Questions about Eligibility Is my child eligible for this program if he has not participated in the Johns Hopkins Talent Search? Any student who earns the required qualifying scores is eligible. 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 the program, 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, ACT, or PSAT to be eligible for the this program. For more information on eligibility requirements, see our Admissions Information section.
back to top Questions about Course Assignments How are students assigned to courses? Students are not assigned to courses on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, we use a computer program to assign as a group all students whose applications are in house by a particular date. For more information, see our How Courses are Assigned section.
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 one month of receiving your course assignment notification.
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; 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. 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? Our 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.
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 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 of the catalog.
My child requires a special diet. Are special meal plans available? The dining services at the site offers a wide selection of food at every meal, and menus are varied enough to accommodate vegetarian and other diets. 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 the students ever have time for fun? Yes! Veteran students often point out that they value the social experiences at our programs 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 students housed at the Mexico site? May I make a specific housing requests? Students live in single-sex suites with their RAs. Each RA group has approximately 15 students. The RA group is an important part of the residential experience as it provides students with a sense of identity and belonging within the larger community. Most students are assigned to single rooms, but we cannot guarantee a particular housing arrangement. To the extent possible students are housed with suitemates of a similar age who are studying a related subject. Students in the same suite share a bathroom. Students are not permitted to visit opposite-sex suites. We discourage suitemate 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 suitemate requests.
Does the Mexico site have air-conditioning? No. However, the climate in the Puebla area during the summer is quite pleasant so air conditioning is unnecessary.
back to top Questions about Medical Issues Will my child need special vaccinations in order to attend this site? Maybe. We encourage you to consult your child's physician about this. We recommend that you also read the information provided by the Center for Disease Control to Americans planning trips to Mexico.
Will bottled water be provided to avoid health concerns? Yes. Bottled water will be available to students at all meals, in the residential facilities, and at activities.
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.
back to top Questions about Traveling to and from the Site How will students flying to Mexico get to the site? Who will meet them at the airport? Students attending the Mexico site will need to obtain a passport, and they have the option of flying into the Mexico City or Puebla airports. In either case, CTY staff will meet students who have requested Shuttle Service at the airport and accompany them to the site on a shuttle bus. This service costs $60. More detailed information about travel will be available in the coming months.
Is it possible for my child to arrive a day early or depart a day late? Given the travel time required, students may arrive a day early (Saturday, July 7) for a fee of $75. (Students must first request permission from us.) If you have difficulty with transportation schedules, call 410-735-6185 before you confirm any reservations or purchase nonrefundable tickets. No student may depart a day 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 Mexico? There is limited financial aid available for the CTY's Mexico location. If you plan on applying for financial aid, you need to download a financial aid application form. The financial aid form must be included with the program application. There is limited financial aid available for CTY-Mexico. Please refer to CTY's financial aid policies (http://cty.jhu.edu/financial/policies.html) before applying for aid.
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
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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