Questions about EligibilityIs my child eligible for summer programs if he has not participated in the CTY Global Talent Search? Any child who earns the required qualifying scores is eligible for CTY. Keep in mind, though, that when we assign students to courses, we assign returning students first, then Talent Search participants, and then other applicants.
Does my child need to retest? No. Once students establish eligibility for CTY courses for 7th grade and above, they remain eligible until they reach our upper age limit, even if they choose not to attend the program immediately. Although retesting is not required, some students do choose to retest. Many are interested in tracking their academic progress or in qualifying for classes for which they are not currently eligible. In addition, higher scores will place a student higher in the ranking used for course assignments.
My child participated in the CTY Young Students summer program. Does she have to retest? That depends on her grade when she last tested. Students with scores from 5th grade or before must retest. Students with scores from 6th Grade (Advanced SCAT) may use those scores for 7th grade and above programs also. For more information on accepted tests and eligibility requirements, please visit the eligibility page.
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Questions about Course Assignments
How is my child assigned to a course? We use a computerized ranking system based on test scores and previous participation in our programs (please see How Courses are Assigned). The first date on which we will run course assignments is January 12, 2012. All applications received in our office by January 11 will be included. After January 12, we will run course assignments weekly. Students should apply as early as possible for best consideration.
What do I do if my child changes her mind about course choices after she has applied? If it is before your child has gone through the course assignment process, you may change her course choices on her application through your MyCTY account. If you do not have your MyCTY account information, you may obtain it by calling us at 410-735-6277. If your child has already been assigned to a course, you may use your MyCTY account to submit a request for your child to be considered for different course choices. The new choices may include courses that were not filled the last time course assignments were run (courses on the “open course list”) and/or courses that are currently closed (waitlist status – students are considered only if there is a withdrawal). Your child will be considered for these new choices as part of the next regular weekly course assignment run. Remember, each week the number of students requesting a course could exceed the space available. For this reason, placement in one of the new choices is NOT guaranteed. Please note, though, submitting new choices means that your child will be moved if any course on the list is available when the computer reaches your child’s name as it follows our ranking system (see How Courses are Assigned for details). Can my child attend for both sessions? Yes, though we initially limit students to one class and session to maximize the chance that everyone will be able to enroll in at least one class of choice. If space is available after we have attempted to place all interested students in one class, we will consider requests from students who wish to attend a second session. For more information about requesting an additional session, please see “Attendance for Both Sessions” in How Courses are Assigned. Should my child sign up for additional courses if he want only wants his first choice? No. Each course you request represents a commitment on your part. If you would rather not come to the program than attend a course other than your first choice, you should request your first choice only.
What is the Course Assignment Packet? The Course Assignment Packet includes your course and site assignment as well as detailed information about the site, including directions, a list of items to bring, and a tentative opening and closing day schedule. In addition, it contains medical forms, as well as student services forms which you can use to request services such as a shuttle to and from a designated airport. You will receive the Course Assignment Packet within two weeks of receiving your course assignment notification. If all of your course choices are filled and you are not assigned to a course, you will also be notified at this time about how to select an open course.
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Questions about the ClassesWho are the teachers? Each class has an instructor and teaching assistant. All instructors have expertise in their disciplines and come from a range of professional backgrounds. They include outstanding teachers from public and private schools and universities, graduate students, exceptional undergraduate students, and professionals in their fields. Teaching assistants are generally advanced undergraduate students majoring in the subject being taught.
How large are the classes? Fifteen students is the usual class size. Because of the limited number of available laboratories, the science classes are slightly larger, usually eighteen students. Because each class has a teaching assistant, as well as an instructor, the student/teacher ratio in all classes is low.
How much work will be expected? CTY students work hard. They spend seven hours a day, five days a week, in class sessions. Our students enjoy academic challenge and rigor, and we design our course work to engage and inspire them. If students feel overwhelmed, the residential, instructional, and administrative staff are all available to help with time management, organization, and study skills.
Will my child have access to a computer for word processing or email? Should my child bring a personal computer to the site? No. Students do not have individual access to computer labs, email, or printers, and we discourage students from bringing computers, as instructors do not expect or require typed work. As needed, instructors take students to a computer lab on campus to complete specific assignments. Not all sites have computer lab access. If a student has a documented disability that requires the use of a word processor in class, parents must contact summer programs staff at 410-735-6215 or cty-disabilities@jhu.edu to discuss appropriate documentation and possible accommodations.
Are there are any additional costs for textbooks and other class supplies? How much should we expect to pay? Fees for textbooks are not included in the tuition or room and board payments. Students will be able to purchase textbooks at the host college bookstore. The cost of books per course averages $60, but can be as high as $250. Titles of required textbooks will be available on arrival days. Because titles can change at the last minute, students should not purchase their textbooks in advance. In addition to textbooks, instructors may require particular school supplies. The required supplies will be available at the host bookstore, and a list will be given to you at Registration. However, if you have basic school supplies on hand at home (pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, loose leaf paper, rulers, etc.), we strongly recommend that you bring these items to the site. You may still need to purchase some items, but possibly not as many. Top
Questions about Student LifeMy child has a disability or special need. Where can I find information about possible accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs? Please see “Students with Learning, Physical, or Medical Issues” in Information for Parents.
My child requires a special diet. Are special meal plans available? The dining services at our sites offer a wide selection of food at every meal, and their menus are varied enough to accommodate vegetarian and other diets. Commercial frozen kosher meals are available at most sites, with an added charge (you can order these after you receive the Course Assignment Packet).
Do CTY students ever have time for fun? Yes! Veteran CTY students often point out that they value the social experiences at CTY as much as the classes. Outside of class, students get involved in a variety of activities, from sports to the arts to the more esoteric (such as playing Silent Football).
