| PARENT/GUARDIAN
CORNER |
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| This section provides Web site links to
topics relevant to parents/guardians of Ventures Scholars. |
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Preparing Students for College, Careers,
and Civic Participation
National High School Alliance released a policy brief
titled A Call to Action: Transforming High School for
All Youth. The brief contains six core principles and
recommended strategies for preparing all students for
college, careers, and active civic participation.
To read the policy brief, go to:
www.hsalliance.org/_downloads/home/Call%20To%20Action%202005/CalltoAction2005.pdf
(PDF File)
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The Advanced Placement Program, administered by
the College Board of New York, allows students to participate
in college level courses and possibly earn college credit
while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges
cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity
to show mastery in college-level courses by taking Advanced
Placement (AP) exams in May of each school year.
Read more:
http://www.weatherfordisd.com/gt/apinfo.htm
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| ASK THE
EXPERTS |
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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 webmaster@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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Language Requirements for College
If a certain college recommends four years
of one language, does it matter if you get to the
fourth level of the course in three years? (ex.
Spanish 4 by your junior year) or should you take
a fourth year anyway? Thanks.
Click here to view responses.
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New SAT and What Colleges Look For
I recently got the results from the new
SAT test I took this March. I scored 610 on math,
600 on the critical reading and 560 on the writing
section with an 8 on my essay. How do I know what
scores colleges are looking for? Would these scores
be good enough for highly selective colleges? If
not how could I improve my scores?
Click here to view responses.
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Starting
College in Spring or Fall
When is the best time to start college after
high school spring or fall?
Click here to view responses.
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What
Does a Top University Look for in an Applicant
I am currently a junior and I am worried
about admission in to the Universities of my choice
considering that most of them are top universities
for engineering. I am highly active being involved
in four different clubs while holding a position
in three out of the four, as well as being a part-time
college student, and volunteering. I am also enrolled
in two different distinguished summer programs which
I will be receiving college credit from. My grades
however are not as high as my peers considering
I am taking all honors classes and next year I will
be taking all AP minus two courses. I will also
be taking an additional course online. I am in the
top 10 percentile and a minority female. However
I am unsure if this will be enough. I guess I'm
asking how will I be looked at in the admissions
process and is there any thing else I can do besides
continue to work on improving my grades?
Click here to view responses.
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Career
as a Forensic Pathologist
Hello! I am a sophomore in high school and
I am having a bit of trouble finding out information
about the career that I am interested in. I want
to become a forensic pathologist, but I don't know
what college is a good college to go to for this
field? How long will I be in college for this particular
career? Are there any courses that I could take
in high school that I would prepare me for related
college classes? There are so many questions that
I still have that I can't think of at the moment
and that I would love to ask an actual forensic
pathologist, but I don't know of anyone locally
in that field. I would greatly appreciate any information
about this field or any other medical field (I am
also interested in becoming some kind of doctor).
Click here to view responses.
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Teacher Recommendations
I understand the letters are usually written
by teachers they have had during junior and senior
year. Is there a generic form a student can give
to a teacher now, while the teacher has them fresh
in their mind, rather than waiting until they are
no longer in their class, and the teacher is under
the time-crunch of doing the letters in the fall
and winter? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Click here to view responses.
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Interest in Astronomy
My daughter has a strong interest in astronomy.
We are trying to figure out a few things. 1) What
are some good universities to study astronomy? 2)
What her career options would be with a degree in
the field? 3) What type of summer programs should
she explore?
Click here to view responses.
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| "If a certain college recommends
four years of one language, does it matter if you get
to the fourth level of the course in three years? (ex.
Spanish 4 by your junior year) or should you take a
fourth year anyway? Thanks."
Responses were sent from:
Bucknell University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
No. It does not matter although you should not take
senior year (by your example) off because you may
forget some of the language. Continue to take the
course further especially if you plan to major in
that language. If you have taken three levels of the
course by the time of your senior year then you are
able to take and extra class here at many universities
to further advance your skills.
