COLLEGE NEWS FOR GRADUATING SENIORS

FINAL COLLEGE ADMISSION STEPS: 

• Seniors/Graduates requested their final transcript during our final College Advisory class in May. Final Transcripts will be sent to colleges during the week of June 5.
• Graduates should contact Mrs. Byrne byrnel@dlshs.org and their college counselor if their plans change and they need to update their final transcript request. 
• DLS email/Google drive will expire on July 1 for the Class of 2023. Graduates should download anything that they would like to keep. See the Technology Department’s Schoology post from May 1st for instructions.
• Get your immunization shots this summer if you haven’t already done so (meningitis & hepatitis). Find out if your college will require you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  
• Attend an orientation session as early as is practical. This is essential for general information and to get your classes scheduled for the fall.
• Check your email every week for important information that your college will send to you about financial/loans/scholarships, required orientations and contracts, housing packing and move-in instructions, tuition bills, etc.  

COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLLMENT STEPS:
Make sure that you have completed all enrollment steps for your college. Check your college’s website for step by step directions. These steps must be completed in order to register for fall classes; fall course registration has already begun for community colleges. 

DVC INFORMATION:

• Financial Aid: Complete the FAFSA or add DVC to your FAFSA application and complete the FT3 Pledge to qualify for free tuition reimbursement for first-time, full-time students. 
• Learning Communities: DVC is a large college, therefore students typically benefit from being part of smaller learning communities. Student participation in learning communities correlates with higher academic success and completion of transfer requirements.  
• DVC is offering a 3-week EOPS Summer Institute to help students transition smoothly to community college. Dates: July 24 - August 10, 2023, Monday to Thursday 9:30 am-1:30 pm. Complete online interest form. The program fills quickly and spaces are limited. Once DVC receives your form, staff will follow up with next steps.
• Register for DVC Welcome Day. Choose from Aug 16 (virtual), August 18 (in-person), OR August 19 (in-person). This is a great first step to support the transition to college and a fun way to learn about DVC’s student activities, clubs, resources and how to get involved. Register early! 

COLLEGE NEWS FOR JUNIORS/RISING SENIORS

Juniors Countdown to College - Summer Assignments

Complete the Summer Assignments that include:

1. Finalize your College List and research each of your colleges.
2. Complete Counselor Rec Survey in SCOIR.
3. Research College Cost & Scholarships.
4. Begin College Applications.
5. College Essay brainstorming/journal/rough drafts.

Register for the College Essay Guy (Ethan Sawyer) virtual essay workshops/boot camps this summer. All boot camp sessions are Monday, Wednesday & Friday, and two time options are offered each day at 10-11:30 am or 4-5:30 pm Pacific Time

1. The Personal Statement
   1. Option 1: June 12, 14, 16
   2. Option 2: July 31, August 2, 4
2. How to Answer the UC Personal Insight Questions - July 10, 12, 14
3. College App + Supplemental Essays - August 7, 9, 11

Plan a productive, relaxing summer. Consider applying for Summer Programs and/or DVC Summer Career Academies.

COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR SENIORS: 
All seniors will be scheduled into a required College Advisory class that meets once a week next school year, during 7th period or right after school on an assigned day. Seniors that have another 7th period class will be scheduled for a session outside of 7th period. College Advisory will appear on students’ PowerSchool schedules in August. We will go through each of the steps in the college application process and have some time built in for working on college application tasks.

COLLEGE TESTING:

• The majority of colleges will remain test optional next year. Check FairTest for a list of test optional colleges or “SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities” provided by Compass. Individual college websites will also have specific testing information. 
• All UC and CSU campuses are test-free, meaning that test scores will not be used at all in the admissions process.  
• Some colleges in the Southeast, including public universities in Florida, will require SAT or ACT test scores. Check college websites for current information. 
• For students that decide to test, register directly on the SAT and ACT websites. There is no need to register for the optional writing or essay sections. 

STUDENT-ATHLETES: 

1. Juniors who want to seek recruitment at a NCAA Division I or II level institution must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. 
2. DLS will submit transcripts in June for students who have created an account.
3. Once the Eligibility Center receives the student’s transcript, it begins the certification process, which is finalized when the student graduates from high school. 

ACT/SAT test scores are no longer required for NCAA initial eligibility requirements. GPA and completion of required courses alone will determine eligibility. The NCAA requires that any make-up course work to be considered for NCAA eligibility must be completed before the beginning of senior year.

COLLEGE ADMISSION MARKETING & PRIVATE SERVICES:
Over the past 20 years, the world of college admissions has grown into a big business and many aspects of the process have become susceptible to savvy, sometimes even manipulative, marketing practices. 

We would like to provide some guidance on the following: 

Awards/Honors Received in the Mail: Students and families often ask us about the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), and various other offers that are mailed to students that look quite distinctive and impressive but often come at a high cost. While these are not necessarily scams, they are misleading in how they over exaggerate the honor and the possibility of influencing college admission. The reality is that these invitations are being sent to thousands of students across the country and that they have little influence in the college admission process. With that said, some students have enjoyed the leadership conferences if that is something they are interested in and able to afford. Please read this article from the Los Angeles Times.

Financial/Scholarship Advisers: Often a fancy invitation comes in the mail that sounds like a must-attend seminar to learn about the secrets and steps to gaining scholarships. The seminar is free but once you are in attendance it is a commercial for their paid services. Applying for financial aid and scholarships should not come at a cost to families. Applications are free and information is available online through www.studentaid.gov, www.finaid.org and college financial aid websites.  

Independent/Private College Consultants: As the college admission process became more complex, a cottage industry developed with the intention of helping students and families navigate the application process. Not every high school has specialized, trained, and dedicated college counselors, like De La Salle does, so families seek out specialists outside of their high school. This is not a regulated or licensed industry so there are some reputable consultants and there are some that prey on the fears of students/families (insert operation Varsity Blues and the athletic recruitment/admission scandal). While hiring an independent counselor is not necessary considering the robust DLS College Advisory program, a small percentage of families may choose to do so. We recommend that you select a consultant that is a current member of the HECA or IECA associations and who has a background of having worked in college admissions counseling either at the university or high school level prior to their work as an independent consultant. In addition, you may have an option to purchase a full program or a la carte services and we advise that you consider what is offered through DLS prior to selecting a program/service.

VIP/Fast Apps: Some colleges may send your son invitations to apply using their quick, easy, and sometimes free Priority/VIP applications. This is a marketing tool for colleges to drive up their applications. It may not benefit your son by using it to apply, even though they make it sound like they’ll likely be accepted. The reality is that acceptance is not guaranteed. They may make it easier to submit by waiving the letter of rec or essay requirements but these are two components that can usually help. If they offer a fee waiver they must also waive the fee if applying via the Common App. If your son’s colleges also accept the Common App, please have him use it instead of these applications! 

COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS

SENIOR ALERT & FINAL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS STEPS:  

• Final College Advisory classes meet the week of May 1-5. All seniors are required to attend to complete final steps, including their final transcript request and the Counseling Department Exit Survey. See May 1 Checklist.
• Final transcripts will be sent to colleges after grades are finalized in early June. Seniors who are later accepted from a waitlist and choose to attend a different college than initially planned should notify the De La Salle Registrar, Mrs. Byrne (byrnel@dlshs.org) to request a final transcript be sent. 

COLLEGE PLACEMENT EXAMS:

• University of California: Seniors who will attend UC campuses will be required to satisfy the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). Visit your campus web page to learn about campus-specific guidelines for meeting the EWLR: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz. Also, check for updates and/or emails from your UC campus about the ELWR. 
• California State University: CSU campuses use multiple measures to determine which first-year English and Math courses are right for each student. Factors known as multiple measures are used to evaluate each student's academic preparation in these subjects. Multiple measures include SAT, ACT, AP scores, high school GPA, and high school coursework. Check your campus web portal for more information and instructions. 
• Private and Out-of-State Colleges: Students attending private college or out-of-state public university should check with their chosen college about placement tests that may be required.

REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION, ACCEPT FINANCIAL AID OFFER, APPLY FOR HOUSING: 

• Seniors, as you make plans to head off to college, remember to read and respond to everything that your college sends you. Finalizing housing and financial arrangements, registering for orientation (the sooner the better in most cases), and getting needed vaccinations, etc. are all important parts of getting off to a successful start. 
• Check your college's website for current information about this year's orientation and other preparations for the fall semester.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES - ENROLLMENT STEPS:

• Seniors who did not attend Community College Advisory in February and are interested in attending a community college are advised to contact their college counselor and check community colleges' websites for enrollment steps. See below for DVC enrollment steps. 
• DVC: For students who have not completed all of their DVC enrollment steps, plan on attending the one-day express registration event on May 7 at DVC. Register ASAP here (space is limited).
• Graduating seniors who completed all of the enrollment steps (See Class of 2023 DVC Enrollment Guide for complete instructions) should have received priority registration status, which they will have for all remaining semesters at DVC and will be able to register as early as Friday, May 5. 

COLLEGE NEWS FOR JUNIORS

COLLEGE ADVISORY:
We had three College Advisory for Juniors sessions this semester. Juniors were provided with summer assignments to work on so that they can get a jump start on the application process.

• Week 1 in February: “Exploring College Options”
• Week 2 in March: “Build Your College List” 
• Week 3 in April: “Jumpstart Your College Applications”

JUNIORS COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE: SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS

NEXT YEAR:
All rising seniors will be enrolled in a weekly College Advisory class taught by the college counselors for the 2023-24 school year. Classes will be once a week on their assigned day and will meet every week in the fall semester and selected weeks in the spring semester. Seniors receive instructions, guidance, support, and time to complete all aspects of the college application process.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: DLS INSTRUCTIONS
Juniors are encouraged to begin requesting letters of recommendation for their college applications. This will provide teachers the opportunity to work on letters of recommendation over the summer, if possible. 

• April 28: Ask one or two teacher(s) and a counselor in person
• May 1: Add Official Teacher Recommendation Request in SCOIR
• June 15: Complete Teacher Surveys in SCOIR>Me>Surveys
• August 30: Complete the Counselor Selection Survey and the Counselor Rec Survey in SCOIR. Add Activities & Achievements>Me>View Profile

COLLEGE ESSAY/PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHOPS:
We are excited to be a school partner with the College Essay Guy (Ethan Sawyer) to offer rising seniors a number of virtual essay/personal statement workshops this summer. Juniors should sign up for the Personal Statement Bootcamps that Ethan will be conducting as webinars. For those applying to USs, there is an additional UC PIQ Course. Registration information will be emailed to families.

• Personal Statement Boot Camp (one week long): June 12-16, or July 31 - August 4
• UC Personal Insight Questions Boot Camp (one week): July 10-14
• Common App Supplemental Essays Boot Camp (one week): August 7-11
• Diablo Valley College

SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS:
Juniors are invited to explore the possibility of Summer Programs as a valuable addition to their summer activities. These programs offer a variety of new and exciting experiences, and can also help in the college admissions process. Some of these programs have deadlines in March, so it's a good idea to check out possibilities now. 

High School students can apply for and enroll in summer community college courses for enrichment. Students are encouraged to take introductory general education courses. For example, Intro to Sociology; Psychology; Music History; Art History; Humanities. Most community colleges will offer courses online this summer. 

• Diablo Valley College
  • Steps to enroll
  • Summer Career Academies are various week or two-week-long programs specifically aimed towards helping high school students explore areas of interest and career possibilities. These are great hands-on programs with guest speakers and opportunities for internships. Registration is open. The programs fill up quickly, so register soon. 
• College of Siskiyous Early College Credit Program
• UC Berkeley PreCollege
• Stanford
  • Summer Institutes
  • Summer High School Program
• USC Summer Programs for High School Students

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS:
Local volunteer organizations to check out are: 
Volunteer Match Covid-19 Contra Costa County 
Hands on Bay Area
Teens Volunteer
Food Bank of Contra Costa
Monument Crisis Center

SUMMER COLLEGE TOURS:
Athens Advisors, a private tour company, is offering two summer college tours to the Boston and Mid-Atlantic areas. Please note that these tours are sponsored by Athens Advisors, not De La Salle. This is provided for information purposes for anyone interested in organized tours.

SAT AND ACT TESTING:

• Registration links: SAT and ACT
• Many colleges are now test-optional, test-free, or test-flexible. Please refer to FairTest for updated lists and view SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities compiled by Compass Prep.
• Students do not need to sign up for the optional essay/writing sections for SAT or ACT.

STUDENT-ATHLETES:

• Juniors who want to seek recruitment at a NCAA Division I or II level institution must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• De La Salle will submit transcripts in June for students who have created an account.
• Once the Eligibility Center receives the student's transcript, it begins the certification process, which is finalized when the student graduates from high school. 

ACT/SAT test scores are no longer required for NCAA initial eligibility requirements. GPA and completion of required courses alone will determine eligibility. The NCAA requires that any make-up coursework to be considered for NCAA eligibility must be completed before the beginning of senior year.

UPCOMING EVENTS BY CLASS

SENIORS
• Week of March 27: College Advisory required sessions during 7th period or after-school.  

