PLAN AHEAD FOR THE SAT OR ACT - 9th thru 12th grade

Click here → Plan Ahead for the SAT or ACT - 9th thru 12th grade.pdf  for tips on how to plan ahead for the SAT or ACT for each year of high school.

Fall 2024 SAT Student Guide

COLLEGE ENTRY EXAMS

Some colleges and universities require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)* as part of the application package.  However, some schools are "test optional", meaning a test score is not always required for acceptance.  Check with the college's Admissions Office to determine whether or not a test score is required.

Test scores can be automatically sent to colleges/universities you are applying to by filling out the School Code (a 4-digit code unique to each college/university) in the appropriate box on the test.  School codes are entered at the end of each test.  If your college/university of choice is unknown, scores can be sent after testing, but additional fees may apply.

*Test fee waivers are available for eligible students for both the SAT and ACT.  All test fee waivers are available through your School Counselor.  They DO NOT however, cover late registration fees so be proactive...ask for the waiver and sign up for the exam early!!

Please keep in mind that the SAT Exam is only given at Deer Lakes High School twice a year...once in the Fall and once in the Spring.   Deer Lakes High School DOES NOT offer ACT testing!  Students can register and take the ACT at any location that offers it.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE 2024-2025 SAT EXAM & ACT EXAM DATES!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SAT EXAM & THE ACT EXAM?

• If you're preparing for college admissions, you might be curious about the difference between the ACT Exam and the SAT Exam.  While both are standardized exams that colleges and universities use as a benchmark when making admissions decisions, there are some differences.  Here's a BRIEF comparison:
• The SAT has a stronger vocabulary focus, while the ACT tests advanced math & science.  Vocabulary is weighted much more strongly on the SAT than it is on the ACT, whereas the ACT includes a science section and tests higher level math.
• The ACT Exam is shorter.  If you have trouble focusing for a long period of time, you may consider the ACT Exam, which lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes compared to the 3 hours and 45 minutes of the SAT Exam.
• The SAT Exam is more complex.  The ACT Exam is a straightforward content test, which may make it easier for students who are familiar with the content tested.  The SAT Exam focuses on logic and reasoning rather than content, which might make it a better bet for students who do well with puzzles and are willing to learn SAT specific strategies to raise their scores.
• Scoring differences.  The SAT Exam is scored on a scale of 600 to 2400, with a score of 200 to 800 possible on each of the 3 sections.  The ACT Exam is scored with a composite of 1 to 36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections, each of which is also scored from 1 to 36.  On the SAT Exam you get 1 quarter of a point subtracted from your score for each wrong answer, with no penalty for questions left blank.  The ACT Exam scores only those questions which you answer correctly, with no penalty for wrong answers.

SAT EXAM INFORMATION & 2024 / 2025 EXAM DATES

To register online for the SAT Exam, check this website. Here you can also find further information regarding registration, exam locations and fees.

Exam Day Instructions: Once you arrive at your testing location you will be assigned to a testing room.  You must bring your photo identification, your admission ticket and your fully charged, school issued Chromebook.  Please arrive by no later than 7:45 AM as testing will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and there is usually a line to check in.  The exam will take approximately 3 to 3-1/2 hours.

*ONLY THE OCTOBER & MARCH EXAMS ARE GIVEN AT DEER LAKES HIGH SCHOOL 

• CLICK THIS LINK FOR FREE SAT PRACTICE TESTS FROM PREPAZE.COM
• CLICK THIS LINK FOR FREE SAT PRACTICE TESTS FROM COLLEGEBOARD.ORG  
• CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE WHAT'S ON THE SAT EXAM

INFORMATIONAL PDF'S ON THE SAT EXAM:

• Digital SAT Registration & Test Day Guide.pdf
• SAT Transition to Digital Testing.pdf
• SAT Student Guide.pdf
• SAT Test Day Requirements.pdf
• SAT Reasons to take it.pdf
• SAT - Using Bluebook to take the SAT.pdf
• SAT Fee Waiver Student Brochure.pdf
• SAT Why Should I Practice for the SAT.pdf
• SAT Practice Quick Start Guide.pdf
• SAT How to Practice for the Digital SAT.pdf
• SAT What to Bring on SAT Test Day.pdf
• SAT ID Requirements.pdf
• Calculator Policies.pdf
• SAT Prohibited Devices.pdf
• SAT Understanding Scores.pdf

ACT EXAM INFORMATION & 2024 / 2025 EXAM DATES

To register online for the ACT Exam, go to: ACT website.Here you can also find further information regarding registration, testing locations and fees.

