School Counseling
Advisor Program
Students are given the opportunity to select a faculty member as their advisor. The advisor acts as a mentor/resource person who is able to provide the student with general information concerning the educational programs of the school.
Purpose:
- To improve faculty-student communication.
- To examine academic progress and provide help if needed in the case of deficiency.
- To assist the student in making realistic course selections based on ability, interests, and prerequisites.
- To further implement the philosophy of Serra Catholic High School.
When the situation warrants, the advisor will refer the student to appropriate sources for help or information.
Advisor meetings are regularly scheduled throughout the school year.
College Financial Aid
Applying for Financial Aid for College
FAFSA-on-the-web, is the preferred method to sumit an application. These applications are processed more quickly and with fewer mistakes. The website is FAFSA.ed.gov (or FAFSA.gov). Do not go to fafsa.com, a fee will be charged if you do. A FAFSA-on-the-web worksheet (FOTW) is available at FAFSA.ed.gov that can be used to gather all answers before going online to complete the actual form. The FAFSA is used to apply for federal student aid and to apply for most state and college aid.
Paper FAFSA - an applicant also has the option of completing a paper FAFSA instead of doing it online. A paper FAFSA can be obtained by calling 1-800-433-3243, or by downloading and printing one from the website at FAFSA.ed.gov.
FAFSA-on-the-Web worksheets are also available in the Guidance Office.
Students and at least one parent should secure a USDE Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use as an electronic signature when completing the FAFSA on-line. The website www.pin.ed.gov provides this service.
Types of College Loans
STAFFORD/DIRECT
- Variable low interest rate
- Subsidized - Interest starts after school
- Unsubsidized - Interest starts during school
- Repayment - starts 6 months after leaving school or attending less than half-time
PLUS LOANS
- For parents with variable low interest
- Repayment - starts within 60 days after last disbursement of loan
PERKINS
- Combined funds from government and school for extreme need
- Repayment - starts 9 months after leaving school or attending less than half-time
CONSOLIDATED LOANS
- Combine Federal loans with one vender
- Interest rate is the average of combined loans
- Lower monthly payments
PRIVATE/ALTERNATIVE LOANS
- For independent students and
- Parents of dependent students
SAT/ ACT Information
http://www.collegeboard.org/ (PSAT/NMSQT and SAT tests and College Application Information)
www.act.org (Select "The Test" for information regarding the ACT)
http://sat.collegeboard.org/home?affiliateId=nav&bannerId=h-satns (All about the SAT)
http://sat.collegeboard.org/scores/how-sat-is-scored (Describes SAT scoring)
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html (PSAT Test Preparation)
http://www.kaptest.com/ (Test Preparation Center)