According to a press release from the Census Bureau, having a Bachelor's degree nearly doubles one's annual income. Overall, individuals over age 18 with a Bachelor's degree earn an average of $51,206 a year compared to high school graduates, who, on average, earn $27,915 a year.

To read the press release, go to:
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/004214.html

The Northwest Evaluation Association has released a report on the impact of NCLB. The report indicates that student math and reading scores have improved over the last two years under NCLB. The report also found student growth has decreased slightly since the implementation of NCLB. The study also evaluated achievement gaps among ethnic groups.

To read the executive summary, go to:
http://www.nwea.org/

National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education has released a report titled Borrowers Who Drop Out: A Neglected Aspect of the College Student Loan Trend. The report covers information on the key findings and consequences of the current financing system, analysis of the data on college dropouts, and policy implications of loan borrowers who drop out.

To read the report, go to
http://www.highereducation.org/reports/borrowing/borrowers.pdf   (PDF File)

The Educational Policy Institute has released a report titled Latino Students and the Educational Pipeline: Pathways to A Bachelor's Degree for Latino Students. The report is the third report in three part series. The report has information on the number of Latino students who currently attend college, and ways to reduce the persistence gap between Latino and white college students.

To read the report, go to:
http://www.educationalpolicy.org/pdf/LatinoIII.pdf  (PDF File)

This booklet provides information to help the consumer who is considering the use of an independent counselor, a commercial counseling center or Internet Web site for advice and assistance in exploring college options. It provides guidelines on questions the consumer may wish to ask regarding services provided, professional qualifications and experience, and services and fees.

Read more:
http://www.nacac.com/downloads/indep_couns_guide.pdf    (PDF File)

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.

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:

• Dual Credit and Scholarships
  Next year in my school, there's something called dual credit, which are classes that help us get scholarships to some colleges. But I have been told that this is only for some minor colleges and a few good universities. Is dual credit accepted for scholarships in highly selected institutions? If not, should I take dual credit anyway, or should I take other classes?
  Click here to view responses.

• Impact of Electives on College Applications
  I am currently a sophomore in high school and I'm just now starting to seriously consider certain colleges and I've been wondering if I'm spending my time wisely in high school. I'm attending Townview Business and Management Magnet School. First of all I'm not interested in anything related to Business so I feel like I am wasting my time in the business electives. Secondly I am applying to another magnet school, one that I think would probably have more fun at and maybe practice more at what I'd actually like doing but this school is does not have the high positive reputation as the one I currently attend. I don't know if these first two years of high school have gone to waste or not. As far as my other classes I took an AP course in ninth and tenth grade in history and will be taking more AP courses next year. I do well in my AP courses, I got a 4 on the AP test last year. I was wondering how much impact electives have on college applications. Also, can the high school I attend affect how colleges look at my application?
  Click here to view responses.

• First In Family to Pursue College
  My son is very serious about achieving academically any insight you can provide is deeply appreciated he is truly the first in our family to pursue college. Thank you once again for your attention.
  Click here to view responses.

• VS Wants Program in Mid-West or South
  I am a member of the Venture Scholars Program and for now my career goal is to become a DNA Lab analysis in Forensic Science but not only do I want to study that field I also want to study medicine to become a pediatrician, just in-case if I find out that I don't like Forensic Science. My problem is that I don't know of any colleges in the mid-west or in the south that offers a good program for both fields. Also can you give me any resources that would help to get an idea of the salary range of both fields?
  Click here to view responses.

• Best Engineering College
  What is the best engineering college in the United States?
  Click here to view responses.

• No Money for Expensive SAT Study Class
  I am a new member of the Ventures Program. I am currently a junior and I just have some questions over the SAT. I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to study or if there are any books or classes I should consider taking. The only problem is that I don't have money to pay for some of those really expensive classes. I really would appreciate if you could help me on this. Thank you so much for your time.
  Click here to view responses.

• Courses for Forensic Science and Law Career
  Hi I'm a sophomore at Sparks High School right now and I'm researching some career opportunities in forensic science and in law. I was just wondering what type of classes I should take mostly for forensic science within the next two high school years and what type of courses in college. Next year, I am taking AP Bio. I would really appreciate if you could get back to me ASAP. Thank You
  Click here to view responses.

• Major for Studying Diseases
  Ever since I was in the 7th grade, I always wanted to be the type of doctor to study diseases and eventually find cures for them. I always thought that the major would be chemistry, but I'm not sure if that would be the correct major. I was wondering if you would be able to identify the major that I am intending to go to college to learn. In case you don't know, I am a high school junior who is about to be a senior, so I'm running out of time. Thank you for your time, and I hope you can help me.
  Click here to view responses.

