Illinois Wesleyan University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Yes, you could pursue the double major in Math and
Business and then have the option of doing a Master's
Degree in either or both Math and Business.
Dr. Ron Shaklee
Director, University Scholars and Honors Programs
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-4740
E-mail: rshaklee@ysu.edu
Yes you can double major at the majority of colleges
and universities, combining any two majors. This,
however means a larger and more intense course load
and maybe an extra semester or two. Once you finish
your undergrad studies, you can opt to obtain your
Master's Degree in those areas of math and business
separately. You will not be required to receive a
dual Master's Degree because of your work in undergrad.
The areas of studies that you receive your degrees
in is up to you and your interest for your future.
Drisana Garlington
Admissions Counselor for Minority Recruitment
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA. 24401
1.800.468.2262
dgarling@mbc.edu
If you were to pursue a double major in math and
business, you could certainly decide to pursue separate
master degrees in math and business after undergraduate
work. Given that graduate school is many years down
the road for high school students, I would venture
to say that many student's specific interests will
narrow by the time they complete their bachelor's
degree. Although it is always possible to complete
two separate master's degrees, there are also other
options to combine an interest in math and business.
At Illinois Wesleyan University, many of our students
double major, including the proposed math and business.
With this dual interest, one may want to consider
a career in actuarial science, which is a discipline
of mathmatical analysis used in the insurance industry.
In fact, Illinois Wesleyan offers a major in risk
manangement that many students will combine with business
to pursue acturary. Moreover, IWU is the only liberal
arts college in the nation to offer an undergraduate
risk management major. If you would like additional
information about this program, please feel free to
email me at bgeraty@iwu.edu.
Bob Geraty
Assistant Director of Admission
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL
1-800-332-2498
bgeraty@iwu.edu
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"I am a senior from Eagle
Pass, Texas , a birder town of 25,00 citizens and is
one of the top counties with a greatest amount of unemployment.
I would like to become a Physical Therapist and am unsure
what bachelors to get. I am ok in math and science and
have always been interested in the medical field. I
have been thinking of getting a bachelors in Kinesiology,
yet will I be held only to be a athletic coach with
such a degree. I am confused. I am currently in the
top ten percent of my class with a 92,4 grade point
average. I also have a question on scholarships for
science or medical based interest."
Responses were sent from:
Youngstown State University, and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Many schools now offer undergraduate degree programs
in Physical Therapy. Our university offers a 3 + 3
program (three year undergraduate degree and three
year Master's) that leads to certification in Physical
Therapy. Programs and requirements may vary by state.
Our program has a choice of three options for the
undergraduate degree. One with a Biology emphasis,
one with a Psychology emphasis and the third with
a Human Performance and Exercise Science emphasis.
Dr. Ron Shaklee
Director, University Scholars and Honors Programs
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-4740
E-mail: rshaklee@ysu.edu
There have been several changes within the physical
therapy education system within the past few years.
Recently, the American Physical Therapy Association
mandated that all new licensed physical therapists
obtain at least a master's degree in physical therapy.
Therefore, all students desiring to become a PT must
first obtain their bachelor's degree and then complete
a graduate degree in physical therapy. A typical graduate
PT program will be 2.5 to 3 years. There is not one
main undergraduate major for physical therapy. Some
students may study kinesiology, which is the study
of the movement of the body, but any college major
is appropriate provided that the student complete
all core requirements to apply to graduate PT school.
These will vary from school to school, but will include
biology and chemistry with labs, physics, and math.
At Illinois Wesleyan University, many of our pre-PT
students will major in biology and psychology. If
you have additional questions about this topic, please
feel free to email me at bgeraty@iwu.edu.
Bob Geraty
Assistant Director of Admission
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL
1-800-332-2498
bgeraty@iwu.edu
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"I am a senior this year.
I took two AP classes during my junior year and I am
taking four this year, which I am very comfortable with
taking. I also have a good GPA (3.7) that could get
me into a selective college and I am involved in many
extracurricular activities and community services. However,
some of my standardized scores are not good compared
to the average scores at the universities I would like
to apply to. My highest ACT score is 25, I am taking
the SATs one last time, but I will probably score somewhere
between 1150 and 1200, and my SATII: Writing was definitely
below 600. On a good note, I scored 700 on SATII: MathIC,
scored a 4 on the AP Calculus BC exam, and a 5 on the
AP Calculus AB subscore. Do you know how much the low
standardized test scores will affect the way the admission
officers at selective schools (or any type of school,
in fact) look at my application? "
Responses were sent from:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Mary Baldwin College,
St. Lawrence University, Bucknell University, and Brandeis
University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Standardized test scores are one of several factors
to admission's officers conside. Given your experience,
high school performance, and extracurricular activities,
your standardized test scores will not, by themselves,
affect your college choice. All things considered,
you are in a good position to be accepted at most
highly selective colleges and universities. Taking
the SAT one more time is probably not worth the stress
or cost. You have a well balanced, excellent record
- go with what you have and you select the college
you want to attend.
