The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a unique opportunity for some of the Commonwealth’s brightest high school students.  This page contains relevant details for prospective students and their families.  Members of the Gatton Academy staff are available to answer questions via email at academy@wku.edu or by telephone at 270.745.6565.

ACT/SAT Exam

All students who wish to apply for the Gatton Academy must have taken either the ACT or SAT before submitting their application.  The Gatton Academy recommends students take the exam at least once during their sophomore year so that scores reflect the current aptitude of the student. 

ACT and SAT dates for the 2007-08 admissions cycle are listed below. To assure the Gatton Academy admissions office receives score in time for the admissions deadline for the Class of 2010, the final opportunity to take the ACT will be December 8, 2007, while the last opportunity to take the SAT will be January 26, 2008 .  The Gatton Academy currently does not require the Writing exam on either test.

Please submit SAT and ACT scores directly to WKU when registering for the test. Submit ACT scores to code 1562. Submit SAT scores to code 1901.

Students may register after the deadline for each test; however, an additional late registration fee applies.

Take Challenging Courses

Rigor is at the heart of the Gatton Academy academic curriculum.  As such, it is important that prospective students seek challenge in their coursework leading up to admission to the Gatton Academy.  Middle school students should consider taking Algebra I by the eighth grade so they can complete both Geometry and Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year.  Even though some schools limit Advanced Placement options to freshmen and sophomore students, all available opportunities for advanced and honors courses should be sought.  All students applying to the Academy in their sophomore year must have completed Algebra II.

Information Sessions

Gatton Academy representatives will conduct over twenty information sessions across Kentucky during Fall 2007. Information sessions are a wonderful opportunity to speak with Gatton Academy staff members face-to-face without having to travel to Bowling Green. Dates and times for upcoming Information Sessions are available on the Calendar page of the website.

Preview Days

In order to allow students and parents the opportunity to experience the Gatton Academy living/learning environment, the Gatton Academy is pleased to announce that preview days will be held in Fall 2007 and Winter 2008.  Middle and high school students and their families are invited to attend Preview Days to tour Schneider Hall, speak with Gatton Academy students, their parents, and staff while experiencing life within the Gatton Academy community.  Please RSVP no later than the Thursday before a Preview Day.

2007-08 Dates
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Saturday, February 2, 2008

Admissions

The Gatton Academy admits up to 60 Kentucky residents each year with equal division between male and female students for a total of 120 students. Gatton Academy students will be high school sophomores who have completed Geometry, Algebra I, and Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year. Students are selected based on SAT or ACT scores; academic grades from seventh through tenth grades; interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and math; student responses to application essay questions; interviews by Academy staff members; and recommendations from teachers and a counselor.

Since this is a residential school environment, family support is also considered.

The Student Admissions Packet for the Class of 2010 will be available mid-August 2007.  Additional information regarding admissions is available by visiting the Admissions page of the Gatton Academy website.