Spotlight on College Counseling
April 2021 College Center News
Events & Important Dates:
De La Salle/Carondelet College Preview Night for Juniors and their Families
On Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m., De La Salle and Carondelet will host a virtual college preview night, where families will hear from a panel of college admissions representatives about their varying admissions processes, how admissions decisions are made, and how two sample applications are reviewed. An invitation with Zoom link will be sent in the coming weeks.
SAT AND ACT:
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
May 8 April 8 April 27
June 5 May 6 May 26
Register at www.sat.org
ACT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
June 12 May 7 May 21
July 17 June 18 June 25
Register at www.actstudent.org
WACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR- Monday, April 19 @ 5pm
Hear from a panel of colleges and join featured presentations, ranging from financial aid to the personal statement to navigating UC and CSU applications. Students should register ahead of time and choose which sessions to attend.
NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
NACAC is hosting multiple fairs throughout the spring. Register ahead of time. Check out this short video and this quick start guide about how to make the most of your college fair experience.
- WESTERN US FAIR on Saturday, April 10
- SOUTHEASTERN US FAIR on Tuesday, April 20
RACC Out-of-State COLLEGE FAIRS - April 14 & April 28 at 4-7:45 PM
During the Virtual College Fairs, you will have the chance to hear from many different colleges. You can choose which colleges you want to hear from by registering for their sessions. You and your family can ask questions of the college representatives throughout the presentations too!
The program will also include college knowledge sessions on topics such as finding a college that fits, paying for college, and writing a college essay presented by college admission counselors. Nearly 100 RACC institutions will join together for 6x6 presentations and out of state admission topic panels. Check out the schedule and Registration is now open.
COLLEGE WEBINAR SERIES
Collegewise will be hosting a webinar series for De La Salle and Carondelet families. Registration is required.
- March 24 at 6:30pm: College Admissions 101 - Webinar Recording
- April 15 at 6:30pm: Financial Fit List
- May 12 at 6:30pm: Highly Selective College Admissions
DLS Career Connections Alumni Program - Mark Your Calendar!
- April 14: ENGINEERING
- April 21: BUSINESS / REAL ESTATE / CONSULTING
- April 27: HEALTH / MEDICINE
Zoom Links will be posted on Schoology. These are all on Flex Days at 12:45-1:45 PM.
Click here for an updated list of more Spring Virtual College Events
News for SENIORS:
COMMUNITY COLLEGE/DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE:
If your son did not attend Community College Advisory and is interested in attending a community college, please have him contact his college counselor. He will need to get started now on the enrollment steps.
DVC ENROLLMENT STEPS:
- Students who complete the steps below by the end of April will receive priority registration status, which they will have 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. Priority registration is essential to get the courses you want and need.
- Graduating seniors who complete the required enrollment steps and receive priority registration status will be able to register for fall classes as early as May 8.
- Complete the spring 2021 AND summer 2021 online applications. See Class of 2021 DVC Enrollment Guide for complete instructions.
- After receiving your DVC ID number, complete the online orientation using the link on your InSite Portal on the DVC website.
- Complete the Online Placement Process for English and math and email transcript to DVCMMAP@dvc.edu.
- Submit the Special Admissions Form from your InSite Portal. De La Salle designee is Ms. Lillian Dickson at dicksonl@dlshs.org
- Register for Counseling 95/academic advising.
- Register for classes.
UC AWPE PLACEMENT TEST
Seniors who will attend a certain UC campus may be required to take the UC Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) in May. Students should receive information about this test directly from UC in April; information may also be found at http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/index.html. Look for updates on this site or in emails from your UC campus about administration of this exam for Fall 2021 admits.
MAKING YOUR FINAL COLLEGE DECISION
- Visit (Virtual/In Person) your Colleges; Attend Admitted Student Programs; YouVisit and Campus Reel
- Gather Info/Research; Follow social media accounts, Contact your College Reps, Contact De La Salle Alumni
- Research Housing; Is it Guaranteed or First-Come, First-Served
- Compare Your College Costs
- Review Financial Aid/Scholarship Offers
- How to read your Financial Aid Award Letter
- Consider submitting Special Circumstances and Appeals
- Create a Spreadsheet of Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid offered
May 1 (May 3) is the National Candidate’s Reply Date/College Decision Date
Student Intent to Enroll and non-refundable Deposit – 1 college only
Decision Time & May 1 Checklist handout
Read: 20 Steps to Take when your High School Senior is Choosing a College - advice from a fellow parent and How Parents Can Help When a College Says No.
FINAL COLLEGE ADVISORY- WEEK OF MAY 3
All seniors must plan to attend their final College Advisory session. Important final steps must be completed to notify De La Salle of college decision, including request final transcripts, and more. Please remind your son to attend.
News for JUNIORS:
Students should be planning a productive and relaxing summer. We recommend participation in activities such as summer pre-college programs, volunteer work and part-time jobs. Job opportunities are posted in Schoology.
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 as early as February and March, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities now.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES/ DVC CAREER ACADEMIES
High School students can apply and enroll to take community college courses for the summer at the cost of $1/unit plus minimal student fees. Students are encouraged to take introductory general education courses, for example Intro to Sociology; Psychology; Music History; Art History; Humanities, etc. Most community colleges will offer courses online this summer. Enroll at DVC - see steps for High School Students, Enroll at College of the Siskiyous - see steps for Dual Enrollment. A Special Admit Form must be completed and add Ms. Dickson - dicksonl@dlshs.org as the De La Salle designee.
DVC offers wonderful Career Academies specifically for high school students. These are great hands-on programs with guest speakers and possible internship connections. Registration will open April 7 and these program will fill up quickly.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Local volunteer organizations to check out are: Volunteer Match Covid-19 Contra Costa County and Hands on Bay Area, www.teensvolunteer.org, www.foodbankccs.org, as well as the Monument Crisis Center to see their offerings for remote and in-person opportunities.
SAT and ACT TESTING:
- Registration Links: SAT and ACT. See the information about testing in the Junior Parent Night Booklet and contact the college counselors if you have any questions.
- Students who took the De La Salle School Day SAT March 3 should receive an email notification from the College Board that scores can be accessed as of March 26.
- Many colleges were test-optional, test-free, or test-flexible for the Class of 2021 admission process and colleges are beginning to announce that they will remain so for the Class of 2022. Please refer to FairTest for updated lists.
- This past January, the College Board announced that SAT Subject Tests will no longer be offered and that the optional essay component of the SAT will be discontinued. Students do not need to sign up for the optional essay/writing sections for SAT or ACT.
- METHOD TEST PREP is an online on-demand test prep program for SAT and ACT that De La Salle subscribes to and offers to our juniors and seniors. Instructions and referral code to create an account were included in the College Advisory presentation and assignments. Students can take an Evaluation Test, short quizzes, Full Length Practice exams, and complete short lessors.
COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS
We have had 2 sessions of College Advisory for Juniors, in February - Week 1 - College Exploration, Research, Preparation and in March- Week 2 - Exploring Colleges & Building Your College List. Our third and last session is coming up the Week of April 19- Intro to the College Application. Students have been added to a Schoology Group based on their assigned day to attend. Please remind your son to attend this mandatory session. Students have been given To Do/Assignments from Week 1 and Week 2, please remind them to complete.
College Counseling Spotlight Archives
2020-21 School Year
April 2021
Events & Important Dates:
De La Salle/Carondelet College Preview Night for Juniors and their Families
On Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m., De La Salle and Carondelet will host a virtual college preview night, where families will hear from a panel of college admissions representatives about their varying admissions processes, how admissions decisions are made, and how two sample applications are reviewed. An invitation with Zoom link will be sent in the coming weeks.
SAT AND ACT:
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
May 8 April 8 April 27
June 5 May 6 May 26
Register at www.sat.org
ACT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
June 12 May 7 May 21
July 17 June 18 June 25
Register at www.actstudent.org
WACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR- Monday, April 19 @ 5pm
Hear from a panel of colleges and join featured presentations, ranging from financial aid to the personal statement to navigating UC and CSU applications. Students should register ahead of time and choose which sessions to attend.
NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
NACAC is hosting multiple fairs throughout the spring. Register ahead of time. Check out this short video and this quick start guide about how to make the most of your college fair experience.
- WESTERN US FAIR on Saturday, April 10
- SOUTHEASTERN US FAIR on Tuesday, April 20
RACC Out-of-State COLLEGE FAIRS - April 14 & April 28 at 4-7:45 PM
During the Virtual College Fairs, you will have the chance to hear from many different colleges. You can choose which colleges you want to hear from by registering for their sessions. You and your family can ask questions of the college representatives throughout the presentations too!
The program will also include college knowledge sessions on topics such as finding a college that fits, paying for college, and writing a college essay presented by college admission counselors. Nearly 100 RACC institutions will join together for 6x6 presentations and out of state admission topic panels. Check out the schedule and Registration is now open.
COLLEGE WEBINAR SERIES
Collegewise will be hosting a webinar series for De La Salle and Carondelet families. Registration is required.
- March 24 at 6:30pm: College Admissions 101 - Webinar Recording
- April 15 at 6:30pm: Financial Fit List
- May 12 at 6:30pm: Highly Selective College Admissions
DLS Career Connections Alumni Program - Mark Your Calendar!
- April 14: ENGINEERING
- April 21: BUSINESS / REAL ESTATE / CONSULTING
- April 27: HEALTH / MEDICINE
Zoom Links will be posted on Schoology. These are all on Flex Days at 12:45-1:45 PM.
Click here for an updated list of more Spring Virtual College Events
News for SENIORS:
COMMUNITY COLLEGE/DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE:
If your son did not attend Community College Advisory and is interested in attending a community college, please have him contact his college counselor. He will need to get started now on the enrollment steps.
DVC ENROLLMENT STEPS:
- Students who complete the steps below by the end of April will receive priority registration status, which they will have 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. Priority registration is essential to get the courses you want and need.
- Graduating seniors who complete the required enrollment steps and receive priority registration status will be able to register for fall classes as early as May 8.
- Complete the spring 2021 AND summer 2021 online applications. See Class of 2021 DVC Enrollment Guide for complete instructions.
- After receiving your DVC ID number, complete the online orientation using the link on your InSite Portal on the DVC website.
- Complete the Online Placement Process for English and math and email transcript to DVCMMAP@dvc.edu.
- Submit the Special Admissions Form from your InSite Portal. De La Salle designee is Ms. Lillian Dickson at dicksonl@dlshs.org
- Register for Counseling 95/academic advising.
- Register for classes.
UC AWPE PLACEMENT TEST
Seniors who will attend a certain UC campus may be required to take the UC Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) in May. Students should receive information about this test directly from UC in April; information may also be found at http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/index.html. Look for updates on this site or in emails from your UC campus about administration of this exam for Fall 2021 admits.
MAKING YOUR FINAL COLLEGE DECISION
- Visit (Virtual/In Person) your Colleges; Attend Admitted Student Programs; YouVisit and Campus Reel
- Gather Info/Research; Follow social media accounts, Contact your College Reps, Contact De La Salle Alumni
- Research Housing; Is it Guaranteed or First-Come, First-Served
- Compare Your College Costs
- Review Financial Aid/Scholarship Offers
- How to read your Financial Aid Award Letter
- Consider submitting Special Circumstances and Appeals
- Create a Spreadsheet of Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid offered
May 1 (May 3) is the National Candidate’s Reply Date/College Decision Date
Student Intent to Enroll and non-refundable Deposit – 1 college only
Decision Time & May 1 Checklist handout
Read: 20 Steps to Take when your High School Senior is Choosing a College - advice from a fellow parent
FINAL COLLEGE ADVISORY- WEEK OF MAY 3
All seniors must plan to attend their final College Advisory session. Important final steps must be completed to notify De La Salle of college decision, including request final transcripts, and more. Please remind your son to attend.
News for JUNIORS:
Students should be planning a productive and relaxing summer. We recommend participation in activities such as summer pre-college programs, volunteer work and part-time jobs. Job opportunities are posted in Schoology.
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 as early as February and March, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities now.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES/ DVC CAREER ACADEMIES
High School students can apply and enroll to take community college courses for the summer at the cost of $1/unit plus minimal student fees. Students are encouraged to take introductory general education courses, for example Intro to Sociology; Psychology; Music History; Art History; Humanities, etc. Most community colleges will offer courses online this summer. Enroll at DVC - see steps for High School Students, Enroll at College of the Siskiyous - see steps for Dual Enrollment. A Special Admit Form must be completed and add Ms. Dickson - dicksonl@dlshs.org as the De La Salle designee.
DVC offers wonderful Career Academies specifically for high school students. These are great hands-on programs with guest speakers and possible internship connections. Registration will open April 7 and these program will fill up quickly.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Local volunteer organizations to check out are: Volunteer Match Covid-19 Contra Costa County and Hands on Bay Area, www.teensvolunteer.org, www.foodbankccs.org, as well as the Monument Crisis Center to see their offerings for remote and in-person opportunities.
SAT and ACT TESTING:
- Registration Links: SAT and ACT. See the information about testing in the Junior Parent Night Booklet and contact the college counselors if you have any questions.
- Students who took the De La Salle School Day SAT March 3 should receive an email notification from the College Board that scores can be accessed as of March 26.
- Many colleges were test-optional, test-free, or test-flexible for the Class of 2021 admission process and colleges are beginning to announce that they will remain so for the Class of 2022. Please refer to FairTest for updated lists.
- This past January, the College Board announced that SAT Subject Tests will no longer be offered and that the optional essay component of the SAT will be discontinued. Students do not need to sign up for the optional essay/writing sections for SAT or ACT.
- METHOD TEST PREP is an online on-demand test prep program for SAT and ACT that De La Salle subscribes to and offers to our juniors and seniors. Instructions and referral code to create an account were included in the College Advisory presentation and assignments. Students can take an Evaluation Test, short quizzes, Full Length Practice exams, and complete short lessors.
COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS
We have had 2 sessions of College Advisory for Juniors, in February - Week 1 - College Exploration, Research, Preparation and in March- Week 2 - Exploring Colleges & Building Your College List. Our third and last session is coming up the Week of April 19- Intro to the College Application. Students have been added to a Schoology Group based on their assigned day to attend. Please remind your son to attend this mandatory session. Students have been given To Do/Assignments from Week 1 and Week 2, please remind them to complete.
March 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS BY CLASS
SENIORS
-
Week of March 22th: College Advisory during 7th or 0 period at 1:35 - 2:55 p.m.
JUNIORS
- Week of March 8th: College Advisory for Juniors. Students should attend on the same day that they attended College Advisory in February. Check your “DLS College Advisory for Juniors” Schoology group for assigned day. A reminder email and Schoology message will be sent prior to the meetings.
- Wednesday, April 21 College Preview Night at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom for juniors and their families.
SOPHOMORES
-
Week of March 15th: College Advisory for Sophomores during 7th or 0 period at 1:35 - 2:55 p.m. Students have been notified via email and Schoology what day of the week to attend.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS
WACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
Hear from a panel of colleges and join featured presentations, ranging from financial aid to the personal statement to navigating UC and CSU applications. Students should register ahead of time and choose which sessions to attend.
- Wednesday, March 3 at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, March 14 at 1 p.m.
- Monday, April 19 at 5 p.m.
NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
NACAC is hosting multiple fairs throughout the spring. Register ahead of time. Check out this short video and this quick start guide about how to make the most of your college fair experience.
- STEM FAIR on Sunday, March 7
- PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS FAIR on Tuesday, March 16
- WESTERN US FAIR on Saturday, April 10
- SOUTHEASTERN US FAIR on Tuesday, April 20.
COLLEGE WEBINAR SERIES
Collegewise will be hosting a webinar series for Carondelet and De La Salle families. Registration is required.
- March 24 at 6:30 p.m.: College Admissions 101
- April 15 at 6:30 p.m.: Financial Fit List
- May 12 at 6:30 p.m.: Highly Selective College Admissions
NEWS FOR SENIORS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE/DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE:
- Three weeks of Community College Advisory were offered in February/March. Seniors completed enrollment steps, including the application, web portal setup, online orientation, English and math placement, and registration for academic advising (Counseling 95).
- Students who completed these steps will receive priority registration status, which they will have 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. Priority registration is essential to get the courses you want and need.
- Graduating seniors who complete the required enrollment steps and receive priority registration status will be able to register for fall classes as early as May 8th.
- If your son did not attend Community College Advisory and is interested in attending a community college, please have him contact his college counselor. He will need to get started now on the enrollment steps.
DVC ENROLLMENT STEPS:
- Complete the spring 2021 AND summer 2021 online applications. See Class of 2021 DVC Enrollment Guide for complete instructions.
- After receiving your DVC ID number, complete the online orientation using the link on your InSite Portal on the DVC website.
- Complete the Online Placement Process for English and math and email transcript to DVCMMAP@dvc.edu.
- Submit the Special Admissions Form from your InSite Portal.
- Register for Counseling 95/academic advising.
- Register for classes.
CAL STATE UNIVERSITY:
Check CSU Application Dates & Deadlines for extended deadlines. CSU East Bay (March 2) and Sonoma State (March 10) are still accepting applications for most majors.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
- February & March are the big months with many scholarship deadlines. Check our Monthly Scholarship List for local and national opportunities and other scholarship search sites: Fastweb, Scholarships.com, Cappex, and Chegg.
- The best source of scholarships are usually the colleges themselves. Check each of your colleges’ financial aid/scholarship webpages for scholarship applications and deadlines. TIP: If you used the Common App, click on the Financial Aid tab and scroll down to find links to your colleges’ financial aid/scholarship webpages.
- For scholarships at CSU campuses, follow this link then scroll down to search for scholarships by campus.
- Reference these Scholarship Tips, especially how to request transcripts and letters of recommendation.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):
- Submit FAFSA online before the California state deadline of March 2nd.
- Individual colleges may have priority deadlines in January or February and may also require forms in addition to the FAFSA. Seniors should check financial aid deadlines and forms required on college websites. Don’t miss a deadline and miss out on financial aid available from your college!
- 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 the 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 virtual “admitted student events” hosted by the colleges where they are accepted. In light of the pandemic and challenges with traveling to college campuses, most of these events, which usually take place on campus, have moved online. Check college websites and email and mail communications for opportunities to connect with prospective colleges.
NEWS FOR JUNIORS
COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS:
Juniors will attend the second week of College Advisory for Juniors during the week of March 8th. Juniors should plan on attending the day of the week listed in their “DLS College Advisory for Juniors” Schoology group.
SAT and ACT TESTING:
- Registration Links: SAT and ACT. Recommended testing strategies, test dates, timeline, and information about the SAT/ACT were covered at the Junior Parent Night and with the students during their College Advisory classes. See the information about testing in the Junior Parent Night Booklet and contact the college counselors if you have any questions.
- Many colleges were test-optional, test-free, or test-flexible for the Class of 2021 admission process and colleges are beginning to announce that they will remain so for the Class of 2022. Please refer to FairTest for updated lists and view this Test Optional Colleges list.
- This past January, the College Board announced that SAT Subject Tests will no longer be offered and that the optional essay component of the SAT will be discontinued. Students do not need to sign up for the optional essay/writing sections for SAT or ACT.
SPRING VIRTUAL COLLEGE EVENTS:
- Juniors are encouraged to participate in virtual college events offered by the colleges they are interested in. In light of the pandemic, most colleges have enhanced their virtual offerings, which can include information sessions, student panels, hosted campus tours, open houses, and one-on-one meetings with admissions counselors. Check college websites for offerings and registration information.
- Check the SPRING VIRTUAL COLLEGE EVENTS Google sheet for a list of events, including college fairs (compiled by De La Salle).
- The University of San Francisco is offering a JUNIOR COLLEGE NIGHT on Tuesday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. College admission counselors will walk you through a few easy things you can do to get in the mindset for college and how you can begin researching different colleges. Register ahead of time.
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 as early as February and March, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities now.
COLLEGE PREVIEW NIGHT FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES:
Join us on Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. 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.
NEWS FOR SOPHOMORES
COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR SOPHOMORES:
Sophomores have been assigned a day to attend a College Advisory class during the week of March 15th during 7th or 0 period from 1:35 - 3:00 p.m. These are mandatory group classes and all sophomores are expected to attend their assigned day. Sophomores will be introduced to Naviance and college planning tools and will complete an online personality assessment and career interest survey.
