FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas is recruiting eligible students for its Gifted and Talented Scholars program. Gifted and Talented Scholars represent a select group of students in grades 6-12 with exceptional academic ability and potential.

The deadline for application for membership is Dec. 15 and must show evidence of high academic ability and achievement.

Nomination requirements are that students be in grades 6-12, and meet two or more of the following criteria:

·        Scored in the 90th percentile or above on one or more of the major content areas or ability sections of a nationally standardized test (i.e. ITBS or SAT9).

·        Identified as gifted and/or have participated in a school gifted program.

·        Past or current participant in a talent identification program, such as Duke University’s TIP, Southern Methodist University Talented and Gifted Program (TAG), The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CYT), etc.

·        National Honor Society member.

·        3.5 grade point average or above in all Pre-AP, AP and/or honors coursework.

Selected students are recognized at a special Gifted & Talented Scholars Convocation in the spring. Membership privileges include a close association with the University of Arkansas’ nationally renowned Honors College, special mailings, a semi-annual newsletter, a Razorback membership card and a certificate of distinction. Lifetime membership status is established with a one-time initiation fee of $25.

The University of Arkansas Gifted & Talented Scholars program was established in 2003 to acknowledge the best and brightest youth throughout the state of Arkansas. Since its formation, more than 2,000 students from 40 Arkansas counties have participated in the program. These students represent public schools, private schools and home schools across the state.

This year, the program is inviting students of outstanding academic ability from other states to become Gifted and Talented Scholars. Non-resident students are being encouraged to join this prestigious program, designed to encourage college academic preparation.

The Gifted and Talented Scholars program is one of eight diverse pre-college programs at the University of Arkansas. Collectively, these programs seek to identify, challenge, and enrich prospective college students for the rigors of higher education.

To learn more about the University of Arkansas Gifted and Talented Scholars program, visit the Web site at http://gtscholars.uark.edu.