The Vermont Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) is an independent, accredited high school exclusively for high school seniors. Students receive a high school diploma and complete a year of college simultaneously. VAST students live on the Randolph campus or commute to either the Williston or Randolph campus.
If you're a motivated high school student ready to experience an early college program in a safe and secure setting, consider VAST. Any 11th grade student is eligible to apply to either the Randolph Center main campus or the Williston campus. Students come from all areas of Vermont and from surrounding states as well.
Vermont Tech's programs include a wide range of engineering technology, agricultural, health, and business fields that are vital to making a difference in the world and producing the knowledgeable workers needed most by employers in the state and in the region.
VAST students take college-level courses with other freshman students and can participate in student-life activities, like athletics, intramural sports and clubs. Student events throughout the year feature speakers, comedians, live music, and group trips to professional sports games in Boston or night skiing.
VAST students typically:
- Have a passion for math and science
- Have completed most of the upper-level courses offered at their high school, or
- Have been home-schooled and want to obtain a high school diploma while earning college credits
- Are looking for a program that includes a peer group that is as passionate about learning as they are
- Are academically curious and enjoy a challenge
The recommended VAST profile:
- 85 or higher high school GPA
- Submit one of three standardized tests (SAT, ACT or PSAT) with scores in the following range:
- PSAT scores of 28 for each sub-section
- SAT of 550 for each sub-section
- ACT of 21 for each sub-section
- Have a successful academic record in math and science
- Place into Freshman Composition as well as any math class that may be required by their specified program.
Applications for VAST go through the Vermont Tech Admissions Office. A completed application includes the application form, an essay, standardized test scores, a placement test, two letters of recommendation for teacher(s) or guidance counselor and a copy of high school transcripts, including the first-semester junior grades. Priority deadline for applications is May 1st, but applications are accepted after the deadline if space allows.
VAST has been approved as a tuition-free program for Vermont students by the Vermont State Legislature since 1988. Students are expected to cover the cost of books and any applicable fees.
