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

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

The Fall 2025 SAT Student Guide will be posted here.

SAT EXAM INFORMATION & 2026 / 2027 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 

ACT EXAM INFORMATION & 2026 / 2027 EXAM DATES

Click here to register online for the ACT Exam. 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.

COLLEGE ENTRY EXAMS

Some colleges and universities require SAT or ACT test scores 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, but do not cover late registration fees.

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 comparison:

• The SAT has a stronger vocabulary focus, while the ACT tests advanced math & science.
• 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 three sections. The ACT Exam is scored with a composite of 1 to 36 based on average scores from four test sections. On the SAT Exam you get one 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.
• 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
• SAT Transition to Digital Testing
• SAT Student Guide
• SAT Test Day Requirements
• SAT Reasons to take it
• SAT - Using Bluebook to take the SAT
• SAT Fee Waiver Student Brochure
• SAT Why Should I Practice for the SAT
• SAT Practice Quick Start Guide
• SAT How to Practice for the Digital SAT
• SAT What to Bring on SAT Test Day
• SAT ID Requirements
• Calculator Policies
• SAT Prohibited Devices
• SAT Understanding Scores

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.

Click HERE to view the GoogleDoc schedule of colleges/schools visiting DLHS

Financial Aid Night on a date to be determined.

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: TBD
Time: 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Place: Deer Lakes High School Library

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

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

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. 

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 Program
• PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program
• PA State Work-Study Program
• PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program
• PA Targeted Industry Program
• PA Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program
• PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) Program

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
• PA National Guard Military Family Education Program

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 for the most current program information and any additional programs.

HELPFUL FINANCIAL AID/FAFSA MATERIALS

2026-2027 PHEAA PA Student Aid Guide

MySmartBorrowing is 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
PHEAA - FAFSA Checklist
PHEAA - FAFSA Technical Tips
PHEAA - FAFSA Tipsheet
PHEAA - PA Forward - Graduate Loans
PHEAA - PA Forward - Parent Loans
PHEAA - PA Forward - Student Loans Overview
PHEAA - PA Forward - Undergraduate Loans
PHEAA - PA529
PHEAA - Planning for Higher Education Timeline
PHEAA - Scholarship Tips
PHEAA - Tips for Paying for College

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES

finaid.org
nacacnet.org
fastweb.com
cappex.com     
unigo.com
elmselect.com
pacareerzone.com
 

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 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form will be available to the public.

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. You can learn when FAFSA will open and when deadlines will occur on their website.

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.

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.

Go to our Scholarships webpage for comprehensive information and resources.

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
• LaRoche University  
• Penn State Univ. New Kensington   
• PennWest
• 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.