Deer Lakes High School DOES NOT offer ACT testing!  Students must register online and can take the ACT Exam at any location that offers it.

You must sign up to attend a college/school visit by filling out a College-School Visit Sign-Up Form.    Hard copies are also available in the School Counseling Office.   Either e-mail your form to Mrs. Gacci at lgacci@deerlakes.net.  or hand it to her in the School Counseling Office by the noted deadline.  Students will receive a hall pass on the day of the visit so they can attend.  These visits will take place in the Student Activity Room, located on the 1st floor, right down the hall from the School Counseling Office, unless you are notified otherwise.

No visits are scheduled at this time.

Financial Aid Night on 10/o3/24

Amy Sawdey, PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner for Allegheny County, will present information on the financial aid application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to start thinking about affordability before getting ready to apply for post-secondary school admission. Time will be built into the presentation to allow you to ask any questions you may have regarding the financial aid process.
DATE:      Thursday, October 3rd
TIME:       6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
PLACE:   Deer Lakes High School Auditorium

Click HERE for the flyer.

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Paying for College.pdf

ESTIMATE YOUR COSTS:

• Tuition & Fees
• Room & Board
• Books & Supplies
• Transportation
• Personal Expenses
• Miscellaneous

TOTAL STUDENT BUDGET (remember, this is just for ONE year!)

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

Scholarships:   Scholarships are funds offered to students that do not have to be repaid and are typically offered based on a student's academic performance, major of study, talent or leadership potential.  Some scholarships may consider a student's financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but many are awarded without consideration for financial need.  Scholarship eligibility requirements and application processes vary depending on the donor source and the type of award.

Grants:  Similar to scholarships, grants refer to aid given to students that does not have to be repaid, provided that the student meets the eligibility criteria.  While the terms "grants" and "scholarships" are often used interchangeably, grants typically refer to aid that is given based on a student's financial need according to the FAFSA.  Grants usually cannot be applied for separately and are often awarded automatically when a student applies for financial assistance.

Work-Study:   Consider working on campus.  Many schools have multiple part-time employment opportunities for students.  While some jobs are federally supported like Federal Work Study (FWS), many schools have jobs on campus outside FWS.  Sometimes even a part-time job can help you earn up to $1,500 per semester.  Inquire with your college's Financial Assistance Office for more information.

Special State Aid Programs:  Some of these programs require financial need.  Eligibility criteria can be found under Funding Opportunities at PHEAA.   In addition to demonstrating financial need, you must also meet certain criteria.  Here are the programs available:

• PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) program.  BlindDeaf
• PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program.  FosterEd
• PA State Work-Study Program (SWSP)  SWSP
• PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP)  PEGP
• PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)  PA-TIP
• PA Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program  PATH or path@pheaa
• PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) Program  RTSS

Military State Aid Programs:  PHEAA in partnership with the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), administers education programs available to soldiers and their dependents with the goal of helping service members and their families afford higher education.  To qualify, students must generally be enrolled in a degree or certificate curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning as determined by PHEAA.  Here are the programs available:

• PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)  EAP
• PA National Guard Military Family Education Program  (MFEP)  MFEP

Loans:  Loans are funds that may be used to fund a student's academic expenses that must be paid back to a lending institution.  All students who file the FAFSA are automatically eligible to receive a limited amount of Federal Direct Student Loans from the Department of Education, regardless of financial need or credit history.  All Federal Direct Student Loan offer a fixed rate of interest and no payments are due on the loans until after the student finishes school or ceases to be enrolled at least half time.  These loans have two groups, subsidized and unsubsidized.  If the loan is subsidized, the loan's interest is covered by the Education Department while the student is enrolled (at least half time) in college.  The interest on unsubsidized loans begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.

In addition to the Federal Direct Student Loan, parents should consider applying for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, which also offers a fixed rate of interest and the option to defer payments until after the student finishes college or ceases to be enrolled at least half time.  Parents may apply for any amount up to the cost of attendance, but approval is subject to a credit evaluation.  Students whose parents are not approved to receive a PLUS Loan may receive an additional amount of Direct Student Loan funding with proof of a Parent Plus Loan Denial.

