- Desert Mountain High School
- College & Career
Announcements
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RISE For the World Program - Step 1 "Introduce Yourself Video" - Due Jan 29
Share your talent or passion in arts, business, politics or research in this global program for extraordinary young people ages 15-17.
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DORRANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
For Seniors planning to attend ASU, UofA or ASU. Application Due Feb 10.
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Charros Future Teacher Scholarship
Charros provides two $20k scholarships to SUSD students planning to major in education! Due Feb 12.
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TESTING - Fees and Registraton Paid by SUSD
PSAT for ALL Sophomores and registered Juniors on January 26 during school. Arrive at school by 7:45am with an approved calculator and a pencil. Student pick-up time is 11:50am.
ACT - SUSD holds the ACT test for ALL district Juniors on March 2, 2021 with fees and registration paid by SUSD. You do NOT need to do anything to sign up. -
St. Jude Leadership Society - for ALL students!
This program which will teach you leadership skills and challenge you to put them to work for the good of St. Jude families. This is an AMAZING resume builder! Applications Due Jan 20
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ASU Next Generation Service Corps
Attention Seniors - NGSC is a 4 year leadership program for selected student leaders and change makers.
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U of A Virtual Sessions for New Wildcats!
Recorded Sessions on Financial Aid, schedule a 1:1 for help, navigate scholarship searches on UofA's site and MORE!
Upcoming Events
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Today
7:45 AM - 2:20 PM PSAT - All Sophomores and Registered Juniors
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March 2, 2021
7:45 AM - 2:20 PM ACT TEST - On site at Desert Mountain for all DM Juniors
College and Career Resources
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ACT/AP/SAT/PSAT aka College Testing
ACT Tips and Tricks, Strategies and Math Formulas
College Testing Information 2020-21ACT/SAT Dates & Information for 2020-21
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?
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
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Transcripts
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.
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Financial Aid, FAFSA, CSS
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 -
FAFSA Video Walkthrough - See the site step by step
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Financial Need & College
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
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Application Procrastination Article
By Amy Paturel, for Your Teen Magazine
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Scholarships and Tips
General Info:
StudentScholarship.org - full list of scholarships - Deadlines Now through December! Check these out!
Studentscholarship.org Scholarship List Fall 2020
Dorrance Scholarship - Attend info sessions 10/13, 10/15(Spanish), 10/29 to learn about critieria!Click Here to Apply and register for an info session.
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 InformationSpecific:
DMPTO 2020 Scholarship
Embry-Riddle's AZ Scholars Award-Prescott College Tuition Initiative for AZ DACA students
University of Arizona Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man
Rotary Scottsdale Scholarship Program 2020
Instructions Application
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 AwardGFWC 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
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Arizona Instate College Information
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: Erin Murdock (928)523-7499 erin.murdock@nau.edu
NAU Honors College: (928) 523-3334, honors@nau.edu
UA: Ellen Cyrier- (602) 827-2577, ecyrier@email.arizona.edu
UA Honors College: Jenni Keatseangsilp- (520) 626-8261, jmkeat2@email.arizona.edu
GCU: Catie Cottrell: catie.cottrell2@gcu.edu 480-578-7200SCC: Carolina Pederson carolina.pedersen@scottsdalecc.edu 480-331-1102
SCC Honors Program: Dr. Larry Tualla- (480) 423-6525, honors@scottsdalecc.edu
SCC Film SchoolSeniors 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/immunizationNAU –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 hereUA - 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 infoImportant 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 -
College Planning Information
ATHLETES:
- College Sports options
- NCAA - Read if you want to play sports in College
- NCAA Eligibility Center - Create a Certification Account to make official visits to Divisions I & II schools or sign a National Letter of Intent
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NAIA Eligibility Center
is responsible for ensuring that prospective college athletes meet all academic requirements to be eligible to compete in college sports at one of its member schools. Register early so you know what documentation and clear all hurdles for fall enrollment. NAIA begins issuing eligibility determinations juniors once the academic year is complete.
