College Planning Events: 2026–2027
Common App Workshop with Solution Prep
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Catholic Cafeteria
Who Should Attend: Seniors and their parents/guardians
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help seniors and their families navigate the college application process with greater confidence.
During this two-hour session, students and parents/guardians will receive guidance on:
- Getting started with the Common Application
- Creating and completing a student profile
- Understanding application plans, deadlines, and important dates
- Building and managing a college list
- Identifying supplemental essays and additional application requirements
- Preparing applications for submission
Students will actively begin working on their Common App during the session, while parents and guardians will gain a better understanding of the process, key deadlines, and how they can support their student along the way.
Students should bring a laptop and are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian.
College Essay Workshops with Mrs. Mulvaney
Senior College Essay Workshop led by Mrs. Mulvaney, where you'll receive expert guidance to brainstorm, write, and refine your college essays with guidance and support from Mrs. Mulvaney. Students should bring a laptop.
Dates: September 8th, September 9th and September 10th
🕠 Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: DCHS - Room 405A
💲 Cost: $175 per studentRegistration: Students must register in advance to participate.Payment can be made by check (payable to DCHS Attn: Advancement Department), online, or submitted on the first night of the workshop.
Please complete the form below to register. For questions, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
College Admissions Roadmap with Solution Prep September 29, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Location: Donovan Catholic Cafeteria
Who Should Attend: Students in Grades 9–12 and their parents/guardians
College planning begins well before senior year. This informative session is designed to help Donovan Catholic students and families understand the college admissions process and what they can be doing throughout each year of high school to prepare.
During the evening, students and parents/guardians will receive practical guidance on:
- Academic preparation and building a strong high school record
- Researching colleges and identifying the right fit
- Understanding standardized testing and admissions requirements
- Planning for important application timelines and deadlines
- Making the most of college visits and campus experiences
- Understanding what students should prioritize during freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year
The presentation will provide families with a clearer understanding of the road ahead and actionable steps to make the college planning process feel more manageable.
The evening will conclude with an opportunity for students and parents/guardians to ask questions.
Financial Aid Night with Solution Prep
OCTOBER 21, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Catholic Cafeteria
Who Should Attend: Parents/guardians of students in Grades 9–12
Paying for college can be one of the biggest questions families face during the college planning process. This informative session is designed to help Donovan Catholic parents and guardians better understand financial aid, college costs, and the resources available to make higher education more affordable.
During the evening, families will receive practical guidance on:
- Understanding common financial aid terminology
- Navigating the FAFSA process and important deadlines
- Exploring scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of assistance
- Understanding the true cost of college and financial aid offers
- Identifying scholarship opportunities and available resources
- Planning ahead for future college expenses
- Making informed financial decisions as a family
Whether your student is a freshman just beginning the college planning journey or a senior preparing to apply for financial aid, this session will provide valuable information to help your family plan with greater confidence.
The evening will conclude with an opportunity for parents and guardians to ask questions.
FAFSA Support Session with Solution Prep
OCTOBER 24, 2026
Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Catholic Cafeteria
Who Should Attend: Grade 12 students and their parents/guardians
Registration: Required | Limited to 100 participants
Completing the FAFSA is an important step in the college financial aid process, and families don’t have to navigate it alone. This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for Donovan Catholic seniors and their parents/guardians to work through the FAFSA with guidance and support from Solutions Prep.
During this two-hour session, families will:
- Work through the FAFSA step by step
- Receive assistance understanding questions and required information
- Learn which financial documents and information are needed
- Get guidance on common FAFSA questions and areas of confusion
- Work toward completing and submitting the FAFSA
Unlike an informational presentation, this is a working session, so families should come prepared to actively complete their FAFSA.
Please bring a laptop and all required financial information and documentation. Registration is required.
Negotiating With Colleges with Solution Prep
Tuesday, February 16, 2027
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Catholic Cafeteria
Who Should Attend: Students in Grades 11 and 12 and their parents/guardians
Receiving a college acceptance is exciting, but understanding the financial aid offer that comes with it can be overwhelming. This session is designed to help Donovan Catholic students and families look beyond the initial numbers, understand what a college will truly cost, and make informed financial decisions.
During the evening, families will learn how to:
- Read and understand college financial aid award letters
- Compare financial aid packages from different colleges
- Determine the true out-of-pocket cost of each college option
- Understand the differences between scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of aid
- Identify opportunities to request additional scholarships or financial assistance
- Recognize important details that may not be immediately clear in an award letter
- Communicate effectively with college financial aid offices about offers, questions, and additional aid opportunities
Using practical examples, families will gain strategies for evaluating college offers side by side and approaching financial aid conversations with greater confidence.
The evening will conclude with an opportunity for students and parents/guardians to ask questions.