Frequently Asked Questions of Expand Your Mind
Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions about our in-person program for rising 9th – 12th grade students. Families of admitted students receive complete details via email prior to the start of a session. Still have a question? Email info@mity.org or call us at (651) 243-2221.
"Truly fantastic, memorable experience. My child still keeps in touch with friends she's made over the years from MITY." - Parent of 2024 EYM Student
Application Questions
What are the admissions criteria?
MITY considers all application materials, including grades, teacher recommendation and student essay. There is no specific test score or GPA requirement. Students do not have to be identified as "gifted and talented" by their school district to apply. We are looking for students who perform well in school and are excited about learning.
What does “grade level” refer to on the application form?
The grade the student is currently in.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my application?
MITY accepts students on a rolling basis, so once we receive all the information we will make a decision and notify families via email. If we do not have all of the necessary materials after 3 or 4 weeks, we will notify families in order to complete the process.
Should all the application components be sent together?
All the application components do not need to be sent together; however, we will not review your application until all the materials and deposit are received.
Food, Transportation and Safety
Is transportation available?
There are two public transportation bus stops at Macalester. Families who are interested in carpooling are given a list of other interested families so that they can arrange ridesharing.
What do students do for lunch?
Lunch is not provided. Students should either pack a lunch or bring purchase food in the cafeteria ($11.25/day) using a credit card or Apple Pay. Cash and checks are not accepted.
Are students free to leave campus?
The EYM programs runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After the first day, students should report directly to their classroom at 9:00 AM and are expected to be picked up immediately after the program concludes at 4:00 PM. If your schedule requires your student to arrive early or depart late, we recommend that they wait in the Student Center. Please note that after hours commuter students are not supervised by staff. Between classes, students have lunch and have the opportunity to participate in several activities. During this time, students are expected to remain on campus or within one block of the campus where several coffee shops and restaurants are located.
Can you accommodate students with food allergies or other special needs?
Yes, students will be asked to provide health information and details on specific needs. MITY staff will work with families to plan the necessary accommodations.
What if a child gets sick or injured during the program?
The MITY staff strive to maintain a safe environment for all participants. If a student becomes sick or injured, parents will be contacted immediately. In an emergency, students may be taken to either a local health care clinic or the Children’s Hospital at United in St. Paul.
Can parents visit a resident student on campus during the program?
For security reasons, nobody, not even family members, are allowed to enter the dorms once students have checked in. Resident students have a very busy schedule and we ask that families call, text, or email their student instead of visiting.
Can a resident student visit relatives or family friends in the Twin Cities area during the program?
Residential students are expected to be on time and in class each day and to attend all residential events. Residential students are very busy and go on field trips over the weekend and on several evenings during the session. While strongly discouraged, if a student absolutely needs to leave campus during the session, a parent/guardian must contact the Executive Director at least one week in advance to make arrangements for check out and check in. The only exception to this rule is for a medical emergency. Thank you for your cooperation.
Staff, Class Size, and Evaluations
How many students are in each class?
Classes with one teacher have a maximum of 16 students. In some instances, a class will have two teachers and up to 24 students.
Who teaches the EYM courses?
See EYM Teacher Bios
Do Staff Undergo Background Checks?
Yes. MITY conducts background checks on all staff members prior to contact with students.
Do students receive letter grades or credit?
MITY does not offer high school credit for our classes; however, several students have requested credit from their high schools for completion of a MITY course. Students complete 60 class hours and receive a final evaluation. With that information and the overview of the course curriculum, every student who has requested credit from their home high school has received either the credit or advanced placement in their schools. Teachers and administrators in Minnesota schools value the quality of the education that our students receive.
Miscellaneous
Will classes be held on Juneteenth?
Yes! In order to provide a full 10 days of programming and to maintain the momentum generated during the first two days of Session A, MITY will hold classes as usual on June 19. We will commemorate our nation's second independence day, the ending of slavery, with a variety of special events featuring education, discussion, special guests, and celebration.
What is MITY's Refund Policy?
All applications must include a deposit of $300 ($500 for residential) per session or a completed financial aid application. $100 of the deposit is non-refundable.
- After April 1, the full deposit is non-refundable.
- The balance is due by May 1. After May 15, there is no refund of tuition.
- If MITY cancels a course before it begins, students will be placed into their second-choice class.
- Refunds are not provided once a session begins.
- In the unlikely event that MITY terminates a course during the session, MITY will consider the circumstances and may, at its sole discretion, issue a partial refund or credit.