Four years ago, I anxiously completed a scholarship application for the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) at Wichita State. As I stared at my screen and prepared to submit the application, I couldn’t help but think, “I’ve got no chance. Why even bother?” But, thanks to the urging of my parents, I reluctantly took a chance and hit submit.

No one knew it at the time, but that application would change my life. A few months later, I was named one of three 2019 Gore Scholars and received a $64,000 scholarship to Wichita State.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that my parents pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to apply for DSI. If I hadn’t applied, I would have missed out on a whirlwind of experiences both during and after DSI, and the opportunity to receive a near full-ride college scholarship!

So, I’m going to share the four main reasons why you should compete in DSI in hopes that you’ll remember the process as fondly as I do.   

This one may seem obvious, but I wanted to point it out anyway. DSI is great chance to compete for some of the largest annual undergraduate scholarships in Kansas. Each year, three $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships are awarded. Additionally, DSI semi-finalists and finalists also receive scholarship packages.

It’s important to note that DSI is more than just a scholarship competition. It’s where many future Shockers establish connections and become part of a strong community of Shocker leaders.

To this day, some of my best friends at Wichita State are people I met through DSI. Plus, I met my college roommate through a friend I made at DSI!

But don’t just take it from me. Here is what other former DSI competitors had to say:

“Not only was DSI a great chance to compete for scholarships, I also met so many bright students including my future roommate!” – Mary Peterson

Besides the scholarship dollars awarded through DSI, competitors can gain valuable experience through the competition. DSI was an excellent opportunity for me to practice answering professional interview questions—many of which were asked during my future job interviews!

DSI is also a great opportunity to learn about your desired degree program and meet Wichita State faculty and staff. During DSI, I had the opportunity to attend an academic session with other students interested in the same major as me.

During this session, I was able to meet faculty members in the program and ask them any questions I had about the degree. This allowed me to have a better understanding of the program I was interested in and eased my nerves about starting college.

If you’re anything like me, you read this blog and are still nervous and unsure about competing in DSI. My biggest piece of advice is to just take the leap of faith and compete anyway. When I applied to DSI, I thought I had absolutely no chance of receiving any scholarship and certainly did not expect to make friends in the process. But I did, and you can, too!

If you want to compete in DSI, you must apply to Wichita State before Nov. 1. Once you’re admitted, complete and submit your scholarship application. Don't miss it!