Admissions

Get Ready for College

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Classes start on July 7, 2025

Whether you know exactly where you're heading, or you're still planning your next steps, it all starts with a simple conversation. Let’s talk.

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Information for High School Applicants

Making the move from high school to college is a huge undertaking, and you probably have dozens of questions about what college life and classes are like and what it costs to attend. At DeVry University, we offer programs to help you get ready for college with available college courses and class sit-ins so you know what’s expected before you graduate from high school. We also offer flexible financing options.

Whether you're preparing to tackle admissions tests or looking to earn college credit while you’re still in high school, DeVry has practical resources to help you.

Helping You Transition from High School to College

Passport2College

Available to qualifying high school juniors and seniors, DeVry’s Passport2College offers a summer class in one of the core disciplines of business, psychology, math, or English at no tuition cost. Get a feel for college-level instruction and student interaction while getting a head start.

Advantage Academy

Available to qualified high school students, this no-cost program enables you to take college courses—and earn college credit —while still in high school. 

Learn more for Chicago Public School students and Georgia students in Decatur or DeKalb Counties.

Crash A Class

If you’re wondering what college is really like, our Crash A Class program offers you the chance to experience our university firsthand. Sit in on a live class at a campus near you, or explore our digital learning platform through a sample online course. Contact our Admissions Team to get started.

StartNow

If you are a high school senior and meet admission criteria, StartNow helps you jump on the fast track by enrolling in conveniently scheduled college-level courses while you finish your last year of high school. Learn more when you contact our Admissions Team.

Afford a Better Future

When it comes to tuition and expenses, you might have questions about where to start. Our Student Finance team is here to help. From applying for Financial Aid to exploring your scholarship and grant options, they can answer any questions you might have and help guide you along the way.

Better Future
Better Future

The SAT and ACT Exams

The SAT and ACT are the most popular college admission tests. The scores you receive can be a critical part of your admissions application, so it’s important to understand and prepare for these exams.

What's the difference between the SAT and ACT?

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) helps colleges see how much you’ve learned and how well you will perform. It measures critical reading, writing and math skills, with a highest composite score of 2400.

The ACT (American College Testing) measures how well you’ve mastered your high school curriculum. It not only assesses how much you know, but how well you reason. It measures content-based knowledge of English, math, reading and science reasoning, with a highest composite score of 36.

How should I prepare?

Unlike some of the tests you've taken in high school, you can't cram for the SAT and the ACT. Both tests measure what you've learned over the course of many years. If you've been paying attention and keeping up with your schoolwork, you should have a good base of knowledge for these exams. Consider completing the practice tests offered by the exam providers or see if your high school offers SAT or ACT prep classes. You'll get an idea of the types of questions you'll be asked as well as how many questions you'll have to answer. And try not to stress—each test can be taken multiple times to improve your score.

Typical College Interview Questions

Colleges typically conduct an interview to learn how your interests, abilities and goals align with their programs.

  • Tell me a little bit about yourself—your level of education, work experience, hobbies and interests. 

  • In your life, what experiences have been most important to you?

  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

  • Describe a challenge you've had and how you overcame it.

  • What would your high school teachers say is your greatest strength and weakness both as an individual and as a student?

  • Which high school courses did you enjoy the most? Which were the most challenging?

  • Describe your favorite teacher.

  • What personal traits would you like to see yourself build in the next four years?

  • Why do you want to attend this college/university? What interests you the most about this school? 

  • What is your career goal and how do you believe a degree from this college can help you achieve that goal?

  • What other colleges are you considering?

  • What questions do you have for the interviewer?

College Interview Tips

Do Your Homework

Research the school ahead of time so you can learn about their degree programs, online or campus experience, scholarship offerings and more. This shows the interviewer that you are interested in what the university offers and why you’re a great fit for the school.

Brag a Little

Talk about what you've achieved during high school, whether academic, athletic, social or personal. We recommend bringing notes so you don’t forget anything important, and be sure to give examples whenever possible.

Be Ready to Turn the Tables

Be sure to ask your interviewer a few questions, too. These can include questions about the university, its students, the learning experience, campus life and more. This demonstrates initiative and curiosity, showing that you're here to see if your skills and interests match up with the college's offerings.

Get Some Rest

This may be common sense, but arriving prepared and well-rested will ensure that you put your best foot forward for the interview.

Breathe and Smile

Arrive a few minutes early to read over your notes and accomplishments. Take a minute to reflect on all that you've done and everything you've achieved to get to this point. Then take a couple deep breaths and don't forget to smile—this is your opportunity to shine.