For Counselors

Using DSA as supplementary academic evidence

Help students choose the right subject, understand the score report, and present DSA appropriately in university applications.

How to Advise a Student

1. Start with the Major

Use the student's intended field as the anchor. A Concentration Subject should be recognizable to admissions readers as a major-level academic area.

2. Add Depth Selectively

DSA has a single subject model. Recommend subjects that strengthen a coherent academic story rather than creating a scattered profile; the student's 6-attempt registration can be used across related or unrelated subjects alike.

3. Time the Window

DSA is organized by quarterly windows. Counsel students to leave enough time for preparation, results, and application deadlines.

How to Present DSA

DSA should be presented as a supplementary academic credential. It does not replace SAT, ACT, AP, IB, A-Level, TOEFL, IELTS, or school transcripts.

Suggested wording: The student completed the Deep Scholastic Assessment in a concentration-level academic field. The score report provides subject-specific evidence of knowledge, academic thinking, and interest in the intended area of study.

View Sample Score Report
Sample DSA score report

Reading the Score Report

Concentration Subject

  • 90-minute online assessment
  • Single 0–120 subject score on one transparent blueprint
  • Raw Score and Consolidated Score when attempts apply
  • An unselected subject is never shown as a zero or missing result
  • Attempt history visible when a student has tested more than once

Need Help Advising a Student?

Contact DSA for subject-selection questions, score-report interpretation, or school advising support.

Contact DSA