Frequently Asked Questions

Picture from 2008 PDI
Where will PDI be held?
The 2008 Philadelphia Debate Institute will be held at Drexel University, a national leader in comprehensive, integrated academics enhanced by cooperative education, technology, and research opportunities. Drexel University is in the heart of University City in Philadelphia, an academic hub it shares with the University of Pennsylvania, and is within walking distance of Center City, Philadelphia, the premier downtown district. The Philadelphia Debate Institute has chosen Drexel University as its campus host because of its excellent facilities, ideal location, and continued support from Drexel University.
When will PDI be held?
PDI will be held August 17-24, 2008. The later start date enables all students to spend the entirety of the week preparing for the September-October 2008 LD Topic (topic release is before the start of camp). The later start date also enables students to pursue other summer activities such as Governor's Schools or internships that will not conflict with camp.
What is the cost? Is there financial aid available?
Please check back in January 2008 for confirmed program costs. Please note that the Philadelphia Debate Institute offers substantial financial aid for students with economic needs. In past years, all students received subsidized tuition, and nearly 40% of students received additional scholarships.
What is the difference between Novice I and II and Intermediate/Varsity I and Intermediate/Varsity II?
These are two stages of the decision making process, comparable to "early action" and "regular action" at a college or university. Those who apply in Round I by March 1, 2008 receive a $50 tuition discount, a preference in admission, and are notified earlier of their application status.
Why does Intermediate/Varsity cost significantly more?
Operating costs for intermediate/varsity programs are higher, including, but not limited to: higher-level faculty for advanced students, resources (photocopying, printing, etc.), and administration costs for special events limited to intermediate/varsity students. However, financial assistance is still readily available for intermediate/varsity students to make PDI affordable.
Why has your tuition increased from previous years?
Tuition has increased to reflect the demographics of students at camp. In previous years, students have come from families earning $5000 to $500,000. To accommodate for this great variance, PDI has adopted a pricing policy that more accurately reflects the cost of camp and a family's ability to pay. As always, ALL students who have financial need can expect that they will receive generous financial aid.
Is your program safe?
In 3 years of operation, the Philadelphia Debate Institute has not experienced any problems with student safety. Drexel University, the campus host, has 24-hour security, and 4 staff members dedicated to residential life and supervision. We encourage concerned parents to reach out to parents of alumni of our program; please email us to facilitate that relationship.
How are student types defined?
A City Scholar is a student in a participating Perspectives afterschool program in Philadelphia public and charter schools. Students from a Philadelphia public or charter school not affiliated with Perspectives should apply through the regular application.
A Novice has competed at fewer than 3 debate tournaments.
An Intermediate / Varsity student has competed at more than 3 tournaments.
What is my likelihood of receiving financial aid?
All financial aid is need-based and all students, regardless of eligibility for City Scholars Program, must complete the Application for Financial Aid to be considered for aid. All awards are made on a case-by-case basis. A few guidelines, to begin with. First, any family below 150% of the poverty level will automatically receive a full scholarship. For example, poverty for a single parent with 2 children is $16,242. 150% of that is $24,643; thus families of this type earning below that threshold are promised to receive a full scholarship. Families earning above this threshold are absolutely eligible to receive a full or partial scholarship; the 150% of poverty level "rule", however, promises that families will receive full financial assistance.Information on poverty guidelines in the U.S. are here. Second, the median household income in the United States is $43,318, and families earning more than $88,030 constitute the top 20% of all household incomes in this country. Though Perspectives has arguably the most generous financial aid program of any debate camp in the country, families should apply for financial aid after thoughtful reflecting: is financial scholarship merely helpful to my family, or a true economic need?
What is the deadline for applications?
Please check back in January 2008 for confirmed deadlines.
What is the student to faculty ratio?
PDI guarantees a 4:1 student to faculty ratio for the 2008 program. In 2005, student to faculty ratio was 2:1. In 2006, the student to faculty ratio was 3:1. In 2007, the student to faculty ratio was 3:1.
What is the curriculum?
Students will prepare using the released September-October 2008 LD Topic. Students will attend several one-hour sessions each day that focus on three areas: foundational knowledge, including basic values and criteria discussion; philosophy, with focus on critical theory and application; and skill improvement, including strategies for each of the key speeches. Students will work in small lab groups for group activities. Students will be trained to do first-hand research, write cases, and prepare responses to arguments. Additionally, students will have practice debates that are fully critiqued by instructors and to meet with instructors one-on-one during office hours.
I am interested in a forensics event other than LD. Will your camp help?
Combined, past PDI instructors have had experience in Public Forum, Original Oratory, Duo Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Student Congress, and Parliamentary Debate. Basic skills including presentation, communication, and research are universal in forensics. Therefore we believe that the basic concepts taught at our institute will be applicable to most any event that a PDI student chooses to pursue later on, and will provide students with a good grasp in thinking about issues of philosophical significance.
What resources will be available?
Students will have access to top-quality libraries and computer labs. Students may find online databases including Lexis-Nexis, InfoTrac, SIRS Researcher, or JStor most helpful, and students will be provided with the necessary log-ons for scholarly research.
Will there be practice rounds?
Students will have a minimum of five fully critiqued practice rounds. In general, students will spend half an hour after the round to discuss with the faculty member judging them what their strengths were in the round, and what they should do to improve. Students also have time for rebuttal redos, flowing drills, and other drills to improve their debating.
Do students need laptops?
All students will has access to a computer in the computer lab. However, students who have laptops are encouraged bring them. Although students will have a shared folder and network space to save their work, it is helpful if students bring floppy disks or zip drives.
What are the housing arrangements?
Students are separated by gender, with girls on one floor and boys on another. Each floor will have a Dorm Mom and a Dorm Dad to oversee residential life and attend to all student issues. Faculty will reside on another floor, however, they will be accessible.
Will meals be provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided each day. For students following a kosher, vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary plan, we will make the proper accommodations, but these must be requested ahead of time. Students may wish to bring more snacks for night time. Students in the past have also taken advantage of the delivery restaurants in the area.
I/friends/coaches would like to visit my son/daughter/student/relative. May I?
No. We take security very seriously, and outside visitors to the program (even if they are a parent) compromise program security. Any person found on Drexel University's premises, regardless of relationship to the student, will be escorted off the campus by campus security. There will be a visiting opportunity during the camp (to be announced) and family members may phone camp directors to speak with their student. If you have an expressed purpose to visit the program, you must email the directors at info@philadebate.org no later than June 1 to arrange a visit. After the June 1 cut-off, we cannot guarantee that we will grant your wish and may charge a late fee.
I am a student attending a Philadelphia public or charter school, but my school does not have a partnership with Perspectives. Am I still eligible for the City Scholars Program?
The short answer is no. However, we strongly encourage you to apply through the regular application process, and also to apply for financial aid should your family require assistance.
I have had success on the local level, but have not competed at the national level. Can I still apply for the Senior Fellows Program?
In the past, students who have been competitive for selection for the Senior Fellows Program have been students who have achieved national recognition in debate. In general, we recommend that students whose experienced has been limited to local debate to apply as a regular student and select the leadership track. However, outstanding students who have not been able to compete on the national level because of barriers to participation are encourage to email the directors with a statement of their background and interest in the Senior Fellows Program.
How can I find out more information?
Please contact the directors at info@philadebate.org with any questions. We will do our best to respond within two days.

Summer Institute