• • The Common App can save you time if you are applying to multiple schools that accept the Common App.  Common App Guide

  • You can also go directly to the college's webiste to learn about their unique application process.  

  • Be sure to look at the checklist of items/steps that will be required for each school (available on their website).

  • Be aware of deadlines!!  Request documents in Maia (transcript, letters of rec) at least 2 weeks before any deadline.  See details in Step 2 below.

  • If using Common App, be sure to waive your FERPA rights so that we can send your documents from South to your colleges. 

• • To access the FERPA waiver, you must add at least one school to the “My Colleges” list on Common App. 

    • 1. Click on the “My Colleges” tab, then “Recommenders and FERPA” underneath the school name. Click on “Complete Release Authorization” in the center of the screen.

      2. Read the Instructions in the Release Authorization.

      3. Scroll to the bottom and check the box for “I have read and understood the FERPA Release Authorization explanation above.  

      4. Check the box to acknowledge the FERPA form.  Click Save and Close.  

      5. Click either “I waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents” or “I DO NOT waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents.”  

      6.  Check the box “I understand that my waiver or no waiver selection above pertains to all colleges to which I apply…”

      7. Enter your signature and date.  Click “Save and close.”

Log-in through DPS Student Portal account, click on See All Apps

You will use Maia to:

• Sync Common App with Maia account (if using Common App) before any documents can be sent to your colleges, including transcripts and letters of recommendation. (Slide 5)  

Following the steps linked below to sync Common App with Maia:

• • 1. 1. Step 1 (in Common App)- click here

       2. Step 2 (in Maia) - Click here

• Manually add schools to your "Applying" list in Maia (if not using Common App). (Slide 12) 

For each college, you will need to manually enter the Application Type (i.e. online app, other - i.e. paper), Term (usually Fall of your grad year), and Application Plan (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling - the deadline will auto-fill once you make your selection)

• Request Letters of Recommendation from teachers (Slide 15 and/or see below)

• Request Transcripts (Slide 19 and/or see below)

• Record college app outcomes and scholarships

• Review video/more information coming in Seminar class

1.  Fill out this linked form:  https://bit.ly/SHSCounselorLOR

2.  Email that form to your counselor

1.  Fill out this linked form and provide it to your teacher once they agree to write your letter: https://bit.ly/SHSTeacherLOR

2.  Enter request in Maia Learning (Slide 15 and/or see below)

Do NOT use the Common Application to request letters of recommendation from teachers. You MUST request them through MaiaLearning. 

• List all of your colleges in MaiaLearning before you request letters of recommendation.

• On the left-side navigation menu, click Universities, then Recommendations (at the top of the page). 

• A list of recommenders (teachers) are on the left side of the page. Search by name or browse the list, and check the box next to those you want recommendations from. Check each college for the exact number of recommendations they allow, but 1-2 is a good guide.

• Enter the UNIVERSITY DEADLINE for the recommendation. (Nov 1st, Dec 1st, etc.) 

• Select the universities you want these recommenders to write letters for. 

Check all the boxes, teachers will send the same letter to all schools.

• Upload a PDF copy of your request form to the Drag and Drop field - you can find that form above or by clicking "Recommendation Request Form Template" on the top right.  

• Add a note of gratitude to your teacher.

• Repeat this process for each teacher you are requesting from (2-3 maximum, not required for all colleges)

• Please complete a transcript request in Maia Learning (slide 19) for each college you are applying to.  If you do not request your transcripts through Maia, Counselors will not know you have applied/are applying, your documents will not be submitted and your application will not be complete.  The Counselors pull the request list from Maia weekly, beginning September 15th.  

• If you have test scores that you want to send, you must send them directly from ACT (actstudent.org) and/or SAT (collegeboard.org).  Scores are not on the transcript and we are unable to add them.  See the checklist on EACH of the college’s websites to see what scores are required and how they should be sent.  Remember all CO colleges are test optional and over 80% of colleges across the nation are test optional (see links above).

• • Denver Scholarship Foundation 12th grade Advisor - Ms. Ali Klein: aklein@denverscholarship.org

    • or schedule an appointment online

    • DSF 9th-12th grade Advisor, Mr. Patton Lowell:  patton_lowell@dpsk12.net

      • or schedule an appointment online.

• See Financial Aid & Scholarship page for more information

• Only complete applications are reviewed by the college!  Make sure to check your student portal account at each College / University and your Common App account to ensure it is 100% completed. (After you apply to a college, you may receive an email that prompts you to set up a portal).

• If you are contacted by a college saying a document was not received, please email your Counselor.

• Many colleges require a Mid-Year Report.  Counselors will automatically send a mid-year transcript in January to any college to which you have applied.  You do NOT need to request your Mid-Year transcript from your Counselor.

• Some colleges will request a Mid-Year report via your student portal account.  Make sure you are checking your student portal account on a regular basis.

• Final Transcripts/Reports will be sent in early June.  More information about how to request this Final Transcript will be available prior to Senior Checkout in May.