SOPHOMORE COLLEGE NIGHT HOSTED BY UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO:
Sophomores are invited to a virtual Sophomore College Night hosted by USF on Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 p.m. Attendees will learn tips for how to start exploring different schools and seeing what’s out there. Register in advance.
February 2021
February 2021 College Center News
CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS! 89% of our seniors have completed a little over 2,000 applications to 317 different four-year colleges! Nearly 400 college acceptances have already been received. THANK YOU to Many Teachers and Counselors who submitted over 1852 recommendations!
Dates to Remember:
SENIORS
February 11: DVC ENROLLMENT STEPS ZOOM Meeting DVCenroll
JUNIORS
Week of Feb. 1: COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS- students have been notified via email and Schoology Groups what day of the week to attend during 7th or 0 period 1:35 p.m.-2:55 p.m.
FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES
March 3: FROSH/SOPH College Night at 6:30 p.m. via zoom (a link will be emailed)
News for SENIORS
Community College/Diablo Valley College:
Now is the time to begin the required enrollment steps for DVC (and other community colleges). Interested students who plan on attending or who are interested in having Community College/DVC as an option should attend the following programs listed below.
- Attend the Enrollment Presentation from DVC on Zoom on Thursday, February 11th. Students must register in advance: DVCenroll. The 5 required steps for enrolling at DVC will be explained.
- Attend two College Advisory sessions, one each week on Feb. 16 or 18 and Feb. 23 or 25 to complete the Community College application, online orientation, online assessments and other required steps.
Important Note: If these steps are not completed on these dedicated dates with the DLS College Counselors, students will need to complete them on their own (an it can get confusing). Our goal is to help students complete all the necessary enrollment steps early to qualify for priority registration. Once an incoming freshman receives priority registration they will have it each semester. If a student does not qualify for priority registration as an incoming student, they cannot qualify in future semesters. Priority registration is essential to get the courses you want and need while you’re a student at DVC.
Cal State University:
Extended Application Deadlines - Some campuses are still accepting applications! Check https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/pages/application-dates-deadlines.aspx
Select Entry Level: Freshman and Enrollment Term: Fall 2021(leave Special Population blank)
East Bay- March 2; Humboldt Feb. 28; Maritime Feb. 15; San Bernardino Feb. 1; San Francisco Jan. 31; San Marcos Jan. 31; Stanislaus Feb. 1
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
February & March are the big months with many scholarship deadlines. Check our Monthly Scholarship List
Also, www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com are scholarship search sites.
The best source of scholarships are usually the colleges themselves; check each colleges financial aid webpage for scholarship applications and deadlines.
For scholarships at CSU campuses, follow this link then scroll down to check on Scholarships by Campus https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/scholarships.aspx
FAFSA: Apply online at www.fafsa.gov before the California State deadline of March 2. Individual colleges may have priority deadlines in January or February and may also require forms in addition to the FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid—required by all colleges). Seniors should check Financial Aid deadlines and forms required on each of their prospective colleges’ websites. Don’t miss a deadline and miss out on financial aid available from your college! 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 them 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 2 in order to be considered for a Cal Grant.
New for JUNIORS:
COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS:
Juniors will attend College Advisory classes with their College Counselor during 7th or 0 period on an assigned day the Week of Feb. 1, March 8, and April 19. Students have been emailed and included in “College Advisory for Juniors Schoology Groups” with assigned days and details.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Esther Lopez (A-K), lopeze@dlshs.org, 288-8103, or Lisa Sciacca (L-Z), sciaccal@dlshs.org, 288-8128.
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 as early as February, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities this month. For a listing of programs, check Summer Programs.
SAT and ACT TESTING:
Please refer to detailed information about DLS School Day SAT emailed on 1/28/20
- Go to the websites to register: www.actstudent.org and www.sat.org.
- Many colleges were test-optional/test-free/test-flexible for the Class of 2021 admission process and colleges are beginning to announce that they will remain so for the Class of 2022. Please refer to www.fairtest.org for updated lists and view this Test Optional Colleges list
- Both SAT and ACT offer an optional writing section. Students DO NOT need to sign up for the optional writing/essay section, going forward it is not required of almost every college, except West Point- US Military Academy. Go to: https://www.compassprep.com/act-writing-and-sat-essay-requirements/ for information about the essay/writing section and which colleges require it.
- On January 19, 2021 College Board announced that SAT Subjects tests will no longer be offered. This decision made sense since there no longer remained any colleges that required them.
- Recommended testing strategies, test dates, timeline, and information about the SAT/ACT were covered at the Junior Parent Night and with the students in their Class Meetings. See the information about testing in the Junior Parent Night Booklet and contact the College Counselors if you have any questions.
News for FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES:
Frosh/Soph College Night • Wednesday, March 3 • 6:30 PM via zoom (a link will be emailed)
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. They will present information that is geared to students in the 9th and 10th grade as they prepare for their future plans and goals.
December 2020
COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS
Application Deadlines
December – February: Regular deadlines vary by college. We encourage students to complete all applications by Christmas Break.
Financial Aid
- The FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration at all colleges & universities. Complete the FAFSA now.
- The CSS Profile is a second financial aid application required by 400 colleges and universities. Complete the CSS Profile if required by your colleges.
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.
- Students may also find many scholarships via the internet on Fastweb, Scholarships.com 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. See the College Advisory Course Materials on Schoology or the Senior Application Guide for detailed instructions. Seniors must login to their SAT or ACT account to order (this is not done through Naviance). 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.
- Seniors who took the DLS School Day SAT on October 14, should have accessed and viewed their score. If they are pleased with their score, they should order them now (if not already done so). It can take 1-2 weeks for the request to be processed. Submitting a rush order is not necessary.
Applications
- Deadlines for many private colleges and out-of-state schools fall in early January. Some priority deadlines are in December. Seniors need to carefully calendar the deadlines for schools they are applying to and submit applications online, before the deadline.
- It is recommended that seniors print the confirmation page upon submitting each application and save the confirmation email from the college, if received.
- Applicants 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.
Communication with Colleges
- Colleges use email to communicate with applicants. It is important that seniors 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 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 website and to respond to requests for additional information found there.
Letters of Recommendation
- The final deadline for requesting letters of recommendation was October 30. All initial requests for letters should have been made. If you have additional colleges to which you have decided to apply, you must update your teacher and counselor by email and request that they send to the new additions. Also, add the Teacher Recommendation request in Naviance.
- The 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.
Transcripts
- All transcript requests added in Naviance will be sent by or before a student’s deadline if requested before Finals.
- 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 in January.
COLLEGE PLANNING NEWS FOR JUNIORS
Junior Class Meeting on Wednesday, January 13
Juniors will meet with college counselors on Zoom to prepare for the January 26 PSAT and discuss spring SAT/ACT testing. Juniors will also be re-introduced to all of the college planning tools available on Naviance to begin the college search process.
PSAT Testing on Tuesday, January 26
Juniors will take the PSAT at De La Salle.
Junior Parents College Planning and Academic Advising Night on Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 pm
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, February 1-5
Juniors will be assigned to a 0 or 7th period College Advisory session during the first week of February.These meetings will provide juniors with information about college options and the selection process, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the fall.
SAT/ACT Testing Advice for Juniors
The general recommended testing strategy has been that juniors take their first set of SAT and ACT exams in the spring semester (March/May/June) with minimal study, using sample tests on each testing website. Once they are able to view and compare results from the SAT and ACT, they can determine which test to focus on, prep during the summer, and retake the exam in early fall of senior year for their best score.
In light of the pandemic, limited testing availability, and many colleges moving towards a permanent test optional policy, we recommend that juniors dedicate more time focusing on their coursework and having a successful spring semester, rather than prepping for SAT and ACT exams that may or may not be required or that may or may not be offered. With that said, DLS plans to host an SAT School Day on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 for juniors who would like to test at school. More information including registration information will be provided in January/February.
For summer test prep, there are free study tools available online. At DLS, we subscribe to Method Test Prep and students will create accounts in the February College Advisory sessions and be able to access self-paced on-demand study for both SAT and ACT. SAT also partners with Khan Academy, and after students get their PSAT results, they can connect to Khan Academy and receive customized online study tools based on how they did on the practice exam.
Please see list of SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities put together by Compass Education Group.
November 2020
Application Deadlines
Nov. 1 and Nov. 15---Many Early Action, Early Decision, and Priority deadlines
October 30—Final Deadline to request teacher and counselor letters of recommendation
November 30—Final Deadline for submission of UC applications
December 4- Final Deadline for submission of CSU applications
Dec-Feb- Regular Deadlines vary by college; we encourage completing 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: www.fafsa.gov
CSS Profile- an additional Financial Aid Form required by 400 colleges: www.cssprofile.org
Check individual college’s financial aid webpages to find deadlines which vary from Nov-Mar.
COLLEGE NEWS FOR SENIORS
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION REQUESTS:
- Oct. 30th - FINAL deadline for students to submit initial 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.
- Students should notify teacher and counselor recommenders if they have deletions or additions to their college list after submitting their written requests.
Sent School Materials:
Letters that were requested by Sept. 27 for Early Decision/Early Action/Priority Deadlines for Nov. 1 and 15 will be/have been submitted through Naviance to the Colleges by the deadlines students listed in Naviance & Spreadsheet.
- Check in Naviance>College>Apply to College>Letters of Recommendation to confirm teacher recommendation submission.
- Check in Naviance “Colleges I’m applying to” in the “Office Materials” column if it indicates “Initial Materials sent” that includes Transcript and, if required, Counselor Letter and Report.
- Students can check their Common App>My Colleges Tab>Recommenders and Ferpa section to see the date and confirmation of submission.
- Students can also check the status of their application on college webportals (emailed to students). Please note that it may take colleges up to 3 weeks to process all received materials and update their webportals.
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS:
Students must add transcript requests in Naviance. Transcript requests are sent by the deadlines indicated in Naviance. For Common App Colleges, the transcript must be sent with the Counselor School Report and, if required, the Counselor Letter.
- To send to a College- They must list the colleges in “Colleges I’m Applying to” and add the request.
- To send to a Coach or Scholarship Program, they must go to Colleges>Apply to College>Manage Transcripts>and Select Add Other Request.
SEND OFFICIAL SAT/ACT SCORE REPORTS:
If a student would like to opt-in and send their SAT/ACT test scores, they must self-report on their applications. Many colleges also require the official SAT and/or ACT scores to be sent directly from the College Board or ACT. See the College Advisory Schoology Course or the Senior Application Guide for detailed instructions. Students must login to their SAT or ACT account to order (this is not done through Naviance). There is a growing trend of colleges who will accept self-reported scores for admission purposes and only require official scores if the student attends, you may find an updated list here: https://www.compassprep.com/self-reporting-test-scores/
Students who took the DLS School Day SAT on Oct. 14, should be able to view and access their SAT score this Wed., Nov. 4. If they are pleased with their score, they should order it on Nov. 4. It can take 1-2 weeks for the request to be processed. Submitting a rush order is not necessary. We have recommended that students identify their colleges average SAT score to determine whether or not to send their score.
UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS:
UC applications are due Nov. 30. www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply.
CSU applications are due Dec. 4. www.calstate.edu/apply
If a student has difficulty with internet access, see one of the college counselors for help.
- The UC system requires 4 Personal Insight Questions as part of the application; CSU’s 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 application is submitted). If a student is applying to CSU EOP program, they will need 2 letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts are not required or accepted, unless requested via email/webportal. 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 Nov. 1 or Nov. 15.
Check out www.commonapp.org for expediting applications to multiple member colleges.
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 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 website and to respond to requests for additional information found there.
HOUSING:
For many CSU’s 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 UC’s, 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 University. 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 www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com and other sites.
- Now available online: The 2021–22 FAFSA opened Oct. 1, 2020 at www.fafsa.gov
- Income Information reported: From 2019 Income Tax Report. There is an online DRT- Data Retrieval Tool- within that FAFSA that links to our 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, 2021. Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb or even earlier. Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines.
- Helpful Blog with tips: https://blog.ed.gov/topic/federal-student-aid/
- More Information: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
CSS PROFILE: About 400 private colleges require a secondary financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form must be completed online at http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. This form may be filed as early as October 1st. 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.
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 course work. 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 3 years of high school.
SAT/ACT Testing Advice:
- 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.
- Once they are able to view and compare results, they can determine which test is their best to focus on.
- Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can, we recommend committed studying to SAT/ACT in the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus.
- Students then retake the exam in early fall of senior year for their best score. So many students retake their exams, so it seems that spending time on studying for the first round of tests is not as efficient.
- For Test Preparation there are free online study tools available. At DLS we subscribe to Method Test Prep and students will create accounts with us in January and be able to access self-paced on-demand study for both SAT and ACT.
SAVE THE DATE: Junior Parents College Planning & Academic Advisement Night on January 26th.
Exploring College Options: Follow this link for College Virtual Tours
October 2020
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS
October 1 FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid available.
October 10-14 No School for seniors. Spend time completing applications.
October 14 On-campus SAT at DLS.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply: Apply online. Application is due Nov. 30.
CSU www.calstate.edu/apply: Apply online. Deadline extended to December 4.
COMMON APPLICATION www.commonapp.org: Accepted by over 900 private and out-of-state colleges. Deadlines vary by college.
OTHER APPLICATIONS: Check university website for online application 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 “Fastrack” 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. There are a number of reasons for this recommendation and the college counselors are happy to talk to parents and guardians about them.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- Sept. 25 was the deadline for teacher and counselor letter of recommendation requests for colleges with early deadlines (Dec 1 and earlier). Seniors should have completed the College App Spreadsheet and shared it with Ms. Lopez or Mrs. Sciacca, completed Counselor and Teacher Rec Surveys in Naviance, and requested teacher recommendations and transcripts in Naviance.
- Oct. 30 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 this time.
FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Now available online: The 2021–22 FAFSA opens Oct. 1, 2020 at www.fafsa.gov
- Income information reported: From 2019 Income Tax Report. There is an online Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) within that FAFSA that links to our 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, 2021. Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb or even earlier. Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines.
- More Information: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
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.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES VISIT DE LA SALLE
Over 85 college admissions representatives have visited De La Salle virtually since school started in August. Over 50 more are scheduled for October through December and even more may still sign up to visit virtually with our students. 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 list of college rep visits and Zoom links.
- All college rep visits are scheduled for after school and on Wednesdays.
COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS AND PREVIEW DAYS/OPEN HOUSES
Many colleges have enhanced their online informational offerings for interested students and their parents. Parents and students are encouraged to check individual websites for dates and offerings. Additionally, please see a listing of Fall Virtual College Events, which is updated regularly.
COLLEGE SEARCH DURING COVID: A VIRTUAL EVENT Oct. 8 at 7:00 - 8:30 PM
This winter, high school juniors and seniors must manage all the normal and natural challenges that come with college search and selection PLUS all the variables that come with search and selection during COVID. The College Counseling Office is partnering with New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen. During this lively and interactive event, Harlan helps seniors find the best college fit and gives juniors a framework to reduce stress and navigate a year of uncertainty. Harlan delivers the latest facts, stats, and headlines along with practical tools and strategies. This interactive program helps students and parents get comfortable with the uncomfortable during a time of heightened anxiety and unpredictable change. This event includes live Q&A. Register to get access to the recording. Registration Link
JUNIORS
In an ordinary year, we would host the PSAT for juniors on campus for Testing Day in October. Given the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are instead offering an optional SAT Testing Day for our seniors, the majority of whom have not been able to test at all since March. Our plan is to offer the PSAT to the junior class (Class of 2022) on the newly added Tuesday, January 26, 2021 test date. Juniors should wait until at least Feb/March 2020 to take their first SAT and ACT tests. Juniors will be introduced to Method Test Prep and create accounts in January.
SOPHOMORES
We usually host the PreACT for sophomores on campus for Testing Day in October. Given the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are instead offering an optional SAT Testing Day for our seniors on October 14, the majority of whom have not been able to test at all since March. Our plan is to offer the PreACT to the sophomore class (Class of 2023) later this school year.
(Pictures from College Advisory attached)
Blurb:Every Senior at DLS enrolls in College Advisory, for a weekly session with the College Counselors, Ms. Lopez or Mrs. Sciacca. Each week a vital portion of the college application process is covered. The course provides timely and essential college application information to every senior in classroom groups on a consistent basis.
September 2020
DATES TO REMEMBER
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 - SENIOR PARENTS COLLEGE APPLICATION NIGHT at 7:00 PM. A zoom link will be emailed as the date nears.
SAT/ACT DATES AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES (for seniors)
SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests:
Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
August 29 |
July 31 |
August 18 |
September 26* |
August 26 |
September 15 |
October 3 |
September 4 |
September 22 |
November 7 |
October 7 |
October 27 |
December 5 |
November 5 |
November 24 |
*SAT Subject Exams not offered on this date | Cost: $52 (w/out essay) | Register at: www.sat.org |
ACT:
Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
September 12 |
August 14 |
August 28 |
September 19 |
August 14 |
August 28 |
October 10 |
September 17 |
September 25 |
October 17 |
September 17 |
September 25 |
October 24 |
September 17 |
September 25 |
December 12 |
November 6 |
November 20 |
Cost: $55 (w/out essay) 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 qualifying for them, contact your college counselor.
Please visit our Webpage for Class of 2021 College Admission and Testing Covid-19 Updates
SENIOR COLLEGE ADVISORY PROGRAM
Senior College Advisory courses meets weekly through the fall semester and into 3rd quarter. Seniors are required to attend a weekly session with their College Counselor to learn essential information about the college admissions process and to complete college application materials. Check your son’s classes on Schoology to find “College Advisory” to see regular updates, calendar reminders, and materials.
Senior Parents: Please join us in the Hofmann Center during the 7th period time slot at Back to School Night to get an overview of the College Advisory class.
SENIOR PARENT COLLEGE APPLICATION NIGHT
When: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Zoom, a link will be sent via email as the date nears
The Co-Directors of College Counseling, Esther Lopez and Lisa Sciacca, 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 (for students whose last names begin with A-K) or Lisa Sciacca at sciaccal@dlshs.org (for students whose last names begin with L-Z)
SAT/ACT TEST INFORMATION
- Online Registration at: www.sat.org and www.actstudent.org
- Over 1500 colleges have announced they are test optional: www.fairtest.org
- Colleges that require SAT/ACT with Essay: Only 3 colleges require the essay this year https://www.compassprep.com/act-writing-and-sat-essay-requirements/
- Colleges that require/recommend SAT Subject Tests: None will require this year https://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/
- Preparation: Method Test Prep at www.methodtestprep.com/login . All DLS seniors have created accounts from last semester. Login to study for SAT or ACT. DLS provides this service for free to our students.
Juniors should wait until at least Feb/March 2020 to take their first SAT and ACT tests. Juniors will be introduced to Method Test Prep and create accounts in January. Junior parents, please note that we will begin working formally with Juniors and their families at the beginning of second semester this year. If you have any concerns before that time, please feel free to contact one of the college counselors (Esther Lopez, A-K or Lisa Sciacca, L-Z).
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES VISIT DE LA SALLE:
Representatives from the Admissions Offices of over 100 colleges and universities nationwide (and some abroad) are visiting from September 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 College Rep Visit posts.
- All College Rep Visits will be virtual this year and scheduled after-school and on Wednesdays.
PARENT RESOURCES:
Visit our De La Salle 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”.
2019-20 School Year
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
May 2020
Events and Important Dates
SAT AND ACT DATES:
SAT: August 29 and September 26 - Information about registration available May 26; priority given to juniors and those without SAT scores
ACT: June 13 - Register May 8 (Late Registration by May 22) Note: this test date may well be cancelled - check email and ACT website if registered; decision may not be made until 5/22
July 18 - Register by June 19 (Late Registration by June 26)
Next round of ACT testing: September, October, or December—Registration opens in July
Virtual College Fairs/Information Sessions
Strive Virtual College Exploration through May 8th
RACC (Regional Admissions Counselors of CA) Out-of-State Virtual College Webinar Series throughout May.
Please check out the important College Center news and information.
For Seniors:
- Final Steps
- Assessment and Course Placement
- Orientation/Housing
- DVC Enrollment Process
For Juniors:
- Summer To Do List
- Summer Programs
- SAT/ACT
- Student-Athletes
April News for Seniors
- Senior Alert/Final College Admission Steps
- Placement Exams
- REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION, ACCEPT FINANCIAL AID OFFER, APPLY FOR HOUSING
- Community College - Enrollment Steps
Senior Alert/Final College Admission Steps
Final College Advisory Classes meet virtually the week of May 4. All seniors must attend a virtual session to take care of important steps (Schoology and Naviance messages have been posted with instructions):
- FINAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: You must request a final high school transcript to be sent to your chosen college. We will do this in college advisory. (If you are later accepted from a waitlist and choose to go to that school, make arrangements with Mrs. Byrne to have your final transcript sent to that school.)
