PREDICTING YOUR CHANCES OF ADMISSION
Most colleges fall into one of the three following categories of accessibility:
- Open Admissions Colleges These colleges accept virtually all interested students who have a high school diploma or its equivalent and even that requirement is sometimes waived for applicants above a certain age. Some open admissions institutions have selective requirements for specific programs such as nursing. These colleges report accepting most of their applicants. California Community Colleges are open admission colleges.
- Selective Colleges These colleges offer admission to many applicants who meet their explicit requirements. The requirements may vary widely from college to college and may be extremely rigorous, but a student can be fairly sure of admission if specifications are met. The vast majority of colleges in this country classify themselves as "selective."
- Competitive Colleges Like selective institutions, competitive colleges have explicit admissions requirements, but more applicants meet those requirements than they are able to accommodate. A student cannot be sure of admission to a competitive college, even though entrance requirements are satisfied, because of competition with other equally qualified applicants. Some colleges accept fewer than 10% of those who apply. In the face of such odds, it is wise to apply to at least one college with assured admission. Ivy League colleges and military academies are competitive colleges.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Career Center (in Room L-10) maintains an extensive library of college catalogs, and occupational and vocational materials. Students can explore career choices through the use of computer software and a wide variety of printed material. College representatives, military recruiters, and representatives from various occupational areas are scheduled throughout the year to speak with interested students in the Career Center. Most English 10 classes will complete a computer assisted career college exploration unit called "Choices" with their counselors. The Career Center can be reached at 757-5400 ext. 140.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Information on college scholarships and financial aid programs is available from the Scholarship Office, located in the Career Center (Room L-10). This office can be reached at 757 5400 ext. 140.
Transcripts and Records Private college applications often require that students send a copy of their high school transcripts. These transcripts of records are maintained in the Registrar's Office, located in the Administration Building. Six copies of student transcripts will be sent as a free service. A processing fee of $2.00 per transcript will be charged for additional copies. After graduation a $3.00 fee will be charged for copies of transcripts, health records, and other records. Please allow three to five days for these requests to be processed.
Testing for College Admission includes SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject and ACT. See your counselor or apply online at www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org.
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
Counselors sponsor a college and a career technical education night for juniors and their parents during spring semester.
During fall semester, counselors hold lunchtime seminars for seniors on the college application process. The Choices software program, available in all computer labs, includes extensive college search and selection information. Sophomores are instructed on the use of this program during their week with counselors in the Career Center. Representatives from 50-75 colleges visit DSHS annually. Presentations are announced in the Daily Bulletin and posted in the main office and Career Center.
Students and parents may also discuss college selection process with counselors individually.