GERI Student Programs Frequently Asked Questions
 

1. Does a student need to be formally identified as “high-ability” in order to participate in any of the GERI student programs?
   None of the programs require a student to be formally identified. However, it is expected that all students applying for GERI student programs will have high ability in the area of their course of interest. The courses are designed for high ability students.
   
2. Do any of the programs have pre-requisites or admission requirements?
   Only the Summer Residential requires that materials be sent in to the GERI office along with a first-time application. Repeat attendees of GERI student programs never need to re-submit this information. See the section on requirements (link) for more information about Summer Residential requirements. 
   
3. Is financial aid / scholarship money available?
   A limited number of need-based financial aid scholarships are available to those students who qualify. This funding is awarded to qualifying students on a first-come first-served basis.
   
4. How do I know if my student is accepted into the program?
   Once we have received all of your application materials we will notify you via mail as to your acceptance. Keep in mind that some classes are inevitably cancelled do to low enrollment as the program start date approaches.
   
5. Who teaches the GERI courses?
   GERI instructors come from a variety of backgrounds. Super Saturday and Super Summer teachers include advanced education undergraduates through professional teachers. Summer Residential instructors include advance graduate students, professional teachers, and college faculty.
   
6. How are courses chosen for each session?
   Every year we at GERI struggle to have a balance between courses that are popular and courses that reach all students’ interests. Courses are chosen based on instructor proposals, content area coverage, and past enrollment. Every session we try out a few new courses we think might be of interest to our students.

Summer Residential FAQs:

1. How do I know if my student belongs in Comet, Star, or Pulsar?
   All programs are arranged by the most recent grade level completed in the previous school year. For example, a student who has just finished eighth grade will be eligible for the Star program. The Summer Residential program does not make exceptions for program eligibility based on student age.
   
2. What is a typical day like in the Summer Residential program?
   Daily schedules are available online at the following link (link). For more specific questions, please contact the Summer Residential Coordinator.
   
3. What about student supervision?
   All students are assigned a residence hall counselor in groups of less than ten. When not in the hall or participating in social activities, students are supervised in class by their instructors. Comet students are supervised by program staff at all times and are not allowed to be anywhere alone outside of the residence hall. Star and Pulsar students have the same supervision, but are also allowed to move to and from class in groups of two or more as long as they keep their counselor informed as to their location.
   
4. What do student do outside of class?
   Students have structured activity time in the afternoon as well as free time throughout the day. Students have access to a variety of board games, pool, ping-pong, and sports equipment in addition to Purdue computer labs.
   
5. What are the Star and Pulsar field trips?
   The field trip destinations vary each year. In the past, Star and Pulsar student have visited museums and zoos in Chicago and Indianapolis as well as participated in ropes courses on the Purdue campus.  

Super Summer FAQs:

1. Do students need to bring a lunch?
   If a student is taking both a morning and an afternoon class in the same session, he or she should bring a lunch. It will be stored in a cooler until lunch time.

Testing FAQs: 

1. Does the GERI do any testing?
   No, GERI does not offer any testing services.  Please contact Ball State University at 765-285-5390.
   
2. Should I have my child take an IQ test?
   It’s really up to you.  Standardized IQ testing may provide evidence that your child is gifted, but it will not necessarily do so.  If your school district or gifted program disagrees with you that your child is gifted, an IQ test may be helpful in showing your child’s ability level.
   
3. What does an IQ test entail?
   Most IQ tests involve several different tasks.  For example, throughout the course of the test, your child may work with blocks, look at pictures, define words, and answer questions.  Some tasks may be timed, and others may not.  Depending on the test, IQ testing may take anywhere from one to three hours.  Your child will be able to take breaks during the course of testing, if necessary.  
   
   Depending on the age of your child, you may be permitted to remain in the room with your child while the testing takes place.  If this is the case, it is very important that you do not help your child with answers in any way.  You may be permitted to repeat the tester’s instructions, but it is best to simply sit quietly in the room to be a supportive figure for your child, or to help with your child’s behavior and attention only.
   
4. What if my child fails the test?
   There is no such thing as failing an IQ test.  Simply put, it is not that kind of test.  It is a measure of your child’s potential ability, not something that can be passed or failed.
   
5. My child’s Full Scale IQ is average, but his or her Verbal or Performance IQ is well above average.  What does this mean?
   Since the Full Scale IQ takes all domains into account, it is possible to show high ability in a particular domain, but have the FSIQ show average ability.  Many gifted children are not gifted in all domains.  This can be especially significant during decision-making about gifted programs.  If your child has a high Performance IQ score, but your school’s gifted program is verbally focused, that program may not be the best match for your child.
   
6. So, is my child gifted or not?
   There is no one definition of what it means to be gifted.  Many gifted programs have a minimum Full Scale IQ score that your child must meet in order to participate.  This score varies depending on the school district.  However, if your child does not have a high enough score on the IQ test to qualify for the gifted program, this does not mean that your child is not gifted.  You may want to ask the school if it is possible to use alternate methods of measuring giftedness, such as teacher or peer recommendations or a portfolio of your child’s work.