Mark Smith
Dean of Students
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Academy Hall, 4th Floor
110 Eighth Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
Phone: 518.276-6266
Fax: 518.276-4839
If your GPA is a 3.7 and you are bordering on an
1150 to 1200 SAT, with an ACT score of 25 you are
right on track. While you seem to be working hard
and taking the right classes, you may want to also
focus on a well written and composed essay, as well
as an activities list that shows character and lends
an understanding into your future goals. Yes your
scores are border-line for most selective schools,
but you should be very proud of yourself, you've done
well. You have more than a good chance to get into
some excellent colleges and universities.
Drisana Garlington
Admissions Counselor for Minority Recruitment
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA. 24401
1.800.468.2262
dgarling@mbc.edu
St. Lawrence University takes a very holistic approach
to reviewing applications. Given the profile of the
student, we think he would make a wonderful candidate
for our Presidential Diversity Scholarship. Given
our philosophical approach to evaluating applications,
the standardized test scores are considered to be
minor in comparison to the transcript and overall
picture. In fact, we don't provide concrete figures
in terms of GPA or SAT/ACT scores for eligibility
given concerns about testing biases. We want to look
at what the student has accomplished and how they
will fit into our community when determining whether
the student should be admitted or denied, granted
a merit scholarship or not, etc. The following link
provides more information about our Presidential Diversity
Scholarship, but I am happy to answer any additional
questions students and parents may have. http://www.stlawu.edu/admis/slu_merit.html#diversity
Steven Jo
St. Lawrence University
sjo@stlawu.edu
Well most colleges are and will continue to be places
that reward people for their work in the classroom.
I think the most significant piece to your education
is your ability to do the work assigned to you. Test
taking has its importance, but most schools look more
favorably upon good academic profiles. I think that
good boards are just the icing on the cake.
Tim Johnson
Bucknell University
tmjohnso@bucknell.edu
Greetings from Brandeis! You should be very proud
of your accomplishments in the classroom and know
that most selective universities place a heavy emphasis
on one's academic transcript. At Brandeis, and many
of the schools we compare ourselves too, we take a
holistic approach to the Admissions process. We have
no formula. We do however look at the following three
areas in order of importance to evaluate our applicants.
1) Academic abilities - here we look at your transcript
and see what courses you have chosen to take and how
well you did with those choices.
2) Personal Qualities and Extra Curricular Involvement
- here we look at what you do with your spare time
and who you are as a person. We look to see what your
references say about you, how you present your essay,
your involvement in the community, as well as in school.
3) Standardized Test Scores. Again because we do not
use a formula, you shouldn't see your test scores
as a barrier to apply. I hope this helps. Take care.
Robert W. Andrews, Assistant Director of Admissions
Brandeis University
www.brandeis.edu/admissions
(781) 736-3500
andrews@brandeis.edu
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| "I am a 10th grader in
Groton School, Groton Massachusetts. I am interested
in the sciences and would like to learn about the way
research is done. I am looking for opportunities in
the summer to work in a lab and/or participate in any
other hands-on experiences in science. Do you have any
such programs available? I am interested in both paid
and volunteer opportunities. If I can not work in your
labs could you please tell me about any place where
I can get such experience? I am also interested in learning
more about the different areas of Medical and Veterinary
Sciences and would love to attend seminars."
Responses were sent from:
Youngstown State University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Investigate possible summer gifted programs and
high school-to-college bridge programs at a nearby
university or Junior College. That would be the most
likely possibility for getting an early experience
on laboratory and research processes.
Dr. Ron Shaklee
Director, University Scholars and Honors Programs
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-4740
E-mail: rshaklee@ysu.edu
I recommend you find a college or research facility
within commuting distance of your home. My first suggestion
is to seek out any college hosting a Howard Hughes
medical or science education research grant. Generally,
those require some outreach to high school students
interested in pursuing a medical or biological sciences
degree and looking for research experience. You can
also look to develop a research project to do in collaboration
with a faculty member in preparation for intel science
competition. Contact local college biology departments,
pre-college programs hosted or sponsored by the college,
or student affairs office for advice and direction.
