Academic Scholarship

Academic Scholarship Criteria

Students applying for academic scholarships should show a range of advanced analytical, critical and creative thinking skills essential to achieving success in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Scholarship candidates should show evidence of participation in rigorous learning and enrichment experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

Selection of academic scholars is based on the results of past academic performance indicated by school reports, letters of recommendation, testing, portfolios and interviews coordinated by the Discovery College scholarships committee. Students coming from the MYP curriculum are expected to have a score of 46 across all eight subjects (excluding Personal Project); students in the DP curriculum are expected to have a score of 35 across six subjects (excluding TOK and Extended Essay). New applicants should have a Semester 1 grade at or above the minimum listed above.

In addition to school performance, academic scholarship applicants will also be asked to sit an external scholarship examination. The scholarship examination includes individual assessments in the areas of mathematics, language, writing and academic potential. Each test will last approximately 30-40 minutes. A score in the top twenty percent on this examination is expected in order for the student to be invited to an interview with the scholarship committee.

Scholarship students should be able to present themselves as well rounded individuals who participate in activities and community service outside the school environment. Demonstrated leadership ability will also be closely looked at by the scholarship committee.

Please note, scholarship applications are reviewed and examinations scheduled promptly; following the exam, short-listed candidates are invited for an interview with the scholarship committee at the College. In addition to the documents required of all scholarship applicants, academic scholarship applicants must also submit a fee of $650 to support the cost of the scholarship assessment administration. Cheques should be made payable to Discovery College.

Other Criteria:

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship award at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external candidates are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements:

Once awarded, academic scholarship recipients are expected to maintain an exemplary standard in their academic pursuits and commitment to Discovery College. Students in the MYP curriculum are expected to have a minimum average score of 46 across all eight subjects (excluding Personal Project) across Semester 1 and 2 grades; students in the DP curriculum are expected to have a minimum average score of 35 across six subjects (excluding TOK and Extended Essay) across Semester 1 and 2 grades. It is compulsory for recipients to be active participants in College activities and community service initiatives through the end of Year 13.

Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Commitment to the College and academic pursuits will be monitored by the assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.