- Senior Counseling Department Exit Survey: To be completed during college advisory
- Refer to your Final College Decision Checklist to be sure you have completed all necessary tasks.
- If you are still unsure where you would like to attend, check out colleges still accepting applications on the National Association of College Admissions (NACAC) College Openings Update
Placement Exams
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Historically many seniors who attend a UC campus would need to take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam in May. This year, because of Covid-19, the exam has been cancelled. Here is UC’s statement: “Students intending to take the AWPE on May 9th will have other opportunities to satisfy UC’s Entry Level Writing Requirement and will hear more about these options from their intended UC campus in the coming months” For more information about this exam go to: http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
English and Math placement testing (ELM & EPT) is no longer used; instead assessment and placement is determined by SAT/ACT scores, High School grades, and courses completed in senior year. This year, because of Covid-19, placement procedures and summer start programs will be modified. Here is CSU’s statement in this regard: “CSU campuses will assess and initially place students in first-year English/Math based on multiple measures: high school and college courses completed, GPAs and test scores (SBAC, ACT, SAT) that students have submitted thus far. The CSU will not facilitate a system-wide Early Start Program in summer 2020; individual CSU campuses may offer summer transitional programs (e.g. Summer Bridge) in virtual formats.” Check the Cal State website for updates for admitted students: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/Pages/first-time-freshman-guidance.aspx
PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES
Students attending a private college or out-of-state public school should check with their chosen college about placement tests that may be required.
REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION, ACCEPT FINANCIAL AID OFFER, APPLY FOR HOUSING
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 an important part of getting off to a successful start. This year, because of COVID-19, many campuses are holding required orientations online. Check your college’s website for current information about this year’s orientation and other preparations for the fall semester.
Community College - Enrollment Steps
Community colleges, including Diablo Valley College, require all entering students to complete a math and English assessment process for placement and advising purposes as a required part of the enrollment process. Check your college website for enrollment steps, including the assessment process.
If you are planning on attending DVC in the fall, go to DVC Enrollment Steps for Graduating High School Seniors to follow all of the enrollment steps required. These steps include completion of the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 applications, the assessment process, online orientation and completion of student advisement through enrollment in Counseling 095. Priority registration in fall classes for those who have completed these steps starts on May 9th.
April News for Juniors
Even though in-person college visits, college fairs, etc. have been cancelled because of Covid-19, there are still numerous options to “visit” and research colleges online. These tools have been posted on Schoology for juniors and emailed to juniors and their parents. Here are a number of these tools:
- JUNIORS COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE –SPRING/SUMMER ‘TO DO’ LIST:
- SUMMER JOBS/PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS
- College Testing
- ADVISING THE STUDENT-ATHLETE
JUNIORS COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE –SPRING/SUMMER ‘TO DO’ LIST:
- Research Colleges: visit websites and check out reference books. Make use of Naviance to research and keep track of colleges. Complete the “college search” or “college search: super match” in the Colleges tab in Naviance and build your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list. Also, complete your College Research Worksheet from College Advisory Week 1 on Schoology.
- Visit colleges virtually on your list that you haven’t seen yet. Use the virtual tours available on your individual college websites, in Naviance, and independent sources such as Campus Reel, You Visit. See also virtual college information sessions during May at RACC Virtual College Webinar Series and Strive Virtual College Exploration (latter ends on May 8th)
- Create A College List: begin to formulate a list of colleges to which you will want to apply. Consider a variety of schools in regard to selectivity of admissions, keeping in mind that the admissions process is very unpredictable and it is important to have a number of options. Solid college choices that you really like and have a strong chance of admission are more important than ever. Next fall the college counselors will meet with you to refine your list. See “Build Your College List” worksheet in College Advisory, Week 1 on Schoology.
- Spend your summer as productively as you can. Colleges understand that participation in summer programs, volunteering and summer jobs is not nearly as available as in the past. However, there are some opportunities to participate in programs remotely and to volunteer online. See these resources for ideas: Volunteer Match Virtual Volunteering; Hands On Bay Area Youth Program Online; Habitat for Humanity Bay Area; Monument Crisis Center;
- Also, think creatively—how can you use your free time this summer to develop your interests or explore new ones—reading, art, music, cooking and other activities in the virtual or real-life realm? Check out free courses offered on Coursera Free Classes and at https://www.edx.org/course, or consider a community college course online (go to: DVC Enrollment Steps for High School Students for information). Concurrently enrolled high school students may register for summer classes starting on May 27th, but should take preliminary enrollment steps before then.
- Write down your ideas and make an outline for your essay/personal statement; the UC’s and most private schools require at least one. See resources in College Advisory Week 2 materials in Schoology for personal statement topics and tips.
- Develop a personal résumé/activities list– a list of school and community volunteer activities, leadership, work, and honors and awards. This will make your college applications easier to fill out & save you time in the fall. There is a link to a resume builder on the “About Me” tab on Naviance. See also the Activities Worksheet from College Advisory Week 2 in Schoology.
- Log into your Method Test Prep portal from the link on your Naviance home page, or at Method Test Prep Login to get extra help preparing for SAT or ACT tests in the fall. This is a program that DLS has to and paid for, in order to make test preparation available for all juniors and seniors. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, email your college counselor to retrieve it.
When you return in August, the College Counselors will begin the Senior College Advisory Program that will include a weekly group session for every senior in order to work on the college application process.
SUMMER JOBS/PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS
While many student jobs may not be possible this summer, keep your eye out for options. Some campus-sponsored pre-college programs may be converted to online experiences. Check out the Summer Programs list on the Counseling page of the DLS website Summer Programs and under Enrichment Programs on the Colleges tab on Naviance to see if they are being offered.
Various Summer Camps are usually offered at DVC, and while many of them are not available this year, the camps for Animation and for Cyber Security are available for an online experience. Go to this link and navigate the left hand menu to find more details/dates/requirements for each camp: https://www.dvc.edu/future/career-pathways/career-academies/index.html
College Testing
You may register online over the summer for the early fall exams by visiting www.sat.org for the SAT, and www.actstudent.org for the ACT.
Even though many colleges, including UC’s and CSU’s, have made SAT and ACT testing optional this year, because of COVID-19, not all colleges have done so. Students should still try both the SAT and the ACT if at all possible. While they may not be required to submit scores this year, strong test scores may be beneficial in admissions. While the UC system no longer requires SAT Subject Tests, some campuses recommend them for some majors and some very highly selective private colleges still require them. Again, use of these tests will likely be very flexible this year. Students may want to take 1 or 2 subject tests next fall (Math Level 2 or Literature are good options) Students should check with the Subject Test policies of the colleges they are interested in to see if they want to take them in late summer or fall.
ADVISING THE STUDENT-ATHLETE
Students who are thinking of participating in NCAA Division I or II athletics should start the certification process by the end of their junior year. Once the Eligibility Center receives the test scores and transcript, it begins the certification process, which is completed when the student graduates from high school. In general, a minimum GPA and test score are required in order to play college sports. However, this year, because of Covid-19, the NCAA is waiving the test score requirement. 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.
- Interested students may register online at NCAA Eligibility Center
- Be sure to request a transcript to be sent to the NCAA through Naviance. If you have questions about how to do this, email your college counselor
- If students have SAT or ACT test scores, they may also be reported to the NCAA, directly from Collegeboard or ACT.
April 2020
SAT & ACT TEST DATES (primarily for Juniors)
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
June 6, 2020 (deadline to register, 5/8/2020) | June 13, 2020 (deadline to register, 5/8/2020) |
July 18, 2020 (deadline to register, 6/19/2020) | |
Register online at: www.sat.org | Register online at: www.actstudent.org |
Please see information in the juniors’ testing section below for current information about SAT and ACT testing during the coronavirus pandemic.
VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR/PANEL PRESENTATIONS
Strive for College Knowledge Virtual College Exploration Week: April 20-23 (See details in Juniors’ section below)
The joint DLS-CHS College Preview Night for Juniors and their Families, originally scheduled for April 22, has been cancelled, as has The East Bay College Fair normally held the first weekend in May at St. Mary’s College in Moraga.
As indicated above, there are plans underway to provide an online college fair opportunity. We will update DLS families about details as soon as that information becomes available.
GENERAL UPDATES FOR CORONAVIRUS SITUATION
Spring is a busy time for college preparation, exploration, and planning. We realize that the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic makes impossible most of the “in-person” types of college admission activities that juniors and seniors and their families engage in at this type of year.
We recognize that the current restrictions create a lot of uncertainty and anxiety for college-bound students and we are providing online resources—see below--to help mitigate the lost opportunities as much as possible.
Please also be assured that colleges are committed to being flexible and accommodating for students and their families and they recognize that the admissions process will look at least somewhat different this year—for all students.
See new admissions information from UC and CSU systems in regard to SAT and ACT testing, transcripts, AP scores, etc. in light of the coronavirus situation:
UC’s Response on Admissions to Covid-19
CSU Undergraduate Admissions Covid-19 Impacts
April News for Seniors
- Making Your Final College Decisions
- Diablo Valley College Enrollment
- UC AWPE Placement Tests
- Financial Aid
Making Your Final College Decisions
Even though you can’t get out there to visit or re-visit your colleges, make use of the many virtual tools to get a good sense of your college’s environment and opportunities. The individual colleges’ admissions office representatives remain available to students and families and we encourage you to reach out to College Representatives, Professors, & Students.
Here are some tools to use to reach out to them, and other virtual tools to help you learn more about the colleges you’re considering:
- College Rep list of colleges who visited DLS/CHS in the fall 2019. If you are interested in other colleges not listed, then search their admission webpages and there is often a lookup to find the representative assigned to our State/County.
- Questions to ask College Reps - Always include a greeting in your email Dear Mr./Ms. and always conclude with a signature- your full name, name of your high school, high school city, State and your grade level
- National list of college events and important date updates
- Virtual College Admission Events – check our email and college websites for more events.
- Virtual Campus Tours- YouVisit and Campus Reel. Plus, check colleges social media accounts for pictures & videos.
A number of colleges realize that this will make for a difficult year for students/families to choose among their final college choices by May 1. There is a list being compiled of Colleges who have announced an extension of the May 1 College Decision deadline. We imagine more colleges will be added in the coming weeks.
See more tips and tools for making your decision, handling waitlists, appeals, and a May 1st checklist on Decision Time Spring 2020.
Diablo Valley College Enrollment
There are Required Enrollment Steps to complete now for DVC:
- Complete the spring 2020 AND summer 2020 online applications. Go to DVC Steps to Enrollment for Graduating Seniors for complete instructions
- After receiving your DVC ID number, complete the online orientation using the link on your Insite Portal on the DVC website.
- Complete the online English/Math assessments/placements here
- Get a copy of the Special Admit form and transcript (attached here)
- Register for academic advisement (Counseling 095) in April to get priority registration for Fall classes. These sessions will be online. Priority registration for Fall classes starts on May 9 Priority registration is essential to students’ success at DVC.
UC AWPE Placement Tests
Seniors who will attend a UC campus may be required to take the UC Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) in May. Students should receive information about this test directly from UC in April; information may also be found at http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/index.html. Look for updates on this site or in emails from your UC campus about administration of this exam for Fall 2020 admits.
Financial Aid
Students who submitted their financial aid applications (FAFSA and/or CSS Profile) will receive their Financial Aid offers at this time. Most financial aid letters will arrive in the mail but for CSU’s, UC’s and some other colleges, they will not mail but rather post the information in the student’s web portal. To help compare the financial aid offers, it may be helpful to organize the information on a spreadsheet: College Cost Estimator
Some other sources of Financial Aid information that may be helpful are:
Evaluating Financial Aid Award Letters and Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter
Families are welcome to contact Mrs. Appel (last names L-Z) or Ms. Lopez (last names A-K) with questions about financial aid. The college financial aid offices are also excellent sources of information and they’re happy to answer students’ and families’ questions
April News for Juniors
- LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER: VIRTUAL OPTIONS FOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, VOLUNTEERING AND EXPLORING COLLEGES
- SaT and ACT Testing
- College Preview Night
- College Fairs
LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER: VIRTUAL OPTIONS FOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, VOLUNTEERING AND EXPLORING COLLEGES
Students should be planning a productive and relaxing summer. While the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as summer pre-college programs, volunteer work and part-time jobs is uncertain right now, some of these activities may become available in time.
In the meantime, students might explore local non-profits for assistance they could give remotely, take the opportunity to begin or continue a co-curricular activity on their own—such as music, art, reading, running, working out at home, etc.
Please also see the links above, in the seniors’ section, to continue to explore colleges virtually over the spring and summer months.
We realize that none of this is easy to take on, but it does provide opportunities to develop creativity, resourcefulness and perseverance. Please also be assured that colleges are committed to being flexible with the admissions process this coming year and that all students are facing the same challenges.
Local volunteer organizations to check out are: Volunteer Match Covid-19 Contra Costa County and Hands on Bay Area Covid-19 as well as the Monument Crisis Center to see their offerings for remote and in-person opportunities.
For students interested in participating in summer programs, please see the DLS List of Summer Programs and the sample of CA and Free programs below. If interested in any of these, please go to the links provided to get current information about their status and possible online alternatives.
Below is a shortened list of the FREE programs and the California programs—please check out their websites for current information as well:
- ALSF’s Student Leadership Academy (SLA) at Villanova University (FREE)
- Holberton School FREE Summer Coding Camp
- Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project in Sacramento or Berkeley (FREE)
- Future Latino Leaders Law Camp- George Washington University (DC) (FREE)
- UC Berkeley Summer Session
- California College of the Arts Pre-College
- Cal State East Bay - Reading Skills & Speed Reading Programs for K-12 graders - Call: 1-800-903-0162
- Diablo Valley College (DVC) Career Academics (grade 9-12)
- Hands on Bay Area Service-Learning
- Loyola Marymount University Pre-College Programs
- Sacramento State University Summer Academies
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (This program has moved to an online format; click the link for current information)
- UC Davis Young Scholars Summer Research Program
- UC Santa Barbara Sports Industry Academy
SaT and ACT Testing
Testing Recommendations in general:
- Juniors should take the SAT and ACT by June. Once scores are received compare scores and determine the highest (use chart in Junior College Guide given to students in January meetings).
- Once the best test is determined, study over the summer. Use account created on www.methodtestprep.com in junior groups in January (free for DLS students).
- Retake the best test in July/August/September/October of Senior year.
Because of the current coronavirus situation, the April ACT and March and May SAT’s were cancelled. As of now, the June tests (dates above) are being held.
Please register for each of these tests ASAP. There will be more students attempting to register for these tests than there will be space for. CollegeBoard has indicated that additional SAT test dates will be offered, but details are not yet available. There is no word yet from ACT on whether additional tests will be held. There is an opportunity to take the ACT on July 18 if no other dates are available.
Please go to: SAT Covid-19 Updates and ACT Covid-19 Updates for current information.
SAT Subject Exams:
Students applying to highly selective private colleges (http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/) will also need to take at least 2 SAT Subject Tests, and may want to take 3 of them (e.g. in U.S. History, Chemistry, World Language, Literature or Math).
UC’s no longer require Subject Tests, but recommend them at some campuses and for some majors. If Math is chosen as a subject test, Math Level 2 should be taken (UC’s do not accept Math Level 1). Sophomores who are high achievers in Biology (either regular Biology or AP Biology) may want to take the SAT Subject test in Biology in June.
Again, because of the current coronavirus situation, colleges are very likely to be flexible about these Subject Test requirements or recommendations. Also, as evident in the link above, fewer and fewer colleges are requiring SAT Subject tests in general.
College Preview Night
College Fairs
Because of the current situation with the corona virus, the East Bay College Fair at St. Mary’s College and the National College Fair at Santa Clara have been cancelled.
The regional and national college admissions organizations, and individual colleges are working with the Strive Scan organization to create a 3-day Strive for College Knowledge Virtual College Exploration Week with a variety of panel presentations by individual colleges. This event is planned for April 20-23 and is FREE, but students will need to register ahead of time. We will get information out to junior and senior students’ families as it becomes available.
March 2020
March 2020
SAT & ACT TEST DATES (primarily for Juniors)
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
March 14, 2020 (deadline to register, 2/14/2020) | April 4, 2020 (deadline to register, 2/28/2020) |
May 2, 2020 (deadline to register, 4/3/2020) | June 13, 2020 (deadline to register, 5/8/2020) |
June 6, 2020 (deadline to register, 5/8/2020) | |
Register online at: www.sat.org | Register online at: www.act.org |
Additional Dates to Remember
College Preview Night for Juniors and Their Parents
Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
De La Salle Hofmann Student Center
March News for Seniors
- College Decisions
- Diablo Valley College/Community College Enrollment
- Final College Advisory
- Financial Aid
- Scholarship Opportunities
College Decisions
Final College Decisions will be released this month. Check email and web portals for application status and any missing documents.
As you narrow down your top choices, make plans to visit/re-visit those 3-4 that you are most seriously considering, at the latest over spring break. Many schools have special programs for admitted students; the college counselors may also provide names of former DLS students who could talk with you about their colleges. You may also want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit campuses on Friday, March 20th, a student holiday at De La Salle.
Diablo Valley College/Community College Enrollment
Seniors interested in DVC/Community College have been completing their online applications and orientation in February.
The college counselors have a field trip planned for March 11 for students to tour, complete the Math & English assessments, register for COUNS 95-Advising. Students must turn in their “blue form”/Special Admission form and their field trip forms, plus complete their application and orientation in order to attend.
Final College Advisory
Financial Aid
March 2 is the California State deadline to complete the FAFSA (free application for federal student aid): www.fafsa.gov
After applying:
- Login to Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy
o Make corrections if there are errors
o Add or delete colleges from your list
o If you have applied to more than 10 colleges, wait a few weeks to ensure that the originally listed colleges have received your FAFSA information, then delete some in order to add additional colleges and submit it as a correction)
- Check email and webportals to find financial aid offers from your individual colleges. Some may request additional paperwork from you before an offer is provided.
- You will receive a separate communication from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) about the Cal Grant. The letter will have instructions for you to create your WebGrants 4 Students account (WGS) to monitor your Cal Grant status.
- If you are admitted to the college, you will receive a financial aid offer, usually before May 1st. When the offer arrives, read the whole package and follow all instructions.
- Contact the college Financial Aid Office (FAO) if you have any questions.
- If you have applied to a community college, your offer of financial aid may come later (June or July).
- Decide which college you will attend, before May 1st. Make sure that your financial aid offer is manageable before you make a deposit, and work out any financial concerns before May 1st.
- Notify the college FAO immediately if there are other significant changes in your financial circumstances.
- If you receive a student loan offer, you will be required to complete an “entrance loan counseling” session and sign a master promissory note before getting your loan.
- If you receive a Federal Work Study offer, find out from the college how you get an on-campus job.
Scholarship Opportunities
Remember to check our DLS Monthly Scholarship list.
Also, check out the Mega-list of Scholarships that are available to apply for.
March News for Juniors
College Visits
Spring break is the best time to visit colleges, many of which will be in regular session. Call the admissions office or check online at the college’s website to arrange for a tour. Also, spend some time on your own at the campus. This is the most important way to narrow your list of possible choices. If you’re looking for ideas about colleges to explore, make an appointment with Ms. Lopez or Mrs. Appel.
SaT and ACT Testing
Juniors need to register to take their first SAT and ACT. Since all colleges accept both the SAT and ACT, and because many students perform differently on the two tests, it is recommended to take them both. If desired, a test can be repeated in the fall in plenty of time for college admissions. Students applying to highly selective colleges must also take SAT Subject tests. These are one-hour exams and as many as 3 may be taken on one test date. While UC’s no longer require SAT Subject Tests, they are recommended at some UC campuses for some majors. Some highly selective private schools require 3 Subject Tests. May or June is the ideal time for juniors to take the SAT Subject Tests. Sophomores who are especially strong in biology may want to take the May or June SAT Subject Test in biology, only.
