PRIVATE SCHOOLS

·        The Common Application – Over 500 private 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 2015, then “Private College Senior Profile 2015” on the bottom of the page).  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 carefully read through the “Private Schools - Letter of Recommendation Request Instructions” and then “Private Schools – Cover page for manila envelope” (located in the same part of www.dbhs.org).  After following all directions, deliver your Letter of Recommendation Request 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 cover page.  The absolute deadline to turn in a letter of recommendation request is October 10^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 or her to complete his or her part (Secondary Report) online, you need to email him or her 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 plan to take a December test, the UC wants you to indicate the planned test date on your admission application.

·        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://duckbrand.com/index.php/promotions/stuck-at-prom/rules

·        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.  In 2012, over 1500 Questbridge applicants gained admission to their partner colleges, and 383 of these students received full scholarships.  For information go to www.questbridge.org. Scholarship varies depending on the school but can include the full cost of tuition and room and board. Deadline is September 26^th, 2014.

·        Coca Cola Scholars Foundation – The Coca Cola Company supports over 1400 students with $3.45 million dollars’ worth of scholarships each year. They are looking for students who “are most committed to positive leadership in serving others and to academic excellence.”  Applications

must be submitted online at www.coca-colascholars.org. Deadline is October 31^st.

·        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 4^th, 2014.  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 3rd, 2014.

·        Horatio Alger Association Scholarship – This organization will be awarding several national scholarships of $20,000 and over 30 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, 2014.

·        Hotels Cheap Scholarship - HotelsCheap.org is offering two ongoing scholarships per year, valued at $1,500 USD each.  They “are interested in helping students who demonstrate a strong aptitude for higher learning, have a drive to improve themselves, and a desire to improve society in general.”  Apply online at http://www.hotelscheap.org/scholarship by October 15^th, 2014.

·        Playing with Purpose Scholarship - The SportQuest Playing With Purpose Scholarship Program is “a national program that honors and encourages high school student athletes who excel athletically, academically and have committed their life to following Christ.”  For more information, go to www.playingwithpurpose.org and apply online by February 1,2015.

·        Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – This scholarship is for any U.S. citizen of “Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by the U.S. Census” with a minimum GPA of 2.7.  Awards range from $2,500 - $15,000.  Visit www.apiasf.org for more information.  Deadline for applications is January 9^th, 2015.