PRIVATE SCHOOLS

• The Common Application – 488 schools now use the Common Application.  Go to www.commonapp.org to see if the schools you’re applying to are Common Application members and to familiarize yourself with their application process.  Remember – all of the schools you apply to will have different deadlines and requirements – you need to look at each individual school’s requirements to make sure you don’t miss something.
• Letters of recommendation – If you’re applying to a private college or university, you probably need letters of recommendation from your GLC and two academic teachers.  The first step is to download the “School Profile” from www.dbhs.org (Guidance, then Class of 2013, then “SENIOR INFORMATION Senior Profile Directions Class of 2013”).  This form allows you to tell the people writing letters for you all about yourself and the accomplishments and experiences you’ve had both on and off campus – spend time working on this so your GLC and teachers can write the best possible letter for you.  The second step is to deliver the school profile and your Personal Statement (at least a rough draft) in a manila envelope directly to your GLC and teachers (you must hand it to them directly).  You should list all schools you are applying to and the deadlines for those schools on the outside of the envelope under your name.  Please follow the directions given to you during your summer appointment with your GLC.  The instructions are listed under “How to package letter of recommendation requests for your GLC” and are in the green packet you received this summer titled “Steps to Follow When Applying to a 4-Year University.”  The absolute deadline to turn in a letter of recommendation request is October 5^th, but you are strongly encouraged to deliver them sooner.  No letters are required for UC or CSU schools.
• Online application via www.commonapp.org – This year you and your GLC will be required to submit all Common Application papers online.  To notify your GLC that you would like him to complete his part (Secondary Report) online, you need to email him through the Common Application.  Once you complete your part of the application, including senior classes for both semesters, you are ready to send the email notification to your GLC.  You will need their correct email addresses:

[email protected] or [email protected]

SAT/ACT

• Time to take those tests.  You must have a score for either the SAT or the ACT with writing for all CSU’s, UC’s, and private schools.  If you haven’t taken either test, you only have a few more chances.  Go to www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org to sign up for either test.  If you take either test in December, you should rush your scores.
• SAT Subject Tests are no longer required by the UC, but the UC has said some majors at some campuses may still recommend particular tests and students are still encouraged to send in Subject Test scores to be considered during the comprehensive review process as this extra information can only help.  In addition, several private schools still require Subject Tests.  Look at each school’s admission requirements carefully to find this information.

SCHOLARSHIPS

·         Keep an eye out!  There will always be scholarships listed in the Senior Bulletin, but this should not be your only resource.  Ask your parents about scholarships through their jobs and keep an eye out for scholarships within the community.  You can also go to www.fastweb.com for free scholarship searches.  There are thousands of scholarships available out there, like this one that awards scholarships to brave souls who manufacture prom clothing out of duct tape - http://www.duckbrand.com/Home/Promotions/stuck-at-prom.aspx

·         QuestBridge College Match Scholarships – QuestBridge is a national college match program which assists outstanding low-income students in gaining admission and full four-year scholarships to leading colleges such as MIT, Princeton, Stanford and Yale. Last year 1,500 QuestBridge applicants gained admission to our partner colleges, and 321 of these students received full scholarships to the college of their choice. For information go to www.questbridge.org. Scholarship varies depending on the school but can include the full cost of tuition up to $40,000 and the full cost of room and board up to $15,000. Deadline is September 28^th.

·         Coca Cola Scholars Foundation – The Coca Cola Company is offering $3 million dollars worth of scholarships this year. That is almost twice as much as they have offered in past years. They are basing evaluations on four criteria, A) Demonstrated leadership in school, B) Commitment to community, C) Academic achievement and, D) Part-time employment.  Although they ask for family income, this is a merit based award and need does not determine eligibility. 50-$20,000 scholarships and 200-$10,000 scholarships awarded. Applications must be submitted on-line at www.coca-colascholars.org. Deadline is October 31^st.

·         FIRE Foundation for Individual Right in Education – This is the “Freedom in Academia” essay contest.  You are asked to view two videos on their website, then write an essay discussing why “free speech is important at our nation's colleges and universities.”  The essay should be 800-1000 words.  Three $1000 awards, one $5000 award, and one $10,000 award.  Go to www.thefire.org/contests.  Deadline is November 25^th, 2012.

·         Prudential Spirit of Community Awards - This award is to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional citizenship through exemplary, self-initiated community service/ volunteer work.  Examples might be working with the disabled or with the elderly.  The activity must be either self initiated or the individual must demonstrate exceptional leadership in group activities. Go online to http://spirit.prudential.com to submit an application by November 1^st, 2012.  After you submit, you must tell Mr. Desmond you have entered your name - DBHS can only forward one representative for the state judging and a chance to earn $1000 and a trip to Washington DC.

·         Wendy’s High School Heisman Award – This awards student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics and student leadership. Must have a 3.0 GPA and be participating in at least one high school sport. Apply online at www.wendysheisman.com. You need to have your GLC review your application so notify him or her that you’re applying, and include your GLC’s email address on your application.  State Winners receive $1,000. Deadline is October 2^nd, 2012.

·         Miami University (Ohio) Bridges Program – If you’re interested in attending Miami’s Oxford, Ohio campus, have at least a 3.0, and are from a “historically underrepresented population,” apply to their Bridges program to earn an expenses paid visit to the campus and a possible $10,000 scholarship if you enroll at Miami University.  Application materials are at www.MiamiOH.edu/bridges and the application deadline is September 17^th, 2012.

·         Horatio Alger Association Scholarship – This organization will be awarding several national scholarships of $20,000 and over 50 state scholarships of $5,000 each.  Applicants must have household earnings of less than $50,000, a 2.0 minimum GPA, and must be involved in extra-curricular and community activities.  Apply online at www.HoratioAlger.com – application deadline is October 25^th, 2012.