Common App List of College Application Deadlines, Fees and Requirements

Click for full list of schools in Arizona.  Arizona Colleges and Trade Schools

Niche.com list of all schools with descriptions and links

Arizona Board of Regents
Arizona Board of Regents has recently updated the qualifications for a student to be assured admission to Arizona’s three state schools. Students will now qualify if they meet the following criteria:

• Are an Arizona resident
• Attend an Arizona regionally accredited high school
• Have no course work deficiencies as prescribed by the Arizona Board of Regents
• Have at least a 3.0 unweighted core course GPA

State College Contacts
ASU: Olivia Dineen asuoliviadineen@asu.edu 480-956-0976
ASU Honors College (Barrett): Michelle Hollin- (480) 965-1520, michelle.hollin@asu.edu

NAU: Jacob Rardin 928-523-9629 jacob.rardin@nau.edu

NAU Honors College: (928) 523-3334, honors@nau.edu

UA: Natalie Wagner (520)354-9890 nmwagner@email.arizona.edu 
UA Honors College: Alex Nunez 520-621-0460 atn1990@arizona.edu

GCU: Preston Naegeli  602-639- 6225  preston.naegeli@gcu.edu

SCC: Carolina Pederson carolina.pedersen@scottsdalecc.edu  480-331-1102
SCC Honors Program: Dr. Larry Tualla- (480) 423-6525, honors@scottsdalecc.edu
SCC Film School

Seniors Admitted to Instate Colleges
ASU -Admitted students: Important links
Orientation:  http://students.asu.edu/orientation
Math placement test:  https://students.asu.edu/math
MMR/Immunization link: https://eoss.asu.edu/health/services/immunization

NAU –Admitted students: Important links
Orientation: https://nau.edu/admissions/after-you-apply/orientation/
Math placement test: https://nau.edu/cefns/natsci/math/student-resources/math-placement/
MMR/Immunization link: https://nau.edu/medical-services/immunizations/

SCC:  For Seniors - Enrollment Steps
HS Senior timeline: download here

UA - Admitted students: Important links
Orientation:  http://orientation.arizona.edu/
Math placement test:  https://www.math.arizona.edu/academics/placement/exams
MMR/Immunization link: https://www.health.arizona.edu/immunization-requirements
House/Roommates: housing and roommate info

Important Documents/Links:
Apply to ASU
ASU Information Sheet
ASU Important Dates
ASU Personal Statement Tips
ASU Barrett, The Honors College
Apply to NAU
NAU Information Sheet
NAU Important Dates
NAU Scholarship Criteria
NAU Personal Statement Tips
NAU Honors College
Apply to UA
UA Information Sheet
UA Programs for Freshmen
UA Personal Statement Tips
UA Honors College
UA SALT Center
Maricopa Community Colleges Enrollment Steps Video
Maricopa Community Colleges Enrollment Guide
AZ Transfer
Arizona Loan, Scholarship, and Grant Resource

General Info:

Dorrance Scholarship - Due Feb 2, 2022Click Here to Apply and register for an info session.

JFK Profile In Courage Essay Contest - Due Jan 31, 2022

Community Celebrating Diversity Scholarship - Due Mar 21, 2022

College Board's Opportunity Scholarship Program
"Searching For Scholarship Dollars"  interactive 

Scholarships for students with Learning Disabilities

Texas offers instate tuition if you earn $1K in scholarships

WUE/Wiche Western Universities student Exchange Information

Specific:

Embry-Riddle's AZ Scholars Award-Prescott College Tuition Initiative for AZ DACA students
University of Arizona Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man 
Dental Assistance School of Scottsdale Scholarships
Maricopa Community College Scholarship Information
High School Heisman Scholarship for Senior Scholar Athletes
AZ DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Scholarships
DAR Application Form
Jenkins Youth Award 

GFWC Desert Jade Women's Club Scholarship

Jade Womens Club LetterJade Womens Club Scholarship Application

National Charity League Betsey Van Benschoten Scholarship for local HS females 

National Charity League Information Sheet

National Charity League Application 

COLLEGES and scholarship foundations want you to complete the FAFSA, and in some cases will NOT award ANY scholarship money, including merit, WITHOUT FAFSA on file. 

