If you want to join a unique learning community led by world-class educators and engage in rigorous academic work— the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Summer Camp is like no other. With summer program sites across the U.S., CTY opens doors to a world of exceptional learning opportunities for academically advanced high school students. In this deep dive, we will cover everything you need to know about this program - from costs to what makes a stellar application.

What is the CTY program?

Since 1979, the Center for Talented Youth has existed as a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing extraordinary young minds. From its headquarters at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore to its dynamic virtual classrooms and global sites, the center is committed to its mission. The CTY educational programs offer young scholars a unique opportunity to become part of a learning community led by world-class educators. 

The organization strives to identify and support the talents of exceptional young individuals, providing a comprehensive approach to their growth and development. Engaging with rigorous academic work, students collaborate with peers who share their exceptional abilities and passion for learning across learning pathways. The Program runs for students across grades 2–12, with both online courses available worldwide and on-campus summer program sites across the U.S. 

The organization’s values underscore the belief that academically talented learners:

1. Thrive with strategically planned educational experiences tailored to their specific strengths and interests, fostering intellectual flourishing with social and emotional development opportunities.

2. Exist in all communities and across all student populations, irrespective of race, culture, gender identity, expressions, twice-exceptionality, and community income level.

3. Require positive learning environments that challenge them academically, encourage exploration with peers of similar intellectual capacity, and instill confidence as lifelong learners.

Is CTY prestigious? 

CTY is considered a prestigious opportunity for students of all ages. To qualify, students need scores in the top 2% (98th percentile) of their grade. They may also need to perform at least two grades above their current level — known at the ‘CTA level’ — in certain subjects on state and national tests. While there is no acceptance rate published, the program appears to be fairly selective in its enrollment and its academically high standards and commitment to excellence make it well-regarded.

Although the program isn’t fully funded, CTY acknowledges and honors outstanding academic achievements by granting scholarships to deserving students. The CTY Scholars Program is a four-year scholarship and advising program that has helped over 700 low-income and underrepresented high school students achieve at top levels. Over $2.1 million has been provided in financial aid from the CTA Scholarship Program in 2023. This additional detail makes being a CTY student a notable feat of academic excellence.

Who is eligible to participate? 

• Students grades 2–12 can apply to the CTY Program, whether they reside in the U.S. or are based internationally. 

• High school students from grades 9 and up must have completed grade 9 by June 30 of the year they wish to partake in CTY. The age requirements for the Academic Explorations CTY on-campus courses are between 14 and 17. You can find more information on age and grade requirements for the CTY summer camp.

• Non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents who are not already in the U.S. with an immigration status that allows study must request a nonimmigrant F-1 student visa to attend CTY’s on-campus programs.

• High school students can qualify for CTY programs by attaining a satisfactory score on assessments such as the Advanced School and College Ability Test (SCAT), STB, ACT, SAT®, or PSAT 10/NMSQT. While there is no strict cut-off to scores, students must perform in the 98th percentile in their grades. To know what a qualifying score looks like, the scores of past CTY attendees can be found here.

• After signing up on the CTY website, students must take one of the Program’s designated above-grade-level tests to establish eligibility for CTY Summer Programs. Students establish eligibility for courses based on their grade level (“Advanced CTY level” or “CTY level”) and the scores they earn on a designated test. Not all courses are offered at both levels. Levels are determined separately for Math / Quantitative / Spatial scores and Verbal / Reading scores. 

• Finally, a student needs to be eligible at the appropriate level to enroll in a course at that level. Here’s a breakdown of the levels assigned to students by the CTY Program after evaluation:

1. Advanced CTY-Level: This is the highest level indicating one’s test reflects ability that is approximately four grade levels above the currently enrolled grade.

2. CTY-Level: This score reflects an applicant’s ability to perform approximately two grades above the currently enrolled grade.

3. Emerging: This level makes applicants eligible for select CTY courses that do not require minimum test scores.

Here’s more on CTY’s eligibility policy. You can also find more information about registering for testing.

What is the application process?

The procedure to access CTY’s course catalog and attend their Summer Residential Program is as follows:

• Parents or students can create their account on the CTY website as the first step. 

• Once they have signed up, applicants will receive a CTY eligibility number to register for tests. This is different from a CTY ID number and can be found in the email received after joining CTY. 

• Using their CTY account, applicants can sign up to test or submit qualifying test scores and enroll in courses.

• Parents can select a test near their location. The Spatial Test Battery (STB) and School and College Ability Test (SCAT) are available at Prometric test centers worldwide. Students can also take the SCAT online at home on a desktop or laptop computer. For the SAT or ACT, students will have to look for a test center nearest to them.

• Once they have selected a test, students must register and pay the test fee. Assessment vouchers are available for income-eligible students. Students may register for the SCAT (Prometric or Online) using their CTY account’s MyCTY page. Alternatively, they can register for SCAT and STB tests via the Prometric website and register for the ACT and the SAT with the College Board. 

