Gatton Academy Admissions Deadline Approaches

We are just under a month away from the admissions deadline for the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky.  It is not too late to encourage students to apply for this unique residential learning opportunity.  Please consider sharing this information with sophomores who would benefit from an advanced curriculum and who have demonstrated a passion for math and science.

All materials must be postmarked no later than February 13, 2009.

The Gatton Academy is a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. To date, the Gatton Academy has serviced the needs of students from 81 counties across the Commonwealth.

Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.   Students are required to have completed Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year.  An ACT or SAT score is also required for admission.  Students would be able to take the February ACT; however, their admissions packet MUST include a PLAN or PSAT score.  Additionally, a copy of the unofficial ACT report would need to be sent to the Academy upon receipt.

The goal of the Gatton Academy is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, the students will take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, they will be high school graduates and will have earned at least 60 college credit hours.

The students live and learn with peers who share their enthusiasm and interest in learning. Moreover, tuition, housing, and meals are all provided through funding by the General Assembly to make this unique opportunity available to any qualifying Kentucky student.  Local districts continue to receive a students’ ACT and CATS scores as well.  Kentucky is the 14th state to offer a residential program with a focus on math and science supported by the state.

The Gatton Academy will host its final Preview Weekend of this current admissions cycle on Saturday, January 31, 2009.  Families interested in attending these sessions are asked to RSVP online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com.   A special Preview Weekend for current ninth grade students will be held later this spring.

If you would like additional information the Gatton Academy, visit us online at www.wku.edu/academy or telephone (270) 745-6565.