"Next year in my school, there's something called dual credit, which are classes that help us get scholarships to some colleges. But I have been told that this is only for some minor colleges and a few good universities. Is dual credit accepted for scholarships in highly selected institutions? If not, should I take dual credit anyway, or should I take other classes?"

Responses were sent from:
Ventures Scholars Program.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"I am currently a sophomore in high school and I'm just now starting to seriously consider certain colleges and I've been wondering if I'm spending my time wisely in high school. I'm attending Townview Business and Management Magnet School. First of all I'm not interested in anything related to Business so I feel like I am wasting my time in the business electives. Secondly I am applying to another magnet school, one that I think would probably have more fun at and maybe practice more at what I'd actually like doing but this school is does not have the high positive reputation as the one I currently attend. I don't know if these first two years of high school have gone to waste or not. As far as my other classes I took an AP course in ninth and tenth grade in history and will be taking more AP courses next year. I do well in my AP courses, I got a 4 on the AP test last year. I was wondering how much impact electives have on college applications. Also, can the high school I attend affect how colleges look at my application?"

Responses were sent from:
Mount Holyoke College.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"My son is very serious about achieving academically any insight you can provide is deeply appreciated he is truly the first in our family to pursue college. Thank you once again for your attention."

Responses were sent from:
Hamilton College.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"I am a member of the Venture Scholars Program and for now my career goal is to become a DNA Lab analysis in Forensic Science but not only do I want to study that field I also want to study medicine to become a pediatrician, just in-case if I find out that I don't like Forensic Science. My problem is that I don't know of any colleges in the mid-west or in the south that offers a good program for both fields. Also can you give me any resources that would help to get an idea of the salary range of both fields? "

Responses were sent from:
Ventures Scholars Program.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"What is the best engineering college in the United States?"

Responses were sent from:
Hamilton College, and Mount Holyoke College.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"I am a new member of the Ventures Program. I am currently a junior and I just have some questions over the SAT. I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to study or if there are any books or classes I should consider taking. The only problem is that I don't have money to pay for some of those really expensive classes. I really would appreciate if you could help me on this. Thank you so much for your time."

Responses were sent from:
Mount Holyoke College.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"Hi I'm a sophomore at Sparks High School right now and I'm researching some career opportunities in forensic science and in law. I was just wondering what type of classes I should take mostly for forensic science within the next two high school years and what type of courses in college. Next year, I am taking AP Bio. I would really appreciate if you could get back to me ASAP. Thank You"

Responses were sent from:
Cedar Crest College, Mary Baldwin College, Rutgers University, Hamilton College, and Mount Holyoke College.

Member Institution and Association Answers

"Ever since I was in the 7th grade, I always wanted to be the type of doctor to study diseases and eventually find cures for them. I always thought that the major would be chemistry, but I'm not sure if that would be the correct major. I was wondering if you would be able to identify the major that I am intending to go to college to learn. In case you don't know, I am a high school junior who is about to be a senior, so I'm running out of time. Thank you for your time, and I hope you can help me."

Responses were sent from:
Mount Holyoke College.

Member Institution and Association Answers

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.

Sophomores

• Take the SAT Subject Tests that you registered for in April. Consider electing score choice so you can see your test scores before deciding whether to release the results to colleges. It's a good idea to plan on taking the SAT Subject Tests again in the spring of your junior year or the fall of your senior year. You then have the option of releasing only your best scores to colleges.
• If you work, save some of your earnings for college.
  

Juniors

• After school ends, get on the road to visit colleges. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be the greatest help in deciding whether or not a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.
• Take the SAT Reasoning Test, the SAT Subject Tests and/or the ACT.

Seniors

• Request that your counselor send your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.
• Know when the payment for tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments.
• Congratulations, you've made it through high school! Enjoy your graduation and look forward to college.

A research paper presents the results of your investigations on a selected topic. Based on your own thoughts and the facts and ideas you have gathered from a variety of sources, a research paper is a creation that is uniquely yours. The experience of gathering, interpreting, and documenting information, developing and organizing ideas and conclusions, and communicating them clearly will prove to be an important and satisfying part of your education.

Read more:
http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/index.shtml

Tests and quizzes are more widely used in schools than ever. Teachers rely on written examinations to show whether students have learned the information presented in the course. Colleges and universities evaluate applicants’ performance on entrance examinations such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to judge whether these applicants are likely to be successful in their programs. With so much depending on test results, it is no wonder that students often become anxious about taking tests. But don’t worry! You can master test-anxiety and improve your performance on exams by following a simple plan.

