A small investment in time will be worth a lot to some high school seniors preparing to go to college. Top students from across Kansas and the country are invited to compete in Wichita State University’s Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) to vie for two of Kansas’ largest annual scholarships and many other scholarship awards.

More than 350 students are expected to compete for the scholarships this year, according to DSI coordinator Marylynn Steichen.

Two outstanding high school seniors will receive $48,000 ($12,000 per year for four years) Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships, which have been awarded for more than 50 years.

The scholarships are awarded to academically strong students with demonstrated leadership ability.

This year’s competition will be held at WSU on Saturday, Nov. 13. High school seniors who have a GPA of at least 3.5 and who have scored at least a 24 on the ACT (or 1,090 on the SAT) are eligible to participate. In order to be invited to the competition, students must be admitted to WSU by Friday, Oct. 1. Students who meet these requirements will receive an invitation with additional instructions.

There will be an optional academic scholarship competition, requiring an additional essay and teacher recommendation, for those students who compete in the DSI. The winner will be awarded up to a $26,000 McGregor Scholarship, based on academics. Faculty members will evaluate the essays.

Interested students should contact the Office of Admissions immediately to find out how to be admitted. Call (316) 978-3085 or 1-800-362-2594 or e-mail admissions@wichita.edu for more information.