FAQs

A: No. It is impossible for us to speak with individual applicants and their families, since we typically review over 200 applications and we direct other programs during the school year. It becomes much more manageable to address all of the particular questions and "what ifs" once we narrow the pool down to 40 accepted students and the school year starts to wind down (usually sometime in April). If you have specific questions in the meantime, please feel free to first consult the rest of this website and then email us if you cannot find the answer. Otherwise, we hope you will apply and then we can arrange to speak if/when you are accepted. We are happy to answer any questions that might help an accepted student decide whether or not to attend.

A: The Young Scholars Program continues to be accessible to all highly qualified students who meet the eligibility requirements and are admitted to the program. The Florida State University provides room, board, and tuition for every participant, free of charge. This equates to an automatic scholarship in the amount of over $3,000.00 for each and every student. All meals are provided, but if a student wishes to dine out, they will need to pay using their own funds. Students with significant financial need, defined as being unable to attend the Young Scholars Program unless additional support is made available for travel and books, may apply for a supplemental stipend (see Application Materials).

A: Rising seniors are current juniors, i.e., students who are currently enrolled in the eleventh grade and will enroll in twelfth grade during the Fall Semester following the Young Scholars Program.

A: In general, it is not encouraged. It depends how competitive the pool of applicants is this year, but it is extremely rare that we accept any sophomores and we never accept freshmen or seniors. If you are a sophomore, you may choose to apply and see what happens, but you will need to re-apply if you would like to be considered again as a junior.

A: If you think it is a close call, we suggest you apply and see what happens. If you would like to include an explanation, you may do so as part of your application packet, or have your recommendation letter writer address the reason(s) within their letter. It all depends on how competitive the pool of applicants is this year, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Do keep in mind that it is a very competitive application process and there are no guarantees.

A: National scores.

A: No. We only accept test scores from before the application deadline and we will not update your application if/when you receive new score reports.

A: No. We only accept details from before the application deadline and we will not update your application if/when you participate in new activities or receive new accolades.

A: No. We do not access FSU's records; we only consider test scores that you send us as part of your Young Scholars Program application packet.

A: As long as you maintain your primary residence in Florida and have attended school in Florida for the majority of the last year, you are eligible to apply. The residence restriction has more to do with where you and your family pay taxes than where you are "from," due to the nature of our funding.

A: We do not begin the review process until after the application deadline, thus the strict requirement on the due date. Everyone who submits an application on time is considered. Students may be placed on a "wait list," to serve as alternates in case an admitted student turns down their offer, but we endeavor to confirm all participants and notify all applicants by mid-May.

A: Please see the main page for current deadlines and important dates.

A: No. All applications must be submitted by the published deadline to be considered (see the main page for deadlines).

A: We are not going to go through and manually count the words. That said, there are no bonus points for being verbose, so do say whatever you want to say as succinctly as possible.

A: Yes. Applications from previous years are not accepted.

A: No. If you follow the instructions you will have included all that is required and should not need us to tell you whether or not your application is complete.

A: We aim to finalize all decisions by mid-May, but we will endeavor to notify students as soon as possible. Students will be notified of a decision via email, based on the contact information provided in their application.

A: No. Due to overwhelming interest in the program, we are unable to offer personalized replies about application status or admission decisions. We do not provide feedback on applications or coaching for college applications.

A: No. When you are notified that you have been accepted into the program, you will be given a deadline by which you must confirm your commitment in order to hold your position, you may not wait until the last day of the admissions cycle. If you are unable to accept your admissions offer, we need to offer the position to someone else on the wait list so that we can fill all positions and notify all applicants by the date listed for "Admissions decisions finalized" (see the main page for deadlines).

A: No. All students are expected to commit to be present for the entire six weeks of the program. No exceptions will be made for travel to other summer internship opportunities, sports camps, Mu Alpha Theta, etc. In case of family emergency, illness, or death, students may be excused with special permission from the co-directors, but documentation will be required. Truancy is grounds for dismissal from the program and the student will be responsible for repaying the scholarship amount.

A: No. YSP is a residential immersion program. All students, even local ones, are expected to fully commit to their six weeks in the program. Attendance at regularly scheduled activities, such as classes, labs, research projects, evening meetings, and weekend activities is mandatory. In the event that illness prevents attendance at such activities, you may be required to visit the University Health Center with a camp counselor to be excused.

A: Yes, as long as it does not interfere with regularly scheduled activities, such as classes, labs, research projects, evening meetings, and weekend activities and it has been previously approved by camp administration. There will be no dorm room visitation by outside guests, but students may entertain guests in the dormitory lobby and recreation room with permission from the head counselor. If you plan to leave campus with someone other than program staff or your parent/guardian, you must obtain permission from the counselor on duty and have a Transportation Release Form on file with the co-directors (signed by your parent/guardian).

A: No. Participants will not be allowed to possess or drive an automobile, motorcycle, moped, scooter, or other motorized vehicle (except wheelchairs) during their six weeks in the program. Participants are not allowed to ride in any vehicle that is not operated by their parent/guardian, a staff member, or other person authorized by the co-directors, without obtaining prior permission from the counselor on duty and having a Transportation Release Form on file with the co-directors (signed by your parent/guardian).

A: No. The academic courses are designed specifically for this program -- they are neither high school nor college courses. We do not offer high school or college credit.

A: While we are not experts on all of the intricacies of IB requirements, past students have worked with their guidance counselors to determine if/when this is appropriate. We are happy to submit an official review as part of our Summative Evaluation process at the end of the program.

A: No, at least not exclusively. The goal is the keep talented Florida students in the "STEM Pipeline," by helping them explore their options and encouraging them to pursue higher study and careers in science and mathematics, regardless of where their educational goals may take them next.