Download the SHW 2010 Schedule for a sample of our program.
Our Purpose
PLNU is especially known for its high quality science and math programs. Science Honors' Weekend (SHW) is a yearly recruiting event for incoming biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, engineering, mathematics and computer sciences' students that qualify, based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores. This weekend is designed to encourage students in their science and math interests, to help them make informed decisions about their futures, and to judge their eligibility for some special scholarships.
Science Honors' Weekend is a great opportunity for incoming science/math majors to become acquainted with PLNU faculty and establish relationships with current PLNU students. It's also an occasion to make new friendships that may very well last a lifetime.
The weekend is packed with activity and will give a great overview of PLNU and specifically of the science and math departments. Students come away with an increased knowledge of college life, a sense of community, new friendships, and quite possibly a substantial scholarship. Not to mention the terrific photos of sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Success of Program
Over the past decade, the Science Honors' Weekend has been a very successful means for identifying Science Honors' Scholarship recipients. These scholarships, which cover approximately 50 percent (or more) of tuition, are available for qualified students that are selected from SHW attendees. Science Honors' Scholarships are renewable annually for four years providing the minimal GPA (3.50) is maintained.
Many chemistry and biology students at PLNU are interested in medical careers. Between 2001 and 2007, PLNU's acceptance rate into health professional schools (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and optometry) was 94% (65 out of 69 applicants). This is substantially above the national average.
Amy Benefiel, a student that attended Science Honors’ Weekend in 2007 says, "Science Honors’ Weekend was a great opportunity for me to get a feel for what college life is like as a science student. We got to meet many of the professors, talk to current students, learn more about the science departments and sit in on a class. Plus, spending a weekend in beautiful San Diego was a ton of fun! Come visit Point Loma and you certainly won’t want to leave!"
David Vandenbroek, SHW 2007 attendee comments, "To be honest, I was not planning on attending Point Loma. Then I went to Science Honors Weekend. There I saw how much the professors truly cared about each student. As a sophomore, I have become a Lab Assistant and am involved in undergraduate research under one of the professors that interviewed me - opportunities not available at the public universities I considered. Science Honors Weekend also allowed me to meet people that remain close friends to this day. Point Loma's science department is perfect for me; the scholarship that I have received has allowed me to form relationships and enjoy experiences that I otherwise could not have."
Jenna Lavenuta, a 2008 SHW attendee says, "My time at the Science Honors Weekend allowed me to see for myself what Point Loma's science department was all about. Meeting professors, PLNU students, and other students on the same college search was not only extremely helpful but also really fun. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!"
Marie Holman, SHW attendee from 2007 comments, "If you were to ask me why I chose Point Loma, I would tell you that at the time, I didn't know. However, I do acknowledge that the Science Honors' Weekend played a part in my decision. After a great weekend of becoming acquainted with the professors, students, and potential classmates, I felt valued as a student and as a Christian seeking after God. I don't think I would have come to Point Loma without having first gone to the Science Honor's Weekend, but now, I'm so glad I'm here and I see God working through this school to change my heart and to direct me onto a path where the Lord will do great things in and through me."
Details
For this year's weekend we invited 37 Biology and/or Chemistry students to attend. Please see the Schedule for a detailed listing of our 2010 program. Next year's dates are Friday, February 19th - Sunday, February 21st, 2010.
Dr. Darrel Falk, Chair of Biology and Dr. Ken Martin, Chair of Chemistry co-lead the program for the biology and chemistry departments.
For more information, please contact LeAnne Elizondo at 619-849-2205, or email LeAnneElizondo@pointloma.edu .