Frequently Asked Questions
The VASTS Frequently Asked Questions page contains answers to common questions about the program.
Application pakcages can be sent by regular mail IF they are mailed early enough to be received by the March 14 deadline. NOTE: Students who choose to send the application package at the last minute are URGED to send it by a courier service that can guarantee delivery or postal service overnight delivery to ensure arrival by the March 14 deadline.
Yes, all applicants must be residents of Virginia.
Yes, all applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Students will be notified by email March 27, 2008.
- 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. 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 Sunday and leave on the following Friday. Parents who drive students and need a place to stay Sunday 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 lessons and final project will be graded using the rubrics at the end of each lesson. Students are selected for the summer program based on completion of lessons, 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 week. The first lesson is due April 14. The lesson due dates are under About the Program, Important Dates.
Students who do not 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.