JUNIORS
• Week of March 6: College Advisory for Juniors- Week 2. Check your “DLS College Advisory Juniors” Schoology group for assigned day and resources. 
• Week of April 17: College Advisory for Juniors- Week 3. Check your “DLS College Advisory Juniors” Schoology group for assigned day and resources. 
• Tuesday, April 25: College Preview Night at 6:30 pm on Zoom for juniors and their families. 

SOPHOMORES
• Mid-March: College planning for sophomores' presentations in Religion classes.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS
WACAC COLLEGE FAIRS (in-person)
Sacramento State: Tuesday, April 11 from 6:00-8:00 pm
Dominican University of California: Wednesday, April 12 from 6:00-8:00 pm
Registration Link 

NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
NACAC is hosting virtual college fairs this spring. Find the College for You at NACAC Virtual College Fairs. It's a great way to connect with hundreds of colleges in a short amount of time to learn about majors, scholarship, and more. 

• Sunday, March 19: Virtual College Fair: 1-6 p.m. ET 
• Sunday, April 23: Virtual College Fair: 1-6 p.m. ET 

Registration Link
View this short video for an overview of how to make the most of the virtual college fair experience.

COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS

COMMUNITY COLLEGE/DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE:  

• Three weeks of Community College Advisory were offered in February. Seniors who attended completed applications, web portal setup, online orientation, English and math placement, and registration for Academic Advising (Counseling 95). 
• Students who complete the above steps and complete their Academic Advising by May,  will receive Priority Registration status and be able to register for classes in early May. The Priority Registration status is essential at DVC to get the courses you want and need. Students who qualify for Priority Registration status will have priority for all remaining semesters at DVC. If a student does not qualify for priority registration as an incoming student, they cannot qualify in future semesters.
• If your son did not attend Community College Advisory and is interested in attending DVC/a community college, please contact his college counselor. He will need to get started now and complete the enrollment steps. 
• Complete the FAFSA and list DVC and any other community colleges on your FAFSA.

DVC ENROLLMENT STEPS- DVC Application Instructions:

1. Complete the Spring 2023 AND Summer 2023 online applications. See the Class of 2023 DVC Enrollment Guide for complete instructions.
2. After receiving your DVC ID number via Welcome email, set up your InSite Portal on the DVC website and complete the online orientation. 
3. Complete the Complete Online Placement Process for English and Math and email copy of the transcript to DVCMMAP@dvc.edu.
4. Submit the Special Admissions Form from your InSite Portal.
5. Register for and attend Counseling 95/academic advising. 
6. Register for classes.

Students can visit our DVC/Community College Schoology Group for Community College Advisory Resources: presentation slides with instructions and links.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: 
March is a big month for scholarships. We recommend using these resources to look for scholarships:

• DLS Monthly updated Scholarship List
• National College Search Sites: Fastweb; Scholarships.com; GoingMerry
• College-Based Scholarships: Check each college's Scholarship webpage. For scholarships at CSU campuses, follow this link. 
• Reference these DLS Scholarship Instructions, especially how to request transcripts and letters of recommendation.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): DLS Scholarship Guidelines

• Submit FAFSA online before the California state deadline of March 2. 
• Some merit-based scholarships and awards also require submission of the FAFSA, so it is a good idea for all students to fill it out, even those who feel they won’t qualify for financial aid.  
• If a community college is being considered, be sure to add it to the FAFSA as well. 

 CAL GRANT:
The De La Salle Registrar has sent the GPA verification information to the Cal Grant Program for all seniors. Seniors do NOT need to send in a separate form for this program but must submit their FAFSA by March 2nd in order to be considered for a Cal Grant.

Admitted Student Events
As seniors hear back from their colleges, they are encouraged to participate in “admitted student events” hosted by the colleges where they are accepted. Check college websites and email and mail communications for opportunities to connect with prospective colleges.

College News for Juniors

COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS:
Juniors will attend the second week of College Advisory for Juniors during the week of March 6. Juniors should plan on attending the day of the week listed in their “DLS College Advisory for Juniors” Schoology group. Be sure that they stay on track and complete the assignments. 

SAT and ACT TESTING:

• Registration Links: SAT and ACT. 
• Many colleges are now test-optional, test-free, or test-flexible. Please refer to FairTest for updated lists and view SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities compiled by Compass Prep.
• Students do not need to sign up for the optional essay/writing sections for SAT or ACT.

SPRING VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON COLLEGE TOURS:
Plan now for college tours in person during spring break/summer break.

• Check college websites for tour offerings and calendar reservation systems. 
• For virtual tours: https://www.thecollegetour.com/ and in SCOIR.

COLLEGE PREVIEW NIGHT FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES:
Join us on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:30 pm on Zoom for College Preview Night. Hear from college admissions representatives about their varying admissions processes, how admissions decisions are made, and how two sample applications are reviewed. More information will be emailed to junior families as it gets closer to the event.

SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS: 
Juniors, especially, are invited to explore the possibility of Summer Programs as a valuable addition to their summer activities. These programs offer a variety of new and exciting experiences, and can also help in the college admissions process. Some of these programs have deadlines in March, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities now. 

Students may be interested in enrolling in a Summer College Course for Enrichment:

• UC Berkeley PreCollege 
• Stanford  
  ► Summer Institutes
  ► Summer high school program   
• USC Summer Programs for HS Students 
• Diablo Valley College
  ► Steps to enroll
  ► Summer Career Academies (various week or two-week long programs)
• College of the Siskiyous Early College Credit Program

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS DURING 2023 EASTER BREAK
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for CHS and DLS sophomores and juniors during Easter Break.  Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023. See this Informational Flyer.

Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University

Cost: $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  

Registration:  Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 

Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.
• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 
• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 
• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.

COLLEGE NEWS FOR SOPHOMORES

COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SOPHOMORES:
The Co-Directors of College Counseling will present twice in each Sophomore Religion Classes in mid-March. Sophomores will be introduced to SCOIR and college planning tools and will be assigned to complete an online career and personality assessment, YouScience, during the first week to complete on their own before the second week.

SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS: 
Juniors, especially, are invited to explore the possibility of Pre-College Summer Programs as a valuable addition to their summer activities. These programs offer a variety of new and exciting experiences, and can also help in the college admissions process. Some of these programs have deadlines in March, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities now. 

Students may be interested in enrolling in a Summer College Course for Enrichment:

• UC Berkeley PreCollege 
• Stanford  
  ► Summer Institutes
  ► Summer high school program   
• USC Summer Programs for HS Students 
• Diablo Valley College
  ► Steps to enroll
  ► Summer Career Academies (various week or two-week long programs)
• College of the Siskiyous Early College Credit Program

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS DURING 2023 EASTER BREAK
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for De La Salle and Carondelet HS sophomores and juniors during Easter Break. 
Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023.
See this Informational Flyer.

Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University
Cost: $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  
Registration: Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 
Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.
• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 
• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 
• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.

COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS

College Advisory for Seniors is scheduled for next week, January 17-20.  
Attendance is required for all seniors that applied to 4-year colleges. Seniors will request mid-year transcripts, which include first semester senior year grades. These will be sent to colleges by the end of January. 

Plan ahead: College Advisory meets during the weeks of March 27 and May 1. 

Community College Advisory will begin in February.
Interested students who plan on attending or who are interested in having community college as an option should attend the following programs listed below. 

1. Attend the DVC Enrollment Presentation on Monday, February 13 at 1:30-2:30 pm during 7th period in the Hofmann Center. Representatives from DVC will explain the required steps for enrolling at DVC.   
2. Attend College Advisory sessions offered on February 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & March 1 to complete the Community College application, online orientation, online placement process, and other required steps.

College Web Portals and Communication:

• Students should set up individual accounts (web portals) for each of the colleges that use them, following instructions they will receive from the colleges via email. Students should check them regularly for any to-do items and other communication. 
• Colleges use email to communicate with applicants. It is vital that seniors check email regularly, and that they check their “spam” or “junk mail” folders in case messages end up there. 

Cal State University:
Some campuses (Chico, East Bay, Sacramento, San Bernardino) are still accepting applications. Check this link for the most up-to-date information on which campuses have extended their deadlines.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): 

• The FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration at all colleges & universities. Complete the FAFSA. The California State deadline is March 2, however private and out-of-state colleges may have earlier priority deadlines.  
• The CSS Profile is a second financial aid application required by 400 colleges and universities. Complete the CSS Profile if required by your colleges. Deadlines vary. See this article for everything you need to know about the CSS Profile.
• Check out these helpful resources on financial aid from College Covered: 
  • With the FAFSA® Complete, Get Ready for Your Next Financial Aid Steps: What comes next after completing the FAFSA? 
  • A Breakdown of the Student Aid Report

Cal Grant:
The De La Salle Registrar has sent GPA verification information to the Cal Grant Program for all seniors. Seniors do NOT need to send in a separate form for this program, but must submit their FAFSA by March 2 with at least one California college added to be considered for a Cal Grant.

Scholarship Opportunities: 

• Seniors are advised to check the financial aid/scholarship sections of their colleges’ websites to learn about any additional scholarships they may apply for. These tend to be the most generous scholarships. For scholarships at CSU campuses, follow this link for a list.
• Students should also check this Scholarship List.
• Students may also find many scholarships via the internet on Fastweb, Scholarships.com, GoingMerry and other sites. A word of caution: Do not pay for any scholarships or scholarship services. This is a red flag for a possible scam. 

College News for Juniors

Junior Class Meeting on Friday, January 13 
Juniors will meet with college counselors about PSAT scores, upcoming SAT/ACT test dates and registration deadlines, and selecting their College List. PSAT Scores will be available in December, students will receive an email from the College Board with instructions on how to login and access their scores. 

Junior Parents College Planning and Academic Advising Night on Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 pm- zoom
The college counselors will offer an informative presentation to help parents of juniors embark on the college exploration and selection process with their son. Please mark your calendars for this essential meeting. Please note, this meeting will also include the academic advising information for next year’s course selections for junior parents. Zoom link to follow. 

College Advisory for Juniors, January 30- February 3- mandatory
Juniors will attend a total of 3 College Advisory sessions in the spring semester (January/February, March, and April)  taught by the Co-Directors of College Counseling. These meetings are mandatory and will provide juniors with information, instructions, and strategies about researching college options and developing their college list, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the fall.

Juniors will be assigned a day to attend a College Advisory session during the week of January 30.  These sessions will be during 7th period or after-school (for students who have a 7th per. class). Additional College Advisory sessions will be in March and April.   

SAT/ACT Testing Advice for Juniors
Be Informed: There continues to be a growing number of colleges, now at 80% of major four-year colleges, that have test-optional or test-free admission policies.   For the most up-to-date list of colleges that are test-optional, please check FairTest. Please see list of SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities. Students can also check specific college websites for more information.  Many colleges are test-optional for scholarships as well, although there are some colleges (especially those located iin the Southeast) that may use test scores for scholarship purposes.

Decide: Students may now decide that they 1) Do not want to take the SAT/ACT  2) Want to take the SAT/ACT

• If students are not strong test-takers then they may decide not to take official SAT/ACT tests and apply test-optional/test-free to colleges and universities. This allows a student to focus on their coursework and strong grades.  
• We recommend that juniors assess their PSAT scores to help them decide whether to proceed with taking the SAT and/or ACT in the spring. If a student scored above DLS average- 1200 or higher- or if a student plans to apply to colleges that require testilng, we recommend preceding with SAT/ACT testing. 

Plan: If a student wants to test, they should register now for Spring test dates (March/May/June). There are less test locations and test dates fill up quickly, so it is best to register now/December.  Students should create accounts at www.sat.org and www.actstudent.org to register.  It is recommended to try both the SAT and ACT.

• After scores are available, compare the SAT and ACT score and determine which was strongest and focus on that test, prep during the summer, and retake the exam in early fall of senior year (August/September/October) for their best score.
• Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can in their coursework, we recommend holding off on formal prep that may take away from their current studies. We recommend doing any formal prep and/or studying for SAT/ACT during the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus on either SAT or ACT. There are free online study tools available through Khan Academy (for SAT) and on the ACT website.

Preparing for the College Admission Process- Parents from Challenge Success
De La Salle partners with Challenge Success

Blog Post: “What Students Might Not Believe About the College Admissions Process” 

Whether you are worried you might be putting too much pressure on your child during the college admissions process or if you want to educate yourself on what the research says about college selectivity, these resources are for you: from students’ frustration with the impossibility of meeting all college admissions expectations to how to think about an intentional approach to the admissions process. 

COLLEGE NEWS FOR FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES

Frosh/Soph College Night on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom 
Freshman and Sophomore students and their families are invited to attend this presentation given by Mrs. Sciacca and Ms. Lopez. The DLS Co-Directors of College Counseling are college admission professionals with extensive experience in guiding students through the college exploration, selection, and application process. Information will be geared to students in the 9th and 10th grade as they prepare for their future plans and goals.

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS DURING 2023 EASTER BREAK
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for De La Salle and Carondelet Sophomores and Juniors during Easter Break. Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023. See this Informational Flyer.

Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University

Cost: $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  

Registration: Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 

Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.
• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 
• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 
• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.

December 2022 - College Center News

Congratulations to our seniors for submitting their UC/CSU and many early applications!

College Counselors Update
A HUGE THANK YOU to Mrs. Janet Appel who served as interim Co-Director of College Counseling from August 1-December 2.  This is a crucial time in our seniors application process and she was essential in helping the Class of 2023 learn about all the various and complex steps to apply to college.  She transitioned seamlessly back into co-teaching College Advisory class, meeting individually with students, and supporting parents. We couldn’t have done it without her!

Mrs. Lisa Sciacca will return on Monday, December 5 as we close out the fall semester and begin planning for spring semester.  We are excited to welcome her back. 
 

COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS

College Advisory 

• We completed 15 weeks of College Advisory this semester!  We will not meet for the remainder of the fall semester. Students can drop-in or request an appointment to meet with Mrs. Sciacca  or Mrs. Lopez
• We will have 3 mandatory College Advisory sessions during spring semester in January, March, and May.
• We will have 3-4 College Advisory sessions during Feb/March for students applying to community colleges. 

Applications

• While many students have submitted at least one application at this point, there remains many more applications that must still be completed and submitted.  Our hope is that students complete all remaining applications before the end of Christmas Break.  
• UC applications and most CSU applications were due on November 30.  There are some non-impacted CSU campuses that may have later deadlines; check deadlines. 
• After Submitting:  students should set up individual accounts (web portals) for each of the colleges that provide them, following instructions they will receive from the colleges via email and check them regularly for any to-do items and other communication. Note: College web portals are not automatically updated, they may indicate that a school; letter of recommendation, transcript, etc is missing when in fact it has been sent but the college may take 2-3 weeks to process and update received on the web portal. Students can check SCOIR>My Colleges>Select College and scroll down to Application Documents status to view what was sent and the date submitted.

Recommended Reading: 12 Ways to Reduce Stress During the College Admissions Process

Communication with Colleges

• Colleges use email to communicate with applicants. It's vital that seniors check email regularly, and that they check their “spam” or “junk mail” folders in case messages end up there. 
• If a student changes his email address, he must notify the colleges. In addition, many colleges provide an ID Number to the student when the application is received. The student is expected to use this number to access his application status on the college’s web portal and to respond to requests for additional information found there.

Letters of Recommendation

• The final deadline for requesting letters of recommendation was October 28. All initial requests for letters should have been made to ensure that they are prepared and submitted on time. Late requests may result in late submissions.  
  • After the initial request, if students have additional colleges to which they have decided to add, they must add the college in SCOIR “Applying” before the college's deadline to ensure on-time submission.
• DLS as a school, including the College Counseling office, will be closed for the Christmas Break and we will not be processing any requests for letters or transcripts at that time.

Submission of School Documents (Transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)

• All School Documents that were requested by Oct. 28, including initial transcripts which include 9-11th grade and Counselor Recommendations (Counselor Secondary School Report, School Profile) will be sent before we leave for Christmas break.
• Teacher Recommendations will be sent by the college’s deadline.  Some teachers may submit letters over the Christmas break.  
• Mid-Year Transcripts- When a student has applied early, they may be deferred to the regular decision applicant pool and asked to have first-semester senior year grades sent.  Students will request mid-year transcripts, which include first-semester senior year grades, in College Advisory during class in January. These will be ready to send by mid-January.  

Financial Aid

• The FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration at all colleges & universities. Complete the FAFSA.  The California State deadline is March 2, however private and out-of-state colleges may have earlier priority deadlines.  
• The CSS Profile is a second financial aid application required by 400 colleges and universities. Complete the CSS Profile if required by your colleges. Deadlines vary.

Scholarships

• Seniors are advised to check the financial aid/scholarship sections of their colleges’ websites to learn about any additional scholarships they may apply for. These tend to be the most generous scholarships.  
• Students should also check the Scholarship List posted in Schoology in the College Advisory Course materials> Resources Folder. 
• Students may also find many scholarships via the internet on Fastweb, Scholarships.com, GoingMerry, and other sites. A word of caution: Do not pay for any scholarships or scholarship services. This is a red flag for a possible scam. 

SAT & ACT
If seniors would like to opt-in and send SAT/ACT test scores, they must self-report their scores on applications. Many colleges also require official SAT and/or ACT scores to be sent directly from College Board or ACT. Seniors must login to their SAT or ACT account to order (DLS does not send test scores). There is a growing list of colleges that will accept self-reported scores for admission purposes and only require official scores if the student attends. Please find an updated list here.

College Planning for Juniors
 

Junior Class Meeting on Friday, January 13 
Juniors will meet with college counselors about PSAT scores, upcoming SAT/ACT test dates and registration deadlines, and selecting their College List. PSAT Scores will be available in December, students will receive an email from the College Board with instructions on how to login and access their scores. 

Junior Parents College Planning and Academic Advising Night on Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 pm- zoom
The college counselors will offer an informative presentation to help parents of juniors embark on the college exploration and selection process with their son. Please mark your calendars for this essential meeting. Please note, this meeting will also include the academic advising information for next year’s course selections for junior parents. Zoom link to follow. 

College Advisory for Juniors, January 30- February 3- mandatory
Juniors will attend a total of 3 College Advisory sessions in the spring semester (January/February, March, and April)  taught by the Co-Directors of College Counseling. These meetings are mandatory and will provide juniors with information, instructions, and strategies about researching college options and developing their college list, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the fall.

Juniors will be assigned a day to attend a College Advisory session during the week of January 30.  These sessions will be during 7th period or after-school (for students who have a 7th per. class). Additional College Advisory sessions will be in March and April.   

SAT/ACT Testing Advice for Juniors
Be Informed: There continues to be a growing number of colleges, now at 80% of major four-year colleges, that have test-optional or test-free admission policies.   For the most up-to-date list of colleges that are test-optional, please check FairTest. Please see list of SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities. Students can also check specific college websites for more information.  Many colleges are test-optional for scholarships as well, although there are some colleges (especially those located iin the Southeast) that may use test scores for scholarship purposes.

Decide: Students may now decide that they 1) Do not want to take the SAT/ACT  2) Want to take the SAT/ACT

• If students are not strong test-takers then they may decide not to take official SAT/ACT tests and apply test-optional/test-free to colleges and universities. This allows a student to focus on their coursework and strong grades.  
• We recommend that juniors assess their PSAT scores to help them decide whether to proceed with taking the SAT and/or ACT in the spring. If a student scored above DLS average- 1200 or higher- or if a student plans to apply to colleges that require testilng, we recommend preceding with SAT/ACT testing. 

