Guide to Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG)

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For highly talented young women, Mary Baldwin University (MBU) offers a unique opportunity through its Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG). 

Can’t wait to skip the remainder of high school and jump straight into college? If you’re a gifted student tired of high school and ready for a challenge that matches your abilities, PEG could be the perfect fit for you.[1] With only 2% of students in the U.S. being identified as gifted, PEG stands out as a beacon for these exceptional young women.[2]

PEG is an early entrance college program designed for gifted girls who have completed 6th-10th grade. You can start college as young as 13 and live and learn within a community of intellectual and social peers who share your drive and passion for knowledge.[3] Nationwide, approximately 6% of K-12 students participate in gifted and talented programs.[2] The program offers you a challenging academic environment that pushes you to reach your full potential, the opportunity to earn a four-year college degree, and a supportive community that nurtures both intellectual and personal development.[4]

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity for you, PEG might be the perfect next step to achieve your academic and personal goals.

Eligibility and Admissions

But be warned—it’s not easy to get in. Eligible applicants for the PEG program are accepted based on exceptional academic ability and potential. The application process includes submitting transcripts, teacher recommendations, essay responses, and achievement test scores. Prospective students are evaluated on their intellectual capacity, academic achievement, social and emotional maturity, and sense of purpose.[1] Admission to PEG is highly competitive, reflecting the program’s selectivity. Nationally, only 10% to 35% of applicants to similar programs are admitted.[2]

Financial Support

PEG can also be pricey—annual tuition is over $30,000. The good news though is that you can count on financial support. At Mary Baldwin University, every PEG student gets financial aid, which might include merit awards, need-based aid, and a variety of scholarships and grants.[1] This support is important because, on average, students in gifted programs receive less state and federal funding compared to their peers in traditional educational settings.[2]

Academic and Career Preparation

PEG might be the best option for young women in grad school. PEG students are well-prepared for future academic pursuits, including graduate school. The program offers academic advising, research opportunities, and professional development. Many PEG alumnae go on to attend prestigious graduate schools and pursue successful careers in various fields.[1] Statistics show that 58% of students in gifted programs pursue advanced degrees compared to 10% of the general population.[2]

Campus Life and Community

PEG students are fully integrated into the MBU community while also enjoying specialized support and activities. They can participate in over 50 student organizations, community service opportunities, and leadership development programs. The program is located in Staunton, Virginia, offering a safe, vibrant college town atmosphere with access to cultural attractions and nearby cities.[4]

Why Choose Mary Baldwin University’s PEG Program?

1. Accelerated Academic Journey: PEG offers gifted students the opportunity to bypass high school and dive directly into college-level coursework, potentially saving years of education.[1] This is especially valuable given that only 2% of high school students nationwide can accelerate their education to this degree.[2]
2. Supportive Community: The program provides a unique blend of academic rigor and personalized support, fostering both intellectual growth and emotional well-being.[1]
3. Preparation for Future Success: With its focus on research, leadership, and professional development, PEG equips students with the skills and experiences needed for success in graduate school and beyond.[1] Graduates of gifted programs are 20% more likely to take on leadership roles in their careers.[2]

The Program for the Exceptionally Gifted at Mary Baldwin University offers a transformative experience for gifted young women, providing them with the tools, support, and opportunities to excel academically and personally. By fostering a community of like-minded peers and offering challenging coursework, PEG empowers students to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers in their chosen fields.[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Who is eligible to apply?

How do I apply?

Is admission competitive? What is the acceptance rate?

How can I strengthen my application?

Is this program considered prestigious?

Does participation enhance my college admission prospects?

What are the tuition fees and associated costs?

What types of financial aid and scholarships are available?

What is the duration of the program?

What is the application deadline?

Is housing provided for participants?

Which courses are offered?

What should I expect once admitted to the program?

Are there options for online participation?

What are the benefits of the program?

What are the potential disadvantages?

What is the Challenge / Difficulty Level?

Who is eligible to apply?

Females who will be at least 13 years old when they start PEG may apply. Applicants should have completed 6th-10th grade and demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential.[1]

How do I apply?

To apply, you need to:

1. Complete the online PEG application.

2. Submit a full transcript with excellent grades.

3. Provide two teacher recommendations.

4. Respond to two essay prompts.

5. Submit achievement test scores in the 90th percentile.

6. Conduct a family and individual interview.[3] 

Is admission competitive? What is the acceptance rate?