Students wishing to borrow funds in addition to the Federal Direct Student Loan may apply to private lenders for additional educational loans.  These types of loans are referred to as "alternative" loans and often require a student to apply with a credit worth co-signer.  Starting interest rates will vary by lender and are based on the credit evaluation of the co-signer or the primary borrower if a co-signer is not needed.  Interest rates for alternative loans can be variable and may change over the life of the loan based on market conditions.

Federal & Additional Aid Programs:  The federal government offers several financial aid programs for students and families.  You may qualify for these programs by completing the FAFSA; additional applications may be required based on the program.  Visit studentaid.gov for the most current program information and any additional programs.

•     Federal Pell Grant Program
•     Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
•     Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)
•     Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
•     Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
•     Chafee Education and Training Grant (CHAFEE ETG) Program  Chafee
•     Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Program
•     Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Program  nationalservice

HELPFUL FINANCIAL AID/FAFSA MATERIALS

2024-2025 PHEAA PA Student Aid Guide.pdf

MySmartBorrowing   PHEAA's FREE interactive tool where you can learn to make smart decisions about your career choice and paying for higher education.

StudentAid.gov - Do you need money for college-career-trade school.pdf
PHEAA - FAFSA Checklist.pdf
PHEAA - FAFSA Technical Tips.pdf
PHEAA - FAFSA Tipsheet.pdf
PHEAA - PA Forward - Graduate Loans.pdf
PHEAA - PA Forward - Parent Loans.pdf
PHEAA - PA Forward - Student Loans Overview.pdf
PHEAA - PA Forward - Undergraduate Loans.pdf
PHEAA - PA529.pdf
PHEAA - Planning for Higher Education Timeline.pdf
PHEAA - Scholarship Tips.pdf
PHEAA - Tips for Paying for College.pdf

HELPFUL FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES

PHEAA.org
finaid.org
studentaid.gov  
studentaid.gov/aid-summary
collegecost.edu.gov
nacacnet.org
fastweb.com
cappex.com     
unigo.com
elmselect.com
pacareerzone.com
youcandealwithit.com
educationplanner.org 

Have questions? Contact one of your School Counselors OR expert Amy Sawdey, PA Higher Education Access Partner! Mrs. Sawdey can be reached by email at asawdey@pheaa.org

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form will be available to the public on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

In past years, FAFSA has always opened on October 1st. This date has signaled a critical point for counselors, students, and families to begin engaging in the financial aid process senior year. In order to prevent a repeat of last year, the U.S. Department of Education has recently announced that the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open on December 1st, 2024 for all students and include a phased rollout. The intention of this approach is to allow for iterative fixes before the site opens to all students, and ultimately, create opportunities for students to maximize their financial aid opportunities.

Open Date and Phased Roll Out:   Starting on October 1st, a limited set of students and institutions will begin testing the 2025-2026 FAFSA. During this initial phase, the Federal Student Aid Office will work to identify and correct system errors and glitches.

What Can Students and Families Do Before December 1st: Prior to December 1st, students and parents can create their FSA ID, a requisite first step of FAFSA completion. To create an FSA ID, students, parents, and other contributors must initiate creating an FSA ID and then wait 1-3 days for verification.

Students will need to use an email address or phone number they have regular access to now and will continue to have access to after high school graduation. Students should not use their district-issued email address as they will likely lose access upon graduation.

FAFSA ISSUES

Saying the new FAFSA rollout has had some issues is stating the obvious. There have been numerous reported problems with the rollout. The US Department of Education has launched a page that outlines some of those issues and the solutions to them. There is a section that lists all the open issues and another that lists all the resolved issues. Here is a link

Scholarships are funds offered to students that do not have to be repaid and are typically offered based on a student's academic performance, major of study, talent, or leadership potential.  Some scholarships may consider a student's financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but many are awarded without consideration for financial need.  Scholarship eligibility requirements and application processes vary depending on the donor source and the type of award.

Click HERE to view the GoogleSheet scholarship list!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SCHOLARSHIPS

The only Scholarships that you turn in to the School Counseling Office are the local DL Scholarships that specifically tell you to turn your application & info. in to the School Counseling Office.

For all other scholarships, it is the student’s responsibility to send their own information in according to the scholarship’s stipulations and instructions!!   Please DO NOT bring these to the School Counseling Office to submit or mail in for you unless you have been instructed otherwise by Mrs. Gacci!

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Gacci in the School Counseling Office.  

