Career & College

Dakota Ridge High School's (DRHS) College and Career Planning webpage serves as a comprehensive resource hub for students navigating their postsecondary options.

From college application guidance to career exploration tools, the site equips students with the necessary information and support to make informed decisions about their futures.

College Events

College Rep Visits in DRHS Career Center

College & Financial Info Night at DRHS, families and students welcome
- October 7th, from 6 to 8 p.m.
College Fairs of Greater Denver: FREE for students and parents to attend. However, we strongly encourage students to register in advance thru StriveFair.com
Out-of-State College Fair at Monarch High School
- September 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Out-of-State College Fair at Denver South High School
- September 26th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
In and Out-of State College Fair at Mountain Vista High School
- September 28th, from 10 a.m. to noon
Denver National College Fair at Colorado Convention Center
- Sunday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Transcript Requests and Letters of Recommendation

Follow these steps to send transcripts and letters of recommendation to colleges:

1. Start and submit your application to a college via online application or the Common Application.

2. Add colleges to your application list in Naviance.

3. Fill out and submit an Official Transcript Request Form to the post-grad coordinator in the College and Career Center (requests to submit transcripts must be received at least one week in advance).

4. Use the Letter of Recommendation Form to provide information for the person writing your letter. Make a copy of the Google Document to edit. Please give teachers or counselors at least two weeks’ notice before the letter is due to the college.

5. Materials will not be fully submitted to your institution until you hit “submit/apply” on your online application.

Note: Former students who graduated more than one year ago can request transcripts via Jeffco.

Naviance

Senior ICAP / Presentation

Junior ICAP / Presentation

Planning Resources

College Presentations – Fall 2022

Below are recordings produced by students of the five breakout sessions that DRHS offered during College Night Fall 2022.

Finding your best college fit | Video

Are you overwhelmed or confused by the college search and selection process? Mike and Meggan will make it easier for you! Join us to learn about the four main factors of college fit … the key pieces that contribute to a successful four-year experience. Follow these tips to find the college where you can thrive!

Understanding financial aid, WUE and scholarships | Video

The thought of paying for college can feel overwhelming. This session will help you understand the financial aid process and what it all means, discuss tuition reduction options, as well as scholarship opportunities.

Ten things to know about college admissions tests | Video

Cindy Anderson is a former director of advising in Colorado public and private universities. She is a multi-alum of the University of Colorado Denver (Educational Psychology) and has assisted many students and families with college success strategies. Cindy will personally share her knowledge with parents and students regarding the new role of standardized tests, the differences between the SAT and ACT, the benefits of test prep and how to approach the tests. She works for CollegeDrive, a local company that offers classes and private tutoring for the SAT and ACT, as well as college readiness workshops.

Mythbusting the college admissions and search process | Video

Join Justin Duval, Colorado regional admissions representative with Oklahoma State University as he busts the 10 most common myths about the college search/admissions process. Common preconceived notions about the college search process will be addressed, including topics such as “test scores should always be submitted” and “I should always visit campus before I apply,” amongst others.

How to write a great college application essay | Video

Learn how to take the (sometimes) daunting task of writing the college essay and turn it into something manageable and even fun. By learning what admissions counselors are looking for, and by developing an understanding of what makes you unique, you can craft your story to stand out amongst the group.

FAFSA and scholarship presentation for seniors | Slides

A deeper look at the multiple ways how students can pay for college, including financial aid, loans, grants, scholarships, merit money, WUE and more.

SAT/ACT Information

Many students planning on attending a four-year university are required to take the SAT or ACT – or both – as part of their college admissions process. However, more colleges are going "test optional," so it is up to the student to decide if they want to send their SAT and ACT scores to their college.

SAT/PSAT 2024-25 dates

All DRHS juniors will take the state-mandated SAT in April and that score may be used for college admissions, if required. Students will also receive more information about these tests in spring, 2025.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025: PSAT for all freshmen and sophomores
Thursday, April 17, 2025: SAT for all juniors

Please see the SAT and ACT websites for national test dates for further details and registration information.

Which is best?

A common question we receive is "Which test is better to take?" Most colleges accept both tests, but some students do better on one test than the other.

Dakota Ridge Testing (CEEB) Code: 060-923

Resources

2024 SAT changes

Changes to the 2024 SAT

Warren Tech

Jeffco Career Links

The Jeffco Career Links program connects students from classroom to career.

Learn More

Military

DRHS students can pursue a future in one of the branches of the U.S. military.

Learn More

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find resources to help students find postsecondary tuition assistance.

Learn More

Trades & Certificates

DRHS can help students research a trade or certification program.

Learn More

Career & College Pathways in Jeffco

Career and college pathways are a series of educational opportunities that enable students to pursue careers, college and interests after high school. Career and college readiness is a Jeffco Public Schools graduation requirement and is increasingly important, as three out of every four jobs now require education or training beyond high school.

It’s important for students to talk with their families, teachers and school counselors throughout high school as career interests emerge and develop, and to explore different college and career pathways.

Search for Courses Offered at Jeffco High Schools

Learn More About Career & College Pathways in Jeffco