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:

ARIZONA PROMISE flyer

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

College Testing Info and Dates 2022-2023

ACT Tips and Tricks, Strategies and Math Formulas

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

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
• 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 Timeline 

College App Spreadsheet

Common Application Link
Common Application Assistance

Decision 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 Guide

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT COLLEGE COMPARE TOOL

Visiting Colleges, 36 ?? to Ask

Join our Rep, Ellen Cryier for a 20 minute presentation on University of Arizona - available whenever you want!  

https://arizona.wistia.com/medias/bl52leer5x

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 Science 

Film 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.

Americorps
Arizona Apprenticeship Programs
Construction Sciences Apprenticeship Fair
Army     Navy      Airforce     US Marines      Coast Guard
Cooperative College Programs - Learn & Earn
East Valley Institute of Technology Adult Education Program
Waterwaste Operator Careers

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-HELP

For 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?

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.

Sample Resume w/ detail