Mark Smith
Dean of Students
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Academy Hall, 4th Floor
110 Eighth Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
Phone: 518.276-6266
Fax: 518.276-4839
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| "I was considering a major
in advertising. The college I am applying to has both
creative and management advertising. I wanted to know
a little more about the creative advertising field since
I'm not too interested in extremely business oriented
careers. What kind of courses will I be in for in college
if I plan to make that my major?"
Responses were sent from:
Youngstown State University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
If the colleges you are investigating do not have
program in creative advertising, I would look at developing
a major in Graphic Design and minor in Advertising
(or vice versa depending on where your interest lie).
Dr. Ron Shaklee
Director, University Scholars and Honors Programs
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-4740
E-mail: rshaklee@ysu.edu
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| TIMELINE FOR VENTURES SCHOLARS |
[top of page] |
This section provides a monthly "to
do" list for Ventures Scholars. Make sure you are
on track!
(Special thanks to The National
Association for College Admission Counseling and the College
Board.) |
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| Juniors
- Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you
would like to investigate further. Surf the Internet
and use the college resources in the guidance office
or library.
- Ask your parents for your Social Security number
(required on many college applications). If you were
never issued a Social Security number, contact the
closest Social Security office as soon as possible
to obtain a number.
Seniors
- Keep working in your classes! Grades and courses
continue to count throughout the senior year.
- Most regular decision applications are due in January
or February. Be sure all the necessary materials have
been sent and received.
- Request that your counselor send the transcript
of your first semester grades to the colleges to which
you applied.
- Parents and students, complete your income tax
forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures
to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA
as quickly as possible after January 1. Check to make
sure your colleges or state does not require any other
financial aid forms. If they do, consult your guidance
counselor or contact the college's financial aid office.
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| VSP
ONLINE RESOURCE CENTER |
[top of page] |
As a high school student, you have a lot
of things on your mind. You are thinking about the courses,
extra-curricular activities, and the college and career
planning process. Are you overwhelmed? Please go to the
VSP
Online Resource Center and you’ll find links
to important information and resources.
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| Getting
Started
This section will link you to information about personality
assessments and timelines that can help you plan for
college.
Getting
Experience
Find out about science, math and technology competitions,
enrichment programs, summer opportunities, and work-related
opportunities.
Preparing
for College
Do you need help with study skills? Do you have academic-related
questions? Are you wondering how to find the right college/university?
Do you understand the application process? What if you
are wait-listed or rejected from a college? Can you
easily access SAT and ACT standardized examination test
dates? This section will provide links to information
about the college planning process.
Financial
Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
This section provides links to help you better connect
to financial aid resources and scholarship opportunities.
Math-
and Science-Based Careers
There are hundreds of math- and science-based career
Web sites. Learn about career pathways and career exploration
sites. Read about famous math and science professionals.
Explore our member colleges, universities, and professional
associations' informative on-line career centers.
The
Personal Side
As a Ventures Scholar, you are faced with a variety
of personal issues and concerns. This section offers
information about issues affecting young adults.
VSP Colleges
and Universities
Learn about our member institutions. Contact them for
additional information about scholarships, programs
and other opportunities.
VSP Professional
Associations
Professional associations can provide you with extensive
career information. Contact them for additional assistance.
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| ACHIEVING
ACADEMIC SUCCESS |
[top of page] |
This section provides links to Web sites
that offer tips about study skills and other topics that
will help you achieve academic success.
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| Seniors have worked hard for three years, taking
tests, completing projects, and preparing for college
admission. When senior year rolls around, some students
just want to get through college applications and relax
before they head off to the college of their choice.
Read more:
http://www.collegeboard.com/article/0,3868,2-7-0-8626,00.html
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| Did you know you can read books online?
Go to these helpful resources! English, Medical, Legal,
and Computer Dictionaries, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia,
a Literature Reference Library, and a Search Engine
all in one!
Free Dictionary:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
Free Online Library:
http://www.iln.net/
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| Are you planning to register for the
upcoming SAT I, SAT II, or ACT examinations? Make sure
you know the test registration deadlines.
Scroll to the bottom of this page and you'll be able
to link to free online resources.
Read more:
http://www.venturescholar.org/hs/standardexams.html
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| FINANCIAL
AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS |
[top of page] |
| This section provides links to Web sites
that help you learn about financial aid and scholarship
resources. You can also link to personal finance resources.