College Preview Night
DLS and CHS are pleased to present the annual College Preview Night for Juniors and their Parents, on April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in the DLS Hofmann Center. The evening will begin with a short mini-college fair. We will have a panel of Guest Speakers representing the following university systems: University of California, California State Universities, Private California Colleges/Universities, Out-of-State Universities, and California Community Colleges. The representatives will give an overview of their type of college and their admissions policies, as well as take you through an mock application review process. Don’t miss this informative evening that will help juniors in their college planning.
East Bay College Fair
Students, particularly juniors and your parents, mark your calendars for the 29th annual East Bay College Connection on Saturday, May 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga.
Representatives will be there from over 150 colleges and universities throughout the country. Look for details in the April edition of the newsletter.
College Advisory
College Advisory for Juniors will meet once a week for two weeks, the week of March 23 and 30 during 7th period. Students will be assigned a day of the week to attend and will receive an email notification from their college counselor. Students who are enrolled in a 7th period will be assigned to Fridays. The purpose of this program is to provide juniors with a head start on the college list and application process.
Students will be enrolled in College Advisory for Seniors next year. College Advisory meets once a week during 7th period and students will be assigned to a day of the week. Student who are enrolled in a 7th period will be assigned to Fridays (or Thursdays if 7th is at CHS). College Counselors will coach seniors through the college selection, application, and enrollment process. College Advisory for Seniors meets every week during the fall semester and select weeks in the spring semester.
February 2020
SAT & ACT TEST DATES (primarily for Juniors)
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
March 14, 2020 (deadline to register, 2/14/2020) | February 8, 2020 |
May 2, 2020 (deadline to register, 4/3/2020) | April 4, 2020 (deadline to register, 2/28/2020) |
June 6, 2020 (deadline to register, 5/8/2020) | June 13, 2020 (deadline to register, 5/8/2020) |
Register online at: www.sat.org | Register online at: www.act.org |
*JUNIORS TAKE NOTE: Juniors are strongly advised to wait to take the SAT and ACT until one of these (*) dates. Details about these tests will be discussed in the juniors’ small group meetings and the Junior Parent College Planning Night (see below). For questions about these tests before those meetings, please contact one of the college counselors.
Additional Dates to Remember
DVC Enrollment Steps Meeting
Wednesday, February 11
6th period at De La Salle
Planning Ahead to Pay for College
March 3, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the Hofmann Center
Families of 9th through 11th grade students are invited to attend the presentation on “Planning Ahead to Pay for College” which will be held on March 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Hofmann Center. Our speaker is a college admission professional with extensive experience in the financial aid process and in college admissions advising. She will present information about how families’ assets and their students’ academic profiles are evaluated and how the amount of aid a student might receive at different colleges is determined. She will also give an overview of the entire financial aid process and will present various ways to prepare for the cost of college.
February News for Seniors
Diablo Valley College
Now is the time to begin the required enrollment steps for DVC (and other community colleges). Interested students who plan on attending or who are interested in having DVC as an option should attend the following programs listed below.
1. Attend the Enrollment Presentation from DVC at CHS on Wednesday, February 11th during 6th period. Sign up in Naviance in advance. The five required steps for enrolling at DVC will be explained.
2. Attend two College Advisory sessions, one per week on Feb. 11 or 12 and Feb. 18 or 19 to complete the DVC application, online orientation and other required steps.
3. Attend the DVC Assessment Process at DVC on March 12th to determine Math and English placements.
Other Community Colleges: If students are considering other community colleges, attend the College Advisory sessions in February because many of the steps are similar to DVC.
Important Note: If these steps are not completed on these dedicated dates with the DLS College Counselors, students will need to complete them on their own and arrange time at DVC. Our goal is to help students complete all the necessary enrollment steps early to qualify for priority registration. Once an incoming freshman receives priority registration they will have it each semester. If a student does not qualify for priority registration as an incoming student, they cannot qualify in future semesters. Priority registration is essential to get the courses you want and need while you’re a student at DVC.
Cal State University
Course Placement
CSU applicants no longer need to take EPT/ELM Math & English Placement exams. Instead grades earned in Senior year English & Math courses and SAT/ACT scores will help determine placement. For more detailed information CLICK HERE
Housing
For seniors planning on attending a CSU campus, NOW is the time to apply for housing at many campuses, before the student has actually decided to attend. Many CSU campuses do not have enough housing for all freshmen and to have an opportunity to live on campus students must submit a preliminary application ASAP.
Check on the individual campus websites for the housing application policies; they vary by campus and while many of them encourage early housing applications, some do not allow students to apply before they make their decision to attend. Some out-of-state public universities also have limited housing and advise students to apply for it early. Check individual college websites for information.
Scholarships
For scholarships at CSU campuses, follow this link then scroll down to check on Scholarships by Campus
Scholarship Opportunities
February & March are the big months with many scholarship deadlines. There are some scholarships and special programs available to juniors and sophomores as well. Check our monthly scholarship list.
Also, www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com are scholarship search sites.
The best source of scholarships are usually the colleges themselves; check each colleges financial aid webpage for scholarship applications and deadlines.
Financial Aid
-
FAFSA
Seniors should check Financial Aid deadlines and forms required on each of their prospective colleges’ websites. Individual colleges may have their own financial aid deadlines in January or February and may also require forms in addition to the FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid—required by all colleges). Don’t miss a deadline and miss out on financial aid available from your college! Students and parents filling out the FAFSA need to complete it online at www.fafsa.gov before the earliest deadline. 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. -
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 2 in order to be considered for a Cal Grant.
February News for Juniors
- College Planning Meetings For Juniors
- SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS
- SAT and ACT Testing
College Planning Meetings For Juniors
Beginning the third week of January, DLS College Counselors began meetings with small groups of juniors to formally start the college planning and selection process, providing materials and information crucial to making informed, realistic choices for college. We encourage parents to sit down with their junior students to begin discussing the college search process and a possible trip during spring break to visit different schools. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Esther Lopez (A-K), lopeze@dlshs.org, 288-8103, or Janet Appel (L-Z), appelj@dlshs.org, Ext. 288-8128.
SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS
Announcements and brochures for summer academic and enrichment programs, both state and nationwide, are posted on the bulletin board near the attendance area, on Naviance, and on the College Counseling page of the DLS website. Juniors, especially, are invited to explore the possibility of summer programs as a valuable addition to their 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 as early as February, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities this month.
The following are just a small sample of what’s available:
- https://summerinstitutes.stanford.edu (Stanford University)
- http://atdp.berkeley.edu (UC Berkeley)
- www.nd.edu/~precoll (Notre Dame University)
- www.csssa.org (California State Summer School for the Arts)
- www.ucop.edu/cosmos (California State Summer School for Math, Science & Engineering)
- https://epic.calpoly.edu/ (Engineering Camp at Cal Poly, SLO)
- http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/NASS/index.php (United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar)
- http://summerprograms.usc.edu/ (University of Southern California)
- www.thesca.org (Student Conservation Association; local and national outdoor projects)
- www.nslcleaders.org (National Student Leadership Conferences—variety of topics)
- www.oxbridgeprograms.com (Oxford University)
For a listing of many more programs, check Naviance and the College Counseling page (under link for Juniors) on the DLS website.
SAT and ACT Testing
All colleges and universities accept either the ACT or the SAT, and we encourage students to take both.
- Go to the websites to register: www.actstudent.org and www.sat.org.
- Both SAT and ACT offer an optional writing section. If a student is applying to UC’s or other highly selective colleges, it is recommended to take the exams with the optional writing/essay section since they require it. Otherwise, students may not need to take the writing/essay portion. Go to the Compass Prep website for information about the essay/writing section and which colleges require it.
- Students may want to use the May or June SAT test date for SAT Subject tests if the colleges they are applying to require them. For information about which colleges require or recommend SAT Subject tests, CLICK HERE.
- Recommended testing strategies, timeline, and information about the SAT were covered at the Junior Parent Night and with the students in their junior groups. See the information about testing in the booklets distributed at the parent and student college planning meetings and contact the College Counselors if you have any questions.
January 2020
Sophomore and Junior Class Meetings
The College Counseling Office will hold Sophomore and Junior class meetings on Wednesday, January 15, starting at 8:05 a.m.
Junior Parent College Night
On January 28 from 7-9 p.m., the College Counseling Office will host a Junior Parent College Night in the Br. Celestine Cormier, FSC Threatre. Admission is free and registration is not required to attend this meeting.
Important January To Do's for Seniors
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid-FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov
- Complete the CSS Profile, if required by 400 colleges & universities- at www.cssprofile.org
- Order SAT & ACT score reports to College
o These scores are not sent by DLS, students must order from Collegeboard or ACT as soon as possible (see Senior Application Guide for instructions). - Complete any remaining College Applications
- Set up and Check weekly, application portals for each of the colleges that provide them, following instructions received from the individual colleges via email.
- Letters of Recommendation - If you have applied to some new colleges, be sure to add the college in Naviance. Add the Teacher Recommendation Request in Naviance. And email your Counselor Recommender to request your materials to be sent.
- Transcripts
o Initial Transcripts- If you have applied to some new colleges, be sure to add in Naviance along with adding a transcript request.
o Mid-Year Transcripts- A request form for Mid-Year transcripts will be completed in College Advisory in January. Mid-Year/7th Semester transcripts include first semester senior year grades. A Mid-Year Report, required by Common App Colleges, will be completed by your counselor recommender.
Scholarships
- MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP LIST: Students should watch for monthly updates to the list. Click Here to view the list.
- SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH DATABASE: www.fastweb.com
- INSTITUTIONAL/COLLEGE BASED SCHOLARSHIPS: Research each college’s financial aid web page to find scholarships you may be eligible for that require an additional scholarship application.
- SCHOLARSHIP BASICS AND TIPS
College News for Juniors
- PSAT SCORES & PRACTICE ACT SCORES
- JUNIOR PARENTS’ COLLEGE PLANNING AND ACADEMIC ADVISING NIGHT
- JUNIOR GROUP COLLEGE PLANNING
- SAT/ACT Testing Advice:
- Midwest College Tour - spring break 2020
PSAT SCORES & PRACTICE ACT SCORES
Wednesday, January 15 at 8:05 a.m. Early Start- Class Meetings
Juniors will meet to with the College Counselors to review PSAT results and plan for spring ACT and SAT exams. They will also re-introduce all of the college planning tools available on the Naviance web portal to begin college selection.
Sophomores will meet to go over PACT test results with the Student Support Services Department staff. They will also remind students about important Academic and Co-Curricular goals
JUNIOR PARENTS’ COLLEGE PLANNING AND ACADEMIC ADVISING NIGHT
Junior Parents' College Planning & Academic Advising Night is Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm in the DLS Theatre.
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.
JUNIOR GROUP COLLEGE PLANNING
College Counselors will have classroom workshops with Juniors to begin their college search process. These meetings will provide Juniors with information about college options and the selection process, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the Fall. Juniors will also create their Method Test Prep accounts, to be able to access on-demand SAT and ACT test prep.
SAT/ACT Testing Advice:
- 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.
- Once they are able to view and compare results, they can determine which test is their best to focus on.
- Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can, we recommend committed studying to SAT/ACT in the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus.
- Students then retake the exam in early fall of senior year for their best score. So many students retake their exams, so it seems that spending time on studying for the first round of tests is not as efficient.
- For Test Preparation there are free online study tools available. At DLS we subscribe to Method Test Prep and students will create accounts with us in January and be able to access self-paced on-demand study for both SAT and ACT. SAT also partners with Khan Academy, and after students get their PSAT results via email in December they can connect to Khan Academy and receive customized online study tools based on how they did on the practice exam.
Midwest College Tour - spring break 2020
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour during spring break for 10th and 11th graders.
The trip is April 12-18, 2020 and will tour the following schools:
Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola University-Chicago, DePaul University, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan
The tour cost is $2600 and includes airfare, coach bus transportation between schools, lodging, and breakfast each day. Counseling staff from Carondelet HS and other local schools will be on the trip. The priority registration deadline for the tour is November 14, however space is limited so sign up early. Late registration is subject to actual cost of airfare at the time of booking. To register for the tour, please visit the Athens Advisors’ website.
Please note:
- This program is sponsored by a Private College Tour Company, Athens Advisors (not DLS). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families.
- There will not be chaperones from DLS. Current and former College Counselors from Bellarmine College Prep are part of this program.
- There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.
December 2019
November 2019
November 2019
The college counselors at De La Salle High School are committed to providing comprehensive information, guidance, and support for students and their families in the college exploration, selection, and admissions process.
IMPORTANT DATES
Testing
SAT: Dec. 7 - Register by Nov. 8; Late Registration by Nov. 26
ACT: Dec. 14 - Register by Nov. 8; Late Registration by Nov. 22
To register online: www.sat.org for SAT and www.actstudent.org for ACT
Note: The Dec. SAT & ACT are the last test date that UC’s and many other colleges will accept from seniors.
Application Deadlines
Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 - Many Early Action, Early Decision, and Priority deadlines
October 31 - Final Deadline to request teacher and counselor letters of recommendation November 30 - Final Deadline for submission of UC applications and CSU applications
Dec-Feb - Regular Deadlines vary by college, we encourage completing all applications by Christmas Break
Financial Aid
FAFSA - Required by all colleges from students seeking financial aid: www.fafsa.gov
CSS Profile - an additional Financial Aid Form required by 400 colleges: www.cssprofile.org
Check individual college’s financial aid webpages to find deadlines which vary from Nov-Mar.
Juniors & Sophomores
Midwest College Tour - spring break 2020 Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour during spring break for 10th and 11th graders. To register for the tour, please visit the Athens Advisors’ website.
If you have any questions regarding college counseling, please reach out to Mrs. Appel, ext. 8128 or email at appelj@dlshs.org, or Ms. Lopez, ext. 8103, or email at lopeze@dlshs.org.
News for Seniors
- LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION REQUESTS
- TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
- SEND OFFICIAL SAT/ACT SCORE REPORTS
- UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS
- OTHER APPLICATIONS
- COMMUNICATION WITH COLLEGES
- HOUSING
- FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
- CSS PROFILE
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION REQUESTS
Oct. 31st was the FINAL deadline for students to make initial 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. Students should notify teachers and counselors if they have deletions or additions to their college list after submitting their written requests.
Sent Materials: Letters that were requested by Sept. 27 for Early Decision/Early Action/Priority Deadlines for Nov. 1 and 15 will be/have been submitted through Naviance to the Colleges by the deadlines students listed in Naviance & Spreadsheet. Students can check in Naviance>College>Apply to College>Letters of Recommendation to confirm teacher recommendation submission. In Naviance “Colleges I’m applying to” in the “Office Materials” column if it indicates “Initial Materials sent” that includes Transcript and, if required, Counselor Letter and Report. Students can check their Common App>My Colleges Tab>Recommenders and Ferpa section to see the date and confirmation of submission. Students can also check the status of their application on college webportals (emailed to students). Please note that it may take colleges up to 3 weeks to process all received materials and update their webportals.
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Students must add transcript requests in Naviance. To send to a College- They must list the colleges in “Colleges I’m Applying” to and add the request. To send to a Coach or Scholarship Program, they must go to Colleges>Apply to College>Manage Transcripts>and Select Add Other Request. Transcript requests are sent by the deadlines listed in Naviance. For Common App Colleges, the transcript must be sent with the Counselor School Report and, if required, the Counselor Letter.
SEND OFFICIAL SAT/ACT SCORE REPORTS
Students must order official SAT and/or ACT scores to be sent directly from the College Board or ACT to all of the colleges to which they are applying, in addition to self-reporting the scores on the application itself. See the College Advisory Schoology Course or the Senior Application Guide for detailed instructions. Students must login to their SAT or ACT account to order (this is not done through Naviance). There is a growing trend of colleges who will accept self-reported scores for admission purposes and only require official scores if the student attends, you may find an updated list here: https://www.compassprep.com/self-reporting-test-scores/
UC AND CSU APPLICATIONS
Both UC and CSU applications are due Nov. 30.
For CSU: www.calstate.edu/apply and For UC: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply.
If a student has difficulty with internet access, see one of the college counselors for help.
- The UC system requires 4 Personal Insight Questions as part of the application; CSU’s 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 application is submitted). If a student is applying to CSU EOP program they will need 2 letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts are not required or accepted, unless requested via email/webportal. 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 Nov. 1 or Nov. 15.
Check out www.commonapp.org for expediting applications to multiple member colleges.
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 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 website and to respond to requests for additional information found there.
HOUSING
For many CSU’s 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 UC’s, 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 University. These tend to be the most generous scholarships.
Students also need to check the Scholarship list on a regular basis posted on the College Counseling page on the DLS website: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/college-information-for-seniors-1/scholarships-and-financial-aid-information/monthly-scholarship-list . Students may also access many scholarships via the internet on www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com and other sites.
· Now available online: The 2020–21 FAFSA opens Oct. 1, 2019 at www.fafsa.gov
· Income Information reported: From 2018 Income Tax Report. There is an online DRT- Data Retrieval Tool- within that FAFSA that links to our 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, 2020. Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb or even earlier. Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines.
· Helpful Blog with tips: https://blog.ed.gov/topic/federal-student-aid/
More Information: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
CSS PROFILE
About 400 private colleges require a secondary financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form must be completed online at http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. This form may be filed as early as October 1st. 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.
College News for Juniors
- Academic Advice
- SAT/ACT Testing Advice
- SAVE THE DATE - Junior Parents College Planning & Academic Advisement Night
- SUMMER PLANS
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 course work. 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 3 years of high school.
SAT/ACT Testing Advice
- 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.
- Once they are able to view and compare results, they can determine which test is their best to focus on.
- Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can, we recommend committed studying to SAT/ACT in the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus.
- Students then retake the exam in early fall of senior year for their best score. So many students retake their exams, so it seems that spending time on studying for the first round of tests is not as efficient.
- For Test Preparation there are free online study tools available. At DLS we subscribe to Method Test Prep and students will create accounts with us in January and be able to access self-paced on-demand study for both SAT and ACT. SAT also partners with Khan Academy, and after students get their PSAT results via email in December they can connect to Khan Academy and receive customized online study tools based on how they did on the practice exam.
SAVE THE DATE - Junior Parents College Planning & Academic Advisement Night
SUMMER PLANS
Students should take time to rest and rejuvenate during the summer months along with planning some productive activities. Students may want to apply for jobs, internships, job shadowing, etc. Many colleges offer Pre-College programs on campus during the summer. This gives students an opportunity to stay on campus if it is a residential program, and take courses from the college. It is a wonderful opportunity to consider. Some programs have early deadlines to apply. A full list of summer programs for summer of 2020 will become available in the spring on the College Counseling webpage, the 2019 list is listed for your reference: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/summer-programs
Some summer programs for Summer 2020:
Battles Won Academy- Due Dec. 31
Every year since 2017, the Marines Corps has taken around 100 high school juniors to Washington D.C. for the Battles Won Academy, an all-expenses paid summer camp. Student applicants must be juniors, with a 3.5 GPA, active in community service, member of an athletic team, and hold a student or community leadership position.You can find more information and submit applications at https://sfaap.marines.com/. You can also find more information, photos and videos at https://www.facebook.com/SemperFidelisAllAmericans/.
Notre Dame University Pre-College Program- Deadlines Vary in Jan/Feb
Pre-College programs offer high school students a taste of college life, academics, and the Notre Dame community. Check out the website for more information.
Summer Discover- Deadlines vary
Pre-College Enrichment offered at 14 different Universities and Internship Programs in New York, Boston, and London. 300+ courses offered and afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and trips included.
Website: www.summerdiscovery.com
Oxbridge Academic Programs
Programs in Oxford, Cambridge, St. Andrews, Paris, Montpellier, Barcelona, Salamanca, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Website: www.oxbridgeprograms.com
College news for Juniors & Sophomores
Midwest College Tour- spring break 2020
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour during spring break for 10th and 11th graders.
The trip will run Sunday, April 12-Saturday, April 18, 2020 and will tour the following schools:
Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan
The tour cost is $2600 and includes airfare, coach bus transportation between schools, lodging, and breakfast each day. Counseling staff from Carondelet HS and other local schools will be on the trip. The priority registration deadline for the tour is November 14, however space is limited so sign up early. Late registration is subject to actual cost of airfare at the time of booking. To register for the tour, please visit the Athens Advisors’ website.
Please note:
- This program is sponsored by a Private College Tour Company, Athens Advisors (not DLS). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families.
- There will not be chaperones from DLS. Current and former College Counselors from Bellarmine College Prep are part of this program.
