It is not easy to get into a college/high school program with only 40 slots open. BHS sophomore Emily Linder has the opportunity to get into the Kansas Academy of Math and Science located in Hays, Kansas. KAMS is a two-year program designed for juniors and seniors in high school.

The KAMS program allows students to live on campus and take college courses, primarily in math and science.

“You also have to take Comp 1, Comp 2 and other classes you have to take in high school at the program,” Linder said.

When you finish your junior and senior year, you have the equivalent of your associate degree plus your high school diploma.

KAMS requires at least a 23 on the ACT, and have and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.

“You have to had passed geometry by your sophomore year also. Advantages to this program are that it is free except for board and room, being essentially a free education,” Linder said.

“It is a challenging education if you’re bored in high school or if you classes aren’t making you think hard enough,” she said.

The program is not just for Math and Science. English, Art, Physics etc.. Majors have gone through this program.

“I’ve never really had to study very much in school which worries me when going into the program. The main class I study in is math which is also kinda worrying since it is a math and science based school,” Linder said.

Linder explains certain advantages to going through this program.

“Another advantage to this program is FHSU gives you scholarship opportunities because they know everything you can do and how dedicated you are to school,” she said.

It is not a normal occurrence that at the young of 16 you could be starting college.

“I am a little bit worried because I get homesick easily, I am an only child and I’m going to miss my parents and friends and everyone back here,” Linder said.

School counselor Autumn Weiss thinks Linder will have a great experience.

“I think she will be successful. It is a great opportunity that she will be taking college classes on campus and living there,” Weiss said. “She will have an experience of being a college student as a junior in high school.”

Linder is excited for this amazing opportunity but knows she will have to work harder than before.

“I’ve never really had to study very much in school which worries me when going into the program. The main class I study in is math which is also kinda worrying since it is a math and science based school, but I know if I just work hard in prioritize and schedule everything should be fine,” Linder said.