Career & College

Naviance Student Log-in 

The following steps are necessary for a student's college application process to be complete. DRHS counselors review this information with Seniors in Seminar classes in September and October.
Click each navy link for step-by-step instructions.

• Complete your college's online application thru their website OR use the Common Application.(recommended if applying to more than one 4-year college).
• Matching your Common Application with your Naviance account (only needed if applying thru Common App)
• Requesting Transcripts thru your Naviance account
• Requesting Letters of Recommendation thru your Naviance account (only request if needed for your college(s).)
• You can always check your Naviance account to see the status of your transcript requests and letters of rec submissions.  DRHS counselors may need up to two weeks processing time due to the amount of requests we receive, so please pay attention to your application deadlines.

Note: DRHS GRADUATES should request transcripts via the Jeffco Records Office.

Click the QR code below to sign up for a College Admissions Representative visit in the Counseling Conference Room. The QR code is also posted in the Counseling Office.

Check back regularly as we continue to add college reps to the google form.

Scholarship & Financial Aid Info

All information can be accessed from this presentation.

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 2025-26 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, 2026. 

• Wednesday, April 15, 2026: PSAT for all freshmen and sophomores
• Thursday, April 16, 2026: 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. 

• Comparing the Options
• SAT vs. ACT: chart version

Dakota Ridge Testing (CEEB) Code: 060-923

Resources

• SAT website
• ACT website
• SAT/ACT Study Guides and Resources
• Changes to the 2024 (and beyond) SAT

All information can be accessed from this presentation.

Resources for students and families to help with the college planning process. For a Google doc or sheet, please make a copy to save to your own Google account.

• Finding Your College Fit Worksheet
• College Comparison Template
• College Application Resource Hub
• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
• NCAA Eligibility Center
• BigFuture College Seach by College Board

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!

• Meggan Mattson & Mike Deutsch
• CollegeFitCounseling
• Meggan@collegefitcounseling.com

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.

• Adrienne Loveland
• University of Wyoming
• weisz@uwyo.edu

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.

• Cindy Anderson
• CollegeDrive Test Prep
• CindyA@BaronEd.com

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.

• Justin Duval
• Oklahoma State University
• juduval@okstate.edu

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.

• Annie McGarry
• Prescott College
• annie.mcgarry@prescott.edu

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.

Warren Tech Information

OUTDOOR LAB LEADER opportunity

Dakota Ridge Juniors and Seniors (occasionally Sophomores) have the unique opportunity to serve as high school leaders. While at the week-long program (4 days), High School Leaders help 6th graders learn about science, history, and mountain ecosystems, among other things. For the leaders themselves, they learn skills in communication, critical thinking/problem solving, self-direction, personal responsibility, and stewardship.

DRHS students can earn .5 Elective credits OR 100 hours of community service hours for their week-long work.  This is a great resume builder and unique leadership opportunity. 

Outdoor Lab Leader Application

Dates for 2025-2026:

Summit Ridge MS:   December 2-5  or  December 9-12

Ken Caryl MS:   February 3-6

See your DRHS Counselor if you have any questions.