2009 Center for Summer Studies

Students who qualify for Center for Summer Studies represent the highest-scoring students in Duke TIP's 7th Grade Talent Search. Courses offered at the Center for Summer Studies are some of the most challenging and rigorous available to academically gifted students in the country.

In order to offer the very best academic and residential experience for all students, Duke TIP organizes program-sites based on age group. Certain sites are exclusively for 7th and 8th grade students while other sites are specifically designed for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students. Learn more about age-specific programming.

7th grade students are an integral part of our program.  Paired with 8th graders, this group generates tremendous energy, enthusiasm and new ideas.  Age-specific programming allows us to plan courses and residential activities geared towards younger students, enhancing and enriching their Duke TIP experience. Often times, friendships are formed during the 7th grade year that continue throughout middle and high school. 

Attention 8th Graders...

While many 8th grade students thrive in classes with other middle school students, others benefit from being in a program with current high school students. As a result, 8th graders at Duke TIP are offered a choice as to which type of campus would be the best fit for them.

Duke TIP's age-appropriate programming also benefits high school students, who will have the chance to build upon their coursework by taking courses specifically designed for them.  For this group, the structure of our sites allows us to offer a wide array of challenging, cutting-edge courses designed specifically for the high school level.

At the Center for Summer Studies, students qualify for specific courses based on their scores on subsections of the ACT or SAT. For example, students with excellent math scores are eligible for math courses, while students who excelled in writing can choose humanities courses. The course descriptions below provide more information about score requirements.

View by Site | Course

7th and 8th Grade Sites

The Center for Summer Studies courses at Davidson College and Trinity University are specifically designed for gifted middle school students, and they offer a diverse array of subject matter across disciplines. Many of these courses take advantage of the unique locale and the departmental strengths of the host site.

Duke TIP at Davidson College

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Davidson, NC
Cost: $3,350
Term 1: June 14–July 4; Term 2: July 12–August 1

Davidson College is a nationally recognized, highly selective independent liberal arts college located just outside Charlotte, North Carolina, in the town of Davidson. Enrollment is 1,700 students, and to date, Davidson students have garnered 23 Rhodes Scholarships. The intimate, picturesque 450-acre campus in a small-town setting provides a nurturing and supportive environment for talented young Duke TIP participants.

Davidson Courses

Term 1
June 14–July 4
Term 2
July 12–August 1
 

Duke TIP at Trinity University

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San Antonio, TX
Cost: $3,400
Term 2 only: July 5–July 25

Trinity University, a selective university, is home to 2,700 undergraduate and master's degree students. Ranking #1 in the west region for master's universities according to U.S. News & World Report's college rankings, Trinity is known for a broad range of exceptional programs, a nationally recognized library, and beautiful campus facilities positioned on a hill overlooking historic downtown San Antonio, Texas.

Trinity Courses

*Please note that the Term 2 dates at Trinity differ from those at other sites.

Term 2 only
July 5–July 25
 

8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Sites

The Center for Summer Studies courses on Duke University's East and West Campuses offer a diverse curriculum that allows students to benefit from the facilities, labs, and resources of Duke University. The Duke University Marine Lab program specializes in hands-on marine studies, and some classes will have extensive lab time and substantial fieldwork in surrounding marshes and on research vessels.

Duke TIP at East Campus

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Durham, NC
Cost: $3,450
Term 1: June 14–July 4; Term 2: July 12–August 1

Duke University, consistently recognized as one of the nation's finest educational institutions, attracts exceptional students from around the globe for liberal arts, graduate, and professional studies. Duke's East Campus, initially developed in 1892 as Trinity College, was rebuilt in stately Georgian architectural style in the 1920s. Centered on a grassy quad, East Campus maintains a close-knit community atmosphere. (Please note: All classrooms on East Campus are air conditioned, but residence halls are not.)

Duke East Courses

Term 1
June 14–July 4
Term 2
July 12–August 1
 

Duke TIP at West Campus

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Durham, NC
Cost: $3,600
Term 1: June 14–July 4; Term 2: July 12–August 1

Duke's West Campus was built in the 1920s with funding donated by James B. Duke, and the university has since developed into a premier center of learning, medicine, and research. With its Gothic architecture and hand-carved moldings contrasted with cutting-edge research facilities, West Campus offers an unforgettable learning environment.

Duke West Courses

Term 1
June 14–July 4
Term 2
July 12–August 1
 

Duke TIP at Duke University Marine Lab

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Beaufort, NC
Cost: $3,400
Term 1 only : June 14–July 4

The Duke University Marine Lab (DUML) offers modern research facilities and vessels, weathered rustic charm, and captivating views of the surrounding channels, sandbars, and islands. The Marine Lab has a traditional “camp” atmosphere, and participants live in small bunkhouses with multiple bunks per room. Located on Pivers Island on the North Carolina Outer Banks, the Marine Lab is easily accessible from Morehead City via U.S. Highway 70.

DUML Courses

Term 1 Only
June 14–July 4
 

Score Table A

Eligibility for fine arts, math, science, social science, and technology courses

If test was taken in 7th grade: If test was taken in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade:
SAT score ACT score SAT score ACT score
M ≥ 570 or
M ≥ 520 and CR ≥520 or
M ≥ 520 and WR ≥570 		M ≥ 20 or
S ≥ 24 or
M ≥ 19 and E ≥ 25 or
M ≥ 19 and R ≥ 24 		M ≥ 610 or
M ≥ 560 and CR ≥ 520 or
M ≥ 520 and CR ≥ 560 or
M ≥ 520 and WR ≥ 610 or
M ≥ 560 and WR ≥ 570 		M ≥ 23 or
S ≥ 25 or
M ≥ 19 and E ≥ 28 or
M ≥ 22 and E ≥ 25 or
M ≥ 19 and E ≥ 25 or
M ≥ 22 and R ≥ 24

Score Table B

Eligibility for fine arts, humanities, and social science courses

If test was taken in 7th grade: If test was taken in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade:
SAT score ACT score SAT score ACT score
CR ≥ 570 or
CR ≥ 520 and M ≥ 520 or
WR ≥570 		E ≥ 27 or
R ≥ 25 or
S ≥ 24
E ≥ 25 and M ≥ 19
R ≥ 24 and M ≥ 19 		CR ≥ 610 or
CR ≥ 560 and M ≥ 520 or
CR ≥ 520 and M ≥ 560 or
WR ≥ 610 		E ≥ 30 or
R ≥ 26 or
S ≥ 25 or
E ≥ 28 and M ≥ 19 or
E ≥ 25 and M ≥ 22 or
R ≥ 24 and M ≥ 22 or
R ≥ 25 and M ≥ 19