STEM Panel Shares Insights About the College Acceptance Process
On Tuesday evening, the Office of College Counseling hosted a special STEM Majors Panel discussion that welcomed admission representatives from three colleges that are experiencing growth in the numbers of females entering those majors. Nearly a dozen Foxcroft girls took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from these professionals about the variety of STEM opportunities at their campuses and the considerations they explore during the admission process.
Kathleen Voss, Regional Director of Admission for Georgia Institute of Technology, referred to her school as the “quintessential southern university for smart kids,” where the number of men and women among the student body is approaching a 50:50 ratio. She encouraged girls to consider the breadth of their educational experience, including the opportunity to travel and study abroad as part of their overall goals. She also stressed the school’s strategy of “fit-to-major” factors to help ensure that a student is genuinely interested in a particular subject.
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Ulysses deArmas, Associate Director of Admission at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research university and space-grant institution located in Troy, NY, spoke of the collaborative learning environment there. With STEM majors ranging from architecture to mechanical engineering, deArmos said that Renssalaer takes a “technical approach” to even liberal arts and advises students to pursue challenging math and science courses, such as AP calculus and physics, throughout their high school experience.
For Mariah Giardino, Assistant Coordinator of Admissions for Rochester Institute of Technology, there is a growing number of women choosing to major in computer science. With an emphasis on co-op education and a strong reputation for its biomedical and chemical engineering programs, as well as its engineering technology program, RIT focuses on undergraduate studies and women make up 40 percent of the student body. Giardino shared the importance of taking a challenging course load and participating in activities beyond the classroom to have a well-rounded educational experience.
For Foxcroft Director of College Counseling Barbara Conner, having students hear from these experts and be able to ask questions in a small group environment is very valuable. “These admissions officers love coming to Foxcroft! Our students are highly sought after because of our STEM program, so getting some tips on preparing for the college application process for STEM fields from people who are closest to the process is a real benefit for our students,” she said.
At the conclusion of the program, the college representatives were given a student-led tour of The Innovation Lab and got a chance to see the Team America Rocketry Challenge girls working on their rockets.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
