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What is Summer Institute (SI)?
Summer Institute for Gifted & Talented Scholars provides an intensive three-week residential experience for students who have completed 7th, 8th, or 9th grade with exceptional academic ability. This advanced and educationally dynamic learning environment is designed to develop the intelligence and imagination of intellectually gifted students. As part of a holistic approach, the Summer Institute supplements all accelerated academic learning with a variety of extracurricular activities to address the social and affective needs of all participants.

When is SI?
There will be one SI session offered in 2009, and the dates will be announced in early 2009.

Do I have to be a University of Arkansas GTScholar to apply?
No. Students who are GTScholars and currently in the 7th, 8th or 9th grade will automatically receive information about SI; however, it is not a requirement that an applicant be a GTScholars participant.

How much does SI cost and what does that cover?
The total program cost of the Summer Institute 2008 experience was $2,500. This amount includes tuition for the academic program, all laboratory and computer fees, textbooks, course materials, room and board charges including three meals a day, facilities usage, recreational program costs, evening entertainment program expenses, and Saturday field trips including transportation and admission fees.

Will I need any additional money while at SI?
Tuition for SI does not include the following: the cost of transportation to and from the University of Arkansas, individual laundry expenses, and personal spending money.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. There are scholarship options available to assist students with the cost of attendance. These include both academic and need based scholarships with awards ranging from $250 - $2450. Students applying for scholarships must complete and submit the Summer Institute Scholarship Form along with the SI application. Students receiving scholarships will be notified at the time of acceptance.

How many courses can I take?
Students who attend SI will have the opportunity to take one academic course during the three-week session. These courses will be intensive, hands-on, and fun. Students indicate their course choices at the time of application. Course assignments are made from one of the courses marked.

Can I get high school credit for the course I take?
The Summer Institute is a non credit-granting program. Any arrangements for high school credit should be made through your local school system before beginning the summer course.

Will the course count for college credit?
The SI course will not transfer to college credit. However, upon completion of the Summer Institute, students will receive a certificate of completion and an invitation to work towards accelerated admission to the University of Arkansas.

Will there be any free time?
Yes, SI participants will have supervised free time in the evenings and on the weekends.

Where will I be housed?
SI participants will be housed in a residence hall, located on the university campus. Male and female students live on separate floors in the same building. Students will be assigned roommates by the SI staff. The residence hall is a secure building, meaning that only students with the proper identification key cards can enter the building. The residential mentors provide 24-hour supervision through the duration of the Summer Institute. The residential component allows participants to get a taste of college life, as well as giving them the opportunity to develop lasting friendships with other students.