Why?  Because they want to make sure you don't qualify for GRANTS first, allowing them to make sure that their awards reach more students (it's an accounting thing!).

Net Price Calculator from US Department of Education: https://collegecost.ed.gov/net-priceCSS Profile
CSS Profile vs FAFSA
Ask Benji - text bot with FAFSA answers!
HEFAR - the not for profit college advisor on Financial Aid
FAFSA Checklist - Documents needed to complete FAFSA
Financial Aid Vocabulary
Appeal your Financial Aid Award 
SwiftStudent -  tool for college financial aid appeals

ACT Tips and Tricks, Strategies and Math Formulas

College Testing Information and Dates

Free SAT Test Prep Help from Kaplan - registration required

 Local Test Prep classes, online resources

Cheap & Free Options for Test Prep

Converting ACT/SAT test scores, which is best score? 

Who should take the PSAT?

PSAT Score info for Juniors & Sophomores Oct DMHS Test 

 ACT score from the February test given to all DM juniors

ACT/SAT, Quiz to determine which is best for you (from Kaplan).

AP: Details and instructions for AP testing and deadlines

ASU Summer Programs - 8th -11th Grade

ASU is hosting summer programs geared toward preparing students for higher education.  Programs vary in length from 4-5 days, virtual and in person.  Costs vary. 2022 ASU Summer Program Flyer

ASU Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program - May 30-June8 2022.  For high achieving math/science students who have completed 3 years math by end of 2022.  Application due Feb 20, 2022.  Letter or recommendation due Feb 22, 2022  http://jbmshp.asu.edu

BARRETT SUMMER SCHOLARS - Students participate in critical thinking to best prepare them for enrollment and success at Barrett Honors College.

CESAR CHAVEZ LEADERSHIP PROGRAM -workshops exploring leaership develoment and engagement.

SUMMER EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS - at the sattelite ASU campuses to explore college-readiness and career exploration.

INSPIRE PROGRAM - for American Indian students from Arizona Tribal Nations - focuses on academic and personal success with project-based learning.

RISE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE - celebrates the legacy of Black and African American Sun Devils of Arizona State by providing tools to help students cultivate leadership abilities as they continue serving their schools and the community. 

Zoom Information Sessions:

Wed, Nov 10, 5:30-6:30 https://asu.zoom.us/j/89037917321

Wed, Nov 17, 5:30-6:30 - https://asu.zoom.us/j/87411325089

Summer programs targeting current high school students are a trend at many universitites.  The trick is to find the ones with the most impact, rather than simply serving as a cash grab for the schools.  Here is a website that lists the "top" summer programs.  

These are selective, but many of these are lower in cost or even free.

https://www.collegetransitions.com/top-summer-programs-for-high-school-students/

https://www.ncsasports.org/recruiting/how-to-get-recruited

Full list and description of colleges in the UK and instructions on applications, requirements and comparisons to US college education norms. 

Study in the United Kingdom

Working guide to keep you on track of your college search activities.

The Junior Guide

What is the difference between an Official and Unofficial Transcript?

Unofficial transcripts can be used for various things like:  dual Enrollment, car insurance verification, summer camp enrollment or to verify your course completion.  

Official Transcripts are required for the college admission process both at the time of application and during final enrollment.

 How can I receive a copy of my Unofficial Transcript?

You may request a copy of your unofficial transcript from the DMHS Guidance Department by following this link: https://forms.gle/XaofA7yxLBwgeKMs6 

Please allow 2 days for processing!

How can I send my Official Transcript to colleges and universities? 

To request a copy of your official transcript, visit: https://www.parchment.com/.  You must creat an account if you do not have one.  Select Desert Mountain as your school.  DO NOT USE YOUR GAPPS email address.  Once your college approves and processes your order, Parchment will send your transcript.  There is a fee associated with ordering an official transcript. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uop9NGRkkfc

REAL HELP FOR COLLEGE ACCESS for low income students:

QuestBridge (JUNIORS YEAR) Is a national organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college, with the nation’s top colleges and universities.

Dorrance Scholarship Program – for low income, excelling Arizona students

USC Bovard Scholars – USC offers this program to help high achieving students with financial need gain access to the nation’s top universities.  Juniors, apply November for this Summer program.

