Frequently Asked Questions
The VASTS Frequently Asked Questions page contains answers to common questions about the program.
- Do I need to be a high school junior to participate in VASTS?
- How do I upload a document as a PDF file?
- What do I do if I cannot get my official transcript from the guidance department?
- Do I have to be a Virginia resident in order to apply?
- Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen in order to apply?
- When will I know if I have been chosen to participate in the distance learning course for VASTS.
- How do I apply to VASTS?
Yes, all applicants must be current high school juniors at the time of application.
If you have a copy of the document that is not in electronic format, you will need to scan and save the document. With some operating systems, you can save that file as (Save As) PDF. If you do not have that capability, there are several free online programs to allow you to convert the file to a PDF document. Your school guidance office or computer lab should have a digital scanner that you may use. Another option is to go to your local library or an office suppy store, and they usually offer scanning services for a small fee.
You may upload your freshman and sophomore end of year grade report as PDF documents.
Yes, all applicants must be residents of Virginia.
Yes, all applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Typically students will be notified within 3 weeks of application deadline.
- Where will I stay during the summer program?
- What if I have a medical condition that requires I take medicine during the day?
- Can my parents visit during the week?
- How are students selected for the summer program?
- What software should I use to submit my assignments?
- Where will my final project be posted?
- When are my on-line assignments due?
You will be housed two to a room (same sex) at a local college dormitory or hotel. All meals will be provided, and you will be chaperoned at all times.
Just bring your medication with you during the day and please let us know about your requirement on your Medical Release Form that will be sent to you. If you have medicine that needs refrigeration and you must take it during the day, we can make arrangements as long as we know ahead of time.
No. Parents are invited to attend the closing ceremony at the end of the week on Friday afternoon. Students will arrive on Saturday and leave on the following Friday. Parents who drive students and need a place to stay Saturday night, or plan to attend the closing ceremony and stay over the following Friday night, will need to make their own arrangements.
Each of the 10 modules and final project will be graded using the rubrics at the end of each module. Students are selected for the Summer Academy program based on completion of modules, quality of work and timeliness.
Students chosen for the program will be provided a log-in from this website and will have access to the lesson material. Assignments can be posted by using the Edit/Copy ~ Edit/Paste function.
Your project will be posted on the VASTS website. Only your first name will appear with your work. Projects will be grouped by team. Your reviewer will review your projects and give you feedback.
Assignments should be turned in (in sequential order) as you complete them. One assignment is due every two weeks. The first module is due January 10, 2010. The module due dates are under Important Dates.
Students who do not successfully complete the assignments will not be invited to participate in the Summer Academy. Your assignments and final project will be graded by teachers who will send you their comments via e-mail.
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