Read more:
http://www.interventioncentral.org/htmdocs/interventions/study/testtips.shtml

IB is designed as a model of holistic education for the mid-range student and above. Statistically speaking, most students who earned the IB Diploma worldwide were of average or above average ability. It is not a program designed only for geniuses. What the IB program requires students to have are a strong work ethic, good time management and solid study skills. The IB program offers courses at different Levels (higher level and standard level). In addition, language courses range from introductory level to native speaker level. Students who feel that the demands of the IB program are above their capacities have the option to take non-IB college preparatory classes.

Read more:
http://www.isp.edu.pa/ibisp/faq.htm

Three years after the College Board increased students' anxieties with its decision to add a handwritten essay to the SAT, and three months after the test made its debut, many universities are still grappling with how, when and even if they will use the new scores.

Read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/15/education/15SAT.html

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

Be careful of scholarship scams! Make sure you read this information!

Read more:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/index.html

As the cost of college continues to rise, students have to borrow ever larger amounts of money to finance their education. In fact, according to Nellie Mae's 2002 National Student Loan Survey, the median loan debt for undergraduate students was $16,500. To help finance their children's education and avoid saddling them with crippling debts, some parents are taking out loans from their 401(k) plans. While that may seem appealing, it may in fact be better to have your child take out a student loan.

Read more:
http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/article/0,3708,715-719-0-37050,00.html

Student loans provide an affordable option. This article will introduce some basic information on college
student loan options in the U.S. and provide some Internet resources where you can learn more.

Read more:
http://unionplus.educationplanner.com/education_planner/c_and_p_article.asp?articleName=Student_Loan_Basics
http://www.smartmoney.com/college/finaid/index.cfm?story=demyst

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.

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.

Getting your first part time job is daunting enough. Here is a list of extremely helpful links.

Read more:
http://www.groovejob.com/resources/teen-job-resources/

When you go to a college fair or go on a college tour, take time to ask the admissions personnel a variety of questions. The following list provides you with helpful questions.

High School vs. College

• What are the major differences between high school and college?

General Admissions

• What factors do you consider in the admissions process and, of those, which do you consider most strongly?
• How important are SAT/ACT scores in the admissions process?
• What is the difference between early decision and early action?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages of applying early decision and early action?
• What should I include in my admissions essay?
• When looking at colleges, what are the most important things that I should ask the admissions counselors?
• How should I handle recommendation letters?
• What courses should I be taking in high school to get into a competitive college/university?
• Should I take less challenging courses so that my GPA is better?
• What are the benefits of summer enrichment programs?
• What is a liberal arts college?
• What are 3-2 programs?
• How do I set up a campus visit?
• Why is it important to visit a campus?

Travel

• How far is the college from my home?
• How accessible is public transportation?

Financial

• What is the yearly cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses?
• Is financial aid (need and non-need-based) available?
• What do I need to do to be eligible for financial aid?

Diversity

• Does the college demonstrate a commitment to educational opportunity for historically underrepresented students?
• Who are the students and where do they come from?

Orientation

• What type of orientation is provided to introduce a newcomer to campus life?

Academic Programs and Assistance

• Does the college have a program to identify students having trouble and programs in place to help struggling students?
• Are faculty members available to students at times other than office hours?
• How are students encouraged to be active rather than passive learners?
• Are students encouraged to work together, to discuss topics in class, to do self-directed, independent topics?
• Are the members of the faculty available to talk to first-year students about their academic disciplines and provide career guidance?
• Does teaching include more than lecturing?
• What is the focus of the curriculum?
• Is emphasis on teaching or research?
• What majors are available?
• Do graduate assistants teach any of the freshman and/or introductory courses?
• What courses do typical freshmen take?
• Is it difficult to change majors or areas of study after the freshman year?
• Are there particular requirements for graduation?
• Are there honors programs or internships?
• What is the quality of facilities such as science labs?
• How does technology assist in the teaching and learning enterprise?
• How does the college provide access to technology for students without the financial means to purchase their own personal computer?
• What makes this college different from other colleges?

Retention

• What percentage of freshmen return for their sophomore year?
• What is the overall student retention rate?

Social Life

• Are there well-supported campus-wide activities that stimulate social and intellectual interaction, such as lectures, debates, concerts, etc.?
• Is this a place where college and community service is affirmed through such organizations as the student government, the faculty senate, college committees?

Post-Baccalaureate and Career-Related

• Does the college have a career development office where students can find career advice and placement opportunities?
• What percentage of your students have been placed in a full-time job or graduate school?
• Which graduate/professional schools have your students attended?
• How do I know if a career is for me?
• What should I think about if I want to go to graduate or professional school?

