DVHS COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER (CCC) NEWS

13th edition --- March 9, 2010

DVHS Students and Parents: The information below will be updated monthly with news and updates from the DVHS College and Career Center. If you discover a great resource, please pass it along! Remember to use the website www.COIN3.com to start your college and career search, investigate a major or complete some self assessments. Site ID is LCA16847; login is dvhs. Access to COIN is funded by your DVHS Academic Boosters.

Stop by the Career Center and pick up a blue sheet noting a selection of websites that can help with the college and career search process.

Mrs. Schratz College & Career Center Coordinator jschratz@dvhigh.net 925-479-6427

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER INFORMATION

College & Career Center Hours*

M-Th: 9:30 to 4 p.m., Fri: CLOSED

*During the months of April/May, the College & Career Center will be closed various time periods due to STAR and AP testing. Actual dates and times will be posted on school loop as they are determined.

SENIORS: If you are done with any of your college materials (brochures, guidebooks, catalogs, test prep books, etc.), please consider donating them to the Career Center. Drop them off anytime! Thank you!! J

COLLEGE/MILITARY VISITS/CAREER CENTER INFORMATION

Upcoming in the College and Career Center. See school loop for most up to date schedule.

Mar. 10 – lunch (12:55 p.m.) – Navy ROTC

Mar. 15 – 3^rd period (11:25 a.m.) University of Alabama

Mar. 23 – Texas Southern University/Young Scholars--2^nd period (10:40 a.m.)

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES (not at DVHS)

See school website/school loop for most up-to-date information

IMPORTANT NOTES: Many college campuses will be hosting admissions events over the coming months for admitted seniors. Be sure to check the websites of colleges where you have applied for details and specific dates. Visiting a campus is a GREAT IDEA to find out if a campus will be the “right fit” for you. If you plan to book campus tours during spring break, be sure to book early. Tours during this timeframe book up fast!!!!

EAST BAY COLLEGE CONNECTION---COLLEGE FAIR is Sat., May 8, 1:00 to 4:30pm

COLLEGE APPLICATION INFORMATION:

SENIORS:

• Be sure to check e-mails from colleges. Some colleges have asked students to sign up for portals on their websites, so be sure to check them as well. Colleges are expecting students to stay on top of deadlines.
• Follow up on all college applications: Remember to check e-mail periodically for updates from colleges where you have applied to be sure you have submitted all of their required information. Colleges expect you to check your e-mail regularly to receive their updates.

• CSU students: Be sure to sign up for English (EPT) or Math (ELM) placement tests as required by the CSU where you plan to enroll. Some students may be exempt due to SAT test scores, or Early Assessment Program scores (associated with the STAR test taken as juniors). Be sure you check the acceptance letter you receive from your intended CSU. You must either be exempt, or complete the required tests as part of your admissions criteria and failure to do so could affect your admission status. EPT/ELM tests may be taken at any CSU campus. For more information go to: http://www.ets.org/

JUNIORS:

• Now is the time to start researching college and other post high school options. A great place to start is www.COIN3.com. There you can take assessments, learn about different careers and majors and search for college or trade school options. User id is: LCA16847 and log-in is: dvhs.

• Think about touring campuses over spring break or on school holidays. It is best to see a campus while students are there, and many schools have spring break times that are different than ours. Be sure to check campus websites for tour information. Spring break tours book up FAST and EARLY!

• Sign up for college entrance tests. Go to www.collegeboard.com to sign up for an SAT test and/or SAT Subject tests; www.actstudent.org to sign up for an ACT test. Both of these websites have a ton of other great information related to the college search and application process, so check them out today!

TESTING INFORMATION

The last two dates to take the SAT Reasoning or SAT Subject Tests this school year are May 1st and June 5th. Students should register at www.collegeboard.com.

The final two dates to take the ACT test this school year will be April 10th and June 12th. Students should register at www.actstudent.org.

AP testing will be held May 3th -13th. Students must register on-line (DVHS webstore) or through the bookkeeper, BY March 16. Complete details are available on school loop.

Be sure to sign up for the SAT PRACTICE Test at DVHS on March 20. See school loop for details, or pick up a flyer from Counseling.

Below is an “Overview of College Application tests”. Stop by the Career Center for more detailed information and/or access their websites directly for updated information on test dates and locations.

· PSAT – Preliminary SAT – designed for Juniors – can qualify for National Merit Scholarship competition (sophomores may take it for practice but cannot qualify for NMSQT). This test is offered at DVHS once a year, in October.

· SAT – College entrance test – pre-registration required. www.collegeboard.com. Many colleges require a student to take either an SAT or an ACT as part of the college admissions process. Most schools will use the highest scores in evaluating applications. Offered 7 times per year.

· ACT – College entrance test – pre-registration required www.actstudent.org. Offered 6 times per year. Most schools accept test scores from either the SAT or ACT.

· SAT Subject Tests – offered in many subject areas. Some colleges do not require them; others require two or three. Certain tests offered on certain dates. See www.collegeboard for details and to register. Think about taking in May or June (when finishing coursework).

· AP Tests – The AP tests are not used as college admissions criteria, they are considered by colleges for curriculum placement and MAY earn students college credit for certain scores. Each college evaluates AP coursework and test scores differently; ask for criteria while taking a campus tour or check out a college’s website. Sign ups for AP tests will be Feb. 16-Mar. 16. The cost per test will be $105.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

FAFSA*? (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov

This form is the vehicle that allows a student to be considered for federal, state and in some cases, institutional financial assistance. The FAFSA priority deadline was March 2, but some Community Colleges will still evaluate recently submitted FAFSA applications. See particular college’s financial ai page for more information.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Scholarships! Scholarships are available from many sources such as private companies, educational foundations, colleges, and community groups. As we receive announcements, we post them on school loop and on the website, but there are MANY MORE available than we post. Be creative in your search and watch for important deadlines!!!

SUMMER COURSEWORK

SUMMER COURSEWORK AT DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

All students will need to pick up a special admission form in the high school counseling office/College and Career Center and have it signed by the principal. The parent and student also need to sign the form. Students must also complete the DVC application for summer online at www.dvc.edu.

Students who will be 11th and 12th graders in the fall of 2010 must register in person at DVC on June 1st. Students who will be 9th and 10th graders in the fall of 2010 must obtain the permission of the instructor on the first day of class in order to enroll.

The DVC summer session will be June 14- July 22.