Summer College in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Frequently Asked Questions

• How is SCIBLS payment handled?
  Payment for SCIBLS is broken into two or three payments to ease the financial burden on families.  The Program Fee is due with the Application and guarantees enrollment in the program.  Once students are registered for the coursework, the NC State Cashier’s Office will generate a bill and mail it directly to your home address.  Payment is made to the Cashier’s Office (not SCIBLS) for this bill.  If you are a residential student, the housing and meal plan costs may be included in the bill or they may be billed upon checkout at the end of the program.

• How soon will I hear if I am accepted into SCIBLS?
  Your application will go through an extensive review to confirm eligibility of participation and approval of in-state status.  The typical turnaround of an application is 5-7 business days.  We will notify you in writing of acceptance into the program with a confirmation packet of information and Student Handbook.

• How do I register for the classes?
  SCIBLS will register you for the class you indicate on the Application.

• Can I take more than one class?
  Due to the schedule of 9 am – 3:30 pm daily, it is only possible to take one class.

• Is this real college credit?
  Yes.  You will earn three credits for the four week experience.  The credits can transfer to your college once you enroll as a freshman.

• Where do students stay on campus?
  SCIBLS students will stay in the Honors Quad (http://www.ncsu.edu/housing/communities/honors/index.php) on NC State’s East Campus.  East Campus is within easy walking distance of Hillsborough Street and Cameron Village.  Students will be housed in double rooms.  The rooms are equipped with a micro/fridge and internet access.  SCIBLS students will be assigned a block of rooms, however other science programs (including undergraduates) will be housed in the Quad.

• Is the residental part of SCIBLS required?
  While students can commute on a daily basis, past feedback clearly states that the residential component is very important in preparing students for achieving academic excellence in college life through social bonding and working together in a group environment.

• Where do I get my student ID?
  The first day of SCIBLS involves an Orientation to campus.  We will escort you to the appropriate office as a group to obtain your student ID.  Previous year students have quickly learned that the ID entitles them to a discount at local movie theaters J Your ID is necessary for checking out library material, admission to the Campus Cinema and for using the gym.

• I’m staying in the dorms.  Can I bring my car?
  Unfortunately due to parking and safety concerns, residential SCIBLS students are NOT allowed to have cars during their stay.  There are activities, shopping, and dining all within walking distance off campus as well as campus activities and dining.
  

• I’m staying at home.  How do I get a Commuter parking pass?
  While students gain the most from a SCIBLS residential experience, commuter students will need to purchase a parking pass from NC State Transportation Office (estimated at $25) on July 7.  Students will be escorted to the Transportation Office to make the purchase.  Students should being proof of insurance, registration, and a Driver’s License.

• What is a typical day/week like?
  A typical day begins with lecture or lab at 9:00 am.  There is a 45-minute break for lunch at 11:30 and then the remainder of the day is spent in lecture or lab.
  If you’re staying on campus, students typically spend the late afternoon in the dorm “hanging out” or at the gym working out.  Evenings are spent working on homework and collaborating on group assignments. 

• Where do students come from?
  In 2007 SCIBLS enrolled 56 students from 19 counties (Beaufort, Bertie, Cumberland, Dare, DAvie, Durham, Forsyth, Frnklin, Gaston, McDowell,  Nach, Orange, Pasquotank, Pitt, Robeson, Vance, Wake, Wayne) and 40 high schools in North Carolina, in addition to one student from Texas. 

• What is there to do on weekends?
  Organized recreational activities will be provided on Friday and Saturday night.  Resident Advisors will drive students locally.  If a long trip is planned, a bus and driver will provide transportation.  Shopping and dining is within walking distance of campus at Cameron Village:  http://www.shopsofcameronvillage.com/cameronvillage-home.cfm
  There are a number of restaurants along Hillsborough Street directly across from main campus.  Coffeeshops are plentiful for “hanging out.”  There is also a movie theatre and dining within walking distance at Mission Valley - http://www.missionvalleysc.com/
  Spending money should be brought for activities on weekends.  Transportation costs are covered, but not the cost of activities.

• How much homework can I expect?
  You should expect to work on homework most weeknights.  Lab reports, quizzes and tests will be frequent due to the condensed timeframe of Summer Session.
  

If you have a question that has not been addressed here, please feel free to email summer_college@ncsu.edu or call 919.513.7762