Parents and students should take advantage of summer vacations to visit nearby college campuses. Just being on a college campus helps to pump up interest in the college experience, and the fact that parents take time to visit these schools makes it obvious that college attendance is a family priority.

Read more:
http://www.scholarships101.com/nj/washingtontownshiphs/college%20visits.cfm

Summer is the time to forget about school, homework, alarm clocks, et cetera…right? Wishful thinking! When it's the summer before your junior year, you've got lots to think about and lots to do. This doesn't have to mean that your summer has to be full of stress; it simply means you'll need to spend a bit of time planning over the summer so some of the burden will be off your shoulders once you are back in school as a busy senior.

Read more:
http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/articles/prepare/seniorSummer.asp

The institutions listed below have space available for qualified students in their Fall 2005 freshman and/or transfer classes. Availability of financial aid and housing is also listed. Please use the contact name provided for more information.

Read more:
http://www.nacac.com/survey/results1.cfm

When someone writes you a letter of recommendation, it is very important to write them a thank you note.

Read more:
http://businessmajors.about.com/cs/recoletters/a/Reco_Thank_You.htm

"Gravity Probe B" is a "relativity gyroscope" experiment designed to test two unverified predictions of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity (1916): that the presence of a mass in space, such as the Earth, would warp local spacetime, creating a dip or curve in spacetime, & that the rotation of a mass in space would twist or drag the local spacetime frame around it.

Read more:
http://einstein.stanford.edu/

"Radio JOVE: Planetary Radio Astronomy for Schools" helps students & amateur scientists observe & analyze natural radio emissions of Jupiter & the Sun. Through the study of their magnetic fields & their plasma (charged particle) environments, we are better able to understand the Earth. (NASA)

Read more:
http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Concha Gómez teaches math at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and as director of the Wisconsin Emerging Scholars program helps retain underrepresented minorities in science, math, and engineering.

Read more:
http://nextwave.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2005/05/12/9
(Remember the username is "gue5txs" and the May password is "may3day" The password for June is "b3ginsumr")

Monica Piñon talks about her academic path from a community college to UC Berkeley School of Optometry.

Read more:
http://nextwave.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2005/05/12/4
(Remember the username is "gue5txs" and the May password is "may3day" The password for June is "b3ginsumr")

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter that make up everyday objects. A desk, the air, even you are made up of atoms!

Read more:
http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/index.html

Choosing to enter the profession of nursing leads to lifelong satisfaction, a diversity of roles to choose from and a unique ability to function in the worlds of high tech and high touch. Although there are challenges in today’s health care world, nurses are needed more than ever. We have an aging population and people are living longer due to advances in health care. Infectious diseases are no longer geographically specific and are global in nature. HIV/AIDS, the West Nile virus, Bird flu and new organisms are being discovered all the time. There has been an explosion of pharmaceuticals and extensive research into curing disease.

The nursing profession welcomes diversity, in gender, ethnicity, general background and cultural sensitivity. It is particularly important to have a diverse population of individuals in the profession because this is of great benefit for those we serve.

There are several ways in which to enter the educational system. Due to the complexity of health care today, we suggest that people enter at the baccalaureate level. Nurses do enter via diploma and associate degree programs as well. Many go on to obtain the BS, MS and PhD. Nurses also become Clinical Specialists and Advance Practitioners, with prescription writing privileges. People can practice in critical care, (intensive care units, emergency rooms, cardiac care units) and in every area of a hospital providing acute care. Nurses can join the staff of nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, become a military nurse, undertake humanitarian service and participate in community and rural health. Much excitement is being generated in telehealth today. The ability to monitor patients in their own homes from remote locations benefits the patients and makes the most effective utilization of the nurses’ time.

Nurses are a crucial part of the health care team and perhaps spend the most time with the patient. Nurses can specialize in research, education, direct care and specialty areas such nurse midwifery and nurse anesthetist.

Those wishing to pursue a career in nursing need to pursue a strong math and science program in high school. Please check with the state nurses associations in your own states as a place to start looking for scholarship information.

Please contact us for further information and assistance.

Susan Fraley, MS, RN
Executive Director
Foundation of New York State Nurses and Nurses House
sfraley@foundationnysnurses.org
Web site: www.foundationnysnurses.org

This site is a place for students who like certain subjects in school. The site will link the subject in school you like to possible careers.

Read more:
http://www.bls.gov/k12/

Great links to explore careers in science, health, technology.

Read more:
http://www.careersmarts.com/science.htm

As the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" fade away, you realize that nothing will ever be the same. You're excited about graduating from high school and starting college, but you'll sure miss your high-school friends as all of you begin the next phase of your lives.

Read more:
http://www.nacac.com/p&s_steps_0302friends.html

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.