Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Contacting ATDP: How can I contact ATDP?
You can reach us by phone at (510) 642-8308, or visit us at 3639 Tolman Hall, which is in the northwest corner of campus, at the intersection of Hearst Ave. and Arch Street. Our mailing address is listed at the bottom of each page.
ATDP instructors: Who teaches ATDP classes?
We choose ATDP instructors from a pool of exceptionally talented public school, private school, and university instructors. If a course lists the faculty as "Staff," that means we're still finalizing hiring arrangements. Faculty listed are subject to change.

Getting the Application

Obtaining more applications: How do we receive an additional catalog/application?
You may photocopy a blank application. For a new catalog, send a self-addressed, stamped ($1.51), 9" x 12" envelope to the ATDP office: 3639 Tolman Hall, Berkeley CA 94720-1670. Please indicate 'SD' for Secondary Division or 'ED' for Elementary Division in the lower left corner of the return envelope. You can also download the application from the website—SD or ED. Photocopied applications are accepted.
Picking up catalogs at the ATDP office: May I pick up extra catalogs or drop off my application at your office?
Yes. Our office is at 3639 Tolman Hall (northeast corner of the building), across from the intersection of Hearst Avenue and Arch Street. The building is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Extra catalogs are available outside our office door. If no one is in the office, simply slide your completed application under the office door.

Admission and Course Placement

Absences: I know I will be absent for several days. May I still take an ATDP class?
If the absence will be for more than two class meetings, you may not. Keep in mind that even if you miss only one class, it may not be possible for you to compensate for the work and in-class time missed.If the absence will be for two days or fewer, you must ask for the instructor's approval in advance. You cannot miss the first two or more days of class.
Is this program only for the 'gifted': I have not been identified as 'gifted' at my school. Is this program appropriate for me?
Official school designation of 'gifted' is not required for admission. However, students should be hardworking, enjoy learning, and be prepared for an intellectually stimulating and demanding summer class.
Chances for acceptance: What are my chances for acceptance?
We will consider your overall academic profile by looking at all the documents we ask you to submit with your application. The typical ATDP student has scored in the 90th national percentile in reading and mathematics on achievement tests, maintains a GPA of 3.5 or above, has a strong teacher recommendation, and submits a superior academic product.
First course choice placement: Will I be placed in my first choice?
We always start by attempting to place students in their first choice. Make sure that your course choices are suitable to your grade level and experience and that you have met the prerequisites. Completed applications are evaluated in the order that they are received. First preference is given to returning students; however, to increase their chances of being placed in their first choices, both new and returning students should submit their completed applications well before the deadline. If two similarly qualified students apply, the application completed first will be given first preference.

Filling Out and Returning the Application

Late applications: Can I turn in a late application?
While we do accept late applications on a space-available basis, we strongly recommend that you submit your complete application as early as possible, before the deadlines. Complete applications are reviewed in the order they are received. In past years, most classes filled with qualified students who turned in their applications before the deadlines.
Former ED students applying: I'm a former Elementary Division student applying to the SD for the first time. When is my application deadline?
While for admission purposes you will be considered a new student, it is still to your advantage to submit the application as soon as possible, preferably by the returning student deadline.
Listing alternate course choices: I have only one course choice. Do I still have to list alternate classes?
While recommended, it is not required. List alternate choices only if they are acceptable to you. If your first choice class is filled or your application is not competitive for that class, we will consider you for your acceptable alternates in order to place you.
Chances of being placed in first choice: Will I improve my chances of being placed in my first choice class if I don't list alternates?
No, it won't affect your placement. We always start by attempting to place students in their first choice and only look at the alternates if the class is filled or if a student's application is not competitive.
Taking two courses: Can I take two courses?
New Secondary Division students cannot take two classes. Returning SD students may petition the director to enroll in two courses by submitting a letter with their application (see page 1 of the application form, under "Course Selection").

Transportation and Housing

Class schedule coordination:: My sister and I need to have class at the same time. What can I do to assure that we can commute together?
Attach notes to both of your applications indicating that you need to travel together and make certain that your courses' days and times match.
On-campus housing: I live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. Can I get housing near UC Berkeley?
As ATDP is not a residential program, and we are unable to assist in finding housing. Out-of-town students typically make their own arrangements to stay with family or friends.

