Program for the Exceptionally Gifted
The Program for the Exceptionally Gifted ("PEG") at Mary Baldwin College is a radical acceleration program designed for girls ages 12 to 16 who have not completed high school. The program was founded in 1985 with a class of 11 students and now enrolls approximately 30 new students each year. Participants ("PEGs") attend classes with traditional Mary Baldwin students and typically earn a bachelor's degree in four years.
PEG strives to provide an environment in which gifted girls can reach their intellectual potential while forming close friendships in supportive surroundings.
History
PEG was founded with a $1.5 million grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund [citation needed]. The first PEG students, or "PEGs", were simultaneously enrolled at Mary Baldwin College and Stuart Hall School, a private boarding and day school in Staunton, VA. At that time, PEG was a five-year program. The Stuart Hall element was later eliminated. PEG students are still required to take an intensive composition class and more math and science courses than traditional Mary Baldwin students. PEGs are eligible to participate in Mary Baldwin honors programs and student clubs and organizations. They may also compete for academic merit scholarships. Entering PEG students typically receive either $11,000 or $13,000 as their merit scholarship[citation needed].
Entering PEGs live in a supervised dormitory on the Mary Baldwin campus. In 2002, Mary Baldwin opened the new PEG Center. The Center includes double-occupancy dorm rooms for students and apartments for live-in staff members. Resident staff enforce study hours, curfew, and other aspects of daily life for first-year students. Students gradually receive more independence as they demonstrate competence in the college environment. In their sophomore or junior years, PEGs may move into regular campus housing.
Admission
Many applicants learn about PEG though the Educational Testing Service, which shares their SAT or PSAT scores with colleges. PEG sends out approximately 10,000 informational packets to 7th grade girls scoring above a certain threshold. Other students discover PEG through guidance counselors, summer enrichment programs (such as Duke's TIP, or through their own research.
In addition to standardized test scores, PEG considers applicants' grades, consistent achievement, maturity, the ability to benefit from the program, and a serious sense of purpose. The application process differs from regular college admissions because of the emphasis on in-person interviews, both with the student and her family. The standard elements of a college application—essays, recommendations, and transcripts—are also included. Completion of of Algebra II or Geometry is required for acceptance into the program.
An average of 57% of all PEG students complete bachelor's degrees at Mary Baldwin [citation needed]. Many elect to transfer to another college to complete their degree.