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Jan. 30 Preview Weekend Canceled Due to Winter Weather

January 29, 2010 | Admissions, News | No Comments

The Preview Weekend for Class of 2012 Applicants scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30, has been canceled. Sessions will be combined with Interview Weekend scheduled for Mar. 20. An online information session will be held in early February.  Details for the online information session will be released next week.

To ease any concerns, attending Preview Weekend is not a requirement for admission to the Academy, nor does it increase the likelihood of a student’s admission. Preview Weekend is simply meant to provide prospective applicants and their family with additional information about the program.

The student panel from a previous Preview Weekend was videotaped and is available on our Vimeo page. You can watch the session below.

If you would like to schedule a personal visit to campus, please telephone the Gatton Academy office at 270-745-6565.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience. Our priority is ensuring everyone’s safety given the incliment winter weather.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy to Host Final Preview Weekend for Class of 2012 on Saturday, January 30

January 21, 2010 | Admissions, News | No Comments

Student/Parent Panel During Preview Weekend
Student/Parent Panel During Preview Weekend

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky will host a Preview Weekend at Western Kentucky University on Saturday, January 30, 2010, for prospective students, their parents, and educators.

Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (CDT) at Schneider Hall on the WKU campus. Families will meet in the lobby of Grise Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. Activities for the day will also include campus and hall tours as well as parent and students question-and-answer panels.

Preview Weekends present a unique opportunity for prospective applicants and their families to meet with current Academy students and their parents, visit Schneider Hall, and gain a better understanding of student life at the Gatton Academy.  Topics will include the role of the ACT and SAT in the admissions process, suggested courses for sophomore year, qualities of a strong applicant, student expectations, and college options upon graduation.

Parking will be available in the lot behind Schneider Hall and Parking Structure 1, which are both accessible from College Heights Blvd. For a WKU campus map, please visit http://www.wku.edu/Tour/campusmap.html.

Students are kindly asked RSVP for the preview event online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com no later than Thursday before the event.

The Gatton Academy, a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is in its third year of operation. To date, students from 87 counties across the Commonwealth have been selected to attend the prestigious program. Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.

In 2009, Newsweek magazine named the Gatton Academy as one of 16 “Public Elite” American high schools.

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 that will lead to economic growth. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, Gatton Academy students take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, student earn over 60 hours of college credit in addition to completing high school.

Students live and learn with peers who share their enthusiasm and interest in learning. Room, board and tuition are funded by the Commonwealth. Kentucky is the 14th state to offer a residential program with a focus on math and science supported by the state.

Additional information is available online at www.wku.edu/academy.  For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Feeling a Bit Lost When Completing the Online Admissions App? Check Out Our Video Overview to Answer Your Questions.

November 18, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

I’d like to begin with a word of thanks to our applicants on two items: 1) a special thank you for your patience as we transition to the use of a new online system this year; and 2) a thank you to the individuals who provided feedback on the pieces of the application process that needed clarification.  At any point, do not hesitate to send us your thoughts and ideas.

We have created a video walkthrough of the Admissions Page of the website, its associated pages, and using the Family Connection system for completing your online application for the Class of 2012.  The video outlines the requirements for admission to the Gatton Academy, the materials necessary to complete the application, and the screens in Family Connection you will need to access.

As a reminder, all materials for Class of 2012 applicants are due to the Gatton Academy by February 15, 2010.   Students applying for Second Semester Admission for the Class of 2011 must submit all materials no later than Monday, December 7, 2009.

Finally, we wish to invite you to attend our final Preview Weekend of the current admissions cycle on Saturday, January 30, 2010. We apologize that this is also the date for several district Governor’s Cup tournaments.  No weekend is perfect for everyone.  We do plan to pay particular attention to KAAC events next year in hopes of maximizing opportunities for students to visit a Preview Weekend.

As of yesterday, 200 names of students have been added to our system as current applicants.  While only time will tell if each of the students meets the requirements and completes the full application, we expect there to be a great depth to our pool of applicants and a wealth of talent available from which to choose.   Days like these remind us of the infinite possibilities ahead.

Best,
Corey Alderdice
Assistant Director, Admissions and Public Relations

To view the video in full-screen mode, click the expansion icon at far right on the bottom timeline.

A step-by-step review of admissions requirements, the admissions process, and accessing the Naviance Family Connection system for uploading admissions materials.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Welcomes Prospective Students at Preview Weekend

September 28, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

Preview Weekendby Elaine Flynn, Academy Avatar

On September 26, 2009, families from across the state came to visit Gatton Academy for the first of three scheduled Preview Weekends this year. Sophomores and other students from around Kentucky who are interested in the Academy’s atypical approach to high school experienced a day that would give them more information about the Academy than a brochure could give. Students were welcomed by the staff as they learned about the program in greater detail. Next, these students and parents were able to tour Schneider Hall, students home-away-from-home at Western Kentucky University. Ending the day, current seniors and parents of students in the academy welcomed questions during the question and answer panel.

