Interview Day is one of the coolest days of the year at the Gatton Academy. It’s the time when the past, present, and the future come together in a really special event. What makes the day so great is that our current students take such an interest in their incoming classmates that they spend an entire Saturday getting to know our prospective candidates. In our latest video blog, three students are glad the day is here. They’re even more glad that they’re not the ones who are being interviewed. Well, interviewed for admissions, at least.
With the February 15 application deadline passed and the March 20 Interview Day looming, the Gatton Academy’s Class of 2012 is quickly beginning to take shape.
275 students began the admissions process this cycle seeking admission for the Class of 2012. In all, 125 applicants completed met all requirements at the deadline to receive consideration for selection.
Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, explained that even though the pool of applicants was smaller this year, there was a substantial increase in the quality of those students completing applications.
“We have high expectations for Gatton Academy students,” Alderdice said. “Based on our experience over the last few years, we made the decision to raise the minimum ACT math score from 22 to 24. For high school sophomores, that can be a big leap. That decision was not to limit our pool but to ensure those students who applied have the tools necessary to be successful as Academy students.”
Applicants seeking interviews were reviewed based on ACT or SAT scores, responses to essay questions, grades from ninth and tenth grade, and a resume of awards and activities. 85 dynamic candidates emerged from the pool of applicants.
Students proceeding to the second phase of admission will attend Interview Weekend on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The day will include interviews, a chemistry placement exam, course scheduling, a discussion of research opportunities, and sessions for parents.
“Interview Weekend is the final opportunity for a student to convince our admissions team that the Academy is the place they should spend their final two years of high school,” Alderdice said. “It can be stressful, but if students are passionate about STEM subjects, then the interview is simply talking about the things they love the most.”
Applicants will receive final notifications regarding selection no later than April 1, 2010.
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.
