College & Career

Make sure you check out our Coffee Talks and Bootcamps!

We have Coffee Talks for parents designed for specific college admissions topics and Bootcamp sessions for juniors and seniors that give a comprehensive overview of the college application process.

View our Coffee Talk Schedule

Xello is the Florida Department of Education's platform for college and career readiness. Students have access to Xello in their student portal and parents are emailed a username and password at the beginning of their child's enrollment.

Benefits of Career Exploration

  • Helps students identify their interests and strengths and explore different career options
  • Connects schoolwork to future goals
  • Increases motivation and engagement
  • Helps students explore different career options
  • Supports informed decisions about college enrollment
  • Encourages goal-setting and decision-making

Xello Perks

  • Personality and career matching quizzes
  • Portfolio building tools
  • Course planning
  • Scholarship search capabilities
  • College exploration with admissions requirements
  • Financial planning simulations
  • Interview preparation resources

College Visits, College Fair, & Career Fair

Colleges and employers come from far and wide to meet with our students!


College Preparation Timetable

Keep in mind that the following information is a suggestion. Each student is unique and requires different things!

9th - 10th Grade

9th Grade

  • Speak with your counselor about the right courses to take.
  • Practice and develop your study skills (goal setting, note taking, asking for help, time management, etc.).
  • Get involved outside of the classroom.
  • Explore career and college majors by taking assessments on Xello.
  • Talk to your family about your interests and plans, as well as college funding plans.

10th Grade

  • Take rigorous courses and aim to do your best.
  • Learn about standardized tests, like the SAT & ACT.
  • Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) for practice.
  • Stay involved outside of the classroom doing things that spark joy.
  • Attend college fairs.
  • Continue researching careers and colleges.
  • Take virtual and in-person college tours.
  • Research summer experiences like camps, research, or internships.

Junior Year

Fall

  • Narrow down your college and university research to places that fit your personal, academic and financial needs.
  • Take rigorous courses available to you such as honors, AP, or dual enrollment courses.
  • Study for standardized tests (SAT & ACT).

Spring

  • Meet with your school counselor to discuss your college options.
  • Complete your resume to give teachers when you ask for recommendation letters.
  • Take the SAT or ACT (fee waivers are available for eligible students).
  • Attend the Spring Into College events. Start Common App account.
  • Plan how you'll spend your summer (classes, volunteering, internship, etc.).

Summer

  • Visit colleges in-person (or virtually!).
  • If you plan to take the SAT/ACT again, study over the summer and take it again in the fall.
  • Note admissions and financial aid deadlines.
  • Draft your personal statement and get feedback.
  • Research college supplements and begin working on completing them.
  • Determine what teachers to ask for letters of recommendation.
  • Research and apply for scholarships.

Senior Year

Senior year is a critical time for applications. Stay organized and meet deadlines with this monthly guide:

August - September

  • Finalize college list (3 reach, 3 target, 3 likely)
  • Create a checklist and calendar to keep track of due dates and materials needed to complete the applications.
  • Request recommendations and transcripts.
  • Attend DSOA College Fair on September 25th

October

  • Take final SAT/ACT tests.
  • Be aware of early college deadlines (rolling, priority, ED, EA).
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (if required).
  • Research scholarships.

November - January

  • Finalize and submit applications due this month.
  • Apply for scholarships.
  • Request midyear transcript in January to be uploaded to your Common App in January.

February - May

  • Review financial aid packages.
  • Commit to a college by May 1st decision deadline.
  • If wait-listed by a college you want to attend, write a continued interest email and send any extracurricular updates.
  • Request your final transcript to be sent to the college you will be attending (part of senior check out).

Track Your Activities & Applications

The college application process involves dozens of moving parts. Stay organized and never miss a deadline with our dedicated trackers — built to keep your entire journey in one clear view.

Factors in College Admissions

Understanding the various components colleges consider can help you strategically prepare your application and highlight your strengths.

Academic Performance

The most important factor in admissions decisions, especially in core subject areas and/or the area of your intended college major.

Strength of Curriculum

Taking rigorous coursework like AICE, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses show that you are engaging in college-level coursework successfully.

Standardized Test Scores

SAT and ACT scores remain important for many institutions, though test-optional policies are a great option for some students.

College Essay

A crucial opportunity to showcase your unique voice, personality, writing skills, and experiences.

Extracurricular Activities

Meaningful involvement in clubs, sports, community service, or work demonstrates your commitment and leadership potential.

Recommendations

Insightful letters from teachers and counselors provide an external perspective on your character, intellectual curiosity, and potential.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

Together with the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Lottery has helped over 1 million scholars and counting receive a postsecondary education through the Bright Futures Scholarship program.

There are two levels of the Bright Futures Scholarship:

  • Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS), which covers 100% of college tuition
  • Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS), which covers 75% of college tuition

The eligibility requirements are below.

Students must APPLY for the scholarship by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31, 2027. If a student does not apply for the scholarship by the deadline, a student cannot receive the scholarship.

*School counselors visit all senior English classes to help students apply!

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid

  • FAFSA — Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  • Provides access to loans, grants, and work-study programs through the Federal Department of Education.
  • CSS — College Scholarship Service
  • A more detailed application used by some colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Local scholarships from community organizations and civic groups
  • National scholarships offered by corporations and foundations
  • Private scholarships for specific majors, backgrounds, or interests

Counselor-Supported Scholarships

The Dreyfoos School Counseling Department directly supports students through the processes of the following scholarship programs:

  • Questbridge Scholars
  • Kovner Opportunity Scholars
  • George Snow Scholarships
  • Pathfinder Awards

SOAFI Scholarships

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation (SOAFI) provides amazing scholarship opportunities for our students.

In 2026, SOAFI gave out over $700k in scholarships to our Dreyfoos students!

All students can apply for scholarships for summer institutes, and seniors may be eligible for college scholarships.

Please see our Resources page for helpful links, websites, and documents regarding financial aid and scholarships!