FAQs for Summer Studies programs

What parents are saying…

"You were the only summer program I felt I could trust, and I am deeply grateful that Duke TIP lived up to every hope and expectation we had."

General Topics

Admissions Topics

Academic Topics

Residential Life Topics

General Topics

How do I qualify for enrollment?
Students qualify with required SAT or ACT scores. Qualifying test scores vary by program so check the criteria for the particular program in which you're interested. Students currently in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade who did not previously qualify for any Summer Studies Programs, may independently re-test to improve their scores and possibly qualify for either Duke TIP’s Academy or Center Summer Studies Program. See the Test On Your Own: Retesting Option page for more information. (Students registering for the SAT or ACT in January 2006 or later may not receive test scores in time to submit an application for the 2006 summer programs.)
What does it cost?
Tuition ranges between $3,100-3,500 for Summer Studies. Check the program description for tuition and additional fees.
What financial aid and scholarships are available?

See the Financial Aid pages of our Web site for information.

In addition to offering general need-based financial assistance, special Duke TIP endowments provide need-based aid to students from North Carolina, Native American students, and orthopedically challenged students.

The process for applying for financial aid is not difficult, and Duke TIP urges students who might not otherwise attend a summer program to submit the financial aid application and accompanying information.

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Admissions Topics

I wasn't in the Duke TIP 7th grade Talent Search. May I still participate?
Of course! The summer programs are open to any student who is eligible on the basis of SAT or ACT scores, regardless of whether the test was taken as part of Duke TIP's Talent Search, another talent search, or independently. In addition, there are no geographic restrictions on admission to any Duke TIP summer program.
How do I submit my application?
We accept applications by mail, Federal Express, DHL, or UPS only. Since course placements are made upon receipt of a complete written application and the application fee, we will not accept applications by fax or e-mail.
Is it okay to send in my application and course choices form now, and send my financial aid application and tax documentation in a couple of weeks?
If you indicate on your student application that you are applying for financial aid, you must enclose your financial aid application in the same packet. Otherwise, your entire application will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
Will I receive a refund if I withdraw from the program after I have been accepted into a course?

In some cases. Please review the refund policy. Refunds usually require 4-6 weeks for processing.

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Academic Topics

How many classes do I take at Duke TIP?
Even though you should indicate interest in several courses when you apply for a Summer Studies Program, you will be placed in only one course. Focusing on one course lets each student explore a topic in more depth than a normal school day would allow. Students enroll in one single course, which they attend each weekday for seven hours, and three hours on Saturdays.
How can I get credit for the course I take?
Please remember that Duke TIP is not a credit-granting program. Arrangements for credit should be made through your local school system before the beginning of the program. Duke TIP staff will assist as much as possible, but it is the responsibility of the student and parent to make such arrangements before beginning a Duke TIP course. Please click here for details on obtaining course credit.
Does Duke TIP provide transcripts?
After you have completed your course, Duke TIP will mail a rubric evaluation and course description to you. If you intend to include your Duke TIP participation as part of your college admissions portfolio, you must keep a copy of your rubric evaluation (click here for rubric details). Duke TIP cannot guarantee that copies of the evaluation can be mailed at a later date. Neither Duke TIP nor Duke University will produce a transcript for Duke TIP students.
How large are the Duke TIP classes?
The usual size of Duke TIP classes is 16 students plus one Instructor and one Teaching Assistant. Occasionally, class enrollment may be limited to less than 16 or increased by a few students.
How can I arrange a final conference with my child's Instructor?
Sign-up forms for parent conferences will be available on campus on Student Arrival Day. If you don't accompany your child to campus, you may call the On-Site office to set up a phone conference with your child's Instructor.

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Residential Life Topics

Can I arrive on campus a day early, or leave a day late?
No. Duke TIP will not be responsible for students wishing to arrive before or depart after the listed program dates, nor can Duke TIP provide housing, transportation, or supervision for students during the time between terms.
Are Duke TIP students housed in residence halls with students from other programs or camps?
Duke TIP reserves campus residence halls and classrooms for Summer Studies Program students. Some recreational and dining facilities are shared, but at most sites interaction with non-Duke TIP students is minimal. At some campuses, students are housed in a large residence hall often shared by other programs.
Will my child have a roommate?
Yes, students are assigned to rooms in groups of two or three, based primarily on gender and age. Learning to live with others is an important part of the Duke TIP experience, and students accepted to the program will receive a Student Roommate Form on which they can describe themselves, their personalities, and likes and dislikes. This information is taken into account when making roommate assignments. Because the assignment process is difficult, Duke TIP is unable to accommodate roommate requests. (Please note that students at the Marine Lab may share a cabin-style room with up to 7 other students.)
Are all facilities air-conditioned?
This varies by campus. Most classrooms are air-conditioned; residence halls on some campuses are not air-conditioned. Please read the campus descriptions for site-specific details.
Where will I receive mail?
Once you are placed in a class, you will receive detailed campus information that includes your summer mailing address for your site. Please be aware that it generally takes an extra 2–3 days for mail, even express or overnight, to move through the campus systems. Mail and packages sent during the last week of the program will most likely arrive after the program has ended. Duke TIP is not responsible for mail or packages sent to a student. Please do not mail or ship cash.
Can I stay off-campus overnight or on weekends?
Because of the intense academic environment at Duke TIP, students are not allowed to stay off-campus overnight during the week. In addition, Duke TIP students find that weekends offer the most time to socialize and develop friendships. If you know of a potential event, such as a wedding or competition, which would require you to miss an extended period of time, you should attend a session of Duke TIP that does not conflict with that event.
I have special dietary needs. Can they be accommodated?
Vegetarian meals are routinely served at all campuses, and with advance notice, Duke TIP can make arrangements for most dietary restrictions, such as Kosher meals. Kosher meals, if requested, are commercially prepared frozen entrees. Be sure to note any restrictions on the personal needs form you will receive if you are accepted to the program.
Will I be able to participate in athletic activities during the program?
Residential staff schedule evening activities that provide opportunities for physical and athletic activities each day, including Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, basketball, and other sports and athletic games. Due to the academic structure of the program, however, there is little time available for significant physical training or individual use of campus athletic facilities. Please do not make arrangements with coaches or athletic departments on the host campus; Duke TIP will not honor these arrangements.
Can I bring a musical instrument?
Small ones only, please. Music practice rooms are not available at every campus or on an everyday basis. Small instruments (clarinet, trumpet, etc.), which can be stored in your room, are fine. Please do not bring large instruments (drums, harp, etc.).There is no storage space available for larger instruments. Duke TIP is not responsible for loss or damage to instruments during the program.
May I bring my own computer?
Duke TIP discourages students from bringing their personal computers, as there will be little opportunity to use them. There is no homework outside of evening study. Time outside of class is full of social and recreational activities, and lights-out is strictly enforced. If students choose to bring personal computers to campus, they may only use the computers in class with the consent of Duke TIP administrators and the course instructor. Personal computer use is strictly limited to word processing for class assignments. Playing computer games, watching DVDs or video clips, checking e-mail, and browsing the Internet are not permitted at any time.

Computers that are used for non-approved activities will be confiscated by Duke TIP staff and returned at the end of the program. Duke TIP is not responsible for loss or damage to any personal property, including computers.

Will I have access to a computer to check my personal e-mail?
Students have limited access to library computers for class-related Internet research and word processing purposes. Access to e-mail may be available on a very limited basis at some campuses.

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