21st Century Academies

Distinguished Scholars

Students applying for Distinguished Scholars should have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for the past three semesters. This is the required GPA that needs to be maintained in all 4 years of high school as well.

If you are applying for Distinguished Scholars, there is an extra response in the requirements for your application.

1. You will need to decide which strand you are applying for: Language Arts, Math, Political Science, Science, or Visual Arts.
2. Complete the items listed for that strand (see below or view)
3. You will upload your document(s) in the online application AND you will need to bring copies with you to your interview.
   • When saving files, the file names cannot have spaces and may only be a PDF or JPEG file. It will show an error if you forget to load all the necessary files.
   • Download the English version of the application written response document.
   • Download the Spanish version of the application written response document as well as other requested items that will also be submitted in the application.

Remember that your submission will contribute to the overall evaluation of your application to the Distinguished Scholars Academy. Therefore, you should make every effort to ensure that your submissions are error-free and fulfill the submission guidelines below. Please bring copies of your submissions to your academy interview for discussion.

Language Arts

1. Submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words responding to this question: What does reading and/or writing mean to you?
2. Submit one piece of your own original writing. Your piece can be anything you believe showcases your writing ability and personal voice — short story, poem, chapter from a novel, essay, personal narrative, etc. Your piece should be no more than four pages in length.

Math

1. The YouTube channel “Numberphile” has more than 500 videos on mathematical ideas in a variety of fields and topics. Watch several videos and choose one that captures your interest. Submit a written response of no more than 750 words responding to the following questions: Why did you pick this video? How does it relate to the math you already know? What does it make you want to know more about?

Political Science

“If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” ― Eldridge Cleaver

1. One component of DSPS is looking at societal problems and discussing potential economic, social and political solutions. Submit a written response of no more than 750 words responding to the following question: What do you believe is the largest and most impactful problem for our society today? To answer this prompt, be sure to include an explanation of why it is a problem and a possible solution to the problem.

Science

1. The YouTube channel “It's OK to be Smart” has a variety of videos on several different scientific fields and topics. Watch several videos and choose one that captures your interest. Submit a written response of no more than 750 words responding to the following questions: Why did you pick this video? How does it relate to the science you already know? What does it make you want to know more about?

Visual Arts

1. Submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words responding to this question: What inspires you as an artist?
2. Submit photographs or digital scans of five pieces of your original art. Any form of art is fine, including but not limited to drawings, paintings, photographs, digital artwork, collage or mixed-media, and 3D artwork.

When uploading files, remember that file names cannot have spaces and may only be a PDF or JPEG file. It will also show an error if you forget to load all the necessary files.