Yes, admission to PEG is highly competitive. While specific acceptance rates are not publicly available, the program is described as “highly selective” on the Mary Baldwin University website. Nationally, similar programs have an acceptance rate between 10% and 35%.[2]

How can I strengthen my application?

To strengthen your application:

1. Maintain excellent grades and take challenging courses.

2. Achieve high scores on standardized tests.

3. Participate in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and intellectual curiosity.

4. Write compelling essays that showcase your maturity and readiness for college.

5. Obtain strong recommendations from teachers who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities.[4]

Is this program considered prestigious?

Yes, PEG is considered a prestigious program. It’s one of the few early college entrance programs in the United States specifically designed for exceptionally gifted young women.[3] 

Does participation enhance my college admission prospects?

While PEG itself is a college program at Mary Baldwin University, successful completion of the program can enhance prospects for graduate school admissions or transfers to other prestigious institutions. Many PEG alumni have gone on to attend top graduate schools.[4]

What are the tuition fees and associated costs?

Tuition and fees for PEG are $31,755 per year, though students receive significant financial aid.[5] It’s best to contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information on tuition and associated costs.

What types of financial aid and scholarships are available?

PEG offers various financial aid options:

1. Merit awards

2. Need-based aid

3. Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (for Virginia residents)

4. Study abroad and conference travel grants

5. Other donor-funded scholarships 

100% of PEG students receive some form of financial aid.[1]

What is the duration of the program?

PEG students typically complete their bachelor’s degree in four years, similar to traditional college students. However, some may finish earlier due to their accelerated start.[3]

What is the application deadline?

The specific application deadline is not provided in the available information. It’s recommended to check the Mary Baldwin University website or contact the admissions office for the most current application deadlines.[1]

Is housing provided for participants?

Yes, housing is provided. PEG students live in Tyson Hall, a supervised, boarding-school-like environment specifically for PEG students, for up to 2 years.[3]

Which courses are offered?

PEG students have access to all of Mary Baldwin University’s degree programs and courses. They can choose from over 40 degree programs and work with academic advisors to select courses that align with their interests and academic goals.[3]

What should I expect once admitted to the program?

Once admitted, you can expect:

1. A challenging academic environment.

2. Living in a supervised residence hall with other PEG students.

3. Participation in college-level courses alongside traditional college students.

4. Access to all university facilities and resources.

5. Specialized support from staff trained in gifted education.

6. Opportunities for research, internships, and leadership development.[1]

Are there options for online participation?

The available information does not mention online participation options for PEG. The program appears to be designed as an on-campus, immersive experience.[2]

What are the benefits of the program?

Benefits of the PEG program include:

1. Accelerated academic progress.

2. A challenging intellectual environment.

3. Peer group of like-minded students.

4. Early preparation for graduate school or career.

5. Opportunities for research and internships.

6. Specialized support for gifted students.

7. Access to all university resources and activities.[3]

What are the potential disadvantages?

Potential challenges of the program may include:

1. Adjusting to college-level work at a young age.

2. Being away from home and family at an earlier age than most students.

3. Potentially missing traditional high school experiences.

4. The need for advanced social and emotional maturity.[2]

What is the Challenge / Difficulty Level?

⭐⭐⭐⭐

While specific acceptance rates are not provided, the program is described as “highly selective.” Given the unique nature of the program and its focus on exceptionally gifted students, it likely falls into the 4-star category, indicating an acceptance rate between 10% and 35%.[2]

Talk online live with Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted at Pioneer Co-Curricular Summit

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Footnotes

[1] Mary Baldwin University, “PEG Admissions,” https://marybaldwin.edu/admissions-aid/peg-admissions/ ↩

[2] National Association for Gifted Children, “Frequently Asked Questions about Gifted Education,”
https://nagc.org/page/frequently-asked-questions-about-gifted-education ↩

[3] Mary Baldwin University, “Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG),” https://catalog.marybaldwin.edu/program-for-the-exceptionally-gifted-peg ↩

[4] The Princeton Review, “Mary Baldwin University,” https://www.princetonreview.com/college/mary-baldwin-university-1023533 ↩

[5] Sean Cavanagh, “Challenging Programs Cater to the Profoundly Gifted,” Education Week, https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/challenging-programs-cater-to-the-profoundly-gifted/2009/06 ↩