<p>Hello there, I am wondering if anyone here is a Venture Scholar. I want to know if its worth joining. I meet the criteria for being one and I want to apply. My guidance counselor proved to be useless when I asked him if he knew what it was. I thought he knew but unfortunately the kids at my school who were in that program have graduated. How would I benefit as a Venture Scholar? Quite honestly it doesn't look like those organizations that require money from you to join.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.venturescholar.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.venturescholar.org/</a></p>
<p>I got a letter a while back that said I was a ventures scholar. It's legit, if that's what you're worried about. They're supposed to be really helpful about college admissions and getting information out about scholarship money and free summer programs for those who qualify. I've already gotten a couple of emails about that kind of stuff and it all sounds great, but i just have other summer plans. I'd say definitely sign up for it though. And yeah, it's free to sign up.</p>
<p>I am a Venture Scholar and would highly reccomend joining if you fit the criteria. It is a free program helping underrepresented minorities join the science fields. It is a great program because pretty much every college is a member institution where they actaully pay money to the program to be listed as a member. They send you emails listing internships and other oppurtunities that you can participate in.They also send you a certificate that you are suppose to send to your colleges if you apply. So really join if you have the oppurtunity nothing to lose from it.</p>
<p>If you want to go into math or science related careers, Ventures Scholars is well worth joining. I agree with what Josh says. In addition, some colleges offer scholarships to Ventures Scholars. Look at the web site to see what opportunities exist.</p>
<p>One more thing, when you apply, is there a deadline? I've been looking throughout the site and I haven't found any. Maybe I'm not searching correctly but do they?</p>
<p>There is no deadline.</p>
<p>Also, in case nonURMs are reading this thread; Venture scholars also are available for white students who are first generation college and are interested in science/math careers. Just check the site to find out how to apply for it.</p>
<p>Venture scholars contact qualifying URMs directly because VS learns about them through the PSAT/SAT. That's not true for first generation white students, so that's why such students have to contact VS directly. </p>
<p>The earlier you contact VS, the more info you can get, including their montly e-mails, which provide valuable info about the college application process.</p>
<p>What about Asians?
I'm a first generation college student.</p>
<p>All I need is an interest in math- and science-related careers, right?
Am I required to have a job in math/science-related fields after college?</p>
<p>Anyone who is first gen college, interested in math/science and who has the requisite SAT or PSAT scores and grades can be a Venture Scholar. Look at the info on the VS link that the OP provided.</p>
<p>No, they can't require you to obtain a math/sci job after graduation.</p>
<p>Am I required to have a math/science-related major in college?</p>
<p>I like math and science, but I also like computer-related majors.</p>
<p>No there is no requirments besides qualifying.</p>
<p>Where is the application form? I don't know where it is.......</p>
<p>All I have to do is complete the application, mail it to them.........and then what?</p>
<p>If you did not get a email from the program you will need to fill out an application and mail it to them. Here is the Link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.venturescholar.org/aboutus/apply_student.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.venturescholar.org/aboutus/apply_student.html</a></p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I'm also a venture's scholar and have not found it helpful, the colleges they recommend to you are not that prestigous in comparision to ivies, berkeley, duke, etc... even though this is supposedly an "honor" i didn't include it on my college apps or my resume, plus if you got that email, chances are you'll be getting a lot more mail from similar programs, who's who, national society of high school scholars, or be invited to leadership programs; it wont hurt by signing up, but the program's not very useful</p>
<p>The program is very useful to students who aren't planning to go to Ivy level colleges, which probably is the majority of students who qualify for the program.</p>
<p>There are some second tier and, I think, bottom of first tier colleges that have scholarships earmarked for Venture Scholars. That's a big deal for many students. </p>
<p>Being a VS also probably puts one on the list to be invited to apply for programs like MIT's MITEs summer program and CalTech's YES summer program.</p>
<p>Well I found the program very useful, being a first generation college student it has sent alot of helpful information. I remember they had a college planner and it showed where you should be at for applying to schools, that helped so much. I also disagree about the prestigous factor, I myself am going to Dartmouth next year. All of the ivies are also members of the program. I believe that I also recieved letters from a ivy or two congratulating me on my venture scholar program etc. etc. I think it is way for these colleges to recruit student that they are looking for. But the program is only as good as you make it. If you just delete their emails and never visit the site i am sure it wont help at all.</p>
<p>I agree with Josh 'program is only as good as you make it", personally i didn't use their site because i could find any info i needed at the specific college's websites, and obviously if u've been invited to become a venture scholar, you have shown academic achievement as well as promise, so invitations to summer programs at Harvard, Caltech, etc as well as regular mailings from these schools will make it to your mail box; i personally don't remember receiving anything from the top-tier schools in relation to the VSP though</p>