Top Students Focus on the Future at GSP/GSA Day
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2011) — Top high school students from across the state could have visions of honors classes, undergraduate research and performing arts opportunities dancing in their heads during the rest of their winter breaks.
That's because some of the state’s best and brightest high school seniors and their families gathered in Lexington Monday, Dec. 19, for the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP)/Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) Day.
The annual event gives high school students who spent the past summer at GSP or GSA the chance to reunite while learning how UK can help them achieve their dreams at the next level.
"More top students are selecting UK than ever before," said Don Witt, vice provost for enrollment management. "The GSP/GSA Day is a direct reflection that UK is a school of choice for these excellent scholars."
Officials say around 500 prospective students attended this year's event. "It was an exciting day that brought together some of Kentucky’s best students and showcased the incredible amount of opportunities the University of Kentucky has to offer these top students," said Rachel Bolin, assistant director of admissions for recruitment.
The students who attended relished being able to see old friends again.
"It's great to be here at UK and reunited with my favorite people," Alexis Caddell, a high school senior from Boone County, said.
Kyle Richardson of Williamsburg looked forward to seeing familiar faces throughout the day. "This event just brings everyone together," Richardson said.
"I get to see friends that I haven't' seen since summer; it's just fantastic to be able to get together like this," said Taylor Cornett, a high school senior from Marion County.
It wasn't just about catching up with each other, though. Students received admissions and financial aid information along with news that their completion of the GSP/GSA programs automatically means they can receive the GSP/GSA Provost Scholarship, contingent upon admission to UK. This scholarship provides a $1,500 award, and is renewable for four years.
GSP/GSA students who are admitted to UK and earn a minimum 1250 SAT (M+CR) or 28 ACT and a 3.30 unweighted high school grade point average will receive a Presidential Scholarship, which provides in-state tuition and mandatory registration fees for up to four years of undergraduate study.
In addition, staff told them about competitive scholarships to apply for by the Jan. 15 deadline.
Students and their families visited booths at a special academic fair designed to give them a greater understanding of academic, research, and various extracurricular opportunities available to them at UK.
President Eli Capilouto also spoke to the entire audience gathered in the Concert Hall of the Singletary Center about the high-quality faculty students would be able to interact with on a daily basis on the UK campus. Students and their families also heard from Vice President for Institutional Diversity Judy "J.J." Jackson.
Students who attended say the full schedule really helped them get a better feel for how they might fit in on UK's campus.
"It's a great way to familiarize myself with campus," said Chad West, a high school senior from Monticello.
For Alexis Caddis, it's the first opportunity she's had to visit UK. "I haven't done a campus visit yet, so it's a great opportunity to see the university," she said.
Beyond experiencing campus and hearing from UK administrators, the high school students also had the chance to talk to current UK students who were in their shoes just a year ago. That's because current Wildcats who attended GSP or GSA when they were in high school took time out of their holiday breaks to answer questions during a special student panel.
"Our goal is to continue the strong tradition of GSP/GSA even after the student matriculates to UK," Witt said. "Specifically, we have formed the UK GSP/GSA Alumni Club, which will allow students to continue their goals of leadership and service while pursuing their academic interests."
The attendees enjoyed a lunch and optional campus tours during the afternoon before returning back to their hometowns.
To view a complete album of photographs from this event on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264389500289937.69728.223335754395312&type=1
For more information on undergraduate admissions at UK, visit: www.applyuk.com.
To watch videos on how to apply for admission, financial aid, and/or scholarships at UK, visit: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBB5CDD3B0C08D246.