How are rooms in student residences assigned? Is my child guaranteed a roommate? Are single rooms available? May I make a specific roommate request? We assign students to rooms according to age and course. Whenever possible, roommates—and the larger group of students on the hall—are similar in age and academic interest. Most students live in double rooms, but some may be in singles or triples. We cannot guarantee a particular housing arrangement. We discourage roommate requests because we find that students benefit from the opportunity to make new friends. Further, because of the variety of factors involved in making room assignments, we can rarely honor roommate requests.
Do all sites have air conditioning? Many of the classrooms CTY uses on site are air-conditioned and, to a lesser extent, so are the dorm rooms. For specific information concerning air-conditioned facilities on site, refer to Sites. For questions, please contact ctyinfo@jhu.edu or 410-735-6277.
Are religious services available? We welcome students of all religious beliefs. At each site we make a concerted effort to take interested students to worship services on or off campus.
We live in the same town as a summer program site. May my child attend as a commuter? Residential life is an important part of the summer program, and we urge all students to live on campus. The residence halls are a place where students have the opportunity to form close bonds and build a community with their peers. They learn to take responsibility for their daily schedules, to manage their time, and to get along with people from different backgrounds. Most importantly, it is our mission to develop a community of learners at each of our sites. While commuter students have successfully attended the residential sites, they tend to feel more as if they are observers of the community, rather than full participants. In fact, it has been our experience that students who begin as commuters often change their minds after the first day or so and ask to switch to residential status. At the same time, we recognize that in certain circumstances, commuter attendance is an appropriate option. In order to attend as commuters, students must participate in the full range of activities, including an evening class session which ends at 9:00 p.m. As long as students can make this commitment, they may attend as commuters. Lunch and dinner are provided as part of the commuter tuition. Note: Sometimes students apply as commuters because they are anxious about living away from home for the first time. If this is a concern, we recommend that you try to persuade your child to start the program as a residential student, then switch to commuter status if needed. Switching from residential to commuter status can always be accommodated (the reverse is not always possible), and we will provide a prorated refund of the room and meals portion of the tuition.
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Questions about Medical IssuesWhat are the arrangements for my child to take her medication? All medications will be stored at and dispensed from the site health office. The only medications students may keep with them are some emergency-use medications such as rescue inhalers and EpiPens®. Please see Medical Information for more information on medical care.
My child recently had a complete physical examination. Does she need another physical examination to participate in CTY? The Physician’s and Parents’ Consent Form must be signed by your child’s examining physician. The physical exam must have taken place within two years of the start of the program. Ask your physician whether another visit is necessary.
My child has food allergies. What accommodations are available? If your child needs special dietary arrangements due to severe food allergies or other medical issues, you must note this when you fill out the Medical Information Form. You should also contact CTY staff at 410-735-6215 or cty-disabilities@jhu.edu by May 15 in order to discuss reasonable accommodations in the context of the CTY program and site your child is attending. For dietary arrangements requests unrelated to severe allergies or medical issues, contact ctysummer@jhu.edu. For information about food allergy management at CTY, please visit our food allergy information page.
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Questions about Traveling to and from the SiteHow will students traveling on public transportation (plane or train) get to the site? Who will meet them at the airport or station? Each site offers a shuttle service from specified locations (for a list of these, check under Sites). Unless otherwise directed by airline or airport policies, a staff member wearing a CTY t-shirt will be waiting for students outside of their gates’ security checkpoints. The staff member will greet students, help them with their luggage, and ride with them to the site. This service costs $60 (one way or round trip) and is only for students traveling alone. You will receive more detailed information for making arrangements in the Course Assignment Packet.
My child lives in and is a citizen of a foreign country. What visa is required and how do I go about getting it? Non-US citizens will receive information about visa and travel insurance requirements in the Course Assignment Packet.
Additional details are available on our International Students Resources page.
Is it possible for my child to arrive a day early or depart a day late? We can grant permission only in the most extenuating circumstances (generally international travel). To arrive a day early or depart a day late, students must request permission from us and, if the request is approved, pay a fee of $75 per night. If you have difficulty with transportation schedules, call 410-735-6185 before you confirm any reservations or purchase nonrefundable tickets. No student may leave late from session 2.
What are the arrangements if my child is to attend both sessions? We recommend that students spend the weekend between sessions with family or friends in the area, if possible. However, if your child needs to stay with us, we will provide room, meals, and supervision for a fee of $75 per night.
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Questions About PaymentWhat credit cards does CTY accept? MasterCard, Visa, and Discover only.
Will I be notified of any remaining balance due after I have made the initial deposit and received the Course Assignment Packet? The balance of tuition and fees will be invoiced at the time of your course assignment. Payment is then due in accordance with the invoice, unless you are enrolled in the Installment Payment Plan. See Tuition and Fees.
How do I make an online payment? Log into your MyCTY account.
Where do I send the application, checks, and all other payment information? Johns Hopkins University
Center for Talented Youth
P.O. Box 64434
Baltimore, MD 21264-4434
Where do I send correspondence not related to payment? Johns Hopkins University
Center for Talented Youth
McAuley Hall
5801 Smith Avenue, Ste. 400
Baltimore, MD 21209-3652
Attn: CTY Registration
What is MyCTY? MyCTY is the portal on our web site through which parents and students can make payments, update program applications and contact information, view course registrations and enrollment history, and request an Official Academic Record showing a student’s CTY participation. Students and their families are given a MyCTY login name and password upon registering for the first time with CTY, whether it’s for the Talent Search or a particular program. If you do not have your MyCTY account information, you may obtain it by calling us at 410-735-6277.
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