Tim Johnson
Admissions
Bucknell University (PA)
kewalker@bucknell.edu
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| "I recently got the results
from the new SAT test I took this March. I scored 610
on math, 600 on the critical reading and 560 on the
writing section with an 8 on my essay. How do I know
what scores colleges are looking for? Would these scores
be good enough for highly selective colleges? If not
how could I improve my scores?"
Responses were sent from:
Bucknell University, and Polytechnic University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
In order to find out what scores colleges are looking
for do a search on the school or contact the school
immediately. For Bucknell, the ranges of these scores
are around the average range of 600. These scores
would be more favorable if they increased by one hundred
or more. A highly preferred score for a highly selective
school would be around 700 along with other factors
that determine admission. You can improve you scores
by practicing more SAT exams, buying the Princeton
review, checking with guidance counselors for advice
and resources, searching on-line for free downloads,
and also by checking with present teachers for practice
problems.
Tim Johnson
Admissions
Bucknell University (PA)
kewalker@bucknell.edu
The average SAT score for our incoming freshman
class is 1180-1200, on the new scale it would be an
1800.
Kent Yuen
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Polytechnic University
6 Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-637-5955
kyuen@poly.edu
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| "When is the best time
to start college after high school spring or fall?"
Responses were sent from:
Bucknell University, Polytechnic University, and University
of South Florida.
Member Institution and Association Answers
The best time for starting college after high school
would be in the fall. Starting college in this period
would get you back in the swing of learning instead
of waiting until the spring. Outside factors may play
a part in preventing students to start in the fall
or college period. These factors are jobs, family,
and lifestyles. If you attend a four year college
in the fall there is a chance of graduating with your
classmates. Otherwise you would graduate with the
next class. To answer this question completely, I
would say the decision is up to you and what you prefer.
Tim Johnson
Admissions
Bucknell University (PA)
kewalker@bucknell.edu
Most of our students start in the fall. Our spring
enrollment consists mainly of transfer students.
Kent Yuen
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Polytechnic University
6 Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-637-5955
kyuen@poly.edu
Choosing to start college in the spring versus the
fall will not affect your academic goals, but if you
have the opportunity to start in the fall then I would
recommend for you to start your classes at that time.
Starting classes in the fall is very exciting. Most
universities put together welcome activities for incoming
students, and you will be starting classes at the
same time as many other incoming freshmen. Another
reason to consider fall versus spring is because most
universities offer scholarships to students who start
in the fall and not in the spring.
Erika Matos
Admissions
University of South Florida
EMatos@admin.usf.edu
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| "I am currently a junior
and I am worried about admission in to the Universities
of my choice considering that most of them are top universities
for engineering. I am highly active being involved in
four different clubs while holding a position in three
out of the four, as well as being a part-time college
student, and volunteering. I am also enrolled in two
different distinguished summer programs which I will
be receiving college credit from. My grades however
are not as high as my peers considering I am taking
all honors classes and next year I will be taking all
AP minus two courses. I will also be taking an additional
course online. I am in the top 10 percentile and a minority
female. However I am unsure if this will be enough.
I guess I'm asking how will I be looked at in the admissions
process and is there any thing else I can do besides
continue to work on improving my grades?"
Responses were sent from:
Bucknell University, and Polytechnic University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Top universities nowadays look at academics, service
learning, activities, and any other special attributes
you have that make you stand out. It seems as though
you have the service and the activities and you are
working on your grades. If your grades show a dramatic
increase within the next year then I think you will
be considered for admission. In addition to looking
at you grades you can look into more criteria for
top universities and work on those. During the admissions
process, make sure you stay in touch with the university.
Let them know you interests and how dedicated you
are to making sure they accept you into their school.
Good luck and stay focused.
