APPLY

Frequently Asked Questions

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Application and Registration

• How do I apply for financial aid?

  If you need financial assistance to cover the exam fee, simply select "ICPS Financial Aid Ticket" when you register. No documentation is required.
  

• Can my child's school district pay for the exam?

  Yes. If your school district will pay via purchase order, select "My School is Paying Ticket" when you register. Your school will need to inform you that they'll cover the exam fee. In past years, Mineola, Huntington, and Hicksville school districts have participated in this option.

• What if I need to cancel or change my child's registration?

  Reach out to icps@stonybrook.edu with requests to change or withdraw your registration.

 

Admission and Selection

• How competitive is admission to ICPS?

  ICPS is highly competitive. In recent years, we've received 500-600 applications and accepted approximately 90 students across all grade levels.

• How are students selected?

  Selection is primarily based on entrance exam performance. We also consider geographic diversity to ensure representation from school districts across Long Island and aim for balanced enrollment of boys and girls in each class.

• What if my child isn't accepted?

  Students who aren't accepted may be invited to participate in one of our AMC Prep classes. Your child may also reapply the following year. Most students are not accepted on their first attempt.

• Can my child reapply if they're not accepted this year?

  Yes! Many successful ICPS students were not accepted on their first try.

• Why does it take until June to receive admission decisions?

  To ensure consistent and fair evaluation, each set of exams is graded by a single coordinator. This thorough review process takes several weeks, and we notify all families by early June.

 

Program Logistics

• What happens if my child is accepted?

  Congratulations! There are no additional fees, deposits, or enrollment forms. We'll send you information about your child's class placement and the fall schedule. ICPS is tuition-free for all accepted students.

• How much does ICPS cost?

  ICPS is tuition-free. The only cost is the $65 entrance exam fee (or financial aid option if needed).

• Where and when do ICPS classes meet?

  All ICPS classes meet at Stony Brook University on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:30 am during the academic year.

• Is attendance mandatory?

  Yes. Students are allowed three absences during the academic year with no excused absences.

• What if my child needs to miss the entrance exam due to illness or emergency?

  A makeup exam will be offered within the following week. The specific date and time will be determined and communicated to affected families.

• Where can I find parking and directions to campus?

  Parking in the Stony Brook University Administration Garage is free on Saturdays. Directions to campus can be found at the bottom of the Information and Resources page.