Arizona Assurance Program – University of Arizona – financial aid & support services for 4 years includes transition program, mentoring, leadership and more. provides both financial aid and support services; both work together to retain and graduate students. This is achieved through first-year transition programming, mentoring, leadership building, career development, graduate/professional school preparation, and preparing for life after college.

Obama Scholars – ASU program for motivated, high-achieving students who lack opportunity and financial resources. Must be Pell grant eligible and MEET all DEADLINES. 

First Scholars Program – NAU helps first-generation college students succeed in school, graduate, and have a life complete with self-awareness, success and significance.A four-year commitment, First Scholars engages students from freshmen through senior year in academic and social programming while also supporting students financially with a $2,000 tuition scholarship.

Colleges that meet 100% of Financial Need Read to see the 75 US colleges that help low income students graduate without enormous debt.

College Fee Waiver HELP for DMHS students :
Students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program may receive fee waivers for certain college related expenses.

To qualify for ANY, you must present a current award letter from the SUSD Nutritional Services office to the DMHS College & Career Coordinator or you DMHS guidance counselor.    APPLY OR REQUEST DUPLICATE LETTER

Available for qualified DM students:

• Arizona In-state universities application fees (ASU/NAU/U of A)
• Parchment – qualifying seniors may send up to 4 official transcript free of charge
• NCAA fee waiver (scroll down after opening page)
• AP Exam fee reductions – see the DMHS AP Coordinator in the Guidance office by registration deadline
• Common App & Fee Waivers – make sure to talk with your guidance counselor about this first!
• ACT Fee Waiver info from ACT org
• SAT Fee Waiver info from College Board

By Amy Paturel, for Your Teen Magazine

Application Procrastination Article

Desert Mountain is not notified when jobs are filled.  Please contact the listing for more information. Click on job titles for further information.

Gabriella's Contemporary American Cuisine - Part time, 2-3 shifts/week.  Hosts, Server Assistants, food runners.  Evenings 4:30-8:30, weekends 11-4:30, 4:30-8:30.  $12.15/hr plus tips.  Can earn up to $100 in tips a week.  10155 E. Via Linda,H134, Scottsdale.  Apply in person or email hello@gabriellasaz.com  Dec 2021

Kohl's - Seasonal and Part Time Regular positions - Reference Nicholas Lombardi, Regional Operations Supervisor in the online application! https://careers.kohls.com/job/KLHKUSR185057/Seasonal-Retail-Sales-Associate  Dec 2021

Sylvester's Bistro - Now hiring Hosts, Food Runners, Dish Washers.  16726 E. El Pueblo Blvd.  Fountain Hills 480-837-4339..info@sylvestersbistro.com

Sophia's Kitchen - Now hiring Hosts and Back Servers (Runner/Table Bussers).  These are TIPPED positions!  Daytime, evening, weekend and holiday break shifts available.  Located on NW corner of Thompson Peak and Bell.  17050 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale.  Apply in person or online at https://sophiasaz.com/careers  Nov 2021

Arctic Circle Burger, new to Arizona (from Utah) offers flexible hours and $17 per hour.  Location at Scottsdale and Shea.  www.acburger.com/careers  Nov 2021

Handel's Icecream - 15681 N. Hayden Rd.  480-948-3489.  Contact Lisa LaBelle, Asst. Manager.  Cell 602-809-2534  Nov4, 2021

AquaSafe Swim Instructors- Part time shifts 3:30-8:30 weekdays or 8:30-1pm weekends. Set schedule.  Text if interested to 480-427-5498 or email to gm@aquasafeswim.com  Nov 2021

Arizona Autism, is seeking part time caregivers.  Students must be 18+.  Contact Michael at mmahaney@arizonaautism.com.  Jobs include Habitation Provider, Respite Provider, Atendant Care Provider

S&V Urban Italian - Hostess Positions Contact Betty Bell - 9343 E. Shea Blvd  Scottsdale  480-451-1850  Sept, 2021

Andara Senior Living Community - Servers needed.  Pay is $15/hr.  Contact Jesse Sarres at jsarres@cadencesl.com  Sept 2021

