Frequently Asked Questions
You have a question that isn't answered below? Email me! (tvartuli@hfcsd.org)
Q: I want to be involved in the New Visions Program when I am a senior. Will I be able to take Science Research?
A: Of course, I have had several students do both and they were very successful in both! I am very willing to work with your schedule, if you are willing to work with your schedule!
Q: I play sports. Will I have enough time?
A: If you make the time! Many students that have gone through the program played sports throughout the 3 years and some students were 3 sport athletes while in the program! We learn about time management to help you through.
Q: I want to be involved in (Band, Choir, Orchestra) as well as other AP courses and other electives. Can I still join the program?
A: If it fits in your schedule, we will make it work. Unfortunately, there are only so many blocks in the day and sometimes too many options. You just have to choose what you enjoy the most and what will benefit you the most!
Q: I am interested in being involved in the PTECH Program or Early College Program. Could I be in Science Research?
A: If it fits in your schedule, we will make it work. The main requirement is there has to be seat time for the course, so if you are taking your high school courses in a different location, it might be difficult. Again, we will work with you if that's what you want!
Q: I am worried about the amount of work involved. Will it be too much?
A: Nothing worth while is ever easy! This is a college level course, so there will be work that could be considered rigorous. However, past students have said as long as you are researching a topic that you are passionate about and enjoy, it makes it so much easier! Also, one of the major lessons in the first year of the course is learning how to manage your time. We work on making weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly timelines to help not only with research, but your entire course load and your extracurricular activities! Past students have said one of the biggest results of being in this course was learning now to manage time and learning how to work at the collegiate level.
Q: My grades aren't the best, but I am interested. Can I still be considered?
A: Of course. Any freshman that is in good academic standing is eligible. We don't, however, want this course to hinder your core course grades.
Q: I have interest, but I am worried this course will hurt my GPA and class rank.
A: Your grade in Science Research is mainly based off whether or not you are doing the work according the goals we (you and I) set. As long as you are doing what you should be, this class will probably help your GPA! And remember the long term...This course will make you look better on college applications. More so than GPA and class rank. You have more opportunities for scholarships and awards because of your involvement in this program, regardless of your GPA.
Q: I don't even know what topic to pick!
A: Don't worry! The summer assignment before Sophomore year is designed to allow you to narrow down your interests. Still having trouble? Reach out to me and I will walk you through different techniques to find a topic.
Q: Is it really true I can win money?
A: Definitely! Several students over the years have won many monetary prizes for their work. There are opportunities to win anywhere from $50 to $100,000 at the National events!
Q: I work and travel over the summer. Will I be able to do the summer work?
A: As long as you have a computer and internet, you can do your summer work anywhere! The big problem will be when you are collecting data and depending what and where you are collecting (locally or in a lab). If there is a will there is a way!
Q: I heard I can't research something medical. What's up with that?
A: It is not that you can't research something medical, but it is discouraged because of the difficulty. Every research project has to pass through a committee that makes sure your proposed research is safe and ethical. Medical research has a TON of red tape to deal with. Furthermore, acquiring a mentor in the medical field has proven to be more difficult. With that said, it is not impossible. There are ways around it though and still be focused on medical. For example data mining, administering psychological tests and surveys, or finding an alternative organism to run the tests on that will or may produce similar results as humans. If there is a will, there is way!
Q: You said you can't start receiving college credits until you finish Sophomore year AND acquire a mentor. What if I don't get a mentor right away? Can I still get the credits?
A: Yes you can still get the credits. If you miss out on the first 2 credits because you don't a mentor is fine; you still have the option to get the remaining 10. Getting a mentor is a difficult process, but we do everything we can to hook you up with a research advisor!
Q: Who can be a mentor? My (parent, sibling, uncle, aunt, etc) is a scientist. Can they be?
A: Unfortunately no; relatives are not acceptable mentors. Furthermore, your mentor has to be active in the field you are pursuing. We do everything we can to make sure you have the appropriate mentor.
Q: Do I have to pay to be in the course to get credits?
A: Getting the college credits are totally optional. If you choose, you can do the three years without enrolling and paying through Albany.
**Note** At this time, Hudson Falls is paying for college credits
Q: How do I get a mentor?!
A: Don't worry about that yet! That is what sophomore year is about! We will help you. Don't worry!
Q: What about the IB program at Queensbury? Can I do both?
A: Unfortunately at this time, you can't do both. The IB program is a full day program at Queensbury and you need to be present here at Hudson Falls in order to do the course.
Q: I hear there are events on Saturdays and nights?
A: Yes. This is not a normal high school course. This is a program. There will be competitions we are expected/required to attend or compete in on Saturdays. There are also some events at night we will be attending that are mandatory.
Q: What about the local symposium?
A: The local symposium is our "final exam." It is mandatory. It is part of the course. It is your opportunity to showcase your work to the community and it cumulates your hard work over 1,2 or 3 years. It is usually on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening at the end of May or beginning of June.
Q: Is it required to compete in competitions?
A: Yes. As a senior, there are 2-3 required competitions. These are a mandatory part of the course. You will be required to apply to the Sub-Regional JSHS (speaking) and the GCRSEF (poster). There are others that you should apply to, but not mandatory.