AT Scholars Program

The Purdue University Department of Health and Kinesiology offers an AT Scholars Program. This program is designed to recruit highly qualified high school students to our MSAT Program by offering the opportunity for early admission. Students who are accepted into the AT Scholars Program are guaranteed a position in the MSAT program if they successfully complete the required prerequisite courses and maintain the academic standards of the AT Scholars Program.  Scholars who bring degree-applicable AP or dual credit to Purdue from high school may be able to complete their undergraduate coursework in a 3-year period and enter the MSAT program in their fourth year of college.  Others may require 4 years of undergraduate study to complete their undergraduate degree and would enter the graduate MSAT program in year 5 of their studies.

The AT Scholars Program is not associated with any specific scholarships. Undergraduate scholarships are awarded through the Purdue University Division of Financial Aid.

To be a qualified applicant, you must:

  • Possess an outstanding high school academic record defined as:
    • High school GPA greater than or equal to 3.50/4.00
    • Strong science and mathematics background
    • Standardized Tests (must have met the minimum score for either the SAT or the ACT)
      • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1100 out of 1600 (current SAT) with a SAT Math score of at least 550, or
      • American College Test (ACT) composite score of 22 with at least an ACT Math score of 23.
    • Not have a record of academic discipline taken against you during high school. 
  • Submit your undergraduate application to Purdue University- West Lafayette campus. Offers of admission to the AT Scholars Program will be extended only to those applicants who have been accepted to Purdue University - West Lafayette campus. 
  • Complete and submit the AT Scholars application and all supporting materials by the application deadline of March 1st.
  • Participate in a personal web-based interview, if invited.

The Admissions Committee will review your academic record as well as your extracurricular activities, including athletic training observation experiences, work experiences, awards, and evidence of leadership. A holistic review process is used to select applicants who are likely to succeed in the program.

To maintain eligibility as a AT Scholar as you progress through your undergraduate studies at Purdue, you must:

  • Continue to maintain your interest in attending our Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Purdue University. 
  • Maintain a cumulative grade point average (4.0 grade scale) greater than or equal to:
    • 3.00 for semesters 1 and 2
    • 3.15 for semesters 3 and 4
    • 3.25 for all additional semesters
  • Complete all athletic training prerequisite courses with a grade of “C-" or better.
  • Not have any academic or conduct disipline incurred during the candidates time at Purdue University. 
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 at the completion of your undergrduate studies with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better in the MSAT prerequisite course requirements.
    • Biology (BIOL 11000 or similar)
    • Chemistry (CHM 11100 or similar)
    • Physics (PHYS 22000 or similar)
    • Human Anatomy (BIOL 20300 or similar)
    • Human Physiology (BIOL 20400 or similar)
    • Psychology (PSY 12000 or similar)
    • Statistics (STAT 30100 or similar)
    • Nutrition (NUTR 30300 or similar)
    • Exercise Physiology (HK 36800 or similar)
    • Biomechanics or Kinesiology (HK 26300 or similar)
    • Medical Terminology (HSCI 13100 or similar)

Once admitted into the program, students must meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. If a student does not meet the academic and performance requirements, the offer of early provisional admission to the MSAT program is void; however, the student may still apply for admission to the MSAT program through the regular application process.

Responsibility for academic advising of the AT Scholars students will remain with the undergraduate advising offices in consultation with the Sports Medicine Concentration Coordinator and the Director of Athletic Training Education for the Department of Health and Kinesiology.  Athletic training faculty mentors will be assigned to the AT Scholars who are expected to meet formally at least once each semester to ensure the Scholar is on track for program entry and to assist them with further defining their career goals.  AT Scholars may have the opportunity to become involved in active research projects with the athletic training faculty during their undergraduate studies. 

Application materials must be submitted on-line by May 1 to the Department of Health and Kinesiology.   The following items are necessary for your application to be considered complete:

  • Application
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation:  1 from a Teacher (preferably a science teacher) and 1 from an Athletic Trainer or Adult Leader of an organization. You will submit contact information for these individuals in your application and they will be sent instructions and materials on how to submit their recommendation.  (Note: Relatives or guardians should not perform personal evaluations).  

(All information submitted by and on behalf of an applicant becomes the property of the Purdue University Department of Health and Kinesiology.)

Timeline:

  • The online application and letters of recommendation must be submitted by May 1 to be considered.
  • Applicants invited for interviews will have their interview once all application materials are submitted.
  • Applicants will receive AT Scholar admissions decisions within one week of an interview.