Tim Johnson
Admissions
Bucknell University (PA)
kewalker@bucknell.edu
Strong grade point average within a challenging academic
schedule. Test scores from the SAT or ACT should also
be good. Applicants should have recommendations from
teachers or counselors. Top universities also look
for a well rounded applicant who not only excels in
the classroom but also in extracurricular activities.
Kent Yuen
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Polytechnic University
6 Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-637-5955
kyuen@poly.edu
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| "Hello! I am a sophomore
in high school and I am having a bit of trouble finding
out information about the career that I am interested
in. I want to become a forensic pathologist, but I don't
know what college is a good college to go to for this
field? How long will I be in college for this particular
career? Are there any courses that I could take in high
school that I would prepare me for related college classes?
There are so many questions that I still have that I
can't think of at the moment and that I would love to
ask an actual forensic pathologist, but I don't know
of anyone locally in that field. I would greatly appreciate
any information about this field or any other medical
field (I am also interested in becoming some kind of
doctor)."
Responses were sent from:
Bucknell University.
Member Institution and Association Answers
For this particular field you will be in a four
year college then medical school. I am not sure how
many years that will be exactly be (depending on what
school you go to). The classes you can take in high
school to prepare for this career would be all science
related courses. I am not familiar with the career
of medical forensics. I can recommend that you do
a search or contact any foundations that hire forensic
pathologists. That would aid your discernment about
whether becoming a forensic pathologist or a doctor.
Tim Johnson
Admissions
Bucknell University (PA)
kewalker@bucknell.edu
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| "I understand the letters
are usually written by teachers they have had during
junior and senior year. Is there a generic form a student
can give to a teacher now, while the teacher has them
fresh in their mind, rather than waiting until they
are no longer in their class, and the teacher is under
the time-crunch of doing the letters in the fall and
winter? Any other suggestions would be appreciated."
Responses were sent from:
The University of Georgia, Bucknell University, and
Ventures Scholars Program.
Member Institution and Association Answers
Now that's what I call "smart thinking!"
Many colleges and universities will have institution-specific
recommendation forms, but virtually all will ask for
additional comments in the form of a letter, which
you could request from your teachers now (even if
they want to plan to write it over the summer). If
you're considering applying to several selective private--and
even a few public--colleges or universities, however,
you may want to consider using the Common Application,
which also has common recommendation forms you can
give your guidance counselor and teachers. You can
download and print those forms at www.commonapp.org
and get started on your own application this summer
as well.
J. Robert Spatig
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Terrell Hall
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1633
(706) 542-3982
I am sorry to inform you but there is no generic
form of teacher recommendations. I can suggest that
although the teacher is doing other recommendations
to still give the teacher yours. Plan ahead so that
you will not have to wait too long and miss a deadline
or something. Even though you may not have had the
teacher in a while, the teacher may still remember
you or you can give them a biography or information
about yourself. I hope this was helpful. Good luck.
Tim Johnson
Admissions
Bucknell University (PA)
kewalker@bucknell.edu
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| "My daughter has a strong
interest in astronomy. We are trying to figure out a
few things. 1) What are some good universities to study
astronomy? 2) What her career options would be with
a degree in the field? 3) What type of summer programs
should she explore?"
Responses were sent from:
Ventures Scholars Program.
Member Institution and Association Answers
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| TIMELINE FOR VENTURES SCHOLARS |
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| (Thanks to NACAC and College Board for providing
this important information.) |
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| Sophomores
- Plan now for wise use of your summer. Consider
taking a summer course or participating in a special
program (e.g., for prospective engineers or journalists
or for those interested in theatre or music) at a
local college or community college. Consider working
or volunteering.
Juniors
- Attend a college fair to get more information about
colleges on your list. NACAC sponsors college fairs
in cities across the country during the fall and the
spring.
- Get a jump start on summer activities-consider
enrolling in an academic course at a local college,
pursuing a summer school program, applying for an
internship, working, or volunteering. If you work,
save part of your earnings for college.
- Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up appointments.
Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will
tell you they are optional, but an interview will
show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part
and provide an excellent opportunity to have your
questions answered. Do a practice interview with your
counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has
had college interviews. Set up interviews as early
as possible-interview times become booked quickly!
- Take the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject
Tests.
- Make a resume of your accomplishments, activities,
and work experiences
- Start your summer reading list. Ask your teachers
to recommend books. (View
Great Books List)
Seniors
- By May 1, decide on the one college that you will
attend. By May 1, send in your tuition deposit to
the college you will attend. Notify the other colleges
that accepted you that you have selected another college.
- BE PROUD-you have completed a difficult
task.
- If your first-choice college places you on their
waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students
are admitted off the waiting list. Talk with your
counselor, and contact the college to let them know
you are still very interested. Keep the college updated
on your activities.
- Take Advanced Placement examinations, if appropriate
and request that your AP scores be sent to the college
you will attend.
- AP Exams are administered the first two weeks in
May. Have your scores sent to your final-choice college.
- If student loans are part of your financial aid
package, the college will send instructions about
the loan application process.
- Loan Repayment and Debt
- College Board Education Loan Program
- Send thank-you notes to teachers and other mentors
who wrote you recommendations.
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| ACHIEVING
ACADEMIC SUCCESS |
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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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| SAT
AND ACT INFORMATION |
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This section provides links to Web sites
that offer information and resources for the SAT and ACT.
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| Become a Student!!!
"It wasn't like work. It was learning with fun."
-- Sabrina Lewis, LGR! student, Spring 2001, New York
Want To Go To College?
Thinking About How To Pay for College?
Wondering Where to Go and How to Get There?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND LGR CAN HELP!
Join four other students and a talented college student
instructor to explore anything and everything you want
and need to know about college. LGR! provides:
- SAT Test Prep
- College Admissions and Financial Aid Guidance
- One-on-One College Mentoring
- Small-Group Instruction: LGR! Coaches are trained
college students with high SAT scores (at least 600
on the section that they teach). Coaches work with
students in small groups, with no more than five students
per Coach.
For more information, or to sign up, email Andrea Davila
with the subject line: "LGR Student" at adavila@letsgetready.org.
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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 |
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| 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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| The Presidential Freedom Scholarships are designed
to promote student service and civic engagement and
honor outstanding service to the community.
Maximum Award: $1000
Eligibility: High School Students.
Deadline: July 1, 2005.
Read more:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/scholarships/
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| GETTING
FEEDBACK FROM MEMBER INSTITUTIONS |
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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.
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| WHAT’S
GOING ON AT MEMBER INSTITUTIONS |
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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 April, and
May.
| Month |
Member
College or University |
| April 2005 |
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| May 2005 |
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| COLLEGE
PLANNING FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS |
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This section provides links to Web sites
that help the Ventures Scholar sophomores and juniors
learn about the college planning process. To access additional
links about this topic, please go to www.venturescholar.org/resource/collegeprep.html.
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| ARTICLES
OF INTEREST |
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This section provides links to Web sites
that help you learn about the world of science and related
topics.
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| CAREER
EXPLORATION |
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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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| Believe it or not, if you’re in high school
right now, you’re at a great point in your life.
You have your whole life in front of you. And now is
a good time to start thinking about your future, to
make some initial plans; just remember that plans can
be easily changed. Remember too, that experts predict
that the average person will change careers -- not just
jobs -- more than five times in his or her lifetime.
Now is the time to pursue your dreams!
Read more:
http://www.quintcareers.com/high-school_critical_issues.html
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| Explore Health Careers with the following links
to job descriptions, which include information such
as daily activities, skill requirements, salary and
training required. To learn more about the Health and
Medical Industry, follow the related links below the
career descriptions section.
Read more:
http://www.khake.com/page22.html
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| THE
PERSONAL SIDE |
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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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