Full-Time Admissions

Application Process

1. Review the Admissions Criteria
2. Sign up for a tour
3. Complete tour
4. Submit an online application

Admissions

In order to select the best candidates for our program, Exceptional Minds has established an Admissions Assessment process. Prospective applicants are required to take a tour in order to determine their level of interest in our program before submitting an application. After an application is submitted, Exceptional Minds conducts a review of student records, surveys parents and professionals who have worked directly with the individual, and schedules a one-hour admissions assessment of the potential candidate.

• Full-Time applications are accepted as early as October 16th and admissions assessments are scheduled between January and February.
• The one-hour assessment includes: a formal interview, portfolio review, computer fluency demonstration, and Q & A.
• Assessment fee is a one-time $350; reapplying students will not pay for the assessment again.

Notification of Admission

Every effort will be made upfront to ensure the highest likelihood of a match prior to assessment. In some instances, however, applicants who still need substantive improvement may be assessed. When the results of the assessment indicate that an applicant is not a good match for the Exceptional Minds program, he/she may be notified immediately. Applicants who are being considered for the Full-Time Program will be notified by April 1st of the results and admissions decisions.

Once applicants are notified of acceptance into the full-time program, Exceptional Minds will mail a contract and tuition/deposit information to the responsible parties. Exceptional Minds must receive a completed and signed contract and a $1,000.00 deposit by May 1st in order to reserve a spot for the fall semester. First semester tuition is due by August 1st; second semester tuition is due December 1st.

Admissions Criteria:

• Formal Diagnosis of Autism: Application requires submission of a letter of diagnosis and/or a recent IEP (Individualized Education Plan) stating diagnosis.
• Minimum educational level: Evidence of high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Independence: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable independence with transportation, hygiene, scheduling and punctuality, work completion, safety, money etc.
• Computer Fluency Skills: Applicants should demonstrate basic working knowledge of saving and naming files, Internet navigation and e-mails, and typing skills, etc.
• Executive Function: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable ability with independent planning, decision-making, time management, organization, etc.
• Ability to Follow Multi-step Directions: The ability to follow directions presented both orally and in writing.
• Flexibility: The ability to receive and incorporate feedback, change direction with little notice, use multiple modes of design to create a project, ability to try novel programs and methods, and the ability to work on non-preferred tasks.
• Artistic Ability: A portfolio is required for the Full-Time admissions assessment and may include electronic (website or flash-drive) or paperwork samples. Portfolio should show the ability to create figurative and abstract drawing, design and composition skills, creative ideas, etc.
• Basic Work-Related Social Skills: Listening, promptness, appropriate hygiene and dress, greetings and salutations, appropriate volume and tone, ability to work and learn in a group, and showing interest in coworkers, etc.
• Motivation: Taking pride in quality work, meeting deadlines, performing at or above the level of peers, able to work for periods without prompting or praise, etc.

Part-Time Admissions

Application Process

1. Review the Admissions Criteria
2. Sign up for a tour
3. Complete tour
4. Submit an online application

Part-Time Admissions

Once a prospective student’s application is reviewed and accepted, the student will be able to enroll for Workshops and lessons in the Part-Time Programs.

Admissions Criteria for Part-Time Programming

• Exceptional Minds offers education for students who:
• Are 12yrs and older (classes divided by age and skill)
• Learn effectively in a workshop/classroom setting
• Follow multi-step directions and work independently for a minimum of 15 minutes at a time
• Verbally ask appropriate questions (i.e. for help, clarification)
• Have an interest in computers, VFX, game design, and /or animation
• Have fluency in basic computer skills
• Exceptional Minds cannot accommodate students who:
• Require an aide
• Frequently engage in disruptive behavior
• Are oppositional or defiant
• Are not vocally verbal and/or require some kind of facilitated communication
• Are not familiar with or fluent with computer skills
• Are not interested in computers, VFX, game design and/or animation