Class of 2027

Counselor Contact

• Mrs. Auriel McDermott: A -Di

amcdermott@delranschools. org, ext. 3012

• Ms. Laura Foster: Dj-Li

lfoster@delranschools.org, ext. 3010

• Ms. Brittany Cairns: Lj-Ro

bcairns@delranschools.org, ext. 3229

• Mr. Patrick Tonero: Rp-Z

ptonero@delranschools.org, ext. 3006

Program Objectives

• Review a typical college planning and application timeline

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• Provide a basic overview of Naviance, a college planning tool

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• Discuss standardized testing options and current role in admissions

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• Outline roles and responsibilities in the college application process

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• Preview the Common Application

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• Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities and Timeline

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April – June

• Continue success in current classes or make adjustments to improve
• Plan a senior year schedule that meets graduation requirements and considers colleges’ recommendations (view in Student Portal)
• Prepare for standardized testing using Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/digital-sat) and other resources
• Schedule SAT (www.collegeboard.org) and/or ACT (www.act.org), consider summer and early fall dates to retest
• Research and visit colleges, begin to form your list
• Update your resume and request letters of recommendation in person and via Naviance

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Understanding Test-Optional Policies

All students are encouraged to test.

Example 1: Test-optional admissions policy for all

All applicants are allowed to decide for themselves whether to submit test scores. Applicants should consider past reports “average SAT scores for admitted students” and whether their SAT score accurately reflects their abilities.

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Example 2: Test-optional admissions policy for some

A college may limit their “test-optional” policy to certain intended majors. For example, Nursing and other STEM-related majors may still require applicants to submit standardized test scores.

Example 3: Test optional for admissions but not for enrollment and/or scholarship

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Opportunities to Test

SAT:

November 8 with a registration deadline of October 24th

December 6 with a registration deadline of November 19th

March 14 with a registration deadline of February 27th

ACT:

October 18 with a registration deadline of September 30

December 6 with a registration deadline of November 21

*Fee waivers available for student who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, applications available online and in Guidance

Developing a College List

• Determine a target number of applications, considering the time and financial investment required
• National average is 7-10, slightly fewer at DHS
• The best list contains a range of schools based on available admissions data (target, reach, probable)
• The true cost of attendance cannot be determined at the time of application, financial aid and scholarships are offered after admission
• Know yourself, know your prospective colleges and search for the best match, not simply the best school

• Naviance is used throughout the college search and application process
• Each student has a unique Naviance account assigned in 9^th grade
• Each staff member also has a unique Naviance account used to prepare and send letters of recommendation and other electronic documents to support students’ applications
• Senior students will NOT be able to complete their college applications without Naviance

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Naviance College Search

Naviance Colleges I’m Thinking About

College Board Big Future

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

College Visits

• Visiting campus is the BEST way to consider your potential fit

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• Points of contact are tracked and considered “demonstrated interest”

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• With official documentation juniors and seniors can receive three days of excused absence for college visits (up to 3 days)

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• Admissions representative visits at DHS in the Fall (sign-ups in Naviance)

June - August

• Continue to research and visit colleges with the goal of finalizing list
• Register for final standardized tests if needed
• Use Naviance to organize your schools application types (Common Application v. School Specific)
• Begin writing your application essays
• In early August begin your completing your applications
• Establish accounts with scholarship search engines (Going Merry, Fast Web, College Board Big Future)
• Update your resume and Student Input Sheet in Naviance
• Potential DI & DII athletes should register and complete the initial eligibility with NCAA Clearinghouse

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Special Circumstances

• Prospective student athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org
• First-generation college students and those who are enrolled in Free and Reduced Lunch should conference with their counselor to explore Equal Opportunity Fund special admissions programs
• Students with an IEP or 504 Plan should conference with their Case Manager and/or Counselor to discuss possible disclosure during the application process
• Students who are undocumented or DACA status should conference with their Counselor to identify resources and special application procedures

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Types of Admissions Plans

The Application Process

• The vast majority of college applications are completed on the Common Application or directly on a school’s website
• Students responsibilities include:
• Ensuring their Naviance list of “Colleges I’m Applying To” is accurate
• Completing their application including any fees in early fall (waivers available)
• Requesting letters of recommendation in Naviance after speaking with teachers in-person
• Sending standardized tests scores directly from College Board and/or ACT
• Ensuring their resume and input sheet are current in Naviance
• Communicating with their counselor when applications are submitted

The Application Process

• Parent/Guardian responsibilities include:
• Supporting NOT completing students’ college applications
• Signing the FERPA waiver (both hard copy and within the Common Application)
• Supporting the payment of fees (applications $50-$75 and test scores $12/school) or completing an application for Free & Reduced Lunch to possibly qualify for waivers
• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in October 2022

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The Application Process

• Counselor responsibilities include:
• Supporting students throughout the college search and application process
• Sharing resources and information, Canvas, Naviance
• Writing and sending a letter of recommendation (after resume and input form are complete)
• Sending students’ transcripts and related forms to once a student shares an application has been submitted

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Common Application

• www.commonapp.org, application opens August 1, 2025
• Students can create a free account at any time to preview the application https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students
• The Common Application is an online application accepted by over 900 member institutions, saving students time
• Each individual application must be submitted separately with separate fees
• The Common Application essay will be submitted to ALL schools
• Each individual school will have specific questions and possible supplemental essay prompts

College Essay

Many college applications require students to write an essay or personal narrative. Successful applicants:

• Respond to the essay prompt
• Share personal experiences
• Write casually but with good grammar and style
• Consider their audience
• Are concise and to the point

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Common App Essay Prompts

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Ongoing Support

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• August Common Application Workshop

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• College Essay Writing Summer Workshop

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• RCBC Spring Ahead Program

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• Senior College Planning Night

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• Financial Aid Night

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• Canvas Modules

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• Guidance Website

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