One of the major concerns for students and their parents was the issue of personal safety. Academy staff members responded that the security of students is a top priority—both physically and emotionally. As these families noted, the amount of effort taken to keep students safe is worth every bit of it. Having to scan in and out of the dorm (since the doors are locked to all unless they have a card) and special precautions if signing off campus are just a few of the safety measures here. This was one of the many perks that parents felt comfortable with, allowing their children to attend the Academy; without seeing it first hand, many parents had been skeptical.

During the question and answer panel, prospect students and parents were able to ask about other issues that affect current students and may affect them.  Often times these questions deal with the distance from home, courses, the overall high school experience, and how difficult it was to adjust. The insight given from this panel helps all with decisions about the Academy.

For families who haven’t had a chance to come to a Preview Weekend, these sessions are great ways to find out if the Academy may be the right place to finish high school based on their student’s needs. For some students, this place isn’t where they are supposed to be. They may already get the chance to be challenged, or seeing what the Academy is in person may cause them to realize it isn’t the place for them.  That is why it is strongly encouraged of prospect students to visit Gatton Academy, so that they can get a sense of what it is like to be here. Just like a college visit should make a student feel that you are at the right place, so should the Academy.

Academy director Tim Gott expressed the preparation students need before coming to the Academy and the adventure that is ahead during the closing of the day: “Parents, do your students have enough roots, is it time for them to fly? Students, are you ready to fly?”  Yet, how do you know where to fly if you’ve not seen it yet?

Additional Preview Weekends have been scheduled for November 14, 2009, and January 30, 2010. you will be extremely welcomed. If these days do not fit into your schedules, check www.wku.edu/academy for dates of information sessions closer to students’ hometowns.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy to Host First Preview Weekend of the Year on Saturday, September 26

September 21, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky will host a Preview Weekend at Western Kentucky University on Saturday, September 26, 2009, for prospective students, their parents and educators.

Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Schneider Hall on the WKU campus. Families will meet in the lobby of Grise Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. Activities for the day will also include campus and hall tours as well as parent and students question-and-answer panels.

Preview Weekends present a unique opportunity for prospective applicants and their families to meet with current Academy students and their parents, visit Schneider Hall, and gain a better understanding of student life at the Gatton Academy.  Special emphasis will be given to current ninth grade students who will begin the admissions process during Fall 2009.  Topics will include the role of the ACT and SAT in the admissions process, suggested courses for sophomore year, and qualities of a strong applicant.

Parking will be available in the lot behind Schneider Hall and Parking Structure 1, which are both accessible from College Heights Blvd. For a WKU campus map, please visit http://www.wku.edu/Tour/campusmap.html.

Students are kindly asked RSVP for the preview event online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com no later than Thursday before the event.

The Gatton Academy, a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is in its second year of operation. To date, students from 86 counties across the Commonwealth have been selected to attend the prestigious program. Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.

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 that will lead to economic growth. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, Gatton Academy students take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, student earn over 60 hours of college credit in addition to completing high school.

Students live and learn with peers who share their enthusiasm and interest in learning. Room, board and tuition are funded by the Commonwealth. Kentucky is the 14th state to offer a residential program with a focus on math and science supported by the state.

Additional information is available online at www.wku.edu/academy.  For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Updated: Apply for the Class of 2012

September 7, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

Apply for the Class of 2012

The Gatton Academy is pleased to announce the Application for Admission to the Class of 2012 will be completed exclusively online this year.  Our new online system is meant to simplify the admissions process, provide rapid online feedback with applicants, and facilitate the transition from admissions candidate to Class of 2012 member.

We are in the process of finalizing the application.  As of Friday, we anticipate the full instructions to applicants will be posted to the Gatton Academy website on Wednesday, September 9, 2009.  We are excited that so many students have shown an interest in enrolling at the Gatton Academy.

Before beginning the application process, please ensure you qualify or intend to meet qualifications for admission to the Gatton Academy.

Gatton Academy applicants must

  • be a current resident of the state of Kentucky,
  • be a sophomore or have achieved sophomore status,
  • complete Geometry and Algebra II prior to enrollment, and
  • score a minimum 24 math on the ACT or score a minimum 550 math on the SAT.

The Academy will accept applications from current high school juniors for admission in the January 2010 (what is referred to as Second Semester Admission). The Academy will make offers of admission based on the availability of space and quality of applicants. This would require a substantial number of students to leave after the first semester by choice or due to academic ineligibility. Students applying for Class of 2011 Second Semester Admission will follow the same process as students applying as sophomores; however, all materials must be received by Monday, December 7, 2009.

