Dougherty Valley High School

Workshops and College Readiness

Free Zoom workshops for students w/Essay critique w/instructor

Fall 2025 College Admissions Essay Workshop Thursday September 11th @ 6:30 PM PST

College application essays have become more essential than ever to really get right. They are still one of the few places where you can really highlight your strengths and even tip the admissions scales your way!

This 90 minute workshop will help you understand how your UC, Common App, and Coalition App essays can help you stand out amongst other applicants and how to get a solid start on writing these.

You’ll see real examples of proven essays that have helped students gain admissions to UCs and Ivies in the past and will help you answer questions like:
• When should I start writing my essay?
• How do I come up with and develop good material?
• Which prompts do I choose?
• How do I begin outlining?
• What strategies should I avoid?
• And more...

All attending students will also receive a complimentary 15 minute Personal Essay Review and Critique from the instructor after the workshop.

Workshop will be held Thursday September 11th from 6:30-8:00 PM, with time for questions at the end.

Note: The workshop, normally priced at $99, is being made available at no charge through special arrangement with our high school.

Click to Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lmTj6Gl6SeKsoccCu1kwTg

College Readiness Workshop: Wednesday 09/17 @ 6:30 PM PST

College is complicated, and there are numerous decisions about where to go, how to plan, and how best to prepare. Every family wants to send their college bound teen to the best possible college for them at the lowest possible cost.

Most families proceed towards college with a fragmented or incomplete understanding, often a result of varying knowledge, interests, research, and communication with different parties. This is further complicated by their teenager’s developing skills, shifting feelings, ideas about college/career, and self-awareness.

It can lead to a lot of anxiety for everyone.

Most families have areas they are working on or even outright gaps in their preparation and readiness for college.

But here’s the bottom line: You don’t know what you don’t know!

To help ensure families are adequately prepared for college we are having a special 60 minute Zoom webinar on Wednesday 09/17 @ 6:30 PM PST

This workshop will help you clarify your family's level of preparation:
• College mindset and grasping the big picture around college and career
• ACT/SAT test knowledge, ownership, and readiness
• College success skills
• Teen roles and parent roles
• College admissions planning
• College financial planning
• Applying for financial aid and scholarships
• Extracurriculars-- including internships, jobs, clubs, projects, and other unique opportunities
• And more…

All attending families will have an opportunity to take a complimentary College Readiness Assessment and receive a custom 3 page report detailing exactly where they have things on track and where they need work.

The report will provide a roadmap to ensure your family has the best possible college outcome.

Note: The workshop, normally priced at $99, is being made available at no charge through special arrangement with our high school.

Click to Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PIIZY3NHQsC5a3ezvTiyIw

How to get an A in a Math or Science Class: Workshop Thursday September 18th @ 6 PM

Is getting an "A" in Math or Science really that hard? Not if you know the formula.

We're excited to share a special session on "How to Get an A in a Math or Science Class." This isn't just about working harder- it's about working smarter and creating the right mindset and system for success.

In this workshop, we'll cover:

The “A” Mindset: How top students think differently about schoolwork.

Time Management: Simple routines to stay on top without burning out.

Study Skills That Stick: How to make concepts clear and memorable.

Teacher Communication: Getting the most out of your teacher’s support.

Classmate Collaboration: Make the most of your classmates and classroom

Parent Partnership: How families can set expectations and reduce stress.

The result? A straightforward, predictable path to an "A"--and more confidence along the way.

Workshop will be held Thursday September 18th from 6-7 PM, with time for questions at the end.

Note: The workshop, normally priced at $99, is being made available at no charge through special arrangement with our high school.

Click to Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yiGyW0GgQrOayjJxQzpg6g

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY EXAMS?

College Entrance Exams Presentation- Click Here

PSAT/NMSQT(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test):

The preliminary/practice SAT is administered nationally in October. Students become familiar with the type of questions found on the SAT. Junior year scores can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Registration is done through DVHS. It is highly recommended that juniors take this test to see what areas they should focus on when studying for the SAT. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more details.

PreACT:

A preliminary/practice ACT administered to sophomores at many high schools. In addition to measuring academic achievement, a career component is included. Registration is at the high school. Currently, DVHS does not offer the PreACT. Visit www.act.org for more details.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test):

A college admissions test required by many colleges and universities as part of the college admissions process. This is a 3 hour, 45 minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Register online and visit www.collegeboard.org to practice to access a free practice test and sample questions.

SAT Subject Test (subject-based tests in history, literature, mathematics, science, and languages):

Some colleges and universities require these tests for admission; be sure to check each school's requirements. Each test is one hour long. Register online and visit College Board SAT Subject Test website to access test preparation advice.

ACT (American College Test):

A college admissions test required by many colleges and universities as part of the college admissions process. It is a three-hour test comprised of four parts: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. An optional writing test has been added for those students applying to the University of California and some other colleges and universities. Registration information and materials are available in the Counseling Department or College and Career Center. Visit www.actstudent.org for more details and to register online.

AP (Advanced Placement):

Advanced Placement exams are given in May. Scoring a 3, 4, or 5 (out of 5) will often enable a student to receive college units of credit upon matriculation to a college or university. Pick up the Advanced Placement Bulletin from the Counseling Department or in the College and Career Center for more information about the tests and college credit policies. Register for these tests on the DVHS Webstore.