REMINDER FOR SENIORS

If you have been awarded a Scholarship, please send a copy of your award letter to Mrs. Gacci in the School Counseling Office, or e-mail it to her @ lgacci@deerlakes.net as soon as possible.   Only send copies of Scholarships you have been awarded AND have accepted.  Do not send copies of Scholarships offered to you from colleges/universities that you do not plan on attending.  Once you decide which school you will attend, have paid your deposit to them and receive & accept the Scholarship, then you can send a copy of your award letter Mrs. Gacci.  DO NOT send on campus room/housing awards/scholarships as these are automatically given out and not merit based.

Qualify Now @ bigfuture.Collegeboard.org!!
Paying for college is a top concern for students and their families.  BigFuture provides access to scholarships and free financial aid resources for all students. 10th & 11th graders who complete steps on BigFuture, such as starting a career list and building their college list, are entered into drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships each month.   There are no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.  If you family's income is less than $60,000 per year, you will get extra chances at these scholarships and earn double the entries for every drawing.  BigFuture Scholarships

• BigFuture Scholarships.pdf     
• BigFuture-Flyer-Scholarship flyer with scan.pdf
• BigFuture-Flyer-Scholarship flyer.pdf
• BigFuture-Pay For College-Flyer.pdf 
• BigFuture - Exploring Careers - Start Your Career List.pdf
• BigFuture-Explore Careers-Flyer.pdf
• BigFuture-Plan For College-Flyer.pdf
• BigFuture College Search Worksheet.pdf

SCHOLARSHIP WEBINAR VIDEO BY BERKSHIRE & HATHAWAY

Below is the link to the Webinar Video that Todd Van Horn of Berkshire & Hathaway created.  This webinar contains  various best practices, look-fors, and other factors to consider when completing any scholarship application, not just their scholarship, as seen through a developer/reader's lens.

Zoom link

SEARCHING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

The following GoogleSheet contains a list of scholarships that the DLHS School Counseling Office is aware of (national, state, & local).  This is only a general list and is by no means all of the scholarships available out there, as there are too many to possibly list.  Students and parents are encouraged to investigate scholarships & visit the websites where provided, well in advance of the deadlines, which are listed if they are known.   Scholarships are for seniors unless otherwise indicated.

Click HERE to view the GoogleSheet scholarship list!

Once you are accepted to & commit to a college/university/tech. school, ALWAYS look for scholarships offered by that college/university/tech. school on their website and apply if you qualify!!

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VO TECH & TRADE SCHOOLS

Skillpointe The word “scholarship” is usually associated with four-year colleges, but this funding is available to students who choose other paths — including the skilled trades and other types of skills-based training. You may be surprised to learn how many trade school scholarships and grants are available.
 
 Local businesses and specific industries eager to improve the skills-based talent pipeline have created programs to help students pay for the training they need. Their efforts have created many vocational scholarships with specific eligibility requirements.
 
Students thinking about attending a Vo Tech or Trade Schoolmay find this website very helpful.   It has information on how to get financial aid and links to scholarships available specifically for students that will attend Vo Tech & Trade Schools.

Click HERE for a list of 56 Trade School Grants and Scholarships from the website thescholarshipsystem.com.

COMMON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION MISTAKES

• Missing deadlines
• Failing to proofread the application
• Failing to follow directions, especially regarding essay length and the number of recommendations
• Omitting required information
• Applying for an award when you don't qualify
• Failing to apply for an award for which you are eligible
• Failing to tailor the application to the sponsor
• Writing a boring essay
• Writing an essay that may offend the reviewer
• Including exaggerations or lies on your application

BEWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS!

• If you have to pay money to get money, it's probably a scam.
• Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships or to apply for a scholarship.
• Nobody can guarantee that you'll win a scholarship.
• DO NOT give out personal information like bank account, credit card or social security numbers.
• Beware of the unclaimed aid myth.  The only money that goes unclaimed is money than can't be claimed.
• FastWeb Scams What You Should Know.pdf

WATCH OUT FOR SCHOLARSHIP DISPLACEMENT:   How winning scholarships could possibly lower your financial aid offer.  Read article from linkforcounselors.com website ? Scholarship displacement article.pdf 

POPULAR QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q:  What is a merit scholarship?
A:  Colleges are increasingly offering merit scholarships and not only for academic achievement or athletic skill.  Schools may offer merit scholarships to attract diverse groups of students from states not highly represented at the school, or students with talents or circumstances that few others at the school have.  Check with admissions offices at schools you're applying to & ask if they offer merit aid.

