FAQs

Q: Do students need to be freshmen or sophomores?

A: Yes, we need to adhere to the specifications of our grant for only current freshmen or sopho­mores.

Q: Do the students have to be identified as gifted?

A: Yes, this is why we include the Student Eligibility Form in the application process. It is to be completed by a school official, such as a guidance counselor, verifying that the student has been tested and identified as gifted, as defined by the Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-15.

Q: What if your school system does not test for giftedness?

A: The State of Ohio Office for Exceptional Children will recognize the equivalency of scoring in at least the 95th. Percentile in standardized testing. Please link to ODE Gifted Children for a complete list of accepted tests.

Q: Are home-schooled students eligible?

A: Home-schooled students are eligible, provided they have test scores from a psychologist.

Q: Does the student have to be an Ohio resident?

A: Because the Summer Honors Institutes are funded by Ohio taxpayers, students who are not residents of Ohio are not eligible.

Q: Is it possible to take more than one program?

A: Yes, students need to indicate on the Application Form if it is their intention to apply to the Law, Business or Medicine weeks and what is the order of their preference.

Q: Is $209.00 the only cost?

A:Yes. The $209.00 fee per student helps defray room and board expenses. The grant pays for every­thing else for the week, including all lunches and activities.

Q: Are there any scholarships available?

A: The university will consider awarding scholarships to those students who can document that they qualify for the reduced lunch program at their school and who complete the Residential Financial Aid Application Form.

Q: What should the student bring?

A: What to bring and what to wear are covered in the letter you'll be sent in May, upon accept­ance to the program. We suggest packing an alarm clock, light sweater, jacket, or sweater, swimsuit and towel, comfortable walking shoes, and spending money for items like phone cards, souvenirs and snacks. Please do not bring valuables with the exception of cell phones. Casual dress is acceptable for all activities, except the field trips.The faculty for this course will state the dress code in the acceptance packet sent in May. All materials needed for class will be distributed free of charge, although students may wish to bring a note­book and pen.

Q: What accommodations are provided for the students?

A: The residence hall is air-conditioned. All rooms are assigned for double occupancy. Linens, one bath towel and one wash cloth are provided. You may want to bring your own pillow, a blanket, soap, and a desk lamp. Telephones are located in each room, but a calling card is necessary to make outgoing, long-distance calls.

Q: What about supervision?

A: The safety of our students is, and always has been, our top priority. College students who are specially selected to work with the program will be responsible for accompanying the high school students around campus, on field trips, and extracurricular activities, in addition to the adult activities coordinator who will be with them. RAs will stay on the floors designated for that gender and an adult supervisor will stay in the hall overnight, in charge of the RAs and the program's students. Room security checks are part of each evening routine. The residence hall has a full fire protection system and 24-hour security. A count of every student happens before buses leave for or from site visits. Private buses are used. Students never use public transportation.

Q: Can I choose my roommate?

A: We cannot guarantee that you will be able to room with a particular person, but we will con­sider requests.

Q: Can special dietary needs be met?

A: Vegetarian options are always available. All dietary needs must be indicated on the Emergency Treatment, Authorization & Release Form.

Q: Can someone who lives in town or has a relative in town decide to commute to the program each day throughout the week?

A: The program is residential exclusively. It is important for the student to not only experience the academic facet, but be present with the group for extracurricular activities, meals, and staying in the residence hall.

Q: What is the agenda for the week?

• Sunday: The check -in procedure takes no more than a half-hour but you may arrive between 4 and 6:30 p.m, depending on your distance. There is no formal meal planned for Sunday dinner so students may wish to eat with their parents. At the 7 p.m. orientation, students will get to know each other over refreshments and meet the staff and the faculty. Parents/guardians are not expected to attend the orientation.
• Monday-Friday: Class meets from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (times may vary according to field trips or other activities scheduled).
• Friday afternoon: The participants' families are invited to the capstone experience (mock trial, business presentation or medical ethics debate). Details regarding directions and times will be sent to you but typically presentations are from 1 - 4:30 PM with a reception following.

Q: How will I get directions to University of Cincinnati ?

A: Specific directions to the residence hall will be included in the packet notifying students of acceptance, but general directions to the campus are available at the following Web site: www.uc.edu/directions .