Admissions

Students typically apply for admission to the Southwest Virginia Governor's School in the spring of their sophomore year. All applicants must complete the ENTIRE SWVGS Application Packet as well as any other requirements specific to their own school division. Applications are reviewed by selection committees in each participating school division. The selection committees consider standardized test scores, academic achievement, especially in math and science, teacher recommendations, and demonstrated interest in science and mathematics when evaluating and ranking student applications.

Students who:

are making A's with little effort
want to cover material at a faster pace
would like to have time to investigate ideas
would like to take rigorous science and math classes
want to be in a school that celebrates academic achievement and celebrates talented students just as much as talented athletes
want to choose courses that go beyond graduation requirements
want the experience of completing an independent, advanced scientific research project
want to optimize learning opportunities
want to attend a school filled with friends who have similar interests and goals
are looking for an academic challenge
are ready to take college classes

... should apply to SWVGS.

When Applying Students Should:

Discuss the opportunity with parents, school counselor, gifted resource teacher, and other trusted individuals.
Attend the field trip to visit and tour SWVGS.
Complete the entire online New River Community College application including the In-State Tuition Rates page even though you will not pay tuition.
Ask a school counselor to complete the Student Record form and the School Recommendation form.
Ask three teachers - 1 math teacher, 1 science teacher, and 1 teacher of any other subject of your choice - to provide recommendations for you using the Faculty Recommendation forms.
Return the application and recommendation forms a guidance counselor or gifted resource teacher. The counselor will forward the completed application packet to the school division selection committee.

Make sure the ENTIRE application and recommendation forms are completed and in the hands of your school counselor or gifted resource teacher by application deadline set for your specific school division.

Other frequently asked questions are answered here.