To access additional information about financial aid and
scholarships, please go to www.venturescholar.org/resource/finaid-hs.html. |
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| Welcome to ACT's Financial Aid Need Estimator!
This free service can help you plan more effectively
to meet college costs. The Financial Aid Need Estimator
allows you to calculate both your family contribution
and costs at specific institutions by taking you through
two steps.
Read more:
http://www.act.org/fane/index.html
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| The National Association of Student
Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is an association
of 3,000 colleges, universities, career schools, and
others with an interest in the effective administration
of student financial aid. The Association does not provide
financial aid to students; please contact the financial
aid administrator at the college of your choice for
specific details on available financial aid opportunities.
However, with this Web Site NASFAA provides information
on the financial aid process and directs you to some
of the more important and helpful financial aid guidance
on the Web. We hope you find this information useful.
Read more:
http://www.nasfaa.org/ParentsStudents.asp?Tab=ParentsStudents
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| GETTING
FEEDBACK FROM MEMBER INSTITUTIONS |
[top of page] |
This section provides links to the Ventures
Scholars Program Consortium members. The Consortium includes
close to 225 undergraduate institutions, graduate and
professional schools, and professional association members.
You can complete an information questionnaire and share
your accomplishments with member undergraduate institutions
or ask questions about career pathways to member professional
association representatives.
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Ventures Scholars can complete a questionnaire
which will be submitted to member colleges, universities
and professional associations for feedback. Please remember
to use complete sentences, check your grammar and reread
your answers before submitting them. College and university
admissions personnel will notice your mistakes!
Please go to www.venturescholar.org/hs/hsquest.asp
and complete the questionnaire.
Would you like to ask professional associations questions
about math- and science-related careers? If you have
questions about math- and science-related careers, you
can ask our member professional associations and organizations.
Complete this form and your information will be forwarded
to the selected associations.
Go to http://www.venturescholar.org/scholars/assocquest.asp.
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| WHAT’S
GOING ON AT MEMBER INSTITUTIONS |
[top of page] |
This section shares information about the
VSP Consortium members' upcoming programs, events and
opportunities.
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| We hope you are planning to visit your favorite
member institutions. Open houses offer opportunities
for Ventures Scholars to visit a college campus and
learn about their programs. Some member institutions
provide a one-day open house, others offer overnight
programs. If your favorite member institution is not
listed in this section, please go to www.venturescholar.org/hs/undergradcontact.html
and locate the name of the admissions representative.
Call or email them to obtain information about the open
house at your favorite member institution. Below is
a list of schools hosting open houses in January, February
and March.
| Month |
Member
College or University |
| January 2005 |
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| February 2005 |
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| March 2005 |
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Syracuse University will be hosting a series of financial
aid workshop at Joseph I. Lubin House at 11 East 61st
Street, between 5th Avenue and Madison on Friday, January
21, 2005 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m, Saturday, January 22,
2005 from 10 - 12 noon, and Sunday, January 23, 2005
from 4-6 p.m.
The workshop is for the parents of students applying
to Syracuse University.
For more information contact:
Lonnie Morrison
Director of Metropolitan Admissions Programs
Syracuse University
Phone: 212-826-0335
Email: lmorriso@syr.edu
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Learn about the Pre-College Program at Barnard College.
Barnard College's Summer in New York program offers
young men and women incredible opportunities to explore
New York City both in and out of the classroom. The
city plays an important role in the design of the courses.
Academic course offerings are varied, and classes are
limited in size so that you can receive individual attention,
engage in lively discussion, and work on independent
projects. Your studies could include visiting an art
gallery, attending a poetry slam, or meeting city leaders.
Evenings and weekends are packed with organized trips
to tourist sights like the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller
Center. You may also catch a film at an outdoor festival
or hang out in Central Park. In short, you'll get an
unforgettable taste of your future while experiencing
life in the big city.
For more information, visit our website at
www.barnard.edu/pcp.
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February 19, 2005 and April 16, 2005
Open to all interested students and their parents,
Bobcat Days at Texas State is the university's premiere
open house event. Designed to be interactive, this event
enables students to sample campus life for a day by
means of campus tours, visits to residence halls and
lunch at the food court. You can also attend presentations
by Admissions, Financial Aid, Residence Life and Multicultural
Student Affairs. Student/ parent check-in as well as
many of the other major activities (University Exchange,
various presentations and campus tours) take place in
the LBJ Student Center.