Current high school juniors wishing to apply for limited January 2010 admission must

  • be a current resident of the state of Kentucky,
  • be a junior or have achieved junior status,
  • complete Geometry and Algebra II prior to enrollment, and
  • score a minimum 28 math on the ACT or score a minimum 640 math on the SAT.

The admissions process for all applicants begins with the completion of the online Application Request.  Please complete this form in full.  Once the application is live, you will receive an email from a Gatton Academy staff member with the student-specific email and password required for log-in.

If you have questions about Gatton Academy admissions, please send an email to academy@wku.edu or telephone 270-745-6565.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy to Conduct 15 Information Sessions Across Kentucky this Fall

September 3, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

2009 Information Session

Gatton Academy representatives will conduct around fifteen information sessions across Kentucky during Fall 2009. Information sessions are a wonderful opportunity to speak with Gatton Academy staff members face-to-face without having to travel to Bowling Green.  Families attending information sessions are kindly asked RSVP online.

The Gatton Academy will also conduct several online information sessions this fall.  Details about these sessions will be released at a later time.

Harlan
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
6:30 p.m. (EST)
The Harlan Center
201 S. Main St.
Harlan, KY 40831

Richmond
Thursday, October 8, 2009
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Perkins Building, Quad A
Eastern Kentucky University
(Located on Kit Carson Drive)
Campus Map and Driving Directions (external link)

Prestonsburg
Monday, October 12, 2009
6:00 p.m. (EST)
East Kentucky Science Center
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
7 Bert Combs Dr.
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Driving Directions (external link)

Owensboro
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
122 E. 2nd. St.
Owensboro, KY 42303

Hazard
Monday, October 19, 2009
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky
1 Community College Dr.
Hazard, KY 41701
Driving Directions (external link)

Highland Heights/Northern Kentucky
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Student Union, Room 104
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Campus Map and Driving Directions (external link)

Elizabethtown
Thursday, October 22, 2009
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Hardin County Board of Education
65 W. A. Jenkins Rd.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Ashland
Thursday, October 22, 2009
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Teleconference Room, Ashland Community and Technical College
1400 College Dr.
Ashland, KY 41101

London
Monday, October 26, 2009
6:00 p.m. (EST)
South Laurel High School Library
210 South Laruel Rd.
London, KY 40744

Hopkinsville
Tuesday, October 27,  2009
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Pennyrile Electric Building Community Room
2000 Harrison St.
Hopkinsville, KY 42241

Mayfield
Thursday, October 29,  2009
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Graves County High School Library
1107 Housman St.
Mayfield, KY 42066

Morehead
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Doran University Center, Room 301
Morehead State University
150 University Blvd.
Morehead, KY 40351
Link to Campus Map (external link)

Lexington
Thursday, November 5, 2009
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Room 323, Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Services
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506
Link to Campus Map (external link)

Louisville
Monday, November 9, 2009
6:00 p.m. (EST)
The Louisville Science Center
727 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202

Somerset
Thursday, November 12, 2009
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Southwestern High School Auditorium
1765 WTLO Rd.
Somerset, KY 42503

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By Corey Alderdice

Notes for Class of 2011 Orientation Day (May 30, 2009)

May 30, 2009 | Academics, Admissions, News, Student Life | No Comments

As the current school year comes to a close, we hope the year has brought you success and new discoveries in your studies. The second year for the Gatton Academy has brought numerous successes to the staff and student body. It has been a wonderful learning experience that we look forward to continuing with the Class of 2011. We hope you share our enthusiasm about the infinite possibilities that are ahead.

Now that we have received your Statement of Commitment, please review the enclosed materials in preparation for the May 30, 2009, Gatton Academy Orientation Day. The day’s events will begin at 11 a.m. CDT with a cookout behind Schneider Hall. Sessions will finish by 3 p.m. Parking is available in the parking structure adjacent to Schneider Hall.

Please RSVP for Orientation online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com. Please include numbers for all members of your party so that we may order the correct amount of food.   Please RSVP no later than Monday, May 25, 2009.

Please return all forms noted in this message on Orientation Day. If you are unable to attend, please return the forms by mail as soon as possible.

The Permission to Release Education Record Information is a release of privacy regarding your grades and other information that is granted to college students. Because Gatton Academy students are still in pursuit of a high school diploma, we must ensure that parental oversight is still in place.

The Residence Hall Survey of Interest will allow us to create suitable roommate matches for incoming students. If you already have a roommate in mind, you may request that person; however, both students must make the request on their form.

Please download a copy of the Gatton Academy Student Handbook. The handbook contains information regarding academics, residential life policies, and other expectations for Academy students. You will review an updated handbook on May 30th with Gatton Academy staff members. You will also receive a printed copy of the handbook on Orientation Day as well. Any questions or concerns regarding handbook policies may be addressed at that time. You will sign the Student Handbook Acceptance Form on Orientation Day.

