Distinguished Scholars Program
The HCHS Distinguished Scholars Program (DSP) offers gifted students the opportunity to study in an interdisciplinary environment comprised of a rigorous research- and experience-based curriculum. This Program serves students who are passionate about learning - learning in general and learning in a specific area. Within the Christian worldview framework, the Distinguished Scholar develops innovative research and discovery skills based upon recognized works.
As a mentored academic research program, DSP requires the Distinguished Scholars to produce a thesis prior to their graduating from HCHS. Through academic study and guidance, Distinguished Scholars identify a problem statement, access academic/scholarly databases in order to gather literature to prepare a thorough written review of related literature, state a hypothesis, create a research design to test that hypothesis, employ the design, gather & analyze data, and then present their conclusions and recommendations in a formal setting during senior year. Learning extends beyond the classroom as Scholars engage in a professional experience, which requires them to partner with either a professor or a professional who has expertise in the Scholar's unique interest. The professional experience spans three weeks and is completed no later than fall of senior year. At that time, Scholars will have also taken at least one national college/university tour and traveled to an international or national site that supports the Scholar's research and/or professional interests. While on campus, Scholars develop their public speaking and leadership skills via quarterly DSP Research Presentations, Brown Bag Lunches featuring guests representing various professions, and monthly Fun 'n' Fellowships.
Alumni Distinguished Scholars are now applying their knowledge, skills, and abilities at Barnard College, Duke University, Northeastern University, United States Military Academy, University of Texas—Austin PLAN II, University of Texas—Austin College of Liberal Arts Honors, and Wheaton College.
Why should a student become a Distinguished Scholar?
- Develop the self in order to fulfull vocation
- Mentor with professor or professional
- Interact with other cultures via travel and research
- Enhance self-discipline, higher-level reasoning skills
- Special assistance in college placement
- Seminars featuring guest lecturers
- Fun and fellowship with fellow Scholars
- Gain research skills that are useful in college and in life
- Capitalize on individual strengths and weaknessess
- Guided tours of nation's prestigious colleges and universities
- Individual attention and focus
- Published senior research product and biography
- Leadership
- Public speaking opportunities
Distinguished Scholars Program: Admissions and Eligibility Criteria
Who are the students who can apply for admittance?
Students who are in grades 8, 9, & 10 during the current school year are eligible to apply for candidacy.
What are the qualifications for candidacy?
- Standardized test score in the 75%ile or higher
- Overal GPA of 3.0
- Writing sample that satisfies established standards (rubric)
- Submitted HCHS Application with English and Math Teacher recommendations of "superior" or "high average" on General Academic Ability and "consistently" or "usually" on a majority of Social Skills
- Interview, along with parent(s), with DSP Director
- A third recommendation from a teacher other than English and Math or private instructor in the student's area of research
- Include footage of fine arts performances or photos of original artwork for those students who wish to pursue research in the arts (optional)
How does a student obtain an application for admission to the Distinguished Scholars Program?
- Download the DSP Application located in the DSP File Gallery
- Submit a request to the HCHS Distinguished Scholars Program
Where does a student submit her or his DSP application?
Applications for enrollment are submitted to the Director of Distinguished Scholars Program.
When do students apply for admittance?
Students wanting to receive priority consideration for candidacy must apply no later than January 31. Priority consideration means that applicants are guaranteed an interview prior to March 1.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7, NIV