<p>My specific situation is that as a sophomore in high school, I have the opportunity to apply to a special school in our state called the Gatton Academy. You would live on a college campus, and take courses with regular college students while still being counted as enrolled in high school. I’m weighing my options for this and I know there are other highschools just like this in other states. I would just like your guys’ opinion.</p>
<p>I think it would be a great experience, but are you willing to give up two years of high school? Despite all of the bad teachers, and lectures that put you to sleep, you can get a lot out of your high school experience.</p>
<p>Also, prepare to be extremely stressed out over grades. I took a MVC course at my local CC this summer. Our first test had an 16 Fs out of a 25 person class, and the professor didn’t curve it at all. Do not expect any grade inflation as you would in high school.</p>
<p>I also looked into Gatton Academy and decided against it. I found I would he Better opportunities at my High school. At Gatton,you get no extra curriculars and that will really hurt you college admission wise. I know two people who attend Gatton,and they both say it is hell. It is like a prison,and people who were top of their class sophomore year are making Cs their junior year. I wouldn’t do it.</p>
<p>I’ve considered the fact of extracurriculars, and it makes me quite sad. However, I’m able to continue some of my favorites (KYA and academic team) while there, but not lacrosse.
And I have also talked to alumni of there, and the perspective I always got was that they quit because it was hard. I’ve never heard the prison comparison, but I could believe it.</p>
<p>The extra curriculars really also depend on where your home school is. If you are from Bowling Green, it is one thing. But I’m from the other side of the state, so it’s not really feasible.
It is hard; no one could deny that. I mean, you are taking college classes years ago. My acquaintances that go there say that there are mandatory study hours (which I also read in the handbook) and that you are watched like a hawk constantly. I do think the program has plus sides; I mean, you really are one of the academically elite, and you get the college credit hours and research/intern opportunities, but you are losing a lot of what colleges look for in applicants. If you apply to WKU sure, they will understand. But what about Harvard? Yale? Will they understand what Gatton is and why you have few extra curriculars and such? It’s really something to think about. Good luck.</p>
<p>Has anyone applied before or know more about the essays or interview process?</p>
<p>I know nothing about this school, but my gut reaction would be no. In eighth grade, I applied and was accepted to a rigorous prep school in the next town, and whenever I think about it, I’m so thankful we didn’t get enough finaid for me to go there. I’m fairly certain I would have been miserable. It’s not worth it to kill yourself in high school… it’s just not. Do what’s going to make you happy.</p>
<p>This sounds like the worse possible situation on earth…don’t do it.</p>
<p>It depends on your high school. My opinion is that if your high school doesn’t offer many AP/IB courses or doesn’t seem challenging enough, go for it. I’ve heard great things from several kids in my area who did the same thing for a different school. Maybe you could stay at your high school for an extra year, then decide if you can handle it? I’m sure with enough effort it is possible, but you also have to consider all of the free time that you are giving up.</p>
<p>I hate to bring this topic back to life, but I was just accepted to the Gatton Academy. A lot has changed since 2011! Now they allow more clubs and opportunities for extracurriculars! Also, when you go to apply to colleges what looks better; ten AP classes or sixty college credit hours and undergraduate research? If there are any students thinking about applying to Gatton, I say do it!</p>