VAST FAQ
Who Are VAST Students?
They are high school seniors from towns throughout Vermont and possibly surrounding states. Any 11th grade student is eligible to apply to either the Randolph Center main campus or the Williston campus.
How Are VAST Students Selected?
Prospective VAST students must have an academic average of at least 85 percent and a combined SAT or equivalent PSAT score of 1550 or higher. Interviews, recommendations from high school teachers and counselors, and a written essay also help determine what students will benefit most from this advanced college-level program. All VAST applicants must take the Vermont Tech placement tests and place into college-freshman level math and English courses to be accepted.VAST students must have a successful academic record in math, science, and technology, and a continuing interest in those areas.
What Classes Do They Take?
Students may apply to any Vermont Tech academic program. Students follow the course map for this program (refer to the course catalog). Additional coursework may be required by the sending high school if the student elects to graduate from both their sending high school and VAST. Students with an undeclared major must take a minimum of 15 college credit hours per semester. They also must enroll in English, Math and Science each semester. Preference will be given to those applicants who select a Vermont Tech major.
Where Do VAST Students Live?
Many students choose to live on campus, particularly those who live outside of a convenient commuting distance. They are paired with another VAST student as a roommate. Other students whose home is within easy driving distance to campus choose to commute using their own transportation. There is no on-campus housing at the Williston campus.
Do VAST Students Participate in Campus Life?
When it comes to extracurricular activities, VAST students enjoy the best of both worlds. They can take advantage of the broad array of services, activities, and amenities at Vermont Tech, or are they can participate in sports and other activities at their high school.Many choose some of each. Popular features of college life at Vermont Tech include:
- A health and fitness center with basketball and raquetball courts; a 25-yard swimming pool; weight-training room.
- Intramural and varsity sports for men and women, including soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball.
- College-operated ski tow/snowboard hill.
- More than 25 campus clubs representing such interests as the Adventurer’s Guild, alternative energy, astronomy, computers, creative writing, cross-country skiing, dairy, drama, fencing, golf, horticulture, ice hockey, motor sports, music, photography, and WVTC-FM, Vermont Tech’s student-run radio station.
After-hours entertainment throughout the year features speakers, comedians, live music, and events like Sports Night and Casino Night. Group trips to Celtics or Red Sox games, or night skiing, are always popular.
The VAST class has its own special activities and its own graduation ceremony.
And of course, VAST students have access to Vermont Tech’s comprehensive academic support system that offers tutors, counseling services, academic advisors, and the advice and guidance of College faculty and staff.
What Are The Costs
To Vermont residents, tuition for the Vermont Academy of Science and Technology is free. Students who live on campus pay the standard college rate for room and board (please refer to the online catalog for these costs). VAST students are also responsible for fees and books. Institutional financial aid is available for students with demonstrated financial need. Non-resident VAST students are charged the same tuition rate as first-year students at the College.What Is VAST's History?
VAST’s first graduating class was in 1990. In 1998, the Vermont Legislature allowed the student’s block grant to follow him/her to VAST. Vermont Tech waives the difference of the block grant and the tuition rate. In 2004, VAST was expanded to the Williston Campus.What Are the Options for Students Who Graduate from VAST?
Students have many options. The most common options are to remain at Vermont Tech to complete their degree (the Valedictorian and Salutatorian may continue tuition free), or enroll in a degree program at another institution.Many students have been accepted to some of the nation’s most reputable colleges and universities. Here is a sample of where some recent graduates have been accepted: Bentley, Caltech, Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, Pomona, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Stanford, UVM, West Point, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Who Do I Contact?
The Director of VAST is Diana Mellar. You can contact Diana at 802-728-1297, or via e-mail at dmellar@vtc.edu.
Vermont Academy of Science & Technology
Vermont Technical College
PO Box 500
Randolph Center, VT 05061
Vermont Technical College
PO Box 500
Randolph Center, VT 05061