JHU Center for Talented Youth: Does it help in AAP eligibility?

[Anonymous]

Our DC just got accepted in Johns Hopkins U. Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and starts this summer with an accelerated math course above grade. Do you think that this would help our appeal? How should we present it? Any similar experiences? Advice?

[Anonymous]

You pick the math course you want DC to take. So it's not like they qualified for advanced math. Since jh's SCAT test is not on the list of tests acceptable for AAP I don't think the score would matter.

[Anonymous]

You as a parent can write a letter of recommendation for the appeal. It's certainly worth including this information in that whether the SCAT test is on the accepted scores list or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You pick the math course you want DC to take. So it's not like they qualified for advanced math. Since jh's SCAT test is not on the list of tests acceptable for AAP I don't think the score would matter.

I understand. However, you need to qualify for admission to CTY first before being allowed to select any appropriate courses (there are stringent score requirements and prerequisites in place).

In our case, we are just trying to overcome a low GBRS and put together a successful appeal. Since all other scores are strong (NNAT, FxAT, WISC) I was thinking that CTY qualification should count at least as an extra validation of DC's potential. Not everyone can take these accelerated, above grade courses, not matter what they are willing to pay and what they may choose. So, all I am asking is how we can use this in our appeal, and if there have been others who did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since all other scores are strong (NNAT, FxAT, WISC)

Did you submit WISC already in the first round? Mind to share the scores? Maybe ppl here can provide input on the next step.

[Anonymous]

CTY is a business, so they have a profit motive in making sure kids are eligible for their classes. I don't think FCPS looks at CTY class work as necessarily indicative of giftedness. What qualifies for the one might not be the same level of qualification needed for the other.

[Anonymous]

sorry, I don't think the SCAT cuts a whole lot of weight with the AAP admissions people.

[Anonymous]

AAP is for students that need challenge in all four core subjects. It is my understanding that the CTY eligibility the OP is referring to is in one subject. I don't see how that eligibility would help demonstrate "appeal-worthiness" for all four subjects. However, it could help make a stronger case for Level III services in math at the base school.

[Anonymous]

OP - if your DC got High Honors in Math and Verbal through CTY, that could definitely be added to appeal material.

[Anonymous]

I agree. If your child received an award of high honors (top scorer) in BOTH math and language, I would submit the award. If your child simply qualified or especially if they ONLY qualified in math, I would not. You want to show the committee that your child needs acceleration in all areas. Data that shows only advanced scores in math might lead the committee to believe this child's needs could be met in gen Ed with advanced math.

[Anonymous]

I think it can't hurt to put it in, but I agree with the comment about CTY being a money making business. I think they are more focused on making money than finding truly gifted kid. It may have been different when it started.