Question: For the purpose of earning credit at the High School, how many hours of instructional time are there (i.e. time on non-leisure activities) for the program?

Answer: There are 27 hours of instruction programmed for each session (week).

Question: Do you ever meet with students before hand so that you can see if this program is a good fit?

Answer: We can meet and have met students by appointment. If you are interested, please see the contact above.

Question: If a student does do both sections, do they go home for the weekend in between, or is there programming over that weekend?

Answer: If a student does both sections, they spend the weekend at the College. We have activities during the weekend.

Question: What robotic kits and programming language do students use for this summer program?

Answer: We use the Parallax BOE-BOT. This robotics kit uses a language called PBASIC.

Question: How can I decide between the Fundamental or Advanced session?

Answer: The Fundamental session deals primarily with motion and sensing, and it is suitable for students with no experience, while the Advanced session adds concepts of wireless communications and computer vision. Whether students enroll in the Fundamentals section vs. the Advanced has been a self-selection process. When students ask, we tell them that if they have had some exposure to robotics, electronics, and programming, they can go into the Advanced section.

Question: The web site indicates that the student must be in the top 30% of their class. What type of documentation is required for that requirement? Is there a specific form that needs to be filled out?

Answer: Normally the guidance office can tell students their ranking. But this is just a guideline. We evaluate the students according to the transcript that they send in as part of their application file. The form that needs to be filled is the application with us here:

https://tcnj.qualtrics.com//SE/?SID=SV_beicwtG3a0NXUX3

Then you will be prompted for the application fee. After that, you will ask the school to send us a transcript, and also send the recommendation letter. More details about this come on line after the application has been filled.

Question: Is the program suitable for someone that already has some experience?

Answer: Yes our camp focuses on programming, and it is very appropriate and step up from a programming perspective from activities like FIRST and NXT programming.

Question: Approximately what percentage of the week is devoted to programming?

Answer: In our program, about 80% of it is programming.

Question: What do I have to do on the RECOMMENDER part of the application?

Answer: In the recommender's section, you need to put the information for someone who will write a letter of recommendation for you. You will see more instructions on the recommendation and payment, once you submit the form. The recommender should be a teacher or a guidance counselor.

Question: How much will I learn attending the one or two week long camp?

Answer: Overall, the camp focuses on electronics and programming, although there are necessarily some mechanical aspects. The first week focuses on motion guided by decision making derived from sensory inputs. The second week focuses on control via wireless communications and computer vision.  If you are not familiar with these topics, we are sure you will enjoy the camp, not only because of the technical content, but because of the college-like experience, and the teaming and competition aspects of the camp.

Question: What are considered College Prep Math courses?

Answer: Any High School level Math courses taken by students planning to go to college are considered College Prep Math courses.