College Board Big Future College Tools - online resources from same folks that do AP testing & SAT/MCAT... An industry leader
College Admissions Applying 101
College Admission: Process and Prep
College Planning TimelineCollege App Spreadsheet
Common Application Link
Common Application AssistanceDecision Help: Accepted, Denied, Deferred
DMHS College Planning 4 yr Timeline
Internet Sites for the College Bound Student
Letter of Recommendation Form for DMHS students
Transcripts - Parchment Quick Start GuideUS NEWS & WORLD REPORT COLLEGE COMPARE TOOL
Visiting Colleges, 36 ?? to Ask -
University of Arizona - Recorded Admissions Presentation
Join our Rep, Ellen Cryier for a 20 minute presentation on University of Arizona - available whenever you want!
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Careers
CareerOneStop - source for career exploration, training & jobs, sponsored by the US Department of Labor
Occupational Outlook Handbook - also from the US Department of Labor, this online tool is a great resourse to help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
Naviance - Naviance offers a Career Interest Profiler which sophomores complete during their fall semester. Juniors & seniors wishing to retake, should ask their counselor to reset student's account.
Careers & Majors - College Board tool helps students explore careers/majors with this tool, What are you into?
Career Pathways - "10 Best Career Quizes to Help You Find Your Dream Job" from The Muse
Apprenticeships - College Depot @ Phoenix Library has a great resource on Crafting a Profession through training.
Engineering - so many options and women are especially needed
Women in STEM - exceptional job growth in IT & Computer ScienceFilm School at Scottsdale Community College is amazing!
Nursing - a profession that has numerous degree pathways and is always in demand. This site will give you the options.
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GREAT 2 YEAR COLLEGE OPTIONS - IN STATE!
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Naviance
Naviance provides students with tools that personalize and simplify the college and career planning process.
Naviance Student Sign on Instructions
NEED HELP LOGGING IN THIS SUMMER?
Call 480-484-HELPFor an overview of Naviance, watch this VIDEO.
How to Sign Up in Naviance for a College Visit
Naviance Use for 9 - 12th Students
Naviance Checklist by grade level - tasks to be done by student
Naviance, What is it? -
Resumes
YOUR RESUME SHOULD:
Set you apart from others
Show you're responsible
Highlight your ambition
Help someone write a letter of rec
Tailored to reader (job/volunteer/college...)
Use action verbs (assisted, helped, fostered...)
To the point (scannable, limit pages to 2)
Easy to read (consistent, bullet points)
PROOFREAD
Resume Builder site - free website to help build your resume.
Get Involved!!!
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Jobs
Desert Mountain is not notified when jobs are filled. Please contact the listing for more information. Click on job titles for further information.
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 -
Internship, Leadership & Summer Programs
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 flyerFeb/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 -
Volunteer
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:
- Scottsdale Ranch Park Events
- 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
- Cardboard City Youth Planning Council Scholarship – Family Promise of Greater Phoenix
- Salvation Army Holiday 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
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Mayo Clinic Young Volunteers Program - Summer opportunity but MUST ATTEND INFO SESSION held in JANUARY
- Phoenix Children's Hospital - year long and summer opportunities
- Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital - Summer
- City of Scottsdale STOMP program (city's revitalization effort including general yard work, cleanup, painting, etc.).
- The City of Scottsdale has a long list of volunteer opportunities. Look at https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/volunteer
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Clubs @ Desert Mountain
Join a Club! There is something for everyone! LIST
Contact
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College and Career staff:
Jenny Dorsch
College Admissions Representatives:
Please call 480-484-7028 & leave a request for visit with time, date and contact information
Student self-advocacy is encouraged.
Student 1-on-1 meetings by appointment
Parents please reach out via email or telephone with any questions.
"It is not which college you attend, it’s what you make of your opportunities there, that pave your road to success"