Class of 2026

Let's talk about your post-high school plans!

Are you attending college? Please check the Class 2026 To-do List below.

Not attending college? Ms. Hernandez can also help you with this. Please schedule a meeting with me so we can discuss possible options: Gap year, trade school, career, apprenticeship, and military.

Rising Senior To-Do List

DHS Rising Seniors To Do - Class of 2026

Junior Assembly Pathways to Success (1) (1).pdf

Complete the Brag Sheet

Your counselor will use this information to write the counselor's letter of recommendation. Please note that you should not include information you do not want to be included in your recommendation letter.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4KaVOxjbtCANP9zWfhH3fNrKIu26iQVXwibL18I3OQZaC8w/viewform

Also, do not forget to complete the Authorization to Release Pupil Records. This form must be signed by a parent in order for your transcript and recommendations to be sent.

Authorization to Release Pupil Records.pdf

Standardized Testing

Please note that many schools remain test-optional for the class of 2026. If you have questions about whether or not to submit an optional test score, please check with Ms. Hernandez or your counselor.

If you use the summer to prepare for a standardized test, check https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines or http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html to find the late summer/early fall administration dates. The best place to study for the SAT is at Khan Academy

IMPORTANT: If you plan to apply to the University of Maryland (priority deadline Nov 1) or Early Decision or Early Action to other schools, October 4th is the last day you can take the SAT and meet the November 1st application deadline.

Send ACT scores (www.actstudent.org) or SAT scores (www.collegeboard.org) directly from the testing website to the colleges you are applying to by the school's deadline. DHS does NOT send test scores. This is your responsibility!! If you select your schools when you register for the test, you will get four free test reports sent. Additional score reports are $14 for each school.

SAT Dates and Deadlines

ACT Test Practice Dates and Deadlines

Letters of Recommendations

The standard advice is to request at least one core (English, Science, Math, Social Studies) teacher's letter of recommendation. The second request can be from a core teacher or someone who knows you well. Each college/university will have different guidelines for the number of required or allowed letters. The requirement is clearly stated on each school’s website.

REACH OUT if you have questions about the LOR. Ask your teacher in person if they would write a LOR for you. Follow up with an email thanking your teacher for agreeing to write a letter for you.

When you are officially a senior in August, you will also make the recommendation in Naviance. Please give your teachers at least 15 business/school days before your college deadlines. The following link will show you how to request a LOR in Naviance.Letter of Recommendation. IMPORTANT: Select general request for the letter you want to go to ALL of your schools - select specific request for schools that will accept more than one letter.

This might also provide some helpful information How to ask for a LOR

You do not need to request a LOR from your counselor. To receive a counselor letter of recommendation, you must complete the DHS Brag Sheet mentioned above.

College List

Create your list using the Supermatch College Search in Naviance Supermatch College Search or the Common App, BigFuture, Niche, or Unigo.
The Fiske guide and how to research your college list
Our recommendation is to have a maximum of 10-12 schools. Include a mix of likely or foundation schools (acceptance rate of 60% or higher) where your profile is higher than that of their average first-year student, target (acceptance rate of 30-60%) and your academic profile matches or possibly exceeds that of their average first-year student., and reach (low acceptance rate) where your profile may be lower than that of their average first-year student. Beginning the second week of school, admissions reps will begin visiting DHS the College/Career Center, room 133, to talk with you about their schools. You will sign up for their visits in Naviance.