Choosing a Course

Appropriateness of course choice: How can I tell if a particular course is appropriate for someone at my skill or grade level?
First see if the course description lists any prerequisites. When possible, within a subject area the courses are arranged from classes that have the fewest prerequisites or that are meant for younger students, to classes most suitable for students with more advanced skills or who are at a higher grade level.
Skills improvement in areas of weakness: If I'm weak in a particular subject such as math or writing, should I choose an ATDP class that will improve my skills in that area?
You may consider doing so. However, we recommend that you select ATDP classes that best suit your preparation as well as your needs. ATDP classes move at a very rapid pace and it is important that all students be willing and able to keep up with the rigorous work.
Choosing an appropriate writing class: I'm having trouble figuring out which writing class is most appropriate for my skill level, age, and grade. What advice can you give me?
After carefully reading the course descriptions, list your course selection and alternate choices on your application. Then include a note with your application saying that you would like your selection reviewed for appropriateness. Based on your writing sample, grade, and age, we can then direct you to the most appropriate class.
Repeating a math class: I didn't learn as much as I would have liked in my math class this year. Can I repeat a math class at ATDP that I have already taken at my regular school?
No, we do not allow ATDP students to repeat math classes. Instead, we suggest that you consider taking a math elective for which you have completed the prerequisites.
Repeating the same ATDP math course in school: Is it a good idea for me to take a math course at ATDP when I'm planning to repeat the same course for credit next year back at my school?
We strongly recommend against doing so. It usually is not in a student's best interest to repeat the same material twice. A student's time and effort are better spent in taking a course for credit.
Math placement testing: I'm applying for a math class that has a placement test. What are my chances of passing the exam?
Students who meet the prerequisites listed for the math course to which they're applying, and who have strong applications usually earn a passing score. If your score is too low or too high, we will help you find a more suitable course placement.
Psychology and AP Psychology: What's the difference between the 5-unit Psychology course and AP Psychology?
Introduction to Psychology is a course intended to provide students with a survey of selected topics. In intensity, it can be compared to a one-semester course. AP Psychology, on the other hand, covers a full-year curriculum and prepares students for the AP examination in May 2010.
Natural science courses: Will any ATDP science courses take the place of a high school class?
Most ATDP natural science courses are 5-unit, college preparatory elective courses intended to prepare you for high school science courses, not to replace them. The exception is AP Biology, which is a 10-unit class which takes the place of the high school course of the same name, and prepares students for the AP exam. AP Biology does not take the place of regular or honors high school biology.
Amount of homework: Is the listed time for homework accurate, or is that just how long it takes other students who aren't as smart as I am?
The homework hours listed represent the homework time reported by the previous year's classes. It is safe to expect that the amount of homework you do will be somewhere within the range given.

Reporting Achievement Test Scores

Achievement test not on your list: The achievement test I took isn't on your list. Will you accept it?
If the test was administered by your school and your test report indicates national percentiles, you may submit your test scores. Otherwise, have your counselor or other representative sign the appropriate line in Part V on page 2 of the application.
Haven't taken achievement test in a while: What if I haven't taken an achievement test for a long time?
If you've taken an achievement test in the last three years, include your latest scores with your application. If you have never taken an achievement test, or have not taken one in the last three years, have your school counselor or other representative sign and stamp the appropriate line in Part V on page 2 of the application.
SAT or PSAT: May I submit SAT (College Board test) or PSAT scores?
No. Please submit school-administered standardized achievement test scores, such as the STAR test
New report card and test scores: I will be getting a new report card and achievement test scores in a few weeks. Should I wait for them before submitting my application?
No, you should not delay in submitting your application, as we evaluate complete applications in the order they are received. We will ask you for newer records if they are required.

Fees and Financial Aid

Materials and lab fees: What do the materials and/or lab fees pay for?
In addition to the supplies and equipment used in class (including science and computer labs), the fees also cover photocopying and field trips.
Financial aid decisions: How do you decide about financial aid?
We look at a family's tax return to determine total available resources. We make every effort to help families with limited resources.
Change in family financial situation: A drastic change in our financial situation is not reflected on our tax return. What should I do?
Attach a letter explaining your situation, as well as any supporting documents (e.g., unemployment forms), to the tax forms you send in.