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FAQs
Answers to common questions of students and parents:
- How is the University Scholars Program different from Traditional Gifted Programming?
- Why have you chosen to make this program performance-based?
- What are the benefits of a specialized program for gifted students?
- What about socialization?
- Will there be accountability?
- What if my child is stronger in one subject area than the other?
- Do I have to attend the Advanced Ideas Center to participate?
- Can I attend classes at the Advanced Ideas Center some days/weeks and other days/weeks attend from home?
- What grades are accepted into the program?
- How does the application process work?
- How are applicants chosen for the program?
- Can my child and/or I visit the Advanced Ideas center?
How is the University Scholars Program different from Traditional Gifted Programming?
The University Scholars Courses and Curricular Program are different from traditional gifted programming because:
- University Scholars is a performance-based gifted program. Students must demonstrate motivation to learn and must maintain a B average to remain in the program. (In this way, it mirrors a high school AP Program. Participation is earned, not simply an entitlement of a high IQ.)
- Students receive advanced curriculum through the University Scholars courses rather than a once-a-week enrichment pull-out.
- Program Placement is subject-specific.
- Pacing for the whole class can move more easily at the students' accelerated pace.
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Why have you chosen to make this program performance-based?
The selection criteria used for traditional gifted programming is useful in determining intellectual potential, but it does little to define the level of self-discipline, thirst for learning or internal motivation that a student possesses. By making the program performance-based, we are creating an environment where hard work and diligence are honored and rewarded. We are also creating an environment where learning is dynamic, challenging and fun. Students are motivated to apply themselves to their studies (many, for the first time in their lives) because they want to stay in the University Scholars classes. Learning to 'do your best' is an important life skill that gifted students too often miss in their K-12 education.
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What are the benefits of a specialized program for gifted students?
Gifted Learners have special needs that are not always addressed in a standard school setting. For example:
- Gifted learners can become mentally lazy, even though they do well in school.
- Gifted learners can become "hooked" on the trappings of success.
- Gifted learners may become perfectionists.
- Gifted learners may fail to develop a sense of self-efficacy.
- Gifted learners may fail to develop tenacity in the face of obstacles.
- Gifted learners may not develop study skills.
- Gifted learners may fail to develop strong peer relationships.
- Gifted learners may struggle with tasks that require cooperative work.
The University Scholars Program is designed to meet these needs and give the gifted learner the best possible environment to maximize their intellectual potential.
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What about socialization?
The cyber-driven delivery of curricula eliminates many time-wasting activities present in the more traditional school setting. This allows for extra time for students to network with their community, to engage in internships and apprenticeships. Both the cyber/virtual and cyber/virtual/onsite infrastructures provide a safe environment for your child, one free of: drugs, alcohol, fights, and inappropriate peer interaction.
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Will there be accountability?
Of course! The University Scholars Program participants will take all the same state tests (PSSA) as students in traditional brick and mortar schools. In addition, University Scholars students are expected to take the PSAT in their 8th, 9th, 10th, and especially 11th grade years. They will also take the SAT in the 10th and 11th grade. We recognize that some gifted learners’ abilities may not be accurately reflected in these standardized tests, so we also encourage students to take the ACT.
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What if my child is stronger in one subject area than the other?
Program placement is subject-specific. A student may accelerate in some subjects and enroll in grade-level or honors-level courses in other subjects.
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Do I have to attend the Advanced Ideas Center (AIC) to participate?
Students may opt for cyber/virtual classes, utilizing technology that includes a virtual classroom and distance learning through the PALCS Moodle website. Other students may choose to attend cyber/virtual/onsite classes at the Advanced Ideas Center in a cyber blended environment.
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Can I attend classes at the Advanced Ideas Center some days/weeks and other days/weeks attend from home?
No, students must choose to take their University Scholars’ classes eithercyber/virtual or cyber/virtual/onsite at the time of their mentor meeting when courses are selected. They cannot flip back and forth between the modalities during the year. Students will have the opportunity to revisit this decision annually.
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What grades are accepted into the program?
The University Scholars Program accepts students from 5th grade to 11th grade provided there is space available. We do not accept 12th grade transfer students. We do realize that exceptionally gifted learners younger than 5th grade may opt to apply for our 5th grade. We will review such applications
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How does the application process work?
Use the University Scholars Participation Request Checklist to ensure all required documents are submitted. The checklist and forms may be downloaded here.
- Complete the PALCS packet. You may download the packet from here.
- Mail the requested University Scholars Program forms/documents as per the Checklist to the University Scholars Program address provided.
- Once all documents are received, it will be reviewed by the selection committee.
- Should further testing or an interview be needed, one will be scheduled with members of the selection committee.
- Notification will be sent via US mail.
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How are participants chosen for the program?
Placement in the University Scholars Program is very competitive. Once the completed Participation Application and required documentation are received, many aspects are reviewed.
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Extraordinary motivation to excel
- The recommendation of your teachers.(Select teachers that can confirm the learner has demonstrated a high degree of motivation and intellectual achievement in classroom performance.)
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Can my child and/or I visit the Advanced Ideas center?
Yes! During Information Sessions Advanced Ideas Center classrooms are open, so that parents and/or students may browse through course curriculum and get a feel for the classroom environment. Scheduled tours maybe set up upon receipt and review of participation forms.
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