• Keep in mind that the PSAT 8/9 cannot be considered for CTY eligibility for students in grades 8+. Additionally, CTY also accepts scores from existing tests that students may have already taken at school or for other academic purposes.

• Once tested, the applicant’s scores will become available in MyCTY. CTY also offers certain courses that do not require minimum test scores. However, none of these offerings are open to high school students as of 2024.

• Based on the applicant’s scores, they will be assigned to an Emerging Level, CTY level, or Advanced CTY level. 

• Based on their qualifying score, applicants become officially enrolled in the CTY Program and can access CTY’s online courses or enroll in the Residential Program.

What is the timeline and structure of CTY?

CTY’s application for Academic Year 2024–2025 Online Programs is expected to open in March 2024. However, students can currently enroll in the CTY Summer Camp in 2024. Programs will be hosted across the U.S. For the on-campus summer program, enrollments are done on a rolling basis from November to May. The application deadline is May 3, 2024. You can find the enrollment calendar for 2024 here.

CTY’s summer program is held at multiple locations throughout the U.S. This includes John Hopkins University, The Gilman School, UC Santa Cruz, Skidmore College, Quest Academy, Loyola Marymount University, and The Speyer School, among others. Here are all the locations for 2024. 

There are two categories of courses that high school students in CTY can choose from: Academic Explorations (CTY-level courses) and Intensive Studies (Advanced level courses). Intensive courses include Mathematical Logic, Persuasion and Propaganda, Writing Your World, Fast-Paced High School Biology, and Exploring Ethics. Academic Explorations include courses like Cloudy with a Chance of a Science, Crystals and Polymers, Decoding Our World, and Inductive and Deductive Reasoning. 

Program Dates (for all CTY locations except UC Santa Cruz, Skidmore College, and Speyer School):

• Session 1: Jun 23 — Jul 12, 2024

• Session 2: Jul 14 — Aug 2, 2024

Program Dates (for UC Santa Cruz, Skidmore College, and Speyer School):

• Session 1: Jun 30 — Jul 19, 2024

• Session 2: Jul 21 — Aug 9, 2024

How much does CTY cost?

2024 On-Campus Summer Programs tuition ranges from $3,099 to $6,819. Specific tuition costs are provided in each course description in CTY’s course catalog. For the different types of courses, the cost breakdown is as follows:

• Live courses: $1,325

• Individually paced courses: $955 — $1,555

• Session-based courses: $695 — $2,130

• Clubs: $185 — $380

The application fee is $50 for students in the U.S., and $60 outside the U.S. Testing fees range from $38 to $75 in the U.S. and are higher at international locations. If students choose to cancel their enrollment before March 1, 2024, they receive a full tuition refund, minus the application fee.

Financial Aid is available for CTY’s Summer Program. The financial aid application for the 2024–25 program has become available since January 2024, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Students are eligible for financial aid if:

• They are either a U.S. citizen, an eligible permanent U.S. resident with a green card, or permanently reside in the U.S.

• They do not already owe any tuition or fees from a previous year’s CTY program.

What makes an ideal CTY applicant? 

• Strong Academic Record

One of the biggest contributors to the CTY application is academic prowess which highlights the applicant’s aptitude for advanced coursework and intellectual challenges. Students must have impressive scores across various assessments to underscore their exceptional academic abilities. For context, one CTY student’s scores are a Quantitative score of 540 and strong performance in SAT Suite Math (550), ACT Math (505), and the Spatial Test Battery (STB) with an outstanding score of 650. These scores collectively position them well within the 98th percentile.

• Intellectual Curiosity

Demonstrating a genuine interest in academic exploration and knowledge expansion across diverse disciplines is a key characteristic of an ideal CTY applicant. This involves a curiosity that goes beyond standard educational requirements. A compelling desire to engage in coursework that is challenging and thought-provoking, surpassing the typical grade level expectations, reflects an applicant’s commitment to academic excellence. It also signifies a willingness to embrace the stimulating learning environment provided by CTY.

• Readiness for Intensive Learning

A strong applicant should demonstrate preparedness for intensive learning, recognizing that although the program spans just two weeks, the courses are intentionally designed to be more challenging than the average curriculum. Showcase a willingness to embrace the rigor and depth of the coursework, emphasizing a commitment to thriving in an intellectually stimulating environment. This preparedness not only aligns with the CTY program’s ethos but also enhances the likelihood of successful participation and completion of the challenging courses offered.

Our Review

The CTY program stands as an excellent choice for ambitious high school students seeking intellectual challenges and growth. The program’s selectivity and emphasis on challenging and thought-provoking coursework, combined with a stimulating learning environment, creates an ideal space for students who aspire to go beyond standard grade levels. 

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