- There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.
October 2019
October 2019
Seniors—Important Dates
October 1 FAFSA-Free application for federal student aid- Now available
October 7 College Financial Aid Night for Parents of Seniors
October 12-16 No School for seniors—time to make college visits/complete college apps
October 16 Drop in to work on college applications (Computer Lab from 8 a.m.-12 noon)
October 26 ACT Test (late registration deadline Oct. 4)
November 2 SAT Test (registration deadline Oct. 3; late deadline Oct. 22 last test date for
SDSU, SJSU, Cal Poly and some other colleges
December 7 SAT Test (registration deadline Nov. 8) last SAT test date for UC’s and many other
colleges
December 14 ACT Test (registration deadline Nov. 2) last ACT test date for UC’s and many other
colleges
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
When: Monday, October 7, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Carondelet’s Garaventa Center
Who: Important for ALL senior parents, regardless of whether or not you think you qualify for financial aid (some scholarships based primarily on merit may still require the FAFSA).
What: Guest speaker, Tony San Nicholas and Karla Henriquez, Assistants Directors of Financial Aid at Saint Mary’s College, will explain the financial aid process and the FAFSA, which is the basic financial aid form required by all colleges.
COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP IN COMPUTER LAB
When: Wednesday, October 16 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Computer Lab (Room 400)
Who: Students may drop into the Computer Lab at DLS to work on college applications and essays with the college counselors. While college advisory meets weekly, students must work on college applications on their own time. This application lab offers us more dedicated time to focus on completing applications.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply: apply online; submit Nov. 1-30
CSU www.calstate.edu/apply: apply online; submit Oct. 1-Nov. 30
COMMON APPLICATION www.commonapp.org: accepted by 800 private and out-of-state colleges; deadlines vary
OTHER APPLICATIONS: check university website for online application and deadlines
- Sept. 27- Students applying early (Dec. 1 or earlier) should have completed the College App Spreadsheet, The Teacher Rec Request Form, the Counselor Rec Form and Teacher Recommendation Surveys in Naviance, Added Teacher Recommendation and Transcript request in Naviance.
- Students are strongly encouraged to use the Common Application, and not Priority, VIP or “Fastrack” 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. There are a number of reasons for this recommendation and the college counselors are happy to talk to parents and guardians about them.
- We recommend that all applications be submitted before Christmas Break. Even for colleges that have deadlines in Feb/Mar or later.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION REQUEST:
- Students MUST submit written requests for all teacher and counselor recommendations and complete the Naviance – About Me- Surveys.
- Early Requests were due Sept. 27 for any letters requested with college deadlines in Dec. 1 or earlier.
- Final Requests are due Oct. 31 for any letters requested with college deadlines in mid-December or after.
- Letters of Recommendation are NOT accepted by UC’s or CSU’s at this time.
****FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid****
- Now available online: The 2020–21 FAFSA opens Oct. 1, 2019 at www.fafsa.gov
- Income Information reported: From 2018 Income Tax Report. There is an online DRT- Data Retrieval Tool- within that FAFSA that links to our 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, 2020. Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb or even earlier. Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines.
- Helpful Blog with tips: https://blog.ed.gov/topic/federal-student-aid/
- More Information: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
CSS PROFILE: About 400 private colleges require a secondary financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form must be completed online at http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. This form may be filed as early as October 1st. 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.
JUNIORS & SENIORS
COLLEGE REP VISITS AT DLS: College representatives will continue to visit the De La Salle and Carondelet campuses through early December. Interested juniors and seniors may sign up on Naviance to attend these sessions. The list of scheduled college representative visits is available on Naviance and on the DLS website on the Counseling Department’s page. https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/college-representative-visits
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS: Many colleges that don’t come directly to DLS visit the Bay Area to offer information evenings at various locations for interested students and their parents. Parents and students are encouraged to check Naviance, the colleges’ individual websites and the bulletin board outside the College Center for dates and locations of these meetings.
COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE/FALL PREVIEW DAYS: Many colleges host visit programs this fall for prospective students and their families. Check the events section of the colleges’ websites for dates, times, and registration information.
For the CSU campuses go to: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/choosing-a-campus/Pages/campus-preview-days-fall.aspx
Juniors & Sophomores
Midwest College Tour- spring break 2020
Athens Advisors (a private college tour company) is offering a student group tour during spring break for 10th and 11th graders.
The trip will run Sunday, April 12-Saturday, April 18, 2020 and will tour the following schools: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan
The tour cost is $2600 and includes airfare, coach bus transportation between schools, lodging, and breakfast each day. Counseling staff from Carondelet HS and other local schools will be on the trip. The priority registration deadline for the tour is November 14, however space is limited so sign up early. Late registration is subject to actual cost of airfare at the time of booking. To register for the tour, please visit the Athens Advisors’ website.
An information session will be held in the Carondelet College and Career Center, Room 13, on Monday, Oct. 7 at 6:00 p.m. for families interested in talking further with Athens Advisors. Please RSVP for the event.
Please note:
- This program is sponsored by a Private College Tour Company, Athens Advisors (not DLS). De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families.
- There will not be chaperones from De La Salle. Current and former College Counselors from Bellarmine College Prep are part of this program.
- There is no financial aid available for this program from De La Salle.
September 2019
September 2019
SENIOR PARENT COLLEGE APPLICATION NIGHT
When: Wednesday, September 18
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: De La Salle Theatre
The College Counselors, Janet Appel and Esther Lopez, 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! Call Mrs. Appel, Ext. 8128, or Ms. Lopez, Ext. 8103, or email at appelj@dlshs.org or lopeze@dlshs.org if you have questions.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – Early Start Thursday for Sophomores & Juniors.
Juniors and Sophomores will discuss the upcoming PSAT and Pre-ACT exams. More details will be announced as the date approaches.
SAT/ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES (for seniors)
- SAT: For Oct. 5 test, register by Sept. 6 (Late registration by Sept. 24)
- For Nov. 2 test, register by Oct. 3 (Late registration by Oct. 22)
- For Dec. 7 test, register by Nov. 8 (Late registration by Nov. 26)
To register for the SAT, go to: www.sat.org.
- ACT: For Sept. 14 test, registration closed, students may register online for wait list
- For Oct. 26 test, register by Sept. 20 (Late registration by Oct. 4)
- For Dec. 14 test, register by Nov. 8 (Late registration by Nov. 22)
To register for the ACT, go to: www.actstudent.org.
Fee Waivers are available for SAT & ACT for students with significant financial need. See one of the college counselors for more information.
- Parent Resources
- Regional College Visits
- College Representatives Visit De La Salle
- SAT/ACT Test Information
- Senior College Advisory Program
Parent Resources
Please take a look at a variety of resources on college admissions especially for parents on our College Counseling page of the DLS website. They are on the “College Related News and Publications” link of that page at https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/college-related-news-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”. A direct link to the video is here: https://ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread
Regional College Visits
In addition to visits to De La Salle and Carondelet, many college representatives will hold evening or weekend meetings in the area for students and parents from local high schools. Announcements of these presentations will be listed on Naviance, as well as posted on the bulletin board near the attendance office in the Student Services Building.
Two college fairs will be held locally in SEPTEMBER:
- The Jesuit Excellence Tour (JET) College Fair will be held on the quad of the DLS campus on Tuesday, September 10th at 2-4 PM. 19 Jesuit colleges from throughout the country will be here to share information with students.
- Christian College Fairs in Walnut Creek will be held at Berean Christian High School on Tuesday, September 24th from 6 to 8 p.m. For a list of the schools attending this fair see the flyer posted on the link to College Representative Visits included above on our College Counseling page of the De La Salle website. Additional information is available at https://myblueprintstory.com/christian-university-college-fairs?fid=43
College Representatives Visit De La Salle
Representatives from the Admissions Offices of over 100 colleges and universities nationwide (and some abroad) are visiting from September 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 the Naviance website for an updated schedule of college visits. The college visit list is also included on the DLS website/Campus Life/College Counseling on the link to College Representative Visits: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/college-representative-visits.
- Students should register for these visits electronically on Naviance, print out their “view details” page and have their teacher sign it at least one day ahead of time to attend the visit. Detailed instructions are included on the college visit schedule registration link on Naviance.
SAT/ACT Test Information
- Online Registration at: www.sat.org and www.actstudent.org
- Colleges that require SAT/ACT with Essay: Only 13 colleges require (all 9 of the UC campuses) and 15 Recommend. https://www.compassprep.com/act-writing-and-sat-essay-requirements/
- Colleges that require/recommend SAT Subject Tests: There are 17 Colleges that Require/Recommend subject exams and 78 total that consider them https://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/
- Colleges that SuperScore: Some colleges may take your highest subscores from different test dates for a high total score - https://www.compassprep.com/superscore-and-score-choice/
- Recommended Testing Timeline: Seniors should plan to take 2nd round of testing by the October dates. After trying both SAT and ACT last semester, students can now focus on retaking their best test for an improved score. Most colleges will accept scores up to the December test dates (Cal Poly SLO, Long Beach State, and San Diego State cannot guarantee that they can consider scores from exams after the October dates.)
- Preparation: Method Test Prep at www.methodtestprep.com/login. All De La Salle seniors have created accounts from last semester. Login to study for SAT or ACT. De La Salle provides this service for free to our students.
Juniors should wait until at least Feb/March 2020 to take their first SAT and ACT tests. Juniors will be introduced to Method Test Prep and create accounts in January. Junior parents, please note that we will begin working formally with Juniors and their families at the beginning of second semester this year. If you have any concerns before that time, please feel free to contact one of the college counselors (Esther Lopez, A-K or Janet Appel, L-Z).
Senior College Advisory Program
Senior College Advisory courses meets weekly through the fall semester and into 3rd quarter. Seniors are required to attend a weekly session with their College Counselor to learn essential information about the college admissions process and to complete college application materials. Check your son’s classes on Schoology to find “College Advisory” to see regular updates, calendar reminders, and materials.
Senior Parents: Please join us in the Hofmann Center during the 7th period time slot at Back to School Night to get an overview of the College Advisory class.
Individual counseling sessions and family appointments will be scheduled as requested.
2018-19 School Year
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
May 2019
Events & Important Dates:
SAT AND ACT DATES REMAINING:
SAT |
ACT |
---|---|
June 1, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) |
June 8, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) |
Next round of SAT testing: |
Next round of ACT testing: |
Register online at: www.sat.org Register at: www.actstudent.org
EAST BAY COLLEGE FAIR:
Saturday, May 4th, 12:15 to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Mary’s College. Website: www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc.
- News for Seniors
- Placement Exams
- REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION, ACCEPT FINANCIAL AID OFFER, APPLY FOR HOUSING
- News For Juniors
News for Seniors
Final College Advisory Classes meet the week of April 29-May 3.
All seniors must attend to take care of important steps:
- FINAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: You must request a final high school transcript to be sent to your chosen college. We will do this in college advisory. (If you are later accepted from a wait list and choose to go to that school, make arrangements with Mrs. Byrne to have your final transcript sent to that school.)
- Senior Counseling Department Exit Survey: To be completed during college advisory
Placement Exams
COMMUNITY COLLEGES-MATH AND ENGLISH ASSESSMENT & PLACEMENT - Community colleges, including Diablo Valley College, require all entering students to complete a math and English assessment for placement and advising purposes. Check your college website for enrollment steps.
At DVC - if you have not already taken the assessment, there is an online placement tool and you enter your junior year grades. Visit https://www.dvc.edu/enrollment/assessment/index.html for instructions and the link. Students will need to complete their Spring 2019 and Summer 2019 applications as well as the online orientation.
DVC is offering a final Viking Day on Saturday, May 11, students interested in participating should RSVP by Tuesday, May 7: www.dvc.edu/vikingday. Students will need a copy of their transcripts (see your college counselor before the 11th for a copy.) Get enrollment priority and register for fall classes. Parents are welcome and parent workshops will be offered. Information on steps to enrollment at DVC is available in the College Center.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - Seniors who will attend a UC campus, may need to take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam. Students should have received information directly from UC about registering for the test. See notification letters for testing locations; information is also available at http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY - English and Math placement testing (ELM & EPT) is no longer used, instead assessment and placement will be determined by SAT/ACT scores, High School grades, and courses completed in senior year. You should receive information from your campus about assessment and placement.
Further information will be updated on the Cal State website: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/pages/after-admission-placement-and-other-tests.aspx
PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES - Students attending a private college or out-of-state public school should check with their chosen college about placement tests that may be required.
REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION, ACCEPT FINANCIAL AID OFFER, APPLY FOR HOUSING
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 an important part of getting off to a successful start.
News For Juniors
Come to the East Bay College Fair at Saint Mary’s this Saturday May 4, from 1-4 p.m., workshops will begin at 12:15 p.m. Representatives from over 150 colleges from throughout the U.S. will be there and workshops about various aspects of the college admissions process will be offered. Be sure to register ahead of time at www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc and print your badge so that colleges you’re interested in can retrieve your contact information.
JUNIORS COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE -SUMMER ‘TO DO’ LIST:
- Research Colleges: visit websites and check out reference books. Make use of Naviance to research and keep track of colleges. Complete the “college search” or “college search: super match” in the Colleges tab in Naviance and build your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list.
- Create College List: begin to formulate a list of colleges to which you will want to apply. Consider a variety of schools in regard to selectivity of admissions, keeping in mind that the admissions process is very unpredictable and it is important to have a number of options. Solid college choices that you really like and have a strong chance of admission are more important than ever. Next fall the college counselors will meet with you to refine your list.
- Visit colleges on your list that you haven’t seen yet. REMEMBER: It’s recommended that you visit colleges during the summer to get a sense of the school, but if you’re interested, you will want to go back again during the school year to get a true feeling of the atmosphere. Students who return to DLS as seniors without having visited schools will be severely behind in the college search process.
- Spend your summer productively! Work, volunteer, take a class, participate in a summer program, or get an internship.
- Write down your ideas and make an outline for your essay/personal statement; the UC’s and most private schools require at least one.
- Develop a personal résumé / activities list– a list of school and community volunteer activities, leadership, work, and honors and awards. This will make your college applications easier to fill out & save you time in the fall. There is a link to a resume builder on the “About Me” tab on Naviance.
- Log into your Method Test Prep portal from the link on your Naviance home page, to get extra help preparing for SAT or ACT tests in the fall. This is a program that DLS has subscribed to and paid for, in order to make test preparation available for all juniors and seniors. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, stop by the College Center to retrieve it.
When you return in August, the College Counselors will begin the Senior College Advisory Program that will include a weekly group session for every senior in order to work on the college application process.
SUMMER JOBS/PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS:
Students looking for a summer job, check out the Jobs Board outside the College Center or Schoology posts. There continues to be information in the College Center and notices posted on the bulletin board outside the attendance office about pre-college programs. Also check out the Summer Programs list on the Counseling page of the DLS website https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/summer-programs and under Enrichment Programs on the Colleges tab on Naviance.
Various Summer Camps (Engineering, Hospitality, Business, Environmental Science, Health Careers, etc.) offered at DVC, go to this link and navigate the left hand menu to find more details/dates/requirements for each camp: https://www.dvc.edu/future/career-pathways/career-academies/index.html
COLLEGE TESTING:
You may register online over the summer for the early fall exams by visiting www.sat.org for the SAT, and www.actstudent.org for the ACT.
Remember, students should try both the SAT and the ACT. While the UC system no longer requires SAT Subject Tests, some campuses recommend them for some majors and highly selective private colleges still require them. Students should check with the Subject Test policies of the colleges they are interested in and may want to take 2 or 3 SAT Subject Tests of their choice. Sophomores who are strong in Biology may wish to take the SAT Biology Subject test in June. This is the only SAT test recommended for sophomores. If students have questions about registration for this test, they may stop by the College Center.
ADVISING THE STUDENT-ATHLETE:
Students who are thinking of participating in NCAA Division I or II athletics should start the certification process by the end of their junior year. Once the Eligibility Center receives the scores and transcript, it begins the certification process, which is completed when the student graduates from high school. A minimum GPA and test score are required in order to play college sports. The NCAA requires that any make-up course work to be considered for NCAA eligibility must be completed before the beginning of senior year.
- Interested students may register online at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
- Be sure to request a transcript to be sent to the NCAA through Naviance. If you have questions about how to do this, stop by the College Center.
- SAT or ACT test scores must also be reported to the NCAA, directly from Collegeboard or ACT.
April 2019
News for Seniors
DVC Enrollment
There are Required Enrollment Steps to complete now for DVC:
- complete the spring 2019 AND summer 2019 online applications https://www.dvc.edu/future/steps/new.html
- complete the online orientation using the link on your insite portal on the DVC website at http://www.4cd.edu/insite/default.aspx
- Get a copy of the Special Admit form and transcript (from the College Center)
- Make an appointment to go to DVC for the English/Math assessments/placements
- Register for academic advisement (Counseling 095) in April to get priority registration for Fall classes. Priority registration for Fall classes starts mid-May. Priority registration is essential to students’ success at DVC.
UC AWPE PLACEMENT TEST
Seniors who will attend a UC campus may be required to take the UC Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) in May. Students should receive information about this test directly from UC in April; information may also be found at http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/index.html.
MAKING YOUR FINAL COLLEGE DECISION
Visit Colleges
Make good use of your Spring Break by re-visiting your college options and confirm that your decision is the right one for you. You may be able to arrange an overnight stay in the residence halls and attend a class or two; contact the college admissions offices for details.
Pocket Guide-Questions to Ask when Visiting a College: http://nsse.indiana.edu/html/mobile_pocket_guide.html
Decision Time Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mgGOoceeZwRT5c9HQiGeM_1EgMZjpMtV/view?usp=sharing
FINANCIAL AID
Students who submitted their financial aid applications (FAFSA and/or CSS Profile) will receive their Financial Aid offers at this time. Most financial aid letters will arrive in the mail but for CSU’s and some other colleges, they will not mail but rather post the information in the student’s web portal. To help compare the financial aid offers, it may be helpful to organize the information on a spreadsheet:
College Cost Estimator- https://docs.google.com/a/dlshs.org/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGxzaHMub3JnfGNvbGxlZ2UtY291bnNlbGluZ3xneDo2YTkxZTNjZjE5YWE2YmUw
Sample Financial Aid Offer-
News For Juniors
SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS
Students should be planning a productive and relaxing summer. Summer is also a great time to get a part-time job or do volunteer work locally. There are also many pre-college summer programs hosted on college campuses. For an updated list on the DLS website: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/summer-programs .
Below is a shortened list of the FREE programs and the California programs:
- ALSF’s Student Leadership Academy (SLA) at Villanova University (FREE)- https://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/student-leadership-academy
- Holberton School FREE Summer Coding Camp
- Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project in Sacramento or Berkeley (FREE)- https://www.clylp.org/application
- Future Latino Leaders Law Camp- George Washington University (DC) FREE -http://apply.hnbf.org/
- UC Berkeley Summer Session- http://summer.berkeley.edu/student-types/high-school-students
- California College of the Arts Pre-College- www.cca.edu/precollege
- Cal State East Bay- Reading Skills & Speed Reading Programs for K-12 graders- Call 1-800-903-0162
- Diablo Valley College (DVC) Career Academics (grade 9-12th) www.dvc.edu/careeracademies
- Hands on Bay Area Service-Learning- https://www.handsonbayarea.org/tomorrow
- Loyola Marymount University Pre-College Programs- www.summer.lmu.edu
- Sacramento State University Summer Academies- https://www.cce.csus.edu/acads
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies- www.spcs.stanford.edu/find-yourself
- UC Davis Young Scholars Summer Research Program- https://ysp.ucdavis.edu/forms
- UC Santa Barbara Sports Industry Academy
ACT & SAT Testing
Testing Recommendations:
- Juniors should take the SAT and ACT by June. Once scores are received compare scores and determine the highest (use chart in Junior College Guide).
- Once the best test is determined, study over the summer. Use account created on www.methodtestprep.com in junior groups in January (free for DLS students).
- Retake the best test in August/September/October of Senior year.
SAT Subject Exams:
Students applying to highly selective private colleges (http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/) will also need to take at least 2 SAT Subject Tests, and are encouraged to take 3 of them (e.g. in U.S. History, Chemistry, World Language, Literature or Math). The May test date may be best for subject tests for AP students, while June is best for students not taking AP courses. UC’s no longer require Subject Tests, but recommend them at some campuses and for some majors. If Math is chosen as a subject test, Math Level 2 should be taken (UC’s do not accept Math Level 1). Sophomores who are high achievers in Biology (either regular Biology or AP Biology) may want to take the SAT Subject test in Biology in June.
