Distinctive Scholars
Distinctive Scholars
This program is the highest tier to the existing Honors College of Leadership and Service. Only ninth grade students who meet specific criteria including a qualifying PSTA 8/9 score, a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher, and active status in the Honors College Program are invited to apply.
WHY BE A DISTINCTIVE SCHOLAR?
By committing to the requirements to be a Distinctive Scholar, the student can set themselves apart in the classroom by demonstrating not only their commitment to academic rigor and continuous improvement but also a passion for learning while working both collaboratively and independently. The most significant benefit of being a Distinctive Scholar is preferred access to the AP Capstone, a college-level program for high school students that complements and enhances discipline specific AP courses. As a McDowell Distinctive Scholar, the student will also earn additional recognition beyond the AP Capstone Diploma as a student who has excelled In a rigorous, holistic learning environment.
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Flexible Scheduling
- AP Courses (priority)
- Dual Enrollment
- Online learning opportunities
Mentorships
- Career exploration
Service Learning
- Meaningful, reflective, & enriching experiences
AP Capstone Program
- AP Seminar
- AP Research
- Earn AP Capstone Diploma
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- Earning AP Capstone Diploma
- Maintaining a weighted GPA 4.0 or higher
- Enrolling in all honors and/or AP courses
- Completing a minimum of three levels of foreign language
- Producing projects displaying an increased depth of learning
- Engaging in lessons that provide rigor, relevance, and extended depth of knowledge
- Participating in mentorship/shadowing experiences
- Upholding the Pillars of Character
- Participating in meaningful service learning/community service experiences
- Demonstrating leadership in school and the community
- Maintaining strong attendance
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- Biology
- Calculus AB
- Calculus BC
- Chemistry
- Comparative Government & Politics
- Computer Science Principles
- English Language & Composition
- English Literature & Composition
- Environmental Science
- Human Geography
- Macroeconomics
- Physics I
- Physics C
- Psychology
- Research
- Seminar
- Statistics
- Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio
- U.S. Government & Politics
- U.S. History
- U.S. World History (2020-2021)
AP Capstone Description & Structure
AP Capstone Is built on two courses - AP Seminar and AP Research- that immerse students in the practice of critical skills needed to distinguish themselves in college and in life. Earning an AP Capstone Diploma will help the student differentiate themselves to colleges and universities as a student who is prepared with research, writing, and the collaboration skills necessary for the college environment. Successful completion of both AP Seminar and AP Research, along with successful completion of four other AP courses, will allow the student to earn the AP Capstone Diploma.
Grade 10 or 11, three quarter-long course
AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of real-world topics and Issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students learn to synthesize Information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives In written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, students will learn how to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision In order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
Grade 11 or 12, yearlong course
Through the Research course, students will deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or an idea of an individual interest. The students will design, plan and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, students will further the skills learned In the AP Seminar class by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation with oral defense.
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Grade 10 or 11, three quarter-long course
AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of real-world topics and Issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students learn to synthesize Information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives In written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, students will learn how to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision In order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
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Grade 11 or 12, yearlong course
Through the Research course, students will deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or an idea of an individual interest. The students will design, plan and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, students will further the skills learned In the AP Seminar class by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation with oral defense.