Residential governors schools - make a difference in college apps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to one in the early 90s focused on marine biology and it was an incredible experience. We spent two weeks learning in a classroom and then traveled to Chesapeake Bay to get hands on experience working as a marine biologist in the field. I don't know if they've changed, but it was super impressive back then.

Looking on website, sounds like same program now- 4 weeks total with hands on for last part. Question to poster that went, had you already had marine biology internships? Curious what gets a student nominated to show/prove interest? Thanks!

The program I did was hosted at Fox's Island, but they closed that research center in 2019 because of rising sea levels due to global warming. It was magical place. Hopefully they've found a new site that's comparable.

Google it if you're curious. There are some excellent articles.

The current program is through William & Mary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to one in the early 90s focused on marine biology and it was an incredible experience. We spent two weeks learning in a classroom and then traveled to Chesapeake Bay to get hands on experience working as a marine biologist in the field. I don't know if they've changed, but it was super impressive back then.

Looking on website, sounds like same program now- 4 weeks total with hands on for last part. Question to poster that went, had you already had marine biology internships? Curious what gets a student nominated to show/prove interest? Thanks!

The program I did was hosted at Fox's Island, but they closed that research center in 2019 because of rising sea levels due to global warming. It was magical place. Hopefully they've found a new site that's comparable.

Google it if you're curious. There are some excellent articles.

The current program is through William & Mary

The governor school programs are at difference places- radford for some, w&m for others- just depends on program.

[Anonymous]

This is such a DCUM question/attitude. Only wanting your child to do something if it gives them a competitive advantage.

Of course it is a highly competitive program and a great honor to be selected. It also offers a tremendous opportunity to focus in-depth with other students who are presumably passionate about whatever discipline. In the case of the foreign language academies, it offers an immersion opportunity that not many can manage prior to a college study abroad experience.

Anecdotally, although dated, I can add that I attended one of the foreign language academies some years ago and learned that at least 20 of the 60 students ended up with me at UVA.

Admittedly things could be different now but I have to believe that VA state schools look positively on students who were selected for these programs and want to keep them in state to see further return on their investment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is such a DCUM question/attitude. Only wanting your child to do something if it gives them a competitive advantage.

Of course it is a highly competitive program and a great honor to be selected. It also offers a tremendous opportunity to focus in-depth with other students who are presumably passionate about whatever discipline. In the case of the foreign language academies, it offers an immersion opportunity that not many can manage prior to a college study abroad experience.

Anecdotally, although dated, I can add that I attended one of the foreign language academies some years ago and learned that at least 20 of the 60 students ended up with me at UVA.

Admittedly things could be different now but I have to believe that VA state schools look positively on students who were selected for these programs and want to keep them in state to see further return on their investment.

I would agree with this. My son went in summer 2022 as a junior to the Latin language academy. There’s a special kind of person who wants to study Latin for 5 weeks! He’s now at UVA and so are several of the kids he went to gov. school with. It’s intense and kids really have to be interested in what they are studying. Fun fact: the UVA student who was on the Jeopardy college tournament a few years ago and almost won, was one of the teachers/RAs at his Governors school program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are these only open to in-state kids? What about kids that live in DC? Any similar options? Looking for the future

Only open to kids who live in VA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Irrelevant and a waste of time. Whatever happened to just being a teenager? Summers should be for lifeguarding and chasing chicks.

There is absolutely still room for this mindset.
Somewhere.
I’m sure if it.
And maybe your DC will truly love going to school at Colorado State (Pueblo), UT El Paso, university of Mississippi, Western Kentucky, University of South Dakota, etc.
All of the above have acceptance rates above 96%, so your DC can take the breezy path and enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Any idea how non-VA colleges view the VA Governors Schools programs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any idea how non-VA colleges view the VA Governors Schools programs?

The same way every college views their "summer" programs--minimal value if there isn't substance beyond it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any idea how non-VA colleges view the VA Governors Schools programs?

It is a free multi week residential program for a limited number of kids, so I’m confident it’s not hurting any applications. Probably helping, especially if it’s in their intended major

[Anonymous]

Most I know who did it did not get into their top ivy choices and all ended up at UVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Irrelevant and a waste of time. Whatever happened to just being a teenager? Summers should be for lifeguarding and chasing chicks.

There is absolutely still room for this mindset.
Somewhere.
I’m sure if it.
And maybe your DC will truly love going to school at Colorado State (Pueblo), UT El Paso, university of Mississippi, Western Kentucky, University of South Dakota, etc.
All of the above have acceptance rates above 96%, so your DC can take the breezy path and enjoy!

Mean

[Anonymous]

Governor's school is likely viewed more favorably than the pay-to-play programs at regular universities, as one has to be accepted. The programs at universities do give grades but still are pretty bogus (I did one many years ago - it helped me to realize that I didn't want to go to that school).

Unfortunately I now live in NY where this concept doesn't really exist. The other downside is that I think for many of them, you don't find out if you are in until pretty late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can't hurt. I know a woman who entered UVA with many governor's schools with so many credits she entered as a second-year student. She graduated in only three years. Now in law school. I believe her GPA (via the governor's schools program and college courses she took as a high school) was 6.0+. Not FCPS

Gov school doesn't give credit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any idea how non-VA colleges view the VA Governors Schools programs?

It is a free multi week residential program for a limited number of kids, so I’m confident it’s not hurting any applications. Probably helping, especially if it’s in their intended major

I think it helps, but only do it if interested. My kid loved it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to one in the early 90s focused on marine biology and it was an incredible experience. We spent two weeks learning in a classroom and then traveled to Chesapeake Bay to get hands on experience working as a marine biologist in the field. I don't know if they've changed, but it was super impressive back then.

Looking on website, sounds like same program now- 4 weeks total with hands on for last part. Question to poster that went, had you already had marine biology internships? Curious what gets a student nominated to show/prove interest? Thanks!

The program I did was hosted at Fox's Island, but they closed that research center in 2019 because of rising sea levels due to global warming. It was magical place. Hopefully they've found a new site that's comparable.

Google it if you're curious. There are some excellent articles.

The current program is through William & Mary

The governor school programs are at difference places- radford for some, w&m for others- just depends on program.

Humanities is or at least was at Radford. Radford kind of sucked, but kid still had a great time in the program. Met some great kids, enjoyed it very much. Kind of like a cross between college and summer camp.