Q:  Should students pay a company to find scholarships?
A:  Students and families need to know that some scholarship offers are not what they seem.  You can avoid getting scammed by ignoring offers that require you to attend a "free" seminar, pay a "small fee" or provide a credit card number.

Q:  Will scholarships affect other sources of financial aid?
A:  Scholarships from outside sources may affect other financial aid.  By filling unmet need, scholarships may reduce the amount a family has to pay out of pocket or they may reduce loans, work-study or grant aid.  Check with the school's financial aid office to find out how outside scholarships may affect your financial aid package.

Q:  How are winners determined?
A:  Although scholarships are competitive, keep in mind that you don't have to be the best student in your class to receive one.  You simply need to be the best student who applies and meets the qualifications for that scholarship.

HOW-TO PROGRAMS AND BOOKS

The Scholarship Workshop – Scholarship information from an award-winning author and scholarship winner.
The Scholarship Academy – Offers curriculum to help students identify tailored scholarship options and build solid scholarship profile.

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHING WEBSITES

• CHECK OUT:  SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH RESOURCES & WEBSITES
• CHECK OUT:   BEST STRATEGIES FOR SEARCHING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
• CHECK OUT:   THE ULTIMATE LIST OF HIDDEN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

• The RaiseMe platform aggregates scholarships students can earn for achievements such as earning an A in English or participating in a club.  More than 300 partner colleges award scholarships based on these achievements once students enroll.  When students track their achievements throughout high school, RaiseMe can help them see how their hard work can pay off later.
• College Net.com is a service that not only works to develop applications and web-based events, but it also provides an entire search for students who are interested in seeking out updates and newly-promoted scholarships nationwide. The database is updated monthly at CollegeNet.com, giving students new scholarships to review and to vote on once becoming a member of the site themselves. 
• Scholarship website was originally founded in 1999, and now boasts more than 2.7 million scholarships with a total value of more than $19 billion in value since its launch within its record database. Using Scholarships.com is simple and free and only requires a few minutes to get started. Listings are updated regularly and consistently every few months to help with informing students of the latest scholarships that are available to them that may be of interest.  Once you register to become a member of the Scholarships.com website, you can then choose which types of scholarships you are most interested in and that are most relevant to you. The site also gives registered users of Scholarships.com the ability to opt-out of any type of scholarships that are not interesting or useful to the educational path you have in mind for yourself in the future.
• Fast Web.com was originally founded and launched more than 15 years ago, and currently boasts more than 1.5 million scholarships and $3.4 billion in their database altogether over the years of providing scholarships to students nationwide. The site itself claims to have helped and assisted more than 50 students all together with finding scholarships and applying for them.
• Fin Aid.com is one of the most well-known online resources for finding out more information regarding scholarships and financial aid you are qualified to receive based on your income, age as well as your previous education schooling you have completed. Although there is not currently a live search to find various scholarships that you are qualified for or that you may be interested in pursuing yourself, it is possible to seek out additional information regarding the authenticity of scholarships being offered and how to determine whether an opportunity is credible and legitimate before applying and submitting your own personal information. 
• The official College Board was founded originally in 1900, making it one of the oldest educational-based organizations still in existence and thriving today. However, today, The College Board has transformed into a massive database of more than $3 billion worth of various scholarships that are available and that have been awarded to students around the world.  New scholarships are added to The College Board’s database annually, although any edits and changes that need to be made to current scholarships listed are done on a monthly basis to ensure students always have proper access to scholarship information available. It is also possible to receive an entire book of various scholarships and opportunities available near you with the use of The College Board.
• SallieMae is no longer only known for providing various loans for houses and students, but it has also become a resource directory for seeking out new scholarships that are potentially appealing to you and relevant to any career or position you want to fill yourself once you graduate. SallieMae has shared more than $18 billion worth in scholarships with millions of students since it began providing resources and opportunities to online users and students nationwide.  
• Zinch is one of the most recent resources available online to help with comparing different scholarships available in all fields and industries today. Using Zinch is free and easy, as the service has provided more than 5000 different scholarships worth more than $1 billion altogether. Zinch has one of the most updated and visually-intuitive platforms for students to begin searching for and comparing different types of scholarships available today.  Once you register to become a member of Zinch and you have verified your email address, you can then begin to browse for scholarships that are most relevant to you based on your current status as a student as well as whether you are interested in a traditional college scholarship or if you are seeking a vocational scholarship or even a scholarship to help you to attend the grad school of your choice. Zinch also gives users the ability to add their zip code as well as their cumulative GPA in high school to find scholarships that are most fitting and suitable for each individual member who has registered to become a part of the online community.   After you have searched for the scholarships that are relevant to you and your own educational qualifications and GPA, you can then review deadlines as well as submission requirements before applying for any of the scholarships that are available to choose from yourself.
• This Website has a listing of scholarships that are offered for students with specific medical condition(s) or diagnoses and also non-medical challenges such as social, emotional, psychological or educational issues. There are also some for students who have a parent or a family member with a specific diagnosis. Most can be used at any school.   Some cover one specific condition, while others cover whole types of diagnoses (such as all types of cancers) or even all chronic diseases. Some address the needs of those with non-medical specific challenges. Most have some type of eligibility requirements, usually financial ones.   The scholarships are sorted several ways:   By All Conditions, By Residency of Applicant, By Scholarship Name
• Peerlift - Proven scholarships, internships, summer programs, and more gathered by fellow students like you. (Founded by a team of 2017 Coca-Cola Scholars!) Learn more about the creation of Peerlift.
• Study.com website wants to help empower traditionally underrepresented students by helping them reach their education goals.

