College Planning for PAS & GSST Parents/Students

Rationale and Goals of the Program
As high-achieving students interested in math and science careers, GSST students have unique needs for detailed college planning information. However, as students attending two high schools, they have even less time to glean this knowledge on their own. The goal of the College Planning Program, therefore, is to integrate a comprehensive college planning curriculum into students’ GSST school day as well as to enrich the knowledge of their parents and teachers. The student curriculum will cover:

  • The challenges and complexities of applying to competitive colleges
  • Distinctive features of applying to engineering and combined B.A./M.D. programs
  • How to make the most of generous new financial aid initiatives at top colleges, and
  • How their Governor’s School experience can enhance college admission and success.

Program Developer and Instructor
Dr. Ellen Fithian, an independent educational consultant with Hampton Roads Educational Consulting, LLC, has developed this program and will be providing the instruction for GSST students, faculty, and parents. Dr. Fithian earned a Ph.D. in gifted education at the College of William and Mary and served as the Director of Precollegiate Learner Programs at the Center for Gifted Education. As a graduate student, she also completed a semester-long internship in the William and Mary admissions office and has provided college planning services to numerous families. Her educational and professional background, along with her personal experience as the mother of four former GSST students, make her uniquely qualified to speak about the challenges facing gifted high school students and their parents in today’s competitive academic environment.

Overview of Program Elements

Students:
  • Evening/Saturday workshops for Pre-Admission Students
  • In-school seminars for juniors and seniors
Parents:
  • Evening seminars on college planning
  • Monthly electronic newsletter on college planning topics, College Planning Minutes.
    To subscribe, go to www.hredconsulting.com, click on Contact Us, and write GSST Parent in the subject or comment line.
Faculty:
  • Staff development seminar

Upcoming Parent Talks
GSST parents are invited to attend one or both of the following "Parent Talks" on February 16, 2010 at the Mary T. Christian Auditorium at TNCC:

  • 6:30 - 7:30 PM, Understanding Competitive College Admissions
  • 7:30 - 8:30 PM, Affording College: Demystifing Financial Aid

School Profile
This document, which contains descriptive information about the GSST, is sent to each college that a student applies to, along with the student’s transcript. Click here to see the GSST Profile.