The Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS), previously known as the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS), will run virtually in 2024. Have questions? You will find the answers below.
If you have further questions, please email iqc.qsys@uwaterloo.ca
Application
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING?
Applications are due Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
WHAT DO I NEED TO INCLUDE ON MY APPLICATION?
In addition to information about yourself, you will need to submit a short essay (1 page maximum) describing why you are an ideal candidate for QSYS. You will also need to include contact information for one reference, who will submit their materials separately.
HOW ARE THE QSYS APPLICATIONS RANKED?
QSYS applications are ranked in a variety of categories, including the quality of your reference, scientific and scholarly interests, extracurriculars, leadership, enthusiasm, and motivation.
I FOUND OUT ABOUT QSYS AFTER THE DEADLINE, CAN I STILL APPLY?
Unfortunately no. Applications are required to be on time in order to be considered.
CAN I LOG IN AND CHANGE INFORMATION ON MY APPLICATION?
No. Once your application is submitted you cannot change it. Please be sure to review your application before you submit.
Admissions
CAN I STILL APPLY IF I AM CURRENTLY IN GRADE 12?
Yes. If you are currently in Grade 12 and you are attending university or college in the fall 2024 you are still eligible to attend the Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS). Students in a pre-university program, such as CÉGEP in Quebec, are also eligible.
CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTEND QSYS?
The live sessions of QSYS 2024 are only available to students within Canada. Interested participants from outside Canada can fill out the online form to receive recordings and materials from QSYS 2024 after the program concludes.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM?
Approximately 200 students will be accepted to the online program.
WHEN WILL I HEAR IF I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED?
We will email the results by Monday, July 8, 2024. We will contact all applicants to let them know if their application was successful or not.
CAN I REQUEST FEEDBACK ON MY APPLICATION IF I DIDN'T GET ACCEPTED?
Unfortunately, due to the volume of QSYS applications we receive each year, we are unable to provide individual feedback on any application. Each year, we receive many very strong applications, but due to the limited number of open spaces in the program, we are unable to accept every qualified applicant. This means that your application may still have been strong, despite not being accepted.
We encourage you to continue being curious and learning about quantum information. Sign up for our mailing list to learn about our next upcoming quantum learning opportunities.
References
WHAT WILL MY REFERENCE BE ASKED?
Referees are asked to rank the applicant in a few areas and provide a written assessment.
DOES MY REFERENCE HAVE THE SAME DEADLINE AS MY APPLICATION?
Yes. Your reference and application are due by Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
CAN I HAVE MORE THAN ONE REFERENCE?
No. Only one reference will be reviewed per application.
Financial
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND QSYS?
There is no cost to attend QSYS 2024.
Scheduling conflict
I HAVE A SCHEDULING CONFLICT. CAN I MISS A DAY OF QSYS?
Virtual sessions will be recorded and posted online within 24 hours. To obtain a certificate of participation, students must attend at least 75% of the live sessions.