Plan: If a student wants to test, they should register now for Spring test dates (March/May/June). There are less test locations and test dates fill up quickly, so it is best to register now/December.  Students should create accounts at www.sat.org and www.actstudent.org to register.  It is recommended to try both the SAT and ACT.

• After scores are available, compare the SAT and ACT score and determine which was strongest and focus on that test, prep during the summer, and retake the exam in early fall of senior year (August/September/October) for their best score.
• Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can in their coursework, we recommend holding off on formal prep that may take away from their current studies. We recommend doing any formal prep and/or studying for SAT/ACT during the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus on either SAT or ACT. There are free online study tools available through Khan Academy (for SAT) and on the ACT website.

Preparing for the College Admission Process- Parents
De La Salle partners with Challenge Success

Blog Post: “What Students Might Not Believe About the College Admissions Process” 

Whether you are worried you might be putting too much pressure on your child during the college admissions process or if you want to educate yourself on what the research says about college selectivity, these resources are for you: from students’ frustration with the impossibility of meeting all college admissions expectations to how to think about an intentional approach to the admissions process. 

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS DURING 2023 EASTER BREAK

Informational Flyer

Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for De La Salle and Carondelet Sophomores and Juniors during Easter Break.  

Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023 

Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University

Cost: $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  

Registration: Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 

Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.
• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 
• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 
• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.

Application Deadlines:
November 1 and November 15 - Many Early Action, Early Decision, and Priority deadlines 
October 28 - Final Deadline to request teacher and counselor letters of recommendation 
November 30 - Final Deadline for submission of UC and many CSU applications
December through February - Regular deadlines vary by college. We encourage seniors to complete all applications by Christmas Break.

Congratulations to many of our seniors who have already submitted early applications

Financial Aid:
FAFSA - Required by all colleges from students seeking financial aid.
CSS Profile - an additional Financial Aid Form required by 400 colleges.
* Check each college’s financial aid webpage to find deadlines which vary from November through March.

COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION REQUESTS:  

• Oct. 28 was the FINAL deadline for students to submit requests for both teacher and counselor letters of recommendation for all college deadlines. Students should refer to the College Advisory Schoology course for specific steps and instructions. All steps must be completed by Oct. 28.  
• Late requests may not be fulfilled by the student’s college deadline.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS:  

Students must add their colleges to SCOIR My Colleges “Applying” or “Applied” and required school documents will be sent together in a packet by the students deadline indicated (if the request was made with adequate time to prepare).  

For colleges that require letters of recommendation, the transcript will be sent with the Counselor School Report and, if required, the Counselor Letter.  

SENT SCHOOL MATERIALS:

Materials/Letters that were requested by Sept. 23 for Early Decision/Early Action/Priority Deadlines of November 1 and 15 have been or will be submitted through SCOIR to the colleges by the deadlines that the student indicated. Please note that it may take colleges up to three weeks for the colleges to process all received materials and update their web portals.

Students can view their sent school documents with the date sent in SCOIR by clicking on their colleges and scrolling down to Application Document Status.

SEND OFFICIAL SAT/ACT SCORE REPORTS: 

If a student would like to submit SAT/ACT test scores to colleges, they must self-report on their applications. Many colleges also require official SAT and/or ACT scores to be sent directly from College Board or ACT. Detailed instructions can be found in the College Advisory Schoology Course or the Senior Application Guide. Students must login to their SAT or ACT account to order (this is not done through SCOIR). There is a growing trend for colleges to accept self-reported scores for admission purposes and only require official scores if the student attends. You may find an updated list here. 

UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS:  

UC applications and CSU applications are due on November 30 (Some non-impacted CSU campuses may have later deadlines; check deadlines). 

• The UC system requires 4 Personal Insight Questions as part of the application; CSUs do not require any essays.  
• If a student is applying to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for low-income students at the CSU, then they do complete the short written responses.
• Letters of Recommendation are NOT required or accepted by CSU or UC (unless specifically requested via email from the UC after an application is submitted). If a student is applying to the CSU EOP program, they will need 2 letters of recommendation.
• Transcripts are not required or accepted unless requested via email or web portal. Students self-report A-G approved coursework on the application.

OTHER APPLICATIONS:  

Deadlines vary and students should check each college’s website. Many early action/decision deadlines are November 1 or November 15. Check  Common App for deadlines. Seniors should consider applying early to colleges with “rolling admissions” policies.

COMMUNICATION WITH COLLEGES:

Colleges use email as an official means of communicating with students. It is important that students provide accurate, up-to-date email addresses to colleges, that they check email regularly, and that they check their “spam” or “junk mail” folders in case messages end up there. If a student changes his email address, he must notify his colleges. In addition, many colleges provide an ID Number to the student when the application is received. The student is expected to use this number to access his application status on the college’s website and to respond to requests for additional information found there.

HOUSING: 

For many CSUs and some out-of-state public colleges with impacted housing, it is important to apply for housing as soon as possible—even this fall, before a student knows whether he will attend or not. Some applications are free; some require a deposit which may be refundable. Check the policies of individual colleges and make plans now to assure on-campus housing, which is strongly recommended for freshman year, at the least. Information is available on the college websites by following the links for housing.  For private colleges and UCs, housing usually does not need to be reserved until admissions are finalized in later spring and is often guaranteed.

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:  

Check the financial aid section of each college’s website to learn about scholarship offerings directly from the institution. These tend to be the most generous scholarships.  

Students also need to check the monthly scholarship list posted in the Schoology College Advisory Course materials. Students may also find many scholarships via the internet on Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and other sites.

• Now available online: The 2023–24 FAFSA opened October 1, 2022.  
• Income Information reported: From 2021 Income Tax Report. There is an online DRT (Data Retrieval Tool) within the FAFSA that links to your IRS report. It is highly recommended that you use this tool to ensure quick and accurate processing and avoid time-consuming verification follow-up.
• California State Deadline is March 2, 2023.  Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb or even earlier. Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines. 

CSS PROFILE: About 400 private colleges require a secondary financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form must be completed online. A list of colleges that require the CSS Profile is also available on the website. Be sure to check now if the colleges your son is applying to require the CSS profile and when the deadline is for submission.    

Recommended Reading/Listening
NPR- Why Parent should let their kids take the lead during college application season
The Daily (podcast)- The College Pricing Game

COLLEGE NEWS FOR JUNIORS

Academic Advice:
The most important preparation that juniors can do this fall in regard to college admissions is to stay as focused as possible on their academic coursework. Grades in their academic classes this year are the most important ones that colleges will see on their initial applications because it is the most advanced coursework for the most recent full academic year. It’s never too late to turn around a GPA if a student has struggled in the past, colleges pay attention not only to the GPA itself but also to its trend over the last three years of high school. 