ATTEND THE COLLEGE FAIR AT SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE!
Juniors and their families, are highly encouraged to attend the 28th annual East Bay College Connection Fair on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Saint Mary's College in Moraga (college information workshops begin at 12:15 p.m.).
Representatives from over 150 colleges and universities will be there, including four-year colleges from all over the state and the U.S., international, and California community colleges. Students and parents will have the opportunity to talk with college admissions representatives about their educational goals, admissions policies, academic programs, student life and financial aid.
- Pre-Register: www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc.
- Workshops will be presented on the admissions process, private colleges, UC’s, the CA State University system and Community Colleges, student athletes, students with disabilities, and financial aid. These sessions begin at 12:15 p.m.
- The fair is free
March 2019
Upcoming Events & Important Dates:
DVC Assessment & Placement Process
Tuesday, March 12 at 1:10-3:30 p.m.
DVC Student Services Center
A field trip to DVC for interested seniors to complete required Enrollment Steps that lead to priority registration status. Prior to March 12, participating students must complete the (1) Online Applications for Spring and Summer 2019 AND (2) Online Orientation at www.dvc.edu/apply. At DVC students will complete the multiple-measures placement for English and Math, take a tour of campus, and register for the required counseling class in March/April. Participating students much complete and turn in the blue Special Admission Form and the Off-Campus Consent/Field Trip form by Thursday, March 7 to the College Center.
JUNIOR SAT & ACT Testing
Register for a Spring SAT & ACT exam in March/April/May/June at www.sat.org and www.act.org
COLLEGE ADVISORY FOR JUNIORS
All juniors will be assigned and notified of a once-a-week 7th period College Advisory class the weeks of March 25 and April 1. In these two session, juniors will begin creating their college list and preview the college application process.
News for Seniors
COLLEGE NOTIFICATIONS
Many college notifications will continue to come out this month and into early April. Check email and web portals for application status and any important “To Do” items.
As you narrow your list of possible colleges, make plans to visit/re-visit those that you are most seriously considering. Many colleges host special admitted student programs. Spring break (April 17-26) provides an ideal time to confirm your choice by making a visit. You may also want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit campuses on Friday, March 22th, a student holiday at De La Salle.
SCHOLARSHIPS
There are many scholarships with March deadlines, be sure not miss important deadlines. Find scholarships on your College’s Financial Aid webpages. Click here for a list of local and other scholarships.
DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE
Five Steps to Enrollment (pick up a pink Enrollment Guide in the College Center for step-by-step instructions)
- Application- Submit the Spring AND Summer 2019 Applications at www.dvc.edu/apply
- Check email (within 24 hours) and follow instructions for setting up the InSite webportal.
- Orientation- Complete online Orientation in the InSite webportal
- Assessment/Placement- Attend the DVC Trip to complete the Assessment/Placement Process on Tue. March 12th , tour campus, and register for the Counseling 95 course. This will be an off-campus event that requires missing 6th period. Students need to pick-up then return the Special Admission and Field Trip consent form to the College Center by Thur., March 7.
- Academic Advising- Attend and complete the Counseling 95- 6 hour course in March/April.
- Registration- Register for classes on May 11 (priority registration) or June
Important Note: If these steps 1-3 are not completed with the DLS College Counselors, students will need to complete on their own and arrange time on own at DVC. Our goal is to help students complete all the necessary enrollment steps early to qualify for priority registration. Once an incoming freshman receives priority registration they will have it each semester.
Other Community Colleges: Students who are considering other community colleges, can apply online at: https://www.cccapply.org/apply
Check the colleges website for new students to find out about enrollment steps and in-person/online orientations.
New For Juniors
VISIT COLLEGES!!
Spring break is the best time to visit colleges, many of which will be in regular session. Call the admissions office or check online at the college’s website to arrange for a tour and admission presentation. This is the most important way to narrow your list of possible choices. Remember the Naviance website (http://connection.naviance.com/dlshs) can give you access to any college website you’re interested in. If you’re still looking for ideas about colleges to explore, make an appointment with Ms. Lopez or Mrs. Appel.
TEST DATES
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
March 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 2/8/2019) | February 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 1/11/2019) |
May 4, 2019 (deadline to register, 4/5/2019) | April 13, 2019 (deadline to register, 3/8/2019) |
June 1, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) | June 8, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) |
Register online at: www.sat.org Register online at: www.act.org
- Juniors should plan to take their first SAT and ACT on the dates listed above (there are no test dates in July). Since all colleges accept both the SAT and ACT, and because many students perform differently on the two tests, it is beneficial to take them both.
- Students can then compare their score and focus on their best test and study in July and August before retaking in August/September/October.
- Students applying to highly selective colleges must also take SAT Subject tests. These are one-hour exams and as many as 3 may be taken on one test date. While UC’s no longer require SAT Subject Tests, they are recommended at some UC campuses for some majors. Some highly selective private schools require 3 Subject Tests. May or June is the ideal time for juniors to take the SAT Subject Tests in subjects such as chemistry, U.S. History or foreign language.
COLLEGE PREVIEW NIGHT:
DLS and CHS are pleased to present the annual College Preview Night for Juniors and their Parents, on April 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the DLS Hofmann Center. The program will feature guest speakers from each of the following systems: University of California, California State Universities, Private California Colleges, Out-of-State Colleges, and California Community Colleges.
The representatives will give an overview of their type of college and their admissions policies, as well as take you through a case study review of applications. Representatives will be there at 6:00 to talk to students individually about their schools, and will give a formal presentation beginning at 6:30. Don’t miss this informative evening that will help juniors in their college planning.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Juniors should plan on a productive and restful summer. Some students choose to get a job, internship, or experience a summer program on a college campus. Some of the college programs require an application that may be due in the coming month. Please check the growing list that we keep updated on our website:
https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/summer-programs
Here is a list of the local/California programs:
- UC Berkeley Summer Session- http://summer.berkeley.edu/student-types/high-school-students
- California College of the Arts Pre-College- www.cca.edu/precollege
- Cal State East Bay- Reading Skills & Speed Reading Programs for K-12 graders- Call 1-800-903-0162
- Diablo Valley College (DVC) Career Academics (grade 9-12th) www.dvc.edu/careeracademies
- Hands on Bay Area Service-Learning- https://www.handsonbayarea.org/tomorrow
- Holberton School FREE Summer Coding Camp
- Loyola Marymount University Pre-College Programs- www.summer.lmu.edu
- Sacramento State University Summer Academies- https://www.cce.csus.edu/acads
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies- www.spcs.stanford.edu/find-yourself
- UC Davis Young Scholars Summer Research Program- https://ysp.ucdavis.edu/forms
- UC Santa Barbara Sports Industry Academy
February 2019
TEST DATES
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
March 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 2/8/2019) | February 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 1/11/2019) |
May 4, 2019 (deadline to register, 4/5/2019) | April 13, 2019 (deadline to register, 3/8/2019) |
June 1, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) | June 8, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) |
Register online at: www.sat.org Register online at: www.act.org
*JUNIORS TAKE NOTE: Juniors are strongly advised to wait to take the SAT and ACT until one of these (*) dates. Details about these tests will be discussed in the juniors’ small group meetings and the Junior Parent College Planning Night (see below). For questions about these tests before those meetings, please contact one of the college counselors.
Additional Dates to Remember
DVC Enrollment Steps Meeting
Wednesday, February 13
1st Period at Carondelet
Frosh/Soph College Night
Thursday, March 7
7 p.m. in De La Salle Theater
Freshman and Sophomore students and their families are invited to attend this presentation given by Mrs. Appel and Ms. Lopez. The De La Salle Co-Directors of College Counseling are college admission professionals with extensive experience in guiding students through the college exploration, selection, and application process. They will present information that is geared to students in the 9th and 10th grade as they prepare for their future plans and goals.
February News for Seniors
Diablo Valley College
Now is the time to begin the required enrollment steps for DVC (and other community colleges). Interested students who plan on attending or who are interested in having DVC as an option should attend the following programs listed below.
1. Attend the Enrollment Presentation from DVC at CHS on Wednesday, February 13th during 1st period. Sign up in the College Center or in Naviance in advance. The 5 required steps for enrolling at DVC will be explained.
2. Attend two College Advisory sessions, 1 per week on Feb. 13 or 14 and Feb. 20 or 21 to complete the DVC application, online orientation and other required steps.
3. Attend the DVC Assessment Process at DVC on March 12th to determine course placements, tour campus, and register for the Counseling 95 course. This will be an off-campus event that requires missing 6th period. Students need to pick-up then return the Field Trip consent form to the College Center by Thur., March 7.
Important Note: If these steps are not completed on these dedicated dates with the DLS College Counselors, students will need to complete on their own and arrange time at DVC. Our goal is to help students complete all the necessary enrollment steps early to qualify for priority registration. Once an incoming freshman receives priority registration they will have it each semester. If a student does not qualify for priority registration as an incoming student, they cannot qualify in future semesters.
Other Community Colleges: Students who are considering other community colleges, should attend the College Advisory sessions in February because many of the steps are similar to DVC.
Cal State University
Course Placement
Grades earned in Senior year English & Math courses and SAT/ACT scores will help determine placement. For more detailed information: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/pages/after-admission-placement-and-other-tests.aspx
Housing
For seniors planning on attending a CSU campus, NOW is the time to apply for housing at many campuses, before the student has actually decided to attend. Many CSU campuses do not have enough housing for all freshmen and to have an opportunity to live on campus students must submit a preliminary application.
Check on the individual campus websites for the housing application policies; they vary by campus and while many of them encourage early housing applications, some do not allow students to apply before they make their decision to attend. (Some out-of-state public universities also have limited housing and advise students to apply for it early. Check individual college websites for information.)
Scholarships
Follow this link then scroll down to check on Scholarships by Campus
https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/scholarships.aspx
Scholarship Opportunities
February & March are big months with many scholarship deadlines. There are some scholarships and special programs available to juniors and sophomores as well. Check our monthly scholarship list:
Also, www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com are scholarship search sites.
The best source of scholarships are usually the colleges themselves, check each colleges financial aid webpage for scholarship applications and deadlines.
Financial Aid
- Seniors should check Financial Aid deadlines and forms required on each of their prospective colleges’ websites. Individual colleges may have their own financial aid deadlines in January or February and may also require forms in addition to the FAFSA.
- The FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required by all colleges. Apply online at: www.fafsa.gov
- Cal Grant- Is a grant from the state of California for California residents who will attend a California College. Students qualify based on income (provided on FAFSA) and GPA. The DLS Registrar has sent the GPA Verification information to the Cal Grant Program for all Seniors. Seniors do NOT need to send in a separate GPA verification form. The deadline to submit the FAFSA for Cal Grant consideration is: March 2.
February News for Juniors
- College Planning Meetings For Juniors
- SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS
- SAT and ACT Testing
College Planning Meetings For Juniors
In January, DLS College Counselors met with Juniors in a full Class Meeting and then in small groups during Religious Studies block periods to formally start the college planning and selection process, provide materials and information crucial to making informed, realistic choices for college. We encourage parents to sit down with their junior students to begin discussing the college search process and a possible trip during spring break to visit different colleges. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Esther Lopez (A-K), Ext. 8103, or Janet Appel (L-Z), Ext. 8128.
Upcoming College Counseling for Juniors
- Individual College Counseling appointments- students will be called in this semester to discuss college goals and interests. Student must complete the Naviance “Junior Survey: Making the College Match” prior to their appointment.
- College Advisory for Juniors the weeks of March 25 and April 1st, juniors will be assigned and expected to attend a 7th period one day a week for the two weeks to begin narrowing down their college list and preview the college application process.
- DLS/CHS College Preview Night in the Hoffman Center on Wed., April 3 at 6 PM with guest speakers representing the UC, Cal State, Community College, Out-of-State, and Private colleges.
SUMMER ACADEMIC/ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND CAMPS
Every summer many colleges host pre-college programs geared to high school students. These are wonderful opportunities for students to experience a slice of what “going away to college” may be like. What are the academic expectations? What is dorm life like? Students gain independence, confidence, and often motivation. Some programs are week-long while others may be longer. Some programs are open to all who sign up while others are competitive and require an application for selection. Some programs are costly and others are affordable or offer financial aid. While many are residential-based programs, we also have local programs at UC Berkeley and DVC that students where students can commute. Each month, we will post offerings as we become aware. Many who have applications, have deadlines coming up in the next few months.
Here is a link to programs that have been offered in the past: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/summer-programs
Here is a list of Programs that have recently contacted us and may have deadlines soon:
- Adelphi University in New York Pre-College- www.precollege.adelphi.edu
- Belmont Abbey Schola Summer Program- https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/schola/
- Boston University Summer Journalism Institute - https://combeyond.bu.edu/workshop/bu-summer-journalism-institute/
- UC Berkeley Summer Session- http://summer.berkeley.edu/student-types/high-school-students
- California College of the Arts Pre-College- www.cca.edu/precollege
- Cooper Union Summer Arts Intensive- http://cooper.edu/academics/outreach-and-pre-college/summer-art-intensive/apply
- Cornell University Summer College- www.summercollege.cornell.edu
- Cornell University Diversity Program in Engineering- https://sites.coecis.cornell.edu/catalystacademy/
- Denison College Young Writers Workshop- www.reynolds.denison.edu
- Lewis & Clark College Fir Acres Writing Workshop- www.go.lclark.edu/firacres
- Loyola Marymount University Pre-College Programs- www.summer.lmu.edu
- McGill University Summer Academy- https://www.mcgill.ca/summeracademy/apply-now
- National Student Leadership Foundation career-focused programs- www.nslcleaders.org
- Northwestern University High Theatre Arts School Institute- www.nhsi.northwestern.edu
- Notre Dame Pre-College Programs- https://precollege.nd.edu/
- Rhode Island School of Design- www.precollege.risd.edu
- Ringling College Summer of Creativity- www.Ringling.edu/PreCollege
- University of Rochester Eastman School of Music- www.summer.esm.rochester.edu
- Rutgers University Pre-Engineering Summer Academy
- Sacramento State University Summer Academies- https://www.cce.csus.edu/acads
- St. John’s College Summer Academy- www.sjc.edu/summer-academy-2019
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies- www.spcs.stanford.edu/find-yourself
- Summer Discover- www.summerdiscovery.com
- UC Davis Young Scholars Summer Research Program- https://ysp.ucdavis.edu/forms
- University of Chicago Pre-College Program- www.summer.uchicago.edu
- Washington University in St. Louis- www.summerexperiences.wustl.edu
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Pre-College STEM programs- www.wpi.edu/+frontiers
SAT and ACT Testing
All colleges and universities accept either the ACT or the SAT, and we encourage students to take both.
- Student must Register at: www.actstudent.org and www.sat.org.
- Both SAT and ACT offer an optional Essay section, many colleges do not require the essay but the UC’s are among the several that do require this section. Click here for a list of colleges that require the SAT/ACT essay writing section. Click on the arrow next to the column header for SAT essay required to sort the list.
- SAT Subject exams are required by a handful of colleges but highly recommended at highly selective colleges. Students may want to use the May or June SAT test date for SAT Subject tests if the colleges they are applying to require them. Click here a list of colleges that require/recommend/consider SAT Subject exams.
- Recommended testing strategies, timeline, and information about the new SAT were covered at the Junior Parent Night and with the students in their junior groups. Contact the College Counselors if you have any questions. Click here for a complete Compass Guide to College Admission Testing.
January 2019
TEST DATES
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
March 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 2/8/2019) | February 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 1/11/2019) |
May 4, 2019 (deadline to register, 4/5/2019) | April 13, 2019 (deadline to register, 3/8/2019) |
June 1, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) | June 8, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) |
*JUNIORS TAKE NOTE: Juniors are strongly advised to wait to take the SAT and ACT until one of these (*) dates. Details about these tests will be discussed in the juniors’ small group meetings and the Junior Parent College Planning Night (see below). For questions about these tests before those meetings, please contact one of the college counselors.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR SENIORS
COLLEGE ADVISORY
Four-Year College Bound Seniors are required to attend for three weeks in January - starting on Monday, January 14. Topics covered include using webportals for colleges to which you’ve applied, requesting midyear (7th semester) transcripts, deferrals from early applications and other essential follow-up steps plus what to do before May 1 - National College Decision Day.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
College Advisory sessions will be held in February for students applying to community colleges. Specific dates will be communicated to students through Schoology.
DVC Informational Meeting on January 15 during 3rd Period - A representative and student ambassadors from DVC will be here to provide an informative overview. Interested students need to sign up in Naviance or in the College Center.
FINANCIAL AID
- The FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration at all colleges & universities. Complete the FAFSA now at www.fafsa.gov
- The CSS Profile is a second application required by 400 colleges & universities. Complete the Profile at http://css.collegeboard.org/
After Submitting the FAFSA:
- You will receive an email to review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and confirm that the information you provided is correct.
- Your FAFSA information will be provided to each college you listed on the application. Be sure you listed every college to which you are applying, including community colleges. Note: If you have applied to additional colleges after submitting the FAFSA, log back in and correct/change your FAFSA and add the new college(s).
- You may receive general information about the Cal Grant for your records.
- You will receive much more specific information from each College to which you applied, they will provide more information about their cost of attendance and all financial aid offered. Colleges vary on the timeline when they send this information, it can take until April.
SAT & ACT TESTS
Remember to order official SAT and/or ACT test scores to be sent to each college.
APPLICATIONS
Deadlines for many private colleges and out of state schools fall in early January and usually no later than February 1st. Seniors need to carefully calendar the deadlines for schools they are applying to and submit applications online, before the deadline.
Be sure to print the confirmation page upon submitting each application. Also be sure to save the confirmation email, if you receive one.
Letters of Recommendation
The teacher and counselor letters of recommendation final request deadline was October 31. All initial requests for letters should have been made. If you have additional colleges to which you have decided to apply, you must update your teacher and counselor and request that they send to the new additions.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
- An updated list of current scholarship information is available on the Counseling Department page of the DLS website, and on the Naviance website. Students should watch for monthly updates to the Scholarship List. https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/college-information-for-seniors-1/scholarships-and-financial-aid-information/monthly-scholarship-list (If you are able to make this a Hyper-link that may be better)
- There are large free internet scholarship search engines such as www.fastweb.com
- The most generous scholarships come directly from the University. Be sure to research each of your college’s financial aid web page to find scholarships you may be eligible for that require an additional scholarship application.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR JUNIORS
JUNIOR PARENTS’ COLLEGE PLANNING AND ACADEMIC ADVISING NIGHT is Wednesday, January 30 at 7:00 pm in the De La Salle Theatre. The College Counselors will present specific details regarding the college exploration and selection process. 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.
PSAT SCORES & PRACTICE ACT SCORES:
On Thursday, January 17, there will be an early-start day to accommodate class meetings. Juniors and sophomores will meet to go over PSAT and PACT test results with the Student Support Services Department staff. The College Counselors will also re-introduce the juniors to Naviance and begin college planning.
SMALL GROUP COLLEGE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH JUNIORS:
Starting in mid-January, small groups of Juniors will meet with their College Counselor to begin their college search process. These meetings will provide Juniors with information about college options and the selection process, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the Fall.
December 2018
TEST DATES
SAT | ACT |
---|---|
March 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 2/8/2019) | December 8, 2018 (deadline to register has passed) |
May 4, 2019 (deadline to register, 4/5/2019) | February 9, 2019 (deadline to register, 1/11/2019) |
June 1, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) | April 13, 2019 (deadline to register, 3/8/2019) |
June 8, 2019 (deadline to register, 5/3/2019) |
*JUNIORS TAKE NOTE: Juniors are strongly advised to wait to take the SAT and ACT until one of these (*) dates. Details about these tests will be discussed in the juniors’ small group meetings and the Junior Parent College Planning Night (see below). For questions about these tests before those meetings, please contact one of the college counselors.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR SENIORS
Financial Aid
- The FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration at all colleges & universities. Complete the FAFSA now at www.fafsa.gov.
- The CSS Profile is a second application required by 400 colleges & universities. Complete the Profile at http://css.collegeboard.org/ if needed.
SAT & ACT
- The December test dates are the latest that tests can be taken and reported in time for most college applications for Fall 2019.
