Academics

College Planning & Registrar

College Planning

To receive assistance with college planning, please contact Erin Gabriel, College Coordinator. Dowling Catholic counselors are available to assist students with recommendations, applications, and transcripts.

Step 1: Preparation

The first step in preparing for college is to plan visits and complete the appropriate course work during high school. Parents and students should begin planning as early as freshman and sophomore year.

An in-person college visit is helpful for the student to determine the right fit. College tours, open houses and information sessions are available by contacting specific colleges. Please contact Erin Gabriel for assistance in planning your college visits. Representatives from several colleges also visit Dowling Catholic in the fall.

Step 2: Applying to Colleges

Students may begin applying to colleges following their junior year. It is important to visit college websites for detailed information on specific admissions requirements, deadlines and instructions regarding the application process. Please visit College Application Process for additional information.

Step 3: Paying for college Tuition

Your student may qualify for scholarships and/or federal or state loans and/or grants to assist with college tuition. It is important to apply early and track specific application deadlines.

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  • Important Notes

    • To send St. Louis University credits to colleges, you must contact SLU directly at 314.977.3142
    • To send AP Test results to colleges, please visit: APScores.CollegeBoard.org
    • For a duplicate copy of your CPR Card for a CPR course taken at Dowling Catholic High School, please contact: Vicki Steward at 515.273.0768
    • Five colleges, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska-Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, St. Louis University and the University of Wisconsin - Madison, require all ACT test scores to be received directly from ACT. They will NOT accept ACT test information from high schools. In order to send your ACT scores directly to a college, please visit ACT.
    • Dowling Catholic High School no longer provides class rank.
    • Learn more about Academic Awards & Honor Rolls (pdf)
    • Access the Dowling Catholic Grading Scale (pdf)

  • School Profile

    To learn more about Dowling Catholic, and everything it has to offer, you can view our school profile.

Transcripts

Dowling Catholic High School offers a secure website for former students and corporations to request transcripts and student records online. Current students should request their transcripts through Naviance Student. Unofficial copies of your student’s transcript may be printed from OnCampus. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Gabriel or Ms. Aina.

Alumni should visit Dowling Catholic High School Records Request to request transcripts.

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  • 61%

    went to a
    4-year public college

  • 23%

    went to a
    4-year private college

  • 12%

    went to a
    2-year college

  • 4%

    joined the military or workforce

College Choices of 2018 Graduates

Arizona State University
Augustana College
Ave Maria University
Aveda Institute of Des Moines
Benedictine College
Central College
Coe College
Colorado State University
Cornell College
Cornell University 
Creighton University
DePaul University
Des Moines Area Community College
Drake University
Florida Institute of Technology 
Folsom Lake College 
Grand View University
Grinnell College
Indian Hills Community College
Iowa Central Community College
Iowa State University
Iowa Wesleyan University
Iowa Western Community College
Kirkwood Community College
Liberty University
Loras College
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Miami University
Michigan State University
Minnesota State University--Mankato
Morningside College
Mount Mercy University
New York University
Northern State University 
Northwest Missouri State University
Purdue University
Saint Louis University
Simpson College
St. Ambrose University
St. Cloud State University
St. Olaf College
United States Naval Academy
University College Dublin, Dublin Ireland
University of Arizona
University of California, San Diego
University of Illinois, Champaign--Urbana
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
University of Missouri--Columbia
University of Nebraska--Omaha 
University of Northern Iowa
University of Notre Dame
University of South Dakota
University of Southern Mississippi
University of St. Thomas
University of Tampa
University of Wisconsin--Madison
Upper Iowa University
Villanova University
Wartburg College
Washington University 
Yale University

Dowling Catholic High School

1400 Buffalo Rd.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Main: 515-225-3000
Attendance: 515-222-1001
Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.