There is no charge to attend Bobcat Days (except for
meals) and reservations are not required. Families are
welcome. The Saturday program begins at 9:00 a.m. and
concludes at 2:00 p.m.
For more information please check out http://www.admission.txstate.edu/_Recruit/bobcat_day.htm.
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| The Science Training Programs Directory for Teachers
and Students (STP) has more than 300 programs listed
and is the only comprehensive catalog of science, mathematics
and engineering enrichment programs for pre-college
students and teachers.
Read more:
http://www.sciserv.org/stp/
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This online database of over 1,100 pre-college
outreach programs is a free resource for students, parents,
teachers, counselors, and college admissions officers
looking for specific programs, as well as a free service
for those operating outreach programs. The capability
to add new programs and update existing Profiles will
be added to the database soon.
Read more:
http://www.pathwaystocollege.net/outreach/search.cfm
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| Working at a summer internship has become the quintessential
experience for many college students. It helps them
get their feet wet in the real job world, learn interviewing
and communication skills, and explore potential career
paths. Many employers now look for internship experience
on the resumes of students graduating from college,
and while not a requirement, this experience can be
a tremendous asset and help students stand out from
the crowd. As the job market remains tight, it becomes
even more essential for college students to find internships
during their summer breaks, not the least because sometimes
these internships can be later turned into full-time
employment.
Read more:
http://www.linkup-parents.com/internships.htm
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Finding and getting a killer internship has no
downside: you'll learn a ton, spice up your resume,
meet new people, and hopefully get a few steps closer
to knowing what you'd like to do with your life after
college. To score that perfect internship and get out
of it what you deserve, check out some well-tested advice
from fellow students who've trekked the internship waters.
Read more:
http://www.nataviguides.com/book.html?id=44
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| In 1972, the National College Fairs program has
aided students in fulfilling their educational aspirations.
A free program to the public, the fairs allow students
to interact with admission representatives from a wide
range of postsecondary institutions to discuss course
offerings, admission and financial aid requirements,
college life in general, and other information pertinent
to the college selection process.
Read more:
http://www.nacac.com/exhibit/fair.cfm
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| ARTICLES
OF INTEREST |
[top of page] |
This section provides links to Web sites
that help you learn about the world of science and related
topics.
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Information on worldwide earthquake activity, earthquake
science, and earthquake hazard reduction.
Read more:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/
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| CAREER
EXPLORATION |
[top of page] |
This section links to Web sites that provide
you with information about math- and science-related careers.
You can also learn about the career planning process.
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Yes, it starts as early as high school! If you
know, as a student in high school, that you want to
become a medical doctor, you can get a head start on
your preparation for medical school. Take advanced-placement
courses. They may enable you to take advanced science
courses once you get to college. And of course, get
work experience in the medical field, such as a summer
job with your family physician or volunteering at a
local hospital. Not only will it help you decide if
medicine is for you, it could help you get into medical
school.
Read more:
http://education.yahoo.com/college/essentials/articles/college/planning_ahead_med_school.html
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Geoscientists are stewards or caretakers of Earth's
resources and environment. They work to understand natural
processes on Earth and other planets. Investigating
the Earth, its soils, oceans, and atmosphere; forecasting
the weather; developing land-use plans; exploring other
planets and the solar system; determining environmental
impacts; and finding new sources of useful Earth materials
are just a few of the ways geoscientists contribute
to our understanding of Earth processes and history.
Geoscientists provide essential information for solving
problems and establishing governmental policies for
resource management; environmental protection; and public
health, safety, and welfare.
Read more:
http://iserver.saddleback.cc.ca.us/faculty/jrepka/career.html
http://www.earthscienceworld.org/careers/
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Have you ever wondered who created that spine-tingling
ride you love so much at the amusement park? Have you
ever thought about why today’s cars are more fuel-efficient
and cause less pollution? Or who came up with instant
messaging? The answer is engineers. If you want to change
the world through innovations like these, a career in
engineering will help you do it. This site lets you
explore the different engineering fields, learn how
to get and pay for an engineering education, and have
fun with interactive engineering games and resources.
Read more:
http://www.engineeringk12.org/students/default.htm
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| THE
PERSONAL SIDE |
[top of page] |
This section links to Web sites that share
informational resources about high school students' issues
and concerns.
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Would you like to ask Ventures Scholars questions
about the college and career planning process? Go to
http://www.venturescholar.org/login
and you will find instructions for joining the listserv.
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