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 will 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.
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? Yes. Former Young Students must take the SAT, ACT, or PSAT to be eligible for the 7th grade and above program. For more information on eligibility requirements, go to Admissions Information.
Top
Questions about Course Assignments
How are students assigned to courses? Courses will be assigned on a rolling basis beginning January 24th. For course assignment purposes, applications received on or before January 23rd will all be considered to have arrived on the same date. If on January 23rd there are more applications than space available, CTY will use an additional selection process.
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. If you are not assigned to a course, you will also be notified at this time.
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. Each class typically has a teaching assistant as well as an instructor; therefore, 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 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 to discuss appropriate documentation and possible accommodations.
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 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 not available at the Princeton location. 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 program manager for your site, whose phone number is listed in 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 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.
Does the Princeton site have air conditioning? The residence halls do not have air conditioning, but the classrooms do.
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.
Top
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 details.
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.
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? We offer a shuttle service from specified locations; 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 only in the most extenuating circumstances (generally international travel). 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 410-735-6185 before you confirm any reservations or purchase non-refundable tickets. Students may not depart late.
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. Top
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. 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
Top | 