SAT/ACT Testing:

We continue to see a growing test-optional movement among colleges across the country. There are over 1,800+ colleges that are test-optional this year and are not requiring that applicants submit SAT/ACT test scores. Many of these colleges have already said that they will remain test-optional for future years, while others have not made a decision yet. For the most up-to-date list of colleges that are test-optional, please check FairTest. Students can also check specific college websites for more information.

PSAT scores will be available in early December. Students will receive an email to the account they provided on their score sheet on testing day directly from College Board to view their scores. We recommend that juniors assess their scores, and decide whether to proceed with taking the SAT and/or ACT in the spring. If a student scored above average, 1200 or higher, or if a student plans to apply to colleges that require testing, we recommend preceding with SAT/ACT testing.   See further recommendations below. Some students may decide not to take official SAT/ACT tests and apply test-optional to colleges and universities. 

SAT/ACT Traditional Testing Advice:  

1. The general recommended testing strategy is that students take their first set of SAT and ACT exams in the spring semester (March/May/June) with minimal study, basically looking at sample tests on each testing website.  
2. Students should register in December for spring SAT/ACT test dates because they fill up very quickly.
3. Once they are able to view and compare results, they can determine which test is their best to focus on.  
4. Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can in their coursework, we recommend holding off on formal prep that may take away from their current studies. We recommend doing any formal prep and/or studying for SAT/ACT during the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus on either SAT or ACT.
5. Students then retake SAT or ACT in early fall of senior year for their best score.  So many students retake their exams, so it seems that spending time studying for the first round of tests is not as efficient.  
6. There are free online study tools available through Khan Academy (for SAT) and on the ACT website.

SAVE THE DATE: Junior Parents College Planning & Academic Advisement Night on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS DURING 2023 EASTER BREAK

Informational Flyer

Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for DLS and Carondelet sophomores and juniors during Easter Break.  

Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023 

Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University

Cost:  $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  

Registration:  Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 

Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.
• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 
• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 
• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS

• October 1 - 2023-24 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available
• October 10-12 - No School for seniors. 
• October 12 - Senior Application Workshop- Drop In
• October 12 - Testing Day: PSAT for Juniors and PreACT for Sophomores
• October 5 - NCAA Recruiting Workshop
• October 24 - Student-Athlete College Information Night - Zoom

Senior News

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply: Application deadline is Nov. 30. 
CSU www.calstate.edu/apply: Application deadline is Nov. 30 
COMMON APPLICATION www.commonapp.org: Accepted by over 900 private and out-of-state colleges. Deadlines vary by college. 
DIRECT APPLICATIONS: Check university websites for online applications and deadlines.
• We recommend that all applications be submitted before Christmas Break, even for colleges that have deadlines in Feb/Mar or later. 
• Students are strongly encouraged to use the Common Application, and not Priority, VIP or “Fast track” applications they may have received from colleges via email. These colleges will waive their application fee on the Common Application, if they offer that incentive on the other type of application. 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

• Sept. 23 was the deadline for teacher and counselor letter of recommendation requests Steps ( Surveys in SCOIR, Add Requests in SCOIR, College App Spreadsheet, etc) for colleges with early deadlines (Dec 1 and earlier). 

• Oct. 28 is the FINAL deadline to request teacher and counselor recommendations for students applying with deadlines after Dec. 1. 

• Letters of Recommendation are NOT accepted by UC’s or CSU’s at time of application, only if requested after application submitted.  Except for the CSU EOP program, that requires two recommendation letters.

COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP- Drop-In- Computer Lab ROOM 400

Wednesday, October 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Students may drop into work independently on college applications and essays. The college counselors and the Dean of Admission from SMC will be available to answer questions and review essays.  

While College Advisory meets weekly, students must work on college applications on their own time.  This application workshop offers us more dedicated time to focus on completing applications. Note: Seniors do not have school Mon. Oct. 10-Wed. Oct. 12.  Wed. Oct. 12 is Testing Day for Juniors and Sophomores and Retreat Day for Freshman.  

FAFSA FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID

• Now available online: The 2023–24 FAFSA opens Oct. 1, 2022 at www.fafsa.gov

• Income information reported: From 2021 Tax Information. There is an online Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) within that FAFSA that links to your IRS report. It is highly recommended to use this tool to ensure quick and accurate processing and avoid time-consuming verification follow-up.

• California State Deadline is March 2, 2023.  Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb or even earlier.  Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines. 

• Cal Grant: Students/Parents do not need to submit a GPA Verification. DLS has submitted GPA verification electronically to the CA Student Aid Commission (unless you responded to the email from our school Registrar, Linda Byrne last month and opted out).   

• More Information: https://finaid.org/    

CSS PROFILE: Over 400 private colleges require a secondary financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form must be completed online. This form may be filed as early as October 1. A list of colleges that require the profile is also available on the website. Be sure to check now if the colleges your son is applying to require the CSS profile and when their deadline is for submission.    

SENIORS AND JUNIORS

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES VISIT DE LA SALLE

Over 70 college admissions representatives have visited De La Salle virtually or in-person since school started in August. About 70 more are scheduled for October through December. These meetings are valuable personal contacts with college admissions officers who can provide specific information, answer questions, and assess qualifications. Many are also responsible for reviewing applications from De La Salle students. 

• Seniors and Juniors should check Schoology for the weekly list of college rep visits and the full list in SCOIR and to register at least 24 hrs. in advance.

JUNIORS

PSAT/NMSQT
Who: All 11th graders have been registered by DLS
Where: At DLS; classroom assignments for testing locations will be posted in Schoology and around campus.
When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 8:15 a.m.
Cost:  DLS pays the fee for all DLS Juniors
Get a list of what materials to bring on test day 
Get free practice.
Scores:  The PSAT is a practice SAT and scores are not provided to colleges.  Students will receive access to their scores via their College Board accounts and notified via email in December. Students can opt-in to share their contact information and they will begin to receive emails and mail from colleges and services.
Class Meetings:  Juniors will meet on Sept. 30  to learn more about the PSAT and in January to assess their scores and plan for future SAT and ACT testing.

SOPHOMORES

PreACT
Who:  All 10th graders have been registered by DLS
Where:  At DLS; classroom assignments for testing locations will be posted in Schoology and around campus.
When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 8:15 a.m.
Cost:  DLS pays the fee for all DLS Sophomores
Scores:  The PreACT is a practice ACT and scores are not provided to colleges.  It is an opportunity to expose students to timed standardized testing.  Students can opt-in to share their contact information and they will begin to receive emails and mail from colleges and services.
Class Meetings:  Sophomores will meet on Sept. 30 to learn more about the PreACT and planning for college and in January to assess their scores and plan for college.

JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR

Midwest College Tour- Easter Break 2023
Informational Flyer
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for CHS and DLS Sophomores and Juniors during Easter Break.  
Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023 
Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University
Cost: $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  
Registration: Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 

Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.

• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 

• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 

• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Wednesday, September 14 - Senior Parent College Application Information Night, 6:30 pm.  A Zoom link will be emailed as the date nears.
• Tuesday, September 27 - DLS/CHS College Financial Aid Night for Seniors, 6:30 pm. A Zoom link will be emailed as the date nears.

FALL SAT/ACT DATES AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES (FOR SENIORS)

SAT:

Cost:  $60 (Late Fee: $30)  Register at: www.sat.org
 

ACT:

Cost: $65 (Late Fee:  $36) Register at: www.actstudent.org

Fee waivers are available for SAT and ACT for students with significant financial need. If you would like more information about fee waivers, contact your college counselor.

SENIOR COLLEGE ADVISORY PROGRAM
Senior College Advisory courses meet weekly through the fall semester and select weeks in spring.  Seniors are required to attend a weekly session with the college counselors to learn essential information about the college admissions process and to complete college application materials. Check your son’s courses on Schoology to find “College Advisory” to see regular updates, calendar reminders, and materials. 

COLLEGE APPLICATION DE LA SALLE PROCESS - SENIOR APPLICATION GUIDE

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION REQUESTS - DLS instructions

• Sept. 23 is the deadline for teacher and counselor letter of recommendation requests Steps (SCOIR Teacher & Counselor Rec Surveys, Add Teacher Requests in SCOIR, College App Spreadsheet, etc) for colleges with early deadlines (Dec. 1 and earlier).
• Oct. 28 is the FINAL deadline to complete the steps to request teacher and counselor recommendations for students applying with deadlines after Dec. 1. 
• Letters of Recommendation are NOT accepted by UC’s or CSU’s at time of application, only if requested after application submitted.  Except for the CSU EOP program, that is for low-income students, which requires two recommendations.   

SENIOR PARENT COLLEGE APPLICATION INFORMATION  NIGHT
When: Wednesday, September 14
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Zoom, a link will be emailed as the date nears

The Co-Directors of College Counseling, Esther Lopez and Janet Appel, will provide an overview of all the steps that need to be taken this fall for successful selection, application, and acceptance to colleges and universities.  Please don’t miss it! 

Email any questions to Esther Lopez at lopeze@dlshs.org (works with students whose last names begin with A-K)  or Janet Appel at appelj@dlshs.org (works with students whose last names begin with L-Z).

DLS/CHS COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
When: Tuesday, September 27
Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Zoom, a link will be emailed as the date nears

The Director of Financial Aid from Cal Maritime (formerly at Saint Mary’s College and UC Berkeley) will take attendees through the financial aid application process. This meeting is primarily for parents, but if students are interested in the details of the financial aid process, they are also welcome to attend. 

SAT/ACT TEST INFORMATION

• Online Registration at: www.sat.org and www.actstudent.org 
• Over 1700 colleges have announced they are test optional. Take a look at this link to FairTest for more information. 
• College Board is no longer offering SAT Subject Tests or the Essay section of the SAT.  Students should not register for the ACT writing test, it is no longer required.

JUNIOR & SENIORS:

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES VISIT DE LA SALLE: 
Representatives from the admissions offices of over 100 colleges and universities nationwide (and some abroad) are visiting CHS and DLS from August through November. These meetings are valuable personal contacts with college admissions officers who can provide specific information and answer questions. Many are also responsible for reviewing applications from De La Salle students. Seniors and juniors should check weekly  Schoology posts and SCOIR for the list of upcoming college rep visits and register on SCOIR. Students must receive teacher permission at least 24 hours prior to the visit. 

Juniors and Seniors register in SCOIR & ask your teacher's permission 24 Hours in advance
(screencast) How to Register for College Rep Visits in SCOIR

1. Login to SCOIR and scroll down to view the right side menu for "Register of Office Hours & Visits" and click "See All"
2. Click "Register"
3. On left-side menu select to view "only my registered visits"
4. Print Page and have your teacher sign
5. This is your pass to come to the visit at CHS or DLS (check location)

PARENT RESOURCES:
Visit our DLS College Counseling Google Site for “College Related News and Publications.”

A particularly relevant TED Talk that may be of interest to parents of 9th through 12th graders is embedded on that page, featuring Julie Lythcott-Haims, former freshman dean at Stanford and author of the book “How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success”. 

OCTOBER TESTING DAY FOR JUNIORS & SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS
PSAT/NMSQT Exam
Who: All 11th graders have been registered by DLS
Where: At DLS; classroom assignments for testing locations will be posted in Schoology and around campus.
When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 8:15 a.m.
Cost:  DLS pays the fee for all DLS Juniors
Get a list of what materials to bring on test day 
Get free practice.

Scores: The PSAT is a practice SAT and scores are not provided to colleges. Students will receive access to their scores via their College Board accounts and notified via email in Mid-December.  

Class Meetings: Juniors will meet on Sept. 30 to learn more about the PSAT and College App Planning.  Again in January to assess their scores and plan for possible future SAT and ACT testing.

SOPHOMORES
PreACT
Who:  All 10th graders have been registered by DLS
Where:  At DLS; classroom assignments for testing locations will be posted in Schoology and around campus.
When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 8:15 a.m.
Cost:  DLS pays the fee for all DLS Sophomores
PreACT Informational Flyer

Scores: The PreACT is a practice ACT and scores are not provided to colleges.  It is an opportunity to expose students to timed standardized testing.  

Class Meetings: Sophomores will meet on Sept. 30 to learn more about the PreACT and planning for college.  Again in January to tto assess their scores and planning for college.

JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES

MIDWEST COLLEGE TOUR
Midwest College Tour- Easter Break 2023
Informational Flyer
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour for CHS and DLS Sophomore and Juniors during Easter Break.  
Dates: Sunday, April 9-Saturday, April 15, 2023 
Colleges: Northwestern, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Loyola University – Chicago, Marquette University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Michigan State University
Cost:  $2900; includes airfare, coach bus transportation between colleges, lodging, and breakfast each day.  
Registration:  Please visit the Athens Advisors website. 

Please note:

• Each student must have health coverage and must have proof of being fully COVID-19 vaccinated, as some of the colleges have indicated this will be a requirement for visits.
• Chaperones will be Athens Advisors and local high school counselors. 
• This program is sponsored by a private college tour company, Athens Advisors (not De La Salle). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families. 
• There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.