Great Wolf Lodge - Lifeguards - Sept 2021

SUSD Kids Club Asst Aug 18 21

SUSD Kids Club- Assist with SPED Students - Sept 2021

GreatHearts Program Assistants (8/9/21)

GreatHearts Front Desk (8/9/21)

PGX Golf Clubs
Americorps- & Habitat for Humanity  contact
  Construction for H4H/Americorps
  Deconstruction for H4H/Americorps
  Family Outreach for H4H/Americorps
  General Info flyer
  Tristar Sports Officials Firehouse Subs - 2 locations

Enrichment / Summer Programs - dowload list by Interest

Other opportunities by month
Some require a DMHS Nominations/Applications

Ongoing  TGEN Academic Year Internships
January   USC Bovard Scholars for Juniors 
January   YMCA Youth & Government Model Congress
January    Mayo Clinic Cares
Jan/Feb   Fountain Hills Mayors Youth Council
Jan/Feb   GIRLS STATE :
                 information  application requirements
February 

Rotary Youth Salute for Outstanding Junior Leaders 2020:
            Rotary Youth Application and information 
Feb/March   UofA BCAP Accounting Summer Program 
                      2 option flyer

Feb/March HonorHealth Teen Summer Program
          Information Flyer        Application/Rec due March

March  Boys State  information, application reqs, brochure
March   Phoenix Zoo
March   University of Advancing Technology
             UAT Experience
March    Midwestern University's Health Careers Summer Institute for HS Juniors & Seniors.  Apply by 5/15 for July 9-17 camp.

April    Arizona Govenor Youth Commision 2020 flyer here   app due June 30, 2020 
April  Habitat for Humanity & AmeriCorps
for graduating seniors considering a GAP year.

September   Barrow Neurological HS Scientific Research
Barrow program is not offered every year, watch announcements or check with the college & career center or your science teacher.
Oct/November   ASVAB test at DMHS sign up in counseling
November  
HOBY - Sophomore State Leadership Seminar Program
November   AFS Cultural Exchange Program Info Mtgs 
November  CIEE Congres-Bundestage Youth Exchange Germany
December  Health Careers Summer Institute for Jrs/Srs: apply now
December TGEN Bioscience Leadership Academy

Volunteering is a great way to get involved. It can help you discover your passions and talents as well as help you gain valuable experience for the future, whether college, scholarships or employment. 

Here are some hints and contacts to get started.

You can go to www.volunteerphoenix.org to find volunteer organizations by category such as Animals/Wildlife, Environment, Community Services, Cultural/Entertainment, Disability, etc. The CIty of Scottsdale Youth Corp  helps students get involved with variety of organization that can help you pick the best fit for your passions and talents when volunteering.

Another good site is Volunteer Match where you can search by city, zip code and keyword at www.volunteermatch.org.

Lastly, Community Information and Referral is a non-profit organization with an online directory at www.cir.org Depending on a student's interest area, there is probably an organization that could match up and could use some help. A student will benefit most from community service when they have a passion or interest in that area. 

CHECK OUT:

• Peer Tutoring at Desert Mountain - See your counselor for application and details.

• Horsense Youth Equine Program
• Desert Botanical Garden Volunteer Ops
• United School for Autism
• Phoenix Zoo's ZooTeens Program
• Phoenix Zoo Teen Summer Internships
• City of Scottsdale Youth Corp
• Salvation Army Volunteer Registration
• Feed My Starving Children
• Miracle League of Scottsdale
• Hospice of the Valley
• Teen Lifeline (for students interested in counseling or psychology),
• AmeriCorps (serve for 12 months at a local shelter, school or community organization),
• Cancer Support Community

• Barrow Neurological Institute Volunteer Program

• HonorsHealth Summer Teen Volunteer Program

• Mayo Clinic Young Volunteers Program - Summer opportunity but MUST ATTEND INFO SESSION held in JANUARY

• Playworks.org

• Phoenix Children's Hospital - year long and summer opportunities
• Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital - Summer
• The City of Scottsdale has a long list of volunteer opportunities.  Look at City of Scottsdale Volunteer Opportunities

Join a Club! There is something for everyone! Club List 2022