Pre-Admissions Informational Series (PAS)
For Students Entering 9th and 10th Grade

What is the Pre-Admission Informational Series (PAS)?
The Pre-Admission Informational Series is a program for high-achieving students who are seriously considering attending the Governor’s School for Science and Technology. This program aims to educate those students and their parents about:

  • The program model of the Governor’s School for Science and Technology (GSST)
  • The features of each of the three academic strands,
  • The course pre-requisites necessary for acceptance into each strand,
  • How students can develop their talents in the classroom and beyond, and
  • How students can maximize their success in competitive college admissions.

How Do Students Apply?
Students can apply to the PAS Series in February of their 8th or 9th grade year. Admission is highly competitive. Test scores, teacher recommendations, and course grades are used to determine which students will be invited to participate in the PAS during their 9th and 10th grade years. Designated PAS students will take prerequisite courses offered in their high schools and will participate in a variety of activities that will acquaint them with the GSST. If students and their parents decide that the GSST is a good match for their interests, they will submit a formal application to the GSST in 10th grade. Please note that acceptance into the PAS does not guarantee acceptance into the GSST, but active participation in PAS will be considered in the final GSST selection process.

To Apply to PAS: 8th or 9th grade students considering the PAS for the 2011-2012 school year should complete an Application and return it to their school counselor by January 21, 2011.

PAS Events for the 2009-2010 School Year:
The PAS series is comprised of three unique programs. Taken together, they will provide guidance to prospective GSST parents and students on how students can prepare themselves in 9th and 10th grade to gain acceptance and achieve success at both GSST and a competitive college.

Dr. Ellen Fithian, who is implementing the college planning program for current GSST juniors and seniors, will be the featured speaker for the series. 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. She founded Hampton Roads Educational Consulting, LLC in 2004, and has provided college planning services to numerous local 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.

Schedule of PAS Talks:
Location: All events will be held at Thomas Nelson Community College - Dr. Mary T. Christian Auditorium (Templin Hall, 99 Thomas Nelson Drive, Hampton).
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM):
  • Introduction: Ms. Vikki Wismer, GSST Director
  • Overview of the Program: Dr. Margaret Mulvey, Lead Teacher
  • Competitive College Admissions: What You Need to Know Now: Dr. Ellen Fithian
Handout: Competitive College Admissions: What You Need To Know Now
Saturday, October 10, 2009 (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
Developing Talents for College and Beyond: Dr. Ellen Fithian
  • Research on how parents can foster talent development
  • Finding opportunities for talent development in school, the community, and beyond
  • Finding a meaningful service activity
  • Making the most of competitions
Handouts: Developing Talent for College and Beyond | Parent Workshop Evaluation Form | Service With A Smile: Finding a Meaningful Service Activity | Scoping Out Summer Programs
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM):
  • Understanding Competitive College Admissions: Dr. Ellen Fithian (6:30 - 7:30)
  • Affording College, Demystifying Financial Aid: Dr. Ellen Fithian (7:30 - 8:30)
Handouts: Competitive College Admissions | Affording College
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Rescheduled from February 3
  • Career Pathways: Guest Speaker Dr. Frank Gupton, VCU Chemical/Life Sciences Department Chair
  • Review of the three GSST academic strands: GSST Staff
  • Review of the GSST scientific research experience: GSST Staff

For a monthly update on college planning information, PAS parents can subscribe to College Planning Minutes, Dr. Fithian’s informational electronic newsletter. To sign up, just go to her website, www.hredconsulting.com, and send a message through the Contact Us page. Simply write PreAdmission Parent in the subject or comment space.