Questions about Eligibility My child qualified for CTY Summer Programs previously when minimum scores were based on age. Does she now have to retest to qualify under the new, grade-based system? No. All students who previously qualified for CTY Summer Programs remain eligible for the same programs for which they would have been eligible.
Is my child eligible for summer programs if he has not participated in the CTY 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.
What tests are acceptable qualifiers for summer programs? At the CTY Hong Kong program several tests may be used to qualify. Ø For writing courses, students must qualify using the SAT, ACT, or PSAT. Ø For math and computer science courses, students may qualify using the SAT, ACT, PSAT, or World Class Test (WCT). For the WCT, students must achieve the level of “distinction” in math for mathematics courses. Ø For science courses, students may qualify using the SAT, ACT, PSAT or World Class Test (WCT). For the WCT, students must achieve the level of “distinction” in both math and problem solving to take science courses.
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 computer ranking used for course assignments.
My child participated in the CTY Young Students program. Does she have to retest? If students have qualified for CTY programs taking the SCAT in grades 2-6, they may participate in the Hong Kong-based program this year.
back to top Questions about Course Assignments How are students assigned to courses?
Courses will be assigned on a rolling basis beginning January 15. For course assignment purposes, applications received on or before January 14 will all be considered to have arrived on the same date. If on January 15 there are more applications than space available, CTY will use an additional selection process giving preference to students who have participated in CTY programs in the past.
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 in the middle of January or within a month of your registration after mid-January.
back to top 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; and professionals in the field. Teaching assistants are generally graduate students or advanced undergraduate students majoring in the subject being taught.
How large are the classes? Eighteen students is the normal class size, although some may have as many as twenty. Each class typically has a teaching assistant as well as an instructor; therefore, the student/teacher ratio in all classes is 10:1 or less.
How much work will be expected? CTY students work hard. They spend seven hours a day, five days a week, in class. 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? At HKUST, computer access is available to students at 3 computer barns, including MS Office software, email and Internet browser. However, computer access is shared with HKUST full-time students and students from other programs on campus, and availability cannot be guaranteed during peak hours of the day. While instructors do not expect or require typed work, we do allow students to bring laptop computers to the CTY-Hong Kong location. There will be opportunities for all students to email home. 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 at ctydisability@jhu.edu to discuss appropriate documentation and possible accommodations.
back to top 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.
My child requires a special diet. Are special meal plans available? The dining service at HKUST is self-service and includes a selection of entrees and side dishes. Students will select their own dishes. If your student has food allergies or special food needs, please contact the program manager after your student has registered. Contact information will be in your child’s site 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. At HKUST students spend the bulk of their time on campus, but may go out for class-related field trips during the week and on excursions during the weekends.
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.
Does the Hong Kong site have air conditioning? The residence halls and classrooms are air conditioned.
back to top Questions about Medical Issues What are the arrangements for children who need to take medication?
Students are advised to keep all daily medication (including prescribed and over-the-counter medication) they need with them at all times. In case students need medical consultation, the on-campus clinic is open during office hours from Monday to Friday and is available to students on a pay-per-visit basis. For emergencies, 24/7 medical consultation is available at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) ward of public hospitals in Hong Kong.
Students are advised to have their own medical insurance which covers medical consultation and hospitalization, as public hospitals in Hong Kong charge a significantly higher rate for foreign passport holders for both A&E service and hospitalization. Our administrative staff will secure and dispense over-the-counter medication and provide first aid attention should students need it.
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 in calendar year 2009. Ask your physician whether or not she requires another office visit.
back to top 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?
CTY offers a shuttle service from Hong Kong’s airport (HKG); the Course Assignment Packet will contain more information. 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 for early arrival only in the most extenuating circumstances. To arrive a day early, 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 01-410-735-6255 or email kkidd@jhu.edu before you confirm any reservations or purchase non-refundable tickets. Students may not depart late.
back to top Questions About Payment What credit cards does CTY accept? MasterCard and Visa only.
Does CTY offer financial aid for its program in Hong Kong? There is limited financial aid available for CTY's Hong Kong location. If you plan on applying for financial aid, you need to download a financial aid application form (available 12/20). The financial aid form must be included with the program application. Please refer to CTY's financial aid policies (coming soon) before applying for aid. Note: if you apply for financial aid, you must use a paper application.
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. Please see Tuition and Fees for more information.
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 USA
What address do I use for all correspondence not related to payment? Center for Talented Youth
Johns Hopkins University
McAuley Hall
5801 Smith Avenue, Ste. 400
Baltimore, MD 21209
Attn: CTY Registration
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