- When a deadline has passed, it is possible to register for standby testing for ACT, or to sign up for a wait-list for SAT. See Ms. Lopez or Mrs. Appel in the College Center for details.
- Remember to order official SAT and/or ACT test scores to be sent to each college from Collegeboard or ACT as soon as possible.
Applications
- Deadlines for many private colleges and out of state schools fall in early January. Some priority deadlines are in December. Seniors need to carefully calendar the deadlines for schools they are applying to and submit applications online, before the deadline.
- Be sure to print the confirmation page upon submitting each application. Also be sure to save the confirmation email from the college, if you receive one.
- Applicants should set up individual accounts (portals) for each of the colleges that provide them, following instructions they will receive from the colleges via email.
Letters of Recommendation
- The teacher and counselor letters of recommendation final request deadline was October 31. All initial requests for letters should have been made. If you have additional colleges to which you have decided to apply, you must update your teacher and counselor by email and request that they send to the new additions.
Scholarships
- An updated list of current scholarship information is available on the Counseling Department page of the DLS website, and on the Naviance website. Students should watch for monthly updates to the list. https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/college-information-for-seniors-1/scholarships-and-financial-aid-information/monthly-scholarship-list
- There are large free internet scholarship search engines such as www.fastweb.com.
Be sure to research each of your college’s financial aid web page to find scholarships you may be eligible for that require an additional scholarship application.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR JUNIORS
JUNIOR PARENTS’ COLLEGE PLANNING AND ACADEMIC ADVISING NIGHT is Wednesday, January 30 at 7:00 pm in the De La Salle Theatre. The College Counselors will present specific details regarding the college exploration and selection process. 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.
PSAT SCORES & PRACTICE ACT SCORES:
On Thursday, January 17, there will be an early-start day to accommodate class meetings. Juniors and sophomores will meet to go over PSAT and PACT test results with the Student Support Services Department staff. The College Counselors will also re-introduce the juniors to Naviance and begin college planning.
SMALL GROUP COLLEGE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH JUNIORS:
Starting in mid-January, small groups of Juniors will meet with their College Counselor to begin their college search process. These meetings will provide Juniors with information about college options and the selection process, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the Fall.
November 2018
COLLEGE CENTER NEWS – NOVEMBER 2018Seniors - Important DatesTesting Note: The December SAT & ACT are the last test date that UC’s and many other colleges will accept To register for tests online, go to www.sat.org for SAT and www.actstudent.org for ACT |
|
College News for Seniors
- Letter of Recommendation Requests
- UC and CSU Applications
- Other Applications
- Communicating with Colleges
- Send Official SAT/ACT Score Reports
- Housing
- Scholarship Information
- College Visits at DLS for Juniors and Seniors
Letter of Recommendation Requests
Oct. 31st was the FINAL deadline for students to make initial requests for both teacher and counselor letters of recommendation for regular college deadlines. Students should refer to the Applying section in the College Advisory Binder for specific guidelines (available in Schoology). Students should notify teachers and counselors if they have deletions or additions to their college list after submitting their written requests.
UC and CSU Applications
Both UC and CSU applications are due Nov. 30.
For CSU: www.calstate.edu/apply and For UC: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply.
If a student has difficulty with internet access, see one of the college counselors for help.
The UC system requires 4 Personal Insight Questions as part of the application; CSU’s do not require any essays. Letters of Recommendation are NOT required or accepted by CSU or UC (unless specifically requested via email from the UC). If a student is applying to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for low-income students at the CSU then they do complete the required additional information requested including short response essays and 2 letters of recommendation.
Other Applications
Deadlines vary and students should check each college’s website. Many early action/decision deadlines are Nov. 1 or Nov. 15.
Check out www.commonapp.org for expediting applications to multiple member colleges.
Consider applying early to colleges with “rolling admissions” policies.
Communicating 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 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 website and to respond to requests for additional information found there.
Send Official SAT/ACT Score Reports
Students must order official SAT and/or ACT scores to be sent directly from the College Board or ACT to all of the colleges to which they are applying, in addition to reporting the scores on the application itself. This can be done online. See the College Advisory Binder-Applying Section (available in Schoology), for detailed instructions.
Housing
For many CSU’s 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 UC’s, housing usually does not need to be reserved until admissions are finalized and is often guaranteed.
Scholarship Information
Check the Financial Aid section of each college’s website to learn about scholarship offerings. Students also need to check the Scholarship list on a regular basis which is updated monthly and posted on Schoology and on the College Counseling page on the DLS website: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/college-information-for-seniors-1/scholarships-and-financial-aid-information/monthly-scholarship-list . Students may also access many scholarships via the internet on www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com and other sites.
College Visits at DLS for Juniors and Seniors
College representatives will continue to visit the De La Salle and Carondelet campuses through November and into December. Interested juniors and seniors may sign up electronically on Naviance to attend these sessions. For regional visits made by various colleges from across the country, check announcements on the bulletin board outside the College Center, and the College Visit list on Naviance.
College Information 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 course work. 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 3 years of high school.
SAT/ACT Testing Advice
Our general DLS recommended strategy is that students take their first set of SAT and ACT exams in the spring with minimal study, basically looking at sample tests on each testing website. Once they are able to view and compare results, they can determine which test is their best to focus on. Because their grades from junior year are so important and we want them to focus on doing the best they can, we recommend committed studying to SAT/ACT in the summer. Then they have more time to dedicate and they have identified a focus. Students then retake the exam in early fall of senior year for their best score. So many students retake their exams, so it seems that spending time on studying for the first round of tests is not as efficient.
There are free online study tools available. At DLS we subscribe to Method Test Prep and students will create accounts with us in January and be able to access self-paced study for both SAT and ACT. SAT also partners with Khan Academy, and after students get their PSAT results in December they can connect to Khan Academy and receive customized online study tools based on how they did on the practice exam.
Save the Date
Summer 2018 East Coast College Trip - for Class of 2019 and 2020 Students
East Coast College Trip through Education First (EF) Tours
This is a safe, fun, and cost-effective way to see a wide range of colleges and explore what kinds of colleges will be the right fit. Students will have a better sense of the types of schools they like. Additionally, many colleges and universities consider whether a student has demonstrated interest in their campus throughout the application process, and visiting is a great way to show interest.
Colleges that may be visited include Harvard University, Boston University, Boston College, Babson, Tufts, University of Connecticut, Yale, Columbia University and NYU. They will be sightseeing in Boston and New York, and attending a Broadway Show! Education First also provides an expert tour guide to provide local knowledge and make sure students see the best these cities have to offer.
The East Coast College Tour is $2,611 per student, and will be held June 3-8, 2018. Round-trip airfare, ground transportation, guided campus tours, hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, activities, Broadway show ticket, gratuities, and overnight security are included in the price.
To enroll, or for more details, please go to http://www.efexploreamerica.com/tour-website/2036872HE or call EF at 888.333.9756 and reference our Tour ID: 2036872HE.
EF offers a free monthly payment plan. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our tour group will be combined with students from Sacred-Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco and Carondelet High School. Contact Ms. Lopez at lopeze@dlshs.org or (925) 288-8103 with any questions.
NOTE: This program is sponsored by a Private College Tour Company, Education First. De La Salle is offering this information as a service to our families.
October 2018
College Center News - October 2018Seniors - Important Dates
|
- College Applications
- Letters of Recommendation Request
- COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP IN COMPUTER LAB - October 10
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- College Financial Aid Night
- For Juniors and Seniors
College Applications
University of California: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply: apply online; submit Nov. 1-30
California State University: www.calstate.edu/apply: applying online; submit Oct. 1-Nov. 30
COMMON APPLICATION: www.commonapp.org: accepted by 700 private and out-of-state colleges; deadlines vary
OTHER APPLICATIONS: check university website for online application and deadlines
- Students should have completed the College App Spreadsheet assignment from College Advisory to organize their college list, deadlines, and requirements. (See handout in Schoology, Week 2 of College Advisory.)
- Students are strongly encouraged to use the Common Application, and not Priority, VIP or “Fastrack” applications they may have received from colleges that use the Common Application. These colleges will waive their application fee on the Common Application, if they offer that incentive on the other type of application. There are a number of reasons for this recommendation and the college counselors are happy to talk to parents and guardians about them.
- We recommend that all applications be submitted before Christmas Break. Even for colleges that have deadlines in Feb/Mar or later.
Letters of Recommendation Request
- Students MUST submit written requests for all teacher and counselor recommendations and complete the Naviance > About Me > Surveys.
- Early Requests were due Sept. 28 for any letters requested with college deadlines in November.
- Final Requests are due Oct. 31 for any letters requested with college deadlines in December or after.
- Letters of Recommendation are NOT accepted by UCs or CSUs at this time.
COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP IN COMPUTER LAB - October 10
Wednesday, October 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Computer Lab (Room 400)
Students may drop into the Computer Lab at DLS to work on college applications and essays with the college counselors. While college advisory meets weekly, students must work on college applications on their own time. This application lab offers us more dedicated time to focus on completing applications.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Starting in Fall 2016, the following changes were made on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
Now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. The 2019-20 FAFSA opens Oct. 1, 2018, rather than opening the following January as it used to. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.
Now report earlier income information. Required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2019–20 FAFSA, students (and parents) must report their 2017 income information, rather than their current 2018 income information. (This means that income and tax information should be finalized for entering into the FAFSA.)
Our California State Deadline remains March 2, 2019. Some colleges and universities may have earlier priority deadlines in Jan/Feb. Check each college’s financial aid webpage for deadlines.
- Check out the Parent’s Guide to Filling out the FAFSA at: https://blog.ed.gov/2018/09/parents-guide-fafsa/#more-27269
- Other tips for making the filing easier are at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/filing-your-fafsa-just-got-easier/ar-BBMYDsc
- Start the FAFSA: www.fafsa.gov
CSS PROFILE: Some private colleges require a secondary financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form must be completed online at http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. This form may be filed as early as October 1st. A list of colleges that require the profile is also available on the website and in the College Advisory e-binder in Schoology. Be sure to check now if the colleges your son is applying to require the CSS profile and when their deadline is for submission.
College Financial Aid Night
When: Thursday, October 1, at 7 p.m.
Where: Carondelet High School - Garaventa Center
Who: Important for ALL senior parents, regardless of whether or not you think you qualify for financial aid (some scholarships based primarily on merit may still require the FAFSA).
What: Guest speaker, Karen Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid at Stanford University, will explain the financial aid process and the FAFSA, which is the basic financial aid form required by all colleges.
For Juniors and Seniors
COLLEGE REP VISITS AT DE LA SALLE: College representatives will continue to visit the De La Salle and Carondelet campuses through early December. Interested juniors and seniors may sign up on Naviance to attend these sessions. The list of scheduled college representative visits is available on Naviance and on the DLS website on the Counseling Department’s page. https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/college-representative-visits
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS: Many colleges that don’t come directly to De La Salle visit the Bay Area to offer information evenings at various locations for interested students and their parents. Parents and students are encouraged to check Naviance, the colleges’ individual websites and the bulletin board outside the College Center for dates and locations of these meetings.
COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE/FALL PREVIEW DAYS: Many colleges host visit programs this fall for prospective students and their families. Check the events section of the colleges’ websites for dates, times, and registration information. For the CSU campuses go to: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/choosing-a-campus/Pages/campus-preview-days-fall.aspx
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: Students need to check the scholarship list on a regular basis to keep up with scholarship opportunities. They will be updated on a monthly basis and will be included on Naviance and the Counseling Department’s page of the De La Salle website at (https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/college-information-for-seniors-1/scholarships-and-financial-aid-information/monthly-scholarship-list) . Students may also access many scholarships via the internet on www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com and other sites.
September 2018
SEPTEMBER 2018Upcoming Events:
|
Upcoming SAT & ACT Testing Dates (for Seniors):
Testing Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
Oct. 7 | Sept. 8 | Sept. 27 |
Nov. 4 | Oct. 5 | Oct. 25 |
Dec. 2 | Nov. 2 | Nov. 21 |
Register at:
|
|
Testing Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
Sept. 9 | CLOSED | Students may join the waitlist |
Oct. 28 | Sept. 22 | Oct. 6 |
Dec. 9 | Nov. 3 | Nov. 17 |
Register at: | www.actstudent.org |
Fee waivers are available for SAT & ACT for students with significant financial need. See one of the College Counselors for more information.
SAT/ACT TEST INFORMATION & TIPS:
- A number of highly selective colleges require at least 2 SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT or ACT.
- Seniors should plan to take the October and/or November tests to ensure that results will be forwarded to colleges in time to complete the application process. Some colleges require testing to be completed by the November test date, and students applying through Early Action or Early Decision programs to any college need to be mindful of early testing requirements.
- Virtually all colleges require testing to be completed by the December test date at the latest.
- De La Salle offers a free test preparation program, Method Test Prep, which provides online preparation for SAT and ACT, currently for DLS seniors. Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to maximize their preparation for the exams. (Juniors will be introduced to MTP and registered for it early in the spring semester.)
- The College Center maintains a library of test preparation materials which students are welcome to check out. The complete schedule of test dates and deadlines is published on the DLS website at Campus Life/Guidance Services Department/College.
- Juniors should wait until Feb/March 2018 to take their first SAT and ACT tests. Juniors will be introduced to Method Test Prep and create accounts in January. Junior parents, please note that we will begin working formally with Juniors and their families at the beginning of second semester this year. If you have any concerns before that time, please feel free to contact one of the College Counselors (Esther Lopez, A-K or Janet Appel, L-Z).
SENIOR COLLEGE ADVISORY PROGRAM
Senior College Advisory courses will meet weekly through the fall semester and into 3rd quarter. Seniors are required to attend these weekly sessions with their College Counselor to learn essential information about the college admissions process and to complete college application materials. Check your son’s classes on Schoology to find “College Advisory” to see regular updates, calendar reminders, and resources.
Individual counseling sessions and family appointments will be scheduled as requested.
SENIOR PARENT COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT
When: Tuesday, September 19
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: DLS Theatre
The College Counselors, Janet Appel and Esther Lopez, 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. This meeting will cover different material from that presented at the Junior parents meeting last February. Please don’t miss it! Call Mrs. Appel, Ext. 8128, or Ms. Lopez, Ext. 8103, or email at appelj@dlshs.org or lopeze@dlshs.org if you have questions.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES VISIT DE LA SALLE:
Representatives from the Admissions Offices of over 100 colleges and universities nationwide (and some abroad) are visiting from September 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 the Naviance website for an updated schedule of college visits. The college visit list is also included on the DLS website/Campus Life/Guidance Services Department/College: https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/college-representative-visits .
- Students should sign up electronically on Naviance, print out their confirmation page and have their teacher sign it at least one day ahead of time to attend the visit. Detailed instructions are included on the college visit schedule sign up link on Naviance.
In addition, many college representatives will hold evening or weekend meetings in the area for students and parents from local high schools. Announcements of these presentations will be listed on Naviance, as well as posted on the bulletin board near the attendance office in the Student Services Building.
2017-18 School Year
May 2018
May 2018
Friday, May 4: College T-Shirt Day
Seniors, wear college gear from your college! Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen: Wear college gear from any college of your choice.
JUNIORS: East Bay College Fair: Saturday, May 5th, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Mary’s College (www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc). Workshops begin at 12:15 p.m.
Testing Dates:
SAT:
Testing Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration |
June 2 | May 3 | May 23 |
Register at www.sat.org.
Next round of SAT tests will begin in August.
ACT:
Testing Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration |
June 9 | May 4 | May 18 |
Register at www.actstudent.org
Senior Alerts/Final College Admission Steps
- Final College Advisory Classes
- Placement Exams
- Register for Orientation, Accept Financial Aid Offer, Apply for Housing
Final College Advisory Classes
Final College Advisory Classes meet the week of April 30-May 4. All seniors must attend to take care of important steps:
- FINAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: You must request a final high school transcript to be sent to your chosen college. We will do this in college advisory. (If you are later accepted from a waitlist and choose to go to that school, make arrangements with Mrs. Byrne to have your final transcript sent to that school.)
- Senior College Counseling Exit Survey: To be completed during college advisory
Placement Exams
COMMUNITY COLLEGES-MATH AND ENGLISH ASSESSMENT- Community colleges, including Diablo Valley College, require all entering students to take a math and English assessment for placement and advising purposes. Check your college website for enrollment steps.
At DVC, if you have not already taken the assessment, there is an online tool called Multiple Measures and you enter your junior year grades. Visit http://www.dvc.edu/assessment for instructions and the link. If, after completing the multiple measures students wish to take the traditional assessment, to place higher, they may make an appointment on the DVC assessment website. Students will need to complete their Spring 2018 and Summer 2018 applications as well as the online orientation.
DVC is offering a final Viking SEA Day on May 12, students interested in participating should RSVP by Tuesday, May 8th:www.dvc.edu/vikingseaday. Students will need a copy of their transcripts, see your college counselor before the 12th. Get enrollment priority and register for fall classes. Parents are welcome and parent workshops will be offered. Information on steps to enrollment at DVC is available in the College Center.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA -- Seniors who will attend a UC campus, may need to take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam. Students should have received information directly from UC about registering for the test. See notification letters for testing locations; information is also available at http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY—English and Math placement testing (ELM & EPT) is no longer used starting for students starting in the Fall of 2018. Instead assessment and placement will be determined by SAT/ACT scores, High School grades, and courses completed in senior year. You should receive information from your campus about assessment and placement.
Further information will be updated on the Cal State website: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/pages/after-admission-placement-and-other-tests.aspx
PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES--Students attending a private college or out-of-state public school should check with their chosen college about placement tests that may be required.
Register for Orientation, Accept Financial Aid Offer, Apply for Housing
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 an important part of getting off to a successful start.
Important Notes for Juniors
- East Bay College Fair at St. Mary's College (Moraga)
- Countdown to Summer To-Do List
- College Testing
- Summer Jobs/Pre-College Programs
- Advising the Student-Athlete
East Bay College Fair at St. Mary's College (Moraga)
JUNIORS: Come to the East Bay College Fair at St. Mary’s on May 5, from 1-4 p.m., workshops will begin at 12:15 p.m. Representatives from over 150 colleges from throughout the U.S. will be there and workshops about various aspects of the college admissions process will be offered. Be sure to register ahead of time at www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc and print your badge so that colleges you’re interested in can retrieve your contact information.
Countdown to Summer To-Do List
- Research Colleges: visit websites and check out reference books. Make use of Naviance to research and keep track of colleges as well. Complete the “college search” or “college search: super match” in the Colleges tab in Naviance and build your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list.
- Create College List: begin to formulate a list of colleges to which you will want to apply. Consider a variety of schools in regard to selectivity of admissions, keeping in mind that the admissions process is very unpredictable and it is important to have a number of options. Solid college choices that you really like and have a strong chance of admission are more important than ever. Next fall the college counselors will meet with you to refine your list.
- Visit colleges on your list that you haven’t seen yet. REMEMBER: It’s recommended that you visit colleges during the summer to get a sense of the school, but if you’re interested, you will want to go back again during the school year to get a true feeling of the atmosphere. Students who return to DLS as seniors without having visited schools will be severely behind in the college search process.
- Spend your summer productively! Work, volunteer, take a class, participate in a summer program, or get an internship.
- Write down your ideas and make an outline for your essay/personal statement; the UC’s and most private schools require at least one.
- Develop a personal résumé – a list of school and community volunteer activities, leadership, work, and honors and awards. This will make your college applications easier to fill out & save you time in the fall. There is a link to a resume builder on the “About Me” tab on Naviance.
- Log into your Method Test Prep portal from the link on your Naviance home page, to get extra help preparing for SAT or ACT tests in the fall. This is a program that DLS has subscribed to and paid for, in order to make test preparation available for all juniors and seniors. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, stop by the College Center to retrieve it.
When you return in August, the College Counselors will begin the Senior College Advisory Program that will include a weekly group session for every senior in order to work on the college application process.
College Testing
You may register online over the summer for the early fall exams by visiting www.sat.org for the SAT, and www.actstudent.org for the ACT.
Remember, students should try both the SAT and the ACT. While the UC system no longer requires SAT Subject Tests, some campuses recommend them for some majors and highly selective private colleges still require them. Students should check with the Subject Test policies of the colleges they are interested in and may want to take 2 or 3 SAT Subject Tests of their choice. Sophomores who are strong in Biology may wish to take the SAT Biology Subject test in June. This is the only SAT test recommended for sophomores. If students have questions about registration for this test, they may stop by the College Center.
