Welcome to The University Scholars Program. A College Prepatory for Gifted Students

FAQs

Answers to common questions of students and parents:

Do I have to attend the Advanced Ideas Center (AIC) to participate?
Students may opt to take University Scholars’ classes remotely, utilizing technology that includes virtual classroom and distance learning through the PALCS portal. Other students may choose to attend University Scholars' classes on-site at the Advanced Ideas Center in a cyber blended environment.

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 either through virtual classroom/distance learning or cyber-blended (at the AIC) 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.

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.

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.

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 receive grade-level or honors-level courses in other subjects.

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.

What grades are accepted into the program?
University Scholars accepts students from 5th grade to 11th grade provided there is space available. We do not accept 12th grade transfer students.

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 application. You may download the application here.
Mail the requested University Scholars forms/documents as per checklist to the University Scholars Program address listed on the checklist.
Once all documents are received, it will be reviewed by the selection committee.
Competitive applicants will be chosen to participate in an interview with members of the selection committee.
Notification will be sent via US mail.

How are participants chosen for the program?
Placement in the University Scholars is very competitive. Many aspects are reviewed.

Demonstrated academic excellence
Extraordinary motivation to excel
The recommendation of your teachers. You will want to choose teachers that can confirm you have demonstrated a high degree of motivation and intellectual achievement in your classroom performance.
Your admission interview

Will there be accountability?
Of course! The University Scholars Program students 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 and 10th grade years. They will take the SAT 10th and 11th grade years.

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-blended and virtual classroom infrastructures provide a safe environment for your child, one free of: drugs, alcohol, fights and inappropriate peer interaction.

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