Davis Senior High School

Applying to Private Colleges

Thinking of applying to private schools?  Get off to a good start as early as possible by getting and staying organized. Although you will not actually complete college applications until the fall of your senior year, 10th & 11th grades are still very important – not only in terms of classes & grades, but also in terms of planning. You’ll take tests, work hard, and begin to consider your post high school options. If you wait until senior year to consider college, you may find yourself with fewer options and more stress. Seek balance and consider the following suggestions:

1. Learn as much as you can about colleges and the application process.

• • Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your options.  All students applying to private colleges should meet with their counselor during Fall of senior year (the earlier, the better).
• • Sign up for campus visits with individual college representatives when they come to DHS
• • Read everything you can about colleges and college applications. One indispensable resource is the DHS College Handbook, located in the "document library" in Naviance.

 

12th Graders: attend the College App and Private College workshops at lunch in Sept. (Dates) 
11th Graders: attend College Night.  
10th Graders: Start the College Search on Naviance.

2. Keep track of your activities and awards.

Make sure your high school resume is current and complete. Include all extra-curricular activity, such as sports, clubs, honors you’ve received, jobs you’ve held, internships, and college courses you’ve taken. In the fall of your senior year, you will use this to complete your letter of recommendation packet.

3. Be realistic.

• • Compare your academic record to that of various colleges’ admitted classes. This information is available in college reference books and on individual college web sites, usually on the admissions page, and of course, in Naviance.

FYI: Students now apply to an average of 8-10 schools. Balance your list to include a few "reach" schools, a larger number of "match" schools, and a couple of "safety" choices.

4. Have a system of planning and organization.

Naviance is really where it’s at for Davis High students. From here, students can search for colleges, learn about majors and programs, and keep all dates, deadlines, and other info organized on a day-to-day basis.

Letters of Recommendation

• • Nearly all students applying to private schools will need letters of recommendation from both teachers and their counselor.  Davis High counselors require students to complete the "Letter of Recommendation Packet".  To access this, visit the "Document Library" in Naviance.

Once you download it, follow these directions:
First, read the entire packet
Complete all of the information requested
Print one copy for your counselor and one each for every other person writing you a letter
Make a 30 minute appointment with your counselor
Fill out the large manila envelope (available in the counseling office) and BRING to your appointment:

• The packet and any attachments, including essays
• Extra forms (e.g. Secondary School Report or other counselor recommendation forms)
• Double-stamped, addressed envelopes to colleges (one stamp only for teacher recommendations)