How do I apply to VESSS?
Complete instructions to apply to VESSS are located on the Application Instructions page.
By what time is my application due?
Applications will be due October 24, 2023, by 11:55 PM. Please get in touch with Kari Espada (kespada@odu.edu) if you have any questions regarding the application.
Do I have to be a Virginia resident to apply?
Yes, all applicants must be residents of Virginia.
Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply?
You need to be a U.S. resident or citizen to participate in the online course. You MUST be a U.S. citizen to attend a Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center.
Do I need to submit my official transcript from the guidance department?
No transcripts are uploaded to the VPCC site when you apply to the college. Your application will ask you for the contact information for your Guidance Counselor, who will submit the following information on your behalf:
● You are attending a Virginia High School
● You are in the 11th or 12th Grade
● Your current GPA
How do I upload a document as a PDF file?
If you have a copy of the document that is not in electronic format, you will need to scan and save the document. With some operating systems, you can save that file as (Save As) PDF. If you do not have that capability, there are several free online programs to allow you to convert the file to a PDF document. Your school guidance office or computer lab should have a digital scanner that you may use. Another option is to go to your local library or an office supply store, which usually offers scanning services for a small fee. Please place your name on both the document and file name.
Do I need to be a high school junior or senior to participate in VESSS?
Yes, all applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application.
When will I know when I am accepted into the VESSS program?
Rolling admissions are used for acceptance into the VESSS program. You are sent an acceptance notification via email (for students and parents) no later than Early November if you apply late. Students will be notified within one week of your completed application. Once students are sent their acceptance email and choose to take the VESSS course for college credit, you may start completing the paperwork required from VPCC.
In that notification, you are given instructions to complete the following pre-course requirements before you are formally accepted into the VESSS program:
1. Log in to the online course
2. Create your profile
3. Return the signed forms
You must complete all of those pre-course requirements by December 3, 2023, or you will not be formally accepted into the program. The sooner you complete the requirements, the sooner the coursework will be available for you to begin.
Why do I need to indicate my Legislative Districts? (State House of Delegates, State Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives)
Congress votes on NASA funding, and this is a NASA program. We receive state funding that was voted upon by the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate. Making these legislators aware of the VESSS program by requesting their nomination helps to sustain the funding of this program.
Does my teacher or counselor need to sign their Letters of Recommendation for me?
This is not required. They can upload the text of their letter. However, they can add their electronic signature OR provide their signature, scan, and save the letter as a .pdf to upload into the application system. Any of the options above will suffice.
When will I know if I’ve been officially accepted into the program?
There are several requirements set forth to begin this course in this message. VESSS does rolling admissions, so as soon as your application is completed, submitted, and all references are complete you will be notified. If you complete your application in October, you will be notified of your acceptance by email when your application is completed and receive your official letter (email) no later than early November. The actual course material will be released on November 29, 2023, through the online course system.
Why do I need to provide my guidance counselor’s information?
You need to provide your guidance counselor’s name and email address to contact them to verify that you are a high school junior or senior and have met the minimum GPA requirement for the program.