Questions about Eligibility Is my child eligible for CAA programs if he has not participated in the Johns Hopkins Talent Search? Any student who earns the required qualifying scores is eligible for CAA. 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 CAA courses, 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 computer ranking used for course assignments.
My child participated in the CTY Young Students program. Does she have to retest? Yes. Former Young Students must take the SAT or ACT to be eligible for the CAA program. For more information on eligibility requirements, go to
www.cty.jhu.edu/summer/caaelig.html
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Questions about Course Assignments How are students assigned to courses? We use a computer ranking system based on test scores and previous participation in our programs. Please see Course Assignments. The first date on which we will run course assignments is January 15, 2009. All applications received in our office by that date will be included. After January 15, we will run course assignments weekly. Students should apply as early as possible for best consideration.
Can my child attend both sessions? Yes, though we initially limit students to one class and session to maximize the chances 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 another session.
Should students sign up for additional courses if they think they want only their 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 an opening and closing day schedule. In addition, it contains several forms for you to return to us: the medical forms and the 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 you are not assigned to a course, you will also be notified at this time.
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Questions about the Classes Who 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 the field. 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. The Marine Sciences classes are larger, though they have similar student/teacher ratios, because on any given day, half the class is in the field. 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? CAA students work hard. They spend seven hours a day, five days a week, in class and evening sessions. Our students enjoy academic challenge and rigor, and we design our course work to engage and inspire them. If students are feeling 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. Additionally, we recommend that students do not bring computers. Instructors do not expect or require typed work. Occasionally, instructors will 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 ctydisabilities@jhu.edu to discuss appropriate documentation and possible accommodations.
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Questions about Student Life My child has a disability. Where can I find information about possible accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs? Please see “Students with Learning, Physical, or Medical Disabilities” in the Information for Parents section of the catalog.
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). If your child has food allergies or needs a special diet for other medical reasons, you must note this when you fill out the Medical Information page. You should also call the coordinator for your site, whose phone number will be listed in the Course Assignment Packet.
Do CAA students ever have time for fun? Yes! Veteran CAA students often point out that they value the social experiences at CAA 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 making pipe cleaner celebrities).
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 befriend new people. 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. If air-conditioning is not mentioned, it may only be available in some buildings, or not at all. 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 our 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 Issues What are the arrangements for children who need to take medication? Our administrative staff will secure all medications and dispense them. The only medications students may keep with them are topical skin medications, asthma inhalers, EpiPens®, and insulin. Please see Medical Information for more information.
My child recently had a complete physical examination. Does he or she need another physical examination in order to participate in the programs? The Physician’s Signature page must be signed by your child’s examining physician. Ask your physician whether or not she requires another office visit.
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Questions about Traveling to and from the Site How 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 terminals (for a list of these, please see 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 checkpoint. The staff member will greet students, help them with their luggage, and escort them to the site. This service costs $60 and is only for students traveling alone. You will receive more detailed information for making arrangements in the Course Assignment Packet.
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 non refundable tickets. No student may leave late from session 2.
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.
What are the arrangements for students who are able to attend both sessions? We recommend that they 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 Payment What credit cards does CTY accept? MasterCard and Visa 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 page Tuition and Fees.
How do I make an on-line payment? Click here to pay
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
What address do I use for all 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
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