The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science is a two-year program that focuses on strengthening gifted students’ STEM skills. It is located on the WKU campus, and the program aims to help students “conduct research with professors, study abroad, and attend college classes.” So, how does someone get into something like this, and how do they feel about it? 

     Standing in the back hallway upstairs, Shiloh Peterson, a sophomore, explained,  “Before I got accepted, I really wanted to make sure that I got all of my recommendations in and wrote all of my essays by a certain point. I wanted to get it all done by winter break. I didn’t actually do that because all of my teachers didn’t complete my recommendations until after.” Peterson stated that the hardest goal to fulfill was “probably getting all of my recommendations in.” She added, “There were some points where I wasn’t very motivated. But, honestly, I just kept thinking about the opportunities that came along with Gatton.”

     When she spoke about how she felt being accepted, she said, “It just felt like a new page for me, and I was really excited for the future.” Peterson explained she was most excited for “living in a dorm and decorating.” She spoke more in-depth about her expectations, saying that she could travel to Costa Rica, England, and Hawaii for free, and she will receive an associate’s degree by the end of the program.

     Finally, she spoke about how this will likely affect her future saying, “I think it will give me a headstart with college, and I can transfer to any college in Kentucky for free. It’s two years of college off my back.” When asked about her plans post graduation, she responded, “I want to go into dermatology. So, hopefully I can get my pre-med degree at Gatton, and then, I can transfer after.”