FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

ADMISSION
Admission to the Debate Institute is competitive.  Decisions are based on ability, interest and merit.

AGE (for attending)
Students applying for the Debate Institute should currently be in 9th, 10th or 11th grade.

APPLICATION
There are 4 items necessary for application to the Debate Institute.  For specific information on requirements for Debate, click the button to the left labeled Application Information.

ARRIVAL
Students should schedule their travel plans to arrive on campus before 5PM on the program's start date. This will give the students sufficient time to reach campus and get settled in before the first function. The administrative office must be notified if the student must arrive later.

BICYCLES
We discourage bringing bicycles to the Institute.

AUTOMOBILES (CARS)
Students may not have cars on campus. Students are forbidden to drive cars during the program. No student will be allowed to ride in any motor vehicle under any circumstance, unless with written parental permission and NHSI approval, or on an official NHSI field trip.

CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
Debate supplies are largely an individual choice but everyone will need a spiral notebook, 8.5 x 11 white loose paper, 8.5 x 14 legal pads and an assortment of writing implements.  Students should bring or be prepared to purchase expandable folders, scissors, tape and storage bins.

COMPUTERS
Students are encouraged to bring their own computers but must understand that they must assume full responsibility for their security.

CREDIT
Neither grades nor credit are given for the Debate Institute.

CURFEW
Students must abide by the hours set forth: Sunday-Thursday 10:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11:00 p.m.; or other as determined by the Division Director.

DEBATE PARTNERS
The Debate division prefers that debate partners coming to the Institute debate with students from other parts of the country. A request by a debate coach who feels strongly that partners be together will be reviewed.

ENROLLMENT IN MULTIPLE DIVISIONS
Students must commit to only one division for the summer study. However, they may apply to more than one division. If students choose to apply to more than one division they need to send separate applications for each division, including transcripts and letters of recommendations. We do not photocopy applications.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are included in the cost of the NHSI.

FINANCIAL AID
Fill in the Financial Aid section of the application. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need. About 38% of students receive scholarships. Students should inquire at local school for Activities Fund moneys, talk with the PTA, or local service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, or AAUW.

G.P.A.
We recommend that students in the top third of their class with at least a "B" average apply. Exceptions are made. We look for evidence of high motivation, experience, interest and scholastic ability.

GRADES
Neither grades nor credit is given for any of the NHSI divisions.

HEALTH SERVICE
A health form must be completed and should be returned before the Institute begins. Any hospitalization or emergency room visits must be covered by Students' own insurance and is not covered by the University. Students must bring Health Insurance Card The health form is mailed to students in the general information packets.

INFORMATION PACKET
A packet of information about attending the NHSI is mailed to all accepted students.

PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students must assume all responsibility for personal property. For the safety of students and faculty, residence halls are locked at all hours. Students are strongly advised to lock their rooms at all times.

PHOTOCOPYING & PRINTING
Each student will be provided with a copy of all the research materials, or "briefs", produced by the research groups in the Debate Institute.  Some students desire copies of additional materials and will be responsible for the cost of this additional photocopying and/or printing.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE
All students must live on campus. Males and females will be separated by floors or common areas. All dormitories are air-conditioned. All meals are eaten in University residence halls.

SUPERVISION
Faculty-student ratio varies in divisions from 1:5 to 1:10. Faculty/counselors live in the dorms.

TEST SCORES
Submit results of the PSAT, ACT, SAT or other standardized tests if available, with application.

TRANSCRIPT
An official high school transcript is required with each application

TUITION DEPOSIT
A non-refundable deposit is required to hold a place in the Institute within 10 days of acceptance. Remaining tuition balance is due as noted on the billing slips sent with acceptances.