Make a 30-minute appointment with your Postsecondary Counselor during the school year. Please note that these are STUDENT appointments.
Appointments must be during a study hall, lunch or free period. If you are unable to find an appointment, that works with your schedule, please stop into the CCRC (I-100) and we can help you schedule a time. See you in the CCRC!
If a parent would like to join the student at this meeting, please contact <dhsccrc@dist113.org> to have the name added to the security desk visitor log or a link sent to join remotely.
Seniors must:
File a FAFSA, or if applicable, an alternative application for state financial aid (for undocumented or transgender students), or
If not completing the FAFSA, the Class of 2026 will be able to waive the FAFSA requirement via ISAC’s student portal. This option will become available once the FAFSA becomes available. Waiving FAFSA completion indicates that the parent/guardian or the student (if 18) understands what the FAFSA is, and has chosen not to apply.
We strongly recommend all eligible students file a FAFSA or the alternative application for Illinois financial aid.(please note the FAFSA release date has not been determined.
2025-2026 DHS Application Facts:
School CEEB: 141570
Class rank reporting: DHS does not rank
GPA scale: 4.0 (for both weighted and unweighted)
Graduating Class Size (approximate): 390
Graduation Date: May 20 2026
Class credit value: semester course = 1 credit ; full year course = 2 credits
Seniors will start college in Fall 2026
DHS Class of 2026 Distribution Chart through (June 2025): 390 approximate
Weighted GPA:
Lowest Median Highest
1.43-------------------------------- 3.9------------------------------4.86
Unweighted GPA:
Lowest Median Highest
1.43 --------------------------------3.59 -------------------------------4.0
GPA distribution for the Class of 2026:
Weighted GPA:
Top 10%: 4.50
Top 25%: 4.24
Unweighted GPA:
Top 10%: 3.94
Top 25%: 3.81
DHS Application Tips:
READ ALL APPLICATION DIRECTIONS AND FOLLOW THEM!
Start early and save often.
When creating an account for an application, use an email address that you check often. It is advised to create one just for college applications and communications with admissions representatives so that nothing gets lost in your main email. This email address is the means by which colleges communicate with you!
Be sure to keep track of all passwords! While you are able to save log-in credentials on your computer, it is a good idea to write them down in a safe place if something should happen to your computer, or you use another computer to log in.
Use your full, legal name when completing applications. It must match exactly with what is on your transcript and test scores. If your name is Katherine and you go by Kate, complete your applications with Katherine.
Write classes exactly as they appear on your schedule! You DO NOT need to include homeroom or lunch. If you have an Early Bird class, you will include the class, but you do not need to include the “EB” acronym.
Be sure to type your counselor’s and teacher’s name and email address correctly. If it is incorrect, they will not receive your recommendation request.
When asked to provide your Counselor contact info, this is your School Counselor and not your Postsecondary Counselor.
A District 113 Waiver of Access is required to be on file before any D113 employee can send a letter on your behalf.
If you are asked to list GPA (and nothing says “unweighted” or “weighted”), use your higher GPA, which is usually your weighted.
You can send different pieces at different times – colleges will collect all elements (application, test score(s), transcript, recommendation, etc.) and put them into a student file. Once all the pieces are there, it’s a complete application. It does not matter in which order the items arrive.
Submit your application at least 1-2 weeks before a deadline.
Have someone check over your application before submitting.
Resources
College Essay Guy - My College List (Research + Essay Topic Tracker)
Questions You Might Not Have Considered Asking on a College or University Tour
Resources for Common Application:
AXS Companion is a tool for any student to guide them through The Common Application. It's modular, so students can walk through the whole application or just the pieces they need help with. http://www.axscompanion.com/
How To Fill Out The Common Application In 2025 - COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH
Videos
Senior year is an exciting and important time! It’s also a year filled with deadlines, decisions, and transitions. Whether you’re planning to attend college, begin a training program, enter the workforce, enlist in the military, or explore a gap year, it’s critical to start the year organized and focused. Make sure you’re on track to meet graduation requirements, create a thoughtful schedule, and identify trusted adults or mentors you can go to with questions or concerns.
Here are some important questions to help guide your planning:
Do my GPA, test scores, or other qualifications align with the opportunities I'm exploring?
(Hint: Maia can help you evaluate academic fit for colleges, apprenticeships, and more.)
What are my backup plans?
(If Plan A doesn’t work out, what’s my Plan B—or even C?)
Who can help me review materials like my resume, applications, or essays—whether for a college, job, scholarship, or training program?
(Hint: Visit the CCRC!)
Which scholarships, job training programs, or financial support opportunities will I apply to?
(Many options exist beyond college-based scholarships.)
What resources—at my high school or beyond—can help me navigate the transition to adult life?
(Think: career services, mentorship programs, military recruiters, college support offices, or alumni networks.)