DSF Guidance Page

Standard Diploma -- 22 Credits		Advanced Diploma -- 24 credits
· English	4	· English	4
· Mathematics	3	· Mathematics	4
· Laboratory Science	3	· Laboratory Science	4
· Social Studies	3	· Social Studies	4
· Health & PE	2	· Health & PE	2
· Fine/Practical Art	1	· Fine/Practical Art	1
· Electives *(Two must be sequential)*	6	· Foreign Language *(Must have three of one or two of two)*	3/4
TOTALCREDITS	22	TOTAL CREDITS	24

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SOL Information

In the state of Virginia, beginning with the class of 2004, students will need to earn a specified number of verified credits in order to graduate. A verified credit is earned by 1) successfully completing the course requirements (including a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction) AND 2) by passing the associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test or substitute test approved by the Virginia Board of Education. SOL tests are given in the following areas:

Mathematics

Social Studies

Science

English

Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II

World History to 1500
World History from 1500
United States History

Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry

(A) Writing
(B) Reading/Literature& Research

Practice for the above SOL Tests may be found by reviewing released testing material.

Standard Diploma (22 standard units of credit)
Students must pass the following SOL's to secure Verified Credits for Graduation.

Grade Level

SOL Graduation Requirements

9th Grade

6 Verified Credits
(2 English, 1 math, 1 history,
1 science, & 1 of choice)

Transfer at the beginning
of the 10th Grade

6 Verified Credits
(2 English, 1 math, 1 history,
1 science & 1 of choice)

Transfer during 10th Grade

4 Verified Credits
(1 English, 1 math, 1 history,
& 1 science)

Transfer at the beginning
of the 11th Grade

4 Verified Credits
(1 English, 1 math, 1 history, & 1 science)

Transfer during 11th Grade

2 Verified Credits
(1 English & 1 of choice)

Transfer at the beginning
of the 12th Grade

2 Verified Credits
(1 English & 1 of choice)

Advanced Studies Diploma (24 standard units of credit)
Students must pass the following SOL's to secure Verified Credits for Graduation

Grade Level

SOL Graduation Requirements

9th Grade

9 Verified Credits
(2 English, 2 math, 2 history, 2 science & 1 of choice)

Transfer at the beginning
of the 10th Grade

9 Verified Credits
(2 English, 2 math, 2 history, 2 science & 1 of choice)

Transfer during 10th Grade

6 Verified Credits
(2 English, 1 math, 1 history, 1 science & 1 of choice)

Transfer at the beginning
of the 11th Grade

6 Verified Credits
(2 English, 1 math, 1 history, 1 science & 1 of choice)

Transfer during 11th Grade

4 Verified Credits
(1 English & 3 of choice)

Transfer at the beginning
of the 12th Grade

4 Verified Credits
(1 English & 3 of choice)

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Test Dates

For practice tests for the SAT and ACT click here.

*SAT Dates and Registration Deadlines*
Test Dates	Regular Registration Closes
October 1, 2011 *	September 9, 2011
November 5, 2011	October 7, 2011
December 3, 2011 *	November 8, 2011
January 28, 2012	December 30, 2011
March 10, 2012 *	February 10, 2012
May 5, 2012	April 6, 2012
June 2, 2012	May 8, 2012

* SAT given at Douglas Freeman
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*ACT Dates and Registration Deadlines*
Test dates	Regular Registration Closes
September 10, 2011 *	August 12, 2011
October 22, 2011 *	September 16, 2011
December 10, 2011	November 4, 2011
February 11, 2012	January 13, 2012
April 14, 2012	March 9, 2012
June 9, 2012 *	May 4, 2012

* ACT given at Douglas Freeman
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Applying to College

REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATION FROM YOUR COUNSELOR

PARENT RECOMMENDATION FORM

College Search

The College Application Process in 5 Easy Steps

1) Go to the school counseling office:

a) Pick up a “Request for a Transcript” card in the office, one for each college to which you will apply. Have these signed by a parent/guardian (if you are under 18).

b) Pick up one green colored “Request for a Recommendation Form Your Counselor” form, if your college requires a recommendation. Or better yet, go to the school’s webpage under the counseling department and download the form. When completed, e-mail the form to your counselor

2) Complete your college application (on-line is preferable). If you are completing a paper/pencil version, you are responsible for mailing it. If you are completing the application on-line, make sure you download and print the counselor page. It may be titled Secondary School report, Counselor Recommendation, etc. Most schools have a check list you can use to make sure all information has been filled out. Failing to turn in counselor pages will slow down your admission process.

3) Return the transcript request and the following items together:

a) the signed “Request for a Transcript” card and the attached list of senior classes.

b) the “Counselor School Report” from your application (if applicable)

c) the green “Request for a Recommendation from your Counselor” form or have completed it on line and dropped it in your counselor’s mailbox. (This only needs to be done once.)

d) $5.00 for each transcript request (the first 2 are free)

4) The counseling department handles thousands of transcript requests so there is a 2 week time frame whenever you ask for a transcript. Plan accordingly. If you are applying early decision, then your transcript request needs to be in by October 14, 2011; and if your deadline is January 1, 2012, then your transcript request needs to be in by December 1, 2011. Plan your request based on when your application is due. This is your responsibility!!!

5) Be sure to research the college’s testing requirements—SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT tests—and have those sent directly from College Board or ACT to your colleges. Use the correct school codes. Tests should be completed by the December test date.

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