Deer Lake’s juniors and seniors may be eligible to take classes at CCAC, Grove City College, IUP Northpointe, LaRoche Univ., Penn State New Kensington or Point Park Univ.   After high school graduation, students can continue their education at those schools or transfer the credits earned to another college or university.  Outstanding performance at CCAC, Grove City College, IUP Northpointe, LaRoche Univ., Penn State New Kensington or Point Park Univ.  may improve a student's odds of acceptance at selective institutions.  Many students take advantage of introductory courses to various majors.
 
Students must apply and be accepted through their intended college/univ.   All schools provide a coordinator to assist students in course selection and provide other supportive services, including monitoring student performance and administering placement tests.  Students may take any classes offered at CCAC, Grove City College, IUP Northpointe, LaRoche Univ., Penn State New Kensington or Point Park Univ., provided they meet course prerequisites.  Placement testing is required for English and Mathematics courses.

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC):  Students take their required high school courses in the afternoon and attend CCAC at the beginning of the day.  Students may be required to provide their own transportation to CCAC North Campus, which is located on Route 19 in the North Hills.  If classes are scheduled outside the Deer Lakes bus schedule, the student will be responsible for his or her own transportation.

Other colleges offering dual enrollment: Transportation and tuition costs are the responsibility of the student.

Grove City College
IUP  -  Online, Indiana, Northpointe, or Punxsutawney Click HERE for information Click HERE for enrollment forms
LaRoche University  
Penn State Univ. New Kensington   
Point Park University

To be eligible for the Dual Enrollment program, students must have the recommendation of their School Counselor and have a GPA of at least 3.00.  Students must have demonstrated their educational commitment through high school attendance and performance. Students and their families are responsible for the tuition. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA at CCAC or IUP.  Students who are attending a Dual Enrollment Program may be required to provide their own transportation.

Grade 10-12              1.00 Elective Credit          Level 1  Course # 2713

Deer Lakes High School has partnered with the Allegheny County Fire Academy to offer students the opportunity to become trained firefighters through a dual enrollment experience. The mission of the Fire Academy is to provide “the highest level of training for fire, rescue, hazardous materials management, terrorism response, and certification programs to emergency response teams within the county and the region. Training is provided through a program of curriculum development and delivery, which meets Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy standards and accreditation criteria. Courses and field exercises designed to replicate real emergencies are necessary to ensure a competent, efficient, and effective emergency response organization.”

Students who enroll with the Allegheny County Fire Academy will report to training on 14 predetermined dates per school year. Training will last from 8:30 am-1:30 pm. Students will be awarded 1 elective credit for yearly participation in the academy.  A parent/student orientation held in September is required to officially enroll in the program. The orientation date will be shared with students who request the course in their Skyward account at the beginning of each school year once it becomes available. For more information about the Fire Academy, please visit alleghenycounty  *NOTE: Registration deadlines and necessary paperwork listed on the website do not apply to Deer Lakes students. All paperwork will be completed during the scheduled orientation.

“The College Tour Show” is a new TV series brought to you by Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers.  The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world.

 Each episode of The College Tour will focus on a single college or university.  From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student driven segment will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university.

Check it out here.