Summer Jobs/Pre-College Programs
Students looking for a summer job, check out the Jobs Board outside the College Center or Schoology posts. There continues to be information in the College Center and notices posted on the bulletin board outside the attendance office about pre-college programs. Also check out the Summer Programs list on the Counseling page of the DLS website https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/home/summer-programs and under Enrichment Programs on the Colleges tab on Naviance.
Various Summer Camps (Engineering, Hospitality, Business, Environmental Science, Health Careers, etc.) offered at DVC, go to this link and navigate the left hand menu to find more details/dates/requirements for each camp: www.dvc.edu/summercamps
Advising the Student-Athlete
Students who are thinking of participating in NCAA Division I or II athletics should start the certification process by the end of their junior year. Once the Eligibility Center receives the scores and transcript, it begins the certification process, which is completed when the student graduates from high school. A minimum GPA and test score are required in order to play college sports. The NCAA requires that any make-up course work to be considered for NCAA eligibility must be completed before the beginning of senior year.
- Interested students may register online at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
- Be sure to request a transcript to be sent to the NCAA through Naviance. If you have questions about how to do this, stop by the College Center.
- SAT or ACT test scores must also be reported to the NCAA, directly from CollegeBoard or ACT.
April 2018
APRIL 2018
COLLEGE PREVIEW NIGHT FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR PARENTS: Wednesday, April 18, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at DLS Hofmann Center.
EAST BAY COLLEGE FAIR: Saturday, May 5th, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Mary’s College (www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc). Workshops begin at 12:15 p.m.
Testing Dates:
SAT:Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
May 5 | April 6 |
June 2 | May 3 |
Register at www.sat.org.
Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
June 9 | May 4 |
Register at www.actstudent.org
Important Notes for Seniors
DVC Enrollment
There are Required Enrollment Steps to complete now for DVC:
- Complete the spring 2018 and summer 2018 online applications.
- Complete the online orientation using the link on your insite portal on the DVC website.
- Get a copy of the Special Admit form and bring to the assessment (from the College Center)
- Get a copy of your unofficial high school transcript to bring to the assessment
- There is still time to take the English/Math assessments at DVC during their Assessment Catch-up Day on Thurs., April 12th or Weds., April 18th. Register here. Or you can make an appointment with the Testing Center online to go before then.
- Register for academic advisement (Counseling 095) in April to get priority registration for Fall classes. Priority registration for Fall classes starts mid-May. Priority registration is essential to students’ success at DVC.
UC AWPE Placement Test
Seniors who will attend a UC campus may be required to take the UC Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) in May. Students should receive information about this test directly from UC in April; information may also be found here.
Making Your Final College Decision
Financial Aid
Students who submitted their financial aid applications on time (FAFSA and/or CSS Profile) will receive their Financial Aid offers at this time. Most financial aid letters will arrive in the mail but for CSU’s and some other colleges, they will not mail but rather post the information in the student’s web portal. To help compare the financial aid offers, it may be helpful to organize the information on a spreadsheet:
Important Notes for Juniors
- College Preview Night - April 18 @ 6:30 p.m. - Hofmann
- Summer Programs
- SAT and ACT Testing
- Narrowing down College Options
College Preview Night - April 18 @ 6:30 p.m. - Hofmann
Our DLS/CHS Joint College Preview Night is a great opportunity for Juniors and their parents to find out about several different types of colleges from the representatives themselves. Admissions representatives from a California private college, the University of California, the California State University system, out-of-state public & private universities, and the California Community College system will be here to present information about their type of college. They will also evaluate sample applications to give families a better understanding of the admissions process. Speakers will be available at 6:00 p.m., preceding the program, for families who wish to speak with one of the representatives individually.
Summer Programs
Announcements and brochures for summer academic and enrichment programs, both state and nationwide, continue to be posted on the College Center’s bulletin board near the Attendance Office. Many of these are available for high school students at any grade level. We will be sending a list of programs to all Junior families as soon as it is completed. Feel free to contact one of the College Counselors with any questions you may have. Summer programs are also included on Naviance under the “Colleges” tab, on the link to “Enrichment Programs.” Summer is also a great time to get a part-time job or do volunteer work locally.
SAT and ACT Testing
There is still time for juniors to take an SAT and ACT this spring—see dates above. We strongly recommend that Juniors take each of these tests now so that they will have an idea of where they stand and still have time to repeat one of the tests in the fall.
Students applying to highly selective private colleges (http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/) will also need to take at least 2 SAT Subject Tests, and are encouraged to take 3 of them (e.g. in U.S. History, Chemistry, World Language, Literature or Math). The May test date may be best for subject tests for AP students, while June is best for students not taking AP courses. UC’s no longer require Subject Tests, but recommend them at some campuses and for some majors. If Math is chosen as a subject test, Math Level 2 should be taken (UC’s do not accept Math Level 1). Sophomores who are high achievers in Biology (either regular Biology or AP Biology) may want to take the SAT Subject test in Biology in June. See websites above for registration. If you have questions, call or come by the College Center.
Narrowing down College Options
ATTEND THE COLLEGE FAIR AT SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE!
Students, particularly Juniors and their families, are highly encouraged to attend the 27th annual East Bay College Connection Fair on Saturday, May 5th, 2018, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Saint Mary's College in Moraga (college information workshops begin at 12:15 p.m.). Representatives from over 150 colleges and universities will be there, including four-year colleges from all over the state and the U.S., international, and California community colleges. Students and parents will have the opportunity to talk with college admissions representatives about their educational goals, admissions policies, academic programs, student life and financial aid. For more information and to pre-register, go towww.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc.
- Workshops will be presented on the admissions process, private colleges, UC’s, the CA State University system and Community Colleges, student athletes, students with disabilities, and financial aid. These sessions begin at 12:15 p.m.
- Free shuttles will run every 20 minutes from the Orinda BART station to St. Mary’s—it may be easier to take a shuttle than to park on campus.
- The fair is free
- For students unable to attend on this date, a similar fair will be held at Dominican University in San Rafael, CSU Sacramento, Sonoma State, and Cal State East Bay in Hayward. Go to for more information, including dates of the fairs, visit this link.
- In addition, a National College Fair will take place at the San Francisco Cow Palace on Saturday, April 28th. Click here for details.
**Note: most college fairs do not offer workshops such as the one at St. Mary’s.
Advice on choosing a college from Colorado State.
March 2018
PLANNING AHEAD TO PAY FOR COLLEGE: Tuesday,
March 6th at 7:00 p.m. in
the Hofmann Center.
COLLEGE PREVIEW NIGHT FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR PARENTS: Wednesday, April 18, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
at DLS Hofmann Center.
Testing Dates:
SAT:Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
March 10 | (waitlist only) |
May 5 | April 6 |
June 2 | May 3 |
Register at www.sat.org.
Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
April 14 | March 9 (late fee deadline is March 23) |
June 9 | May 4 |
July 14 | June 15 |
Register at www.actstudent.org
Important Notes for Seniors
Final College Decisions
College acceptances will continue to come out this month and into early April. Continue to check email and web portals for application status and any missing documents.
As you narrow your list of possible colleges, make plans to re-visit those that you are most seriously considering. Many schools have stay-over programs for admitted students; the college counselors may also provide names of former DLS students who could talk with you about their colleges. Spring break provides an ideal time to confirm your choice by making a visit. You may also want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit campuses on Friday, March 16th, a student holiday at De La Salle.
DVC Visit + Math and English Assessment
A representative from Diablo Valley College visited DLS on February 5th to present information about the college; seniors were notified about this visit ahead of time. DVC requires that all entering students take a Math and English placement test which was given at DLS on February 27th to seniors who registered in advance. Any student who plans to attend DVC in the fall and did not take the assessment at DLS needs to take the assessment on their own at DVC. Information can be found at www.dvc.edu/assessment or at (925) 969-2132. Students will be required to fill out their applications for admission and take follow-up steps before their assessment can be taken. They are welcome to stop by the College Center for instructions.
Important Notes for Juniors
- Visit Schools!!
- SAT and ACT Testing
- College Preview Night
- Attend the East Bay College Fair
- Summer Programs
- College Advisory for Juniors
Visit Schools!!
Spring break is the best time to visit colleges, many of which will be in regular session. Call the admissions office or check online at the college’s website to arrange for a tour. Also, spend some time on your own at the campus. This is the most important way to narrow your list of possible choices. Remember the Naviance website (http://connection.naviance.com/dlshs) can give you access to any college website you’re interested in. If you’re still looking for ideas about colleges to explore, make an appointment with Ms. Lopez or Mrs. Appel.
SAT and ACT Testing
Spring is the best time for Juniors to take their first SAT and ACT. Since all colleges accept both the SAT and ACT, and because many students perform differently on the two tests, it is beneficial to take them both. If desired, a test can be repeated in the fall in plenty of time for college admissions. Students applying to highly selective colleges must also take SAT Subject tests. These are one-hour exams and as many as 3 may be taken on one test date. While UCs no longer require SAT Subject Tests, they are recommended at some UC campuses for some majors. Some highly selective private schools require 3 Subject Tests. May or June is the ideal time for juniors to take the SAT Subject Tests in subjects such as chemistry, U.S. History or foreign language. Sophomores who are especially strong in biology may want to take the May or June SAT Subject Test in biology, only. Any other testing should be done next spring as juniors.
College Preview Night
DLS and CHS are pleased to present the 17th annual College Preview Night for Juniors and their Parents, on April 18th at 6:00 p.m. in the DLS Hofmann Center. The program will feature a speaker from each of the following systems:
- University of California
- California State Universities
- Private California Colleges
- Out-of-State Colleges
- California Community Colleges
The representatives will give an overview of their type of college and their admissions policies, as well as take you through an in-depth application review process. Representatives will be there at 6:00 to talk to students individually about their schools and will give a formal presentation beginning at 6:30. Don’t miss this informative evening that will help juniors in their college planning.
Attend the East Bay College Fair
Students, particularly juniors and your parents, mark your calendars for the 27th annual East Bay College Connection on Saturday, May 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s College in
Summer Programs
Announcements for summer academic and enrichment programs, in
College Advisory for Juniors
The College Counselors will be offering an optional College Advisory for Juniors after spring break. Junior College Advisory will meet once a week for three weeks. The purpose of this program is to provide juniors with a head start on the college planning process and provide structured time to research college options. Applications will be available through Schoology and in the College Center the week of March 12th.
Reminder: All juniors will be enrolled in College Advisory for their senior year. College Advisory meets once a week, and students are assigned to a day of the week. College Counselors will coach seniors through the college selection, application, and enrollment process.
PLANNING AHEAD TO PAY FOR COLLEGE (for Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen):
Parents of students in grades 9 through 11 are invited to a presentation by a college admissions professional on March 6th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hofmann Center to learn how families’ financial resources are evaluated and how the amount of aid a student might receive at different colleges is determined. Various ways to prepare for the cost of college will also be presented.
February 2018
Testing Dates:
Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
*March 10 | February 9 (late registration: Feb 28) |
*May 5 | April 6 |
*June 2 | May 3 |
Register at www.sat.org.
Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
*April 14 | March 9 |
*June 9 | May 4 |
*July 14 | June 15 |
Register at www.actstudent.org
*Juniors, take note: Juniors are strongly advised to wait to take the SAT and ACT until one of these (*) dates. Details about these tests will be discussed in the Juniors’ small group meetings and the Junior Parent College Planning night (see below). For questions about these tests before those meetings, please contact one of the college counselors.
Fee waivers are available for SAT & ACT for students with significant financial need. See one of the College Counselors for more information.
Additional Dates to remember:
February 27: DVC Assessment Testing - 2 p.m. in the DLS Computer Lab
March 6: Planning ahead to Pay for College - 7 p.m. in the Hofmann Student Center (all are invited!)
Important Notes for Seniors
Diablo Valley College
Now is the time to begin the required enrollment steps for DVC.
- Attend the presentation from DVC at DLS on Monday, February 5th to review the 5 required steps for enrolling at DVC. Students should sign up on Naviance to attend the presentation.
- Attend a College Advisory session on Feb. 6 or 7 and Feb. 13 or 14 to complete the DVC application, online orientation and other required steps.
- Attend the DVC Assessment on February 27th to determine Math and English placements.
All students considering DVC as a college option need to attend the above. If not completed on these dedicated dates with the DLS College Counselors, students will need to complete on their own and at DVC.
If students are considering other community colleges, still attend the College Advisory sessions because many of the steps are the same as or similar to DVC.
Cal State University
Course Placement:
Starting this year, CSU applicants no longer need to take EPT/ELM Math & English Placement exams. Instead, grades earned in Senior year English & Math courses and SAT/ACT scores will help determine placement. For more detailed information, visit this link.
Housing:
For seniors planning on attending a CSU campus, NOW is the time to apply for housing at many campuses, before the student has actually decided to attend. Many CSU campuses do not have enough housing for all freshmen and to have an opportunity to live on campus students must submit a preliminary application ASAP.
Check on the individual campus websites for the housing application policies; they vary by campus and while many of them encourage early housing applications, some do not allow students to apply before they make their decision to attend. Some out-of-state public universities also have limited housing and advise students to apply for it early. Check individual college websites for information.
Scholarships:
Follow this link and scroll down to check on CSU scholarship opportunities by campus.
Scholarship Opportunities
February & March are the big months with many scholarship deadlines. There are some scholarships and special programs available to juniors and sophomores as well. Check our monthly scholarship list here.
Also, www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com are scholarship
search sites.
The best source of scholarships are usually the colleges themselves. Check each college's financial aid webpage for scholarship applications and deadlines.
FAFSA
Seniors should check Financial Aid deadlines and forms required on each of their prospective colleges’ websites. Individual colleges may have their own financial aid deadlines in January or February and may also require forms in addition to the FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid—required by all colleges). Don’t miss a deadline and miss out on financial aid available from your college! Students and parents filling out the FAFSA need to complete it online at www.fafsa.gov before the earliest deadline. 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.
Cal Grant
Important Notes for Juniors
- College Planning Meetings for Juniors
- Summer Academic/Enrichment Programs and Camps
- SAT and ACT Testing
College Planning Meetings for Juniors
Beginning the third week of January, DLS College Counselors began meetings with small groups of juniors to formally start the college planning and selection process, providing materials and information crucial to making informed, realistic choices for college. We encourage parents to sit down with their junior students to begin discussing the college search process and a possible trip during spring break to visit different schools. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Esther Lopez (A-K), Ext. 8103, or Janet Appel (L-Z), Ext. 8128.
Summer Academic/Enrichment Programs and Camps
Announcements and brochures for summer academic and enrichment programs, both state and nationwide, are posted on the bulletin board near the attendance area, on Naviance, and on the College Counseling page of the DLS website. Juniors, especially, are invited to explore the possibility of summer programs as a valuable addition to their 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 as early as February, so it’s a good idea to check out possibilities this month.
The following are just a small sample of what’s available:
- https://summerinstitutes.stanford.edu (Stanford University)
- http://atdp.berkeley.edu (UC Berkeley)
- www.nd.edu/~precoll (Notre Dame University)
- www.csssa.org (California State Summer School for the Arts)
- www.ucop.edu/cosmos (California State Summer School for Math, Science & Engineering)
- https://epic.calpoly.edu/ (Engineering Camp at Cal Poly, SLO)
- http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/NASS/index.php (United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar)
- http://summerprograms.usc.edu/ (University of Southern California)
- www.thesca.org (Student Conservation Association; local and national outdoor projects)
- www.nslcleaders.org (National Student Leadership Conferences—variety of topics)
- www.oxbridgeprograms.com (Oxford University)
For a listing of many more programs, check Naviance and the College Counseling page (under link for Juniors) on the DLS website.
SAT and ACT Testing
See above for Spring SAT and ACT dates. All colleges and universities accept either the ACT or the SAT, and we encourage students to take both.
Go to the websites to register: www.actstudent.org and www.sat.org.
Both SAT and ACT offer an optional writing section, it is recommended to take the exams with the optional writing section, there are some colleges that require that exam.
Students may want to use the May or June SAT test date for SAT Subject tests if the colleges they are applying to require them.
Recommended testing strategies, timeline, and information about the new SAT were covered at the Junior Parent Night and with the students in their junior groups. Contact the College Counselors if you have any questions.
PLANNING AHEAD TO PAY FOR COLLEGE (for Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen):
Families of 9th through 11th grade students are invited to attend the presentation on Planning Ahead to Pay for College which will be held on March 6th at 7 p.m. in the Hofmann Center. Our speaker is a college admission professional with extensive experience in the financial aid process and in college admissions advising. She will present information about how families’ assets are evaluated and how the amount of aid a student might receive at different colleges is determined. Various ways to prepare for the cost of college will also be presented.
January 2018
Testing Dates:
Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
*March 10 | February 9 |
*May 5 | April 6 |
*June 2 | May 3 |
Register at www.sat.org.
Testing Date | Registration Deadline |
February 10 | January 12 |
*April 14 | March 9 |
*June 9 | May 4 |
*July 14 | June 15 |
Register at www.actstudent.org
*Juniors, take note: Juniors are strongly advised to wait to take the SAT and ACT until one of these (*) dates. Details about these tests will be discussed in the Juniors’ small group meetings and the Junior Parent College Planning night (see below). For questions about these tests before those meetings, please contact one of the college counselors.
Fee waivers are available for SAT & ACT for students with significant financial need. See one of the College Counselors for more information.
Important Notes for Seniors
- Mandatory College Advisory Sessions
- Financial Aid for College
- Sending SAT & ACT Test Scores
- College Applications
- Letters of Recommendation
- Scholarships
Mandatory College Advisory Sessions
Mandatory College Advisory sessions will resume for 3 weeks in January—starting on Monday, January 15th. Topics covered include the following: using web portals for colleges to which you’ve applied; requesting midyear (7th semester) transcripts; deferrals from early applications; and other essential follow-up steps.
In February, College Advisory sessions will be held for students applying to community colleges. Specific information about this program will come out in next month’s newsletter and will be communicated to students through Schoology.
Financial Aid for College
- The FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration at all colleges & universities. Complete the FAFSA now at www.fafsa.gov
- The CSS Profile is a second application required by 400 colleges & universities. Complete the Profile at http://css.collegeboard.org/ if needed.
Sending SAT & ACT Test Scores
College Applications
- Deadlines for many private colleges and out-of-state schools fall in early January usually no later than February 1. Seniors need to carefully calendar the deadlines for schools they are applying to and to submit applications online before the deadline passes.
- Be sure to print the confirmation page upon submitting each application. Also, be sure to save the confirmation email from the college, if you receive one.
Letters of Recommendation
The teacher and counselor letters of recommendation final request deadline was October 31. All initial requests for letters should have been made. If you have additional colleges to which you have decided to apply, you must update your teacher and counselor by email and request that they send to the new additions.
Scholarships
- An updated list of current scholarship information is available on the Counseling Department page of the DLS website, and on the Naviance website. Students should watch for monthly updates to the list. https://sites.google.com/a/dlshs.org/college-counseling/college-information-for-seniors-1/scholarships-and-financial-aid-information/monthly-scholarship-list
- There are large, free internet scholarship search engines such as www.fastweb.com;
- Be sure to research each of your college’s financial aid web page to find scholarships you may be eligible for that require an additional scholarship application.
Important Notes for Juniors
- PSAT Scores and Practice ACT Scores
- Junior Parents' College Planning Night - Jan. 31, 2018
- Small Group College Planning Meetings with Juniors
PSAT Scores and Practice ACT Scores
PSAT SCORES & PRACTICE ACT SCORES: On Wed., Jan. 17, there will be an early-start for all Juniors and Sophomores, who will meet at 8:15 a.m. to go over PSAT and Practice ACT test results with the Counseling Department staff. The College Counselors will also re-introduce the Juniors to Naviance. Locations will be announced.
Junior Parents' College Planning Night - Jan. 31, 2018
JUNIOR PARENTS’ COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT is Wednesday, January 31st at 7:00 pm in the DLS Theatre. The College Counselors will present specific details regarding the college exploration and selection process. 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.
Small Group College Planning Meetings with Juniors
SMALL GROUP COLLEGE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH JUNIORS: Starting in mid-January, small groups of Juniors will meet with their College Counselor to begin their college search process. These meetings will provide Juniors with information about college options and the selection process, admissions requirements, and a planning schedule in preparation for completing college applications in the Fall.