College & Career Planning
Our College & Career Center is dedicated to a student-centered approach, ensuring all DCA graduates are prepared for successful post-secondary education. We provide comprehensive information, guidance, and support for students and families as they navigate the college selection and admission process. Our team focuses on helping students identify colleges that are a 'good fit' where they can thrive academically and socially, and be challenged to grow in preparation for success after college.
Throughout this process, students are encouraged to maintain an open mind by continually reflecting on their personal needs and preferences for college, as well as potential career paths, and actively engaging in exploration. This includes investing time and energy in academic preparation, investigating options, visiting colleges, and completing all steps of the application process.
The College & Career Center supports students and families through a comprehensive process that includes college information and financial aid parent-student evening programs, campus visits by university and college representatives, and access to internet, print, and video resources within the center. Individual parent/student appointments are available for personalized college and career planning, decision-making, and application assistance. The center also administers and interprets the PSAT, facilitates registration and planning for ACT, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests, and provides letters of recommendation and appropriate communication with university representatives. Parents and students receive regular updates through College Information Newsletters.
Our robust and comprehensive college & career program offers:
- Annual Junior and Senior presentations from college and university representatives
- Information and guidance on the full spectrum of post-high school options, encompassing traditional colleges, community colleges, technical and vocational programs, gap-year programs, and other pathways
- Dedicated support and accessibility through phone, email, and family meetings with the DCA college & career team
Freshmen
We recognize that the primary college preparation focus for Freshmen is successful high school adjustment. This involves strong academic performance and engagement in activities that align with their interests. Freshmen are encouraged to visit the College & Career Center, and parents are welcome to contact the college & career team via phone or email with any college planning inquiries.
The following programs are designed for Freshman students:
- Introduction to College Planning
- Four-year Academic Planning
- Fall Frosh/Soph College Night, including NCAA Eligibility
- Academic Support
- Student Learning Styles Inventory
- PSAT 8/9
Sophomores
We encourage our Sophomores to continue challenging themselves with academic rigor and begin exploring potential careers and majors as part of their ongoing college planning. The annual PSAT results, including detailed score reports, AP potential, and additional resources, can serve as a valuable guide in this process. The College & Career Center remains dedicated to supporting sophomores throughout this exploration.
The following programs are designed for Sophomore students:
- Sophomore Planning Meeting
- Career Planning
- PSAT College Advisory for Sophomores Workshop
- Fall Frosh/Soph College Night, including NCAA Eligibility
- College Financial Aid & Scholarship Webinars
- Academic Planning and Support
- Parent Nights
Juniors
We recognize Junior year as a pivotal period in students' college and career journeys. This year demands academic rigor alongside dedicated exploration of college options aligned with desired career paths. Students take the PSAT, attend a college fair, and culminate the year with a comprehensive college planning project. This project encompasses identifying top school choices, crafting a resume, developing a personal essay, understanding the Common Application, and more.
The following programs are designed for Junior students:
- College Visits Onsite
- Academic Planning and Support
- Junior Class College Planning
- PSAT
- Junior Parents College Information Night
- College Workshops for Juniors College Financial Aid & Scholarship Webinars
- College Preview Night for Juniors and Parents
Seniors
We ensure that Seniors are well-prepared to navigate the college admissions process, beginning with early admission timelines. We provide ongoing support throughout the application period, including guidance on recommendations, scholarships, financial aid, and acceptance decisions. To facilitate a smooth college/career transition, seniors participate in a comprehensive Senior Summit during the fall.
The following programs are designed for Senior students:
- Individual College Planning and Application Assistance
- Academic Support
- College Fairs
- College Representative Onsite
- Senior Parent College Application Night
- College Financial Aid & Scholarship Webinars
Opportunities for all students
Each fall, DCA hosts a “College Day,” where approximately 25 Christian colleges visit our campus. Throughout the school year, many additional college admissions representatives visit DCA for small group setting presentations.
Our college and career team will also support students with course selection, requirements, placement; Information regarding enrollment in advanced placement, honors, college courses, and summer session; as well as providing tutoring information, monitoring of academic progress, and administration and interpretation of the PSAT.
Social Emotional Counseling
DCA currently has a partnership with Emmaus Road Counseling Center to provide social-emotional support to our students. Emmaus Road is a Christian counseling team that provides professional counselors, and an intentional faith to allow God to interweave the two into the therapeutic process.
To request an appointment with a counselor, students may complete an “Appointment Request Form” available in the College & Career Center. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and family meetings may also be conducted if helpful. Referrals to outside resources may be required based on personal support and potential need for more extensive therapy.