Program for the Exceptionally Gifted: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:28, 6 December 2007

Revision as of 15:32, 6 December 2007

Line 5:

==History==

PEG was founded with a $1.5 million grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund {{Fact|date=December 2007}}. The first PEG students, or "PEGs", were simultaneously enrolled at Mary Baldwin College and [[Stuart Hall School]], a private boarding and day school in Staunton, VA. At that time, PEG was a five-year program. The Stuart Hall element was later eliminated. PEG students are still required to take an intensive composition class and more math and science courses than traditional Mary Baldwin students. PEGs are eligible and encouraged to participate in Mary Baldwin's various honors programs and all student clubs and organizations. They may also compete for a number of merit scholarships determined by their GPA and SAT or ACT scores ranging from $5,000 - $13,000 (entering PEG students typically receive either $11,000 or $13,000 as their merit scholarship).

Entering PEGs live in a supervised dormitory on the Mary Baldwin campus. In 2002, Mary Baldwin opened the new [http://www.mbc.edu/vtour/display.asp?tournum=5 PEG Center]. The Center includes double-occupancy dorm rooms for students and apartments for live-in staff members. Resident staff enforce study hours, curfew, and other aspects of daily life for first-year students. Students gradually receive more independence as they demonstrate competence in the college environment. In their sophomore or junior years, PEGs may move into regular campus housing if they should desire.

==Admission==

Many applicants learn about PEG though the [[Educational Testing Service]], which shares their [[SAT]] or [[PSAT/NMSQT|PSAT]] scores with colleges. PEG sends out approximately 10,000 informational packets to 7th grade girls scoring above a certain threshold. Other students discover PEG through guidance counselors, summer enrichment programs (such as Duke's [[Talent Identification Program|TIP]] and Johns Hopkins' [[Center for Talented Youth|CTY]]), or through their own research.

In addition to standardized test scores, PEG considers applicants' grades, consistent achievement, maturity, the ability to benefit from the program, and a serious sense of purpose. The application process differs from regular college admissions because of the emphasis on in-person interviews, both with the student and her family. The standard elements of a college application—essays, recommendations, and transcripts—are also included. Completion of 8thof gradeAlgebra II or Geometry is generallyrequired for acceptance into the prerequisiteprogram.

Less than half of all PEG students complete bachelor's degrees at Mary Baldwin {{Fact|date=December 2007}}. Many elect to transfer to another college to complete their degree.