VSA Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to Review PTY’s Statement Concerning COVID-19 and Summer 2020 Programs
Questions from Students
Questions from Parents
From Students
Yes. Same gender students will be assigned to each room.
From Parents
All applications received during the application priority window (Jan. 6 at noon to Jan. 20 at noon) will be placed in a priority pool regardless of the particular date submitted within this window. This means that all complete and qualifying applications submitted during the application window have the same chance for placement. At the close of this window, all applications received will be randomly assigned a number determining their placement in the review queue. Applications received after the application window will be time and date stamped upon arrival and reviewed in order of receipt. Applying during the priority window does not guarantee admission, but it does increase a student’s chances of admission. Because our courses fill quickly, we highly recommend that you submit your student’s application during our application window for the best chance at placement.
While most classes fill within the application priority window (2020 dates: noon, Jan. 6–noon, Jan. 20; 2020), we will continue to accept applications throughout the spring until all classes are filled.
Programs for Talented Youth works with organizations, companies, foundations, and individuals who are interested in directly supporting students’ attendance through named scholarships. Scholarships are based on criteria defined by the supporting organization, company, foundation, or individual and vary year-to-year. Scholarships, along with criteria, are located on the course page of the specific program session they are associated with. Scholarships range in monetary aid and eligibility requirements, with select scholarships offering full tuition.
Interested in helping support students through a named scholarship or in connecting us with a company, organization, or foundation? Please contact our office to learn more!
VSA specifically designs courses for academically gifted and advanced learners. Our instructors teach their courses at an accelerated pace and at a level of depth which research suggests works particularly well with academically gifted students. We use ACT/SAT/ PSAT scores as one reliable measure in determining a student’s ability to succeed at this accelerated and in-depth pace. Please see the “How to Apply” page for more information and other eligibility options.
The 15 percent tuition deposit is nonrefundable and is due two weeks after the student has been notified of his/her course placement. If a student is admitted to a course that is not his or her first choice, paying the deposit does not remove the student from other waiting list positions. The deposit does secure the student’s placement in a ranked course and, therefore, in the program as a whole. Should a spot open up in a higher-ranked course, the next student on the waiting list moves into that course. Due to long waiting lists, the deposit is necessary to secure the student’s placement and reduce last minute withdrawals. Therefore, we highly recommend that students only rank courses they are willing to take. Of course, once paid, the deposit is applied to the student’s overall tuition balance.
We encourage students from all over the country and the world to apply to VSA! In summer 2019, VSA had 35 states and 11 countries represented. This summer, we hope to add to that list as we believe that the diversity in our student body creates a powerful community of learners. Students attending Sessions I, II, and III can fly into the Nashville airport, located approximately 20 minutes from campus. VSA staff work with families who are planning air travel to ensure that a VSA staff member is waiting at the airport to greet your student and to shuttle them back to campus in a VSA van. Per Vanderbilt policy, VSA students never have to travel to and from the airport alone. When VSA is over, shuttles with VSA staff take students to the airport. Transportation fees apply for travel services: $75 round trip (there is no discount for one-way serivce).
The $50 ($100 for international applicants) application fee is nonrefundable for all applicants. Once the student is admitted and placed in a ranked course, an email notice will be sent. A nonrefundable 15% tuition deposit is due within two weeks of receiving notification of admission and is required to hold the spot for the admitted student. If no tuition deposit is paid within the two weeks, the student forfeits their space in that course. A student who has been admitted into the program but not placed in any course will remain on the waiting list and will not be asked to submit a tuition deposit unless placement in a course can be offered.
A student who withdraws from the program after submitting the 15% tuition deposit will receive a tuition refund for any amount paid above the deposit amount if VSA is notified before the tuition deadline. No refunds will be granted after the tuition deadline for the session.
Please note, prior communication on our website and prior correspondence with admitted students referenced a "Refund Deadline" and noted that a refund of 50 percent (less the application fee and deposit) would be provided if a cancellation was made after the tuition deadline and before the refund deadline. To allow families more time to pay tuition because of COVID-19, PTY made the decision for VSA 2020 to push back the tuition deadline to a later date. With the extension of the tuition deadline, a refund deadline was no longer needed. Please visit the VSA Tuition and Financial Assistance webpage for specific dates and deadlines.
If Vanderbilt University determines that it is in the best interest of VSA participants to delay or cancel the VSA program, VU staff will issue a timely statement to participants via email and the PTY website to advise of the delay or cancellation. No tuition reimbursements will be given for delays. If a cancellation is announced prior to the program start date, tuition paid, less the nonrefundable application fee, may be applied to a future program of the family’s choosing, or if preferred, a tuition reimbursement may be issued. In the event of a cancellation during a program, VU may, in its sole discretion, elect to provide partial tuition reimbursements. As is the VSA application policy, the application fee and deposit are nonrefundable. VU is not responsible for any expense or cost incurred by you in preparing for or arising or resulting from a delayed or cancelled program, including without limitation, the cost of non-refundable airfare, other transportation, lodging and meal expense and the cost of any additional or alternative arrangement you elect or are required to incur or make as a result of a delayed or cancelled program.