Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What courses should I take?
2. What should I do if I want to change a course?
3. To whom should I go to if I am having academic problems?
4. To whom should I speak with if I am having problems adjusting to high school?
5. What should I do if I miss school because of illness?
6. Where do I begin to find information about colleges?
7. When should I start researching available scholarships for college?
8. What is the difference between financial aid and scholarships?

What courses should I take?

After fulfilling the basic requirements for graduation from Mother Seton, 
which you will find in the Parent-Student Handbook, you should see what 
courses the colleges you are interested in attending want you to take.  
Colleges want you to challenge yourself and take the most demanding schedule 
of which you are capable.

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What should I do if I want to change a course?

This should not be considered lightly or just because you find you have to 
work a little harder than last year. Remember that colleges like to see you 
challenge yourself. Once you have signed up to take a course we schedule all 
others around it. If you have spoken to your teacher and he/she agrees that 
you do not belong in that class you should then go and see your Guidance 
Counselor. If agreed upon, you would then need to talk to Sister Jacqueline 
for final approval.

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To whom should I go to if I am having academic problems?

You should first talk to your teacher directly. You may then come and speak 
to your Guidance Counselor.  We are all here to help you.  Teachers are 
available regularly before and/or after school for extra help.  In addition, 
for math, Sister Michelle (Room 133) can arrange for a peer tutor.  Don't 
wait until it's too late.  The key is to seek help as soon as you realize 
you're having even a little trouble.

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To whom should I speak with if I am having problems adjusting to high school?

Please come to the Guidance Department as soon as you think you might be 
having any difficulty adjusting to high school. One of the reasons we are 
here is help you in any way we can, both academically and socially.  
However, we need to be made aware if you're having problems. Mrs. Henderson  
will meet with you beginning in October to touch base with you see how 
things are going.  Mrs. Swenson and Mrs. Ruiz will meet with you again later 
in the year.

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What should I do if I miss school because of illness?

Please call the school nurse, Mrs. Ripka, if you will not be in school. 
Please don't forget to bring a note when you return explaining any absence. 
Then you should call another student who takes the same classes you do to 
get the homework assignments or you can visit your teacher's website. If you 
need books, you can either ask a friend to bring them home to you or call 
Mrs. Paz in the Guidance Office to make arrangements.  Please be sure you 
do this as early in the day as possible.

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Where do I begin to find information about colleges?

The Guidance Office has a catalogue room with brochures from many colleges.  
You can borrow any of them by signing them out with Mrs. Paz. Colleges 
can also be found by visiting their websites. In general, this can be done 
by typing in the name of the college or its acronym followed by .edu, or by 
visiting College Board's website (Click on Links on our Homepage). You can 
also get information the old-fashioned way by writing or telephoning the 
college directly.

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When should I start researching available scholarships for college?

As soon as possible! It takes a great deal of time in your local library 
and/or online to find scholarships for which you may qualify, as there are 
thousands of them.  Starting early is a good way to assure yourself of as 
much of the available money as possible. The Guidance Department posts any 
scholarship information we receive on the wall opposite our office. In 
addition, you can click on Scholarships, Etc. on this website. Please be 
aware that it takes a great deal of time to do all the research concerning 
available monies. Our 2004 graduates received over $3.6M in scholarship 
monies. I challenge your class to see if you can match that figure, or 
surpass it.

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What is the difference between financial aid and scholarships?

Financial aid is need-based (dependent on family income) and scholarships 
are merit-based.  Merit pertains to grades, athleticism, community 
involvement, or any number of other categories.  Most financial aid will be 
received directly from the college you attend, so introduce yourself to the 
school's financial aid office early in the search process.

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