SLIYS: How to Apply
Applying to SLIYS requires information from both the scholar and a parent or legal guardian, as well as a teacher for any scholar who has not previously completed SLIYS 1.
- Verify that you meet the eligibility requirements. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please reach out to SLIYS@osu.edu.
- Fill out the application form. Most applicants should use the SLIYS 1 (or 1 & 2) application. Those who completed SLIYS 1 in a previous year should use the SLIYS 2 (only) application.
A parent or legal guardian must be present to fill out some parts of the application form. The application form cannot be saved partway through and finished later. Please have ready concise responses (a few sentences each) to the prompts listed below.
- Have a teacher fill out the Teacher Recommendation Form if you are applying to SLIYS 1 (or 1 & 2). It is the scholar’s responsibility to make sure the recommendation form is submitted. SLIYS staff will not contact any teacher directly about a missing recommendation form.
Prompts on the SLIYS 1 (or 1 & 2) Application
- Which languages have you studied in school? For each one, list what level of proficiency you have in speaking, listening, and writing.
- What other experience do you have with languages?
- Share one fact you have learned about language in general or about a particular language that you find interesting.
- Why are you interested in studying linguistics/language?
Prompts on the SLIYS 2 (only) Application
- Please describe one instance where you used information you learned from SLIYS 1.
- Who were your SLIYS 1 instructors?
- What topics do you remember covering in SLIYS 1?
- What topic(s) would you be most interested in learning about this year?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in early March. An application for SLIYS 1 will not be reviewed until the Teacher Recommendation Form is received.
All application materials (the application form, and for SLIYS 1, the teacher recommendation form) must be received by May 8, 2026. Many sessions fill prior to this deadline, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Tuition for each week of SLIYS is $550. Accepted applicants must pay a non-refundable deposit of $25 within two weeks of being accepted to reserve their spot. Failure to pay this deposit may result in forfeiture of the scholar’s spot in the program.
The deadline for full payment ($25 + $525 for one session, or $25 + $1075 for both sessions) is May 15, 2026. Scholars accepted after May 1 should submit the full payment and forgo the deposit process.
Detailed communication about SLIYS begins 3-4 weeks prior to the session(s).