Several WKU professors are conducting an examination of Gatton Academy students’ social cognitive characteristics. Having gifted students in this environment is ripe for exploration and will allow the Gatton Academy to contribute to the body of research being conducted at similar institutions around the country. The Informed Consent Document should be signed by you and your parent if you wish to participate in this important study.

In order to effectively communicate with Academy students, we will begin utilizing email on a regular basis through the students’ WKU issued email address. Now that students have been admitted to the Gatton Academy, WKU has issued a WKU Email address to each student. It is extremely important that you check your WKU email account often for important notices and details on upcoming events. This email address will be utilized daily during your time at the Gatton Academy. WKU’s Information Technology Division has a useful tutorial on setting up your email account online.

1. Go to http://www.wku.edu/infotech/.
2. Under “Administrative Systems and Applications” click “Email.”
3. Begin with “Manage Email Account” and proceed to “Getting Started.”

Most students have been registered for their fall classes. Students may view their schedule online using TopNet. TopNet has a variety of features and is the hub of a student’s WKU account, including billing, final grades to name a few. Students are not to alter their schedule using TopNet. Only Academy staff members may add or drop courses for students. To learn more about TopNet, follow these steps:

1. Go to http://topnet.wku.edu/.
2. When you log-in for the first time, you should use the last six digits of your Social Security Number as the PIN. You will be prompted to establish a new PIN once logged-in.
3. Additional TopNet help is available by clicking “Not sure how to login? Please click here to find out more.”

Once you have received grades for the spring 2009 term, it is imperative that you send an updated transcript to the Academy office. Additionally, as Advanced Placement (AP) test scores arrive later this summer, students should inform the Academy of scores for which you seek credit at WKU. Please note, to receive credit an official score report must be submitted to WKU, not a photocopy to the Academy office. Students who receive credit for courses will have your fall 2009 schedules modified as needed by Academy staff members.

Finally, the Office of Admissions at WKU has requested that all students have an official ACT or SAT score report on file with the university. When taking either test, many of you have already requested those scores be sent to WKU. For students who submitted older scores to the Academy or did not list WKU as a recipient school, you will need to request an official score report. Reports may be ordered online:

ACT – http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/index.html
SAT – http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/scores.html

We are excited that you have chosen to take this step in your academic career. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy office. We hope to make your transition this fall as smooth and rewarding as possible. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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By Corey Alderdice

Bored This Summer? Consider Taking a Math or Science Class Through Kentucky Virtual Schools.

May 22, 2009 | Academics, Admissions, News | No Comments

One of the most frequent questions we receive at the Academy is from parents and students who are not yet on track to complete Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year.  This question is simple: how can we do it?  One of the best options is to consider taking a class through the Kentucky Virtual Schools, an online option that offers courses in the summer and fall semesters.    Learn more about KVS from a message they send to counselors reprinted below:

Registration has been extended for Summer 2009 courses offered by the Kentucky Virtual High School.  Students from schools throughout Kentucky are taking interesting and challenging courses online through KVHS.  With approval of their local school, students may take courses that are not taught in their building or that do not fit into their busy schedules.  Because these courses are available on the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, students can work from school, from a library and from home — from any Internet-connected computer to which they have regular access.  KVHS courses are taught by Kentucky-certified teachers and are aligned with the Program of Studies and Core Content.  To see the KVHS Course Catalog for a full description of all KVHS courses, click here.

KVHS Schedule

The Kentucky Virtual High School Summer 2009 Session Schedule is as follows:

Registration Ends:                                                   June 3, 2009

Classes Begin:                                                           June 8, 2009

Last day to withdraw without a fee:               June 18, 2009

KVHS Fees

KVHS charges fees to recover costs.  The fees for our courses are:

$150 for a credit recovery course*

$150 for .5 credit-valued course*
$300 for a full credit-valued course*

*If a student drops after the official drop date, the full course fee will be assessed.

KVHS Course Materials

Many of our courses include online materials; however, some of them do require that additional ones be purchased.  To view the KVHS Prerequisites and Materials List, click here.  These materials may be purchased online or at any retail store of the student’s choice.  For the convenience of the students of KVHS, we have arranged for materials that are needed to be purchased through Specialty Books by clicking here. The materials may also be ordered by calling Specialty toll free at (800)466-1365 Ext 242.  Be sure to identify yourself as a Kentucky Virtual High School student and the course that you are taking.  Please order your needed course materials as soon as you have made your course selections.  This will eliminate any delay in delivery.

Register Now

Click here to begin the registration process.

If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this email regarding the Kentucky Virtual High School you may call (866)432-0008 toll free in KY or (502)564-4772.

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By Corey Alderdice