Welcome to the Office of Student Services at St. Mary Cathedral School.Our program focuses on the rapidly changing needs of adolescents and helping students balance these needs within the school setting.
Students may stop in the office at anytime during the day to request a meeting.Appointments are strongly suggested, but students’ immediate needs always take priority consideration.
SENIORS: It’s not too early to send in your college applications.The Office of Student Services is open all summer.
Graduation Requirements
St. Mary Cathedral School has specific requirements that need to be met in order for students to graduate and receive a diploma. All scheduled classes must be passed in order to graduate. A four-year high school plan will be completed in the spring of each student's 8th grade year!
Students interested in online enrichment courses or courses not offered at St. Mary can look at options offered at Michigan Virtual High School.
Do not register for a course and expect to receive credit for it until you have had it approved by Mrs. Torsky.
Potential college athletes may need to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in order to participate in athletics at the collegiate level. Registration should take place at the end of the student’s junior year or after the completion of six semesters of high school. Athletes should be in constant communication with their coaches and the athletic director during the recruiting process.
Register online or print out the application and register via mail. If registering via mail: Provide a 9” x 12” mailing envelope with two stamps and address it to NCAA Clearinghouse. Bring the packet to Mrs. Torsky who will review and mail it for you. NCAA Clearinghouse will need official test scores. You can order them online at: ACT scores and SAT scores.
Michigan Merit Curriculum
High school graduation requirements guidelines set forth by the State of Michigan:
▪Sixteen mandatory credits, which are aligned with recommended college and work ready curricula. ▪Four credits in English language arts (ELA)
▪Four credits in math, including Geometry, Algebra I & Algebra II At least one math course must be taken during the student’s senior year ▪Three credits in science, with the use of labs, including biology and chemistry or physics ▪Three credits in social sciences including US History & Geography, World History & Geography, Civics and Economics ▪One credit in Visual, Performing & Applied Arts ▪One credit in Physical Education & Health ▪An online learning experience
▪Two credits in a language other than English
St. Mary graduation requirements currently exceed the State of Michigan graduation requirements. Check out the “What’s New” section on the Michigan Department of Education’s website. It is updated frequently.
Here are some links that can help students do everything from narrow down their college search to choose a major and plan a career. Visit these sites often!
MyMajors.com provides useful advice on college majors and minors. Students take a short quiz and receive five possible majors that match their interests
This simple guide from the State of Minnesota helps students answer the questions “What do I want to do?” and “How do I get there?” while also planning a career path.
Planning for College 9th & 10th Grades
Work hard! Most colleges will be reviewing your grades in 9th, 10th and 11th grades when making an admission decision.Develop good study habits.As a 9th grader, you should aim for at least an hour of study each weeknight.As a 10th grader, you should aim for two hours of study each weeknight.
Start compiling a notebook as you research colleges. Keep track of what you like, what you don’t like, and what information you still need.
Visit colleges that most interest you.Talk to current students or alumni to get a real idea of what college is all about.
During the summer months, participate in meaningful activities - such as workshops, community programs and enrichment programs – both for personal fulfillment and for achievement you can include on college applications.Volunteer your time as well.
11th Grade
Maintain your good grades. This year is especially important. Take a majority of academic courses such as English, math, science, social studies and a foreign language.
In the fall, plan to take the PSAT and in March you will take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME), which includes the ACT. If you aren’t satisfied with your ACT score, you can test again in the fall. Make sure to register to take the ACT plus WRITING.
Narrow down your potential college list to three to five options.Start a comparison worksheet and visit as many on your list as you can. It’s difficult to judge “the feel” of an institution unless you’ve been on campus.
Consider establishing an email account that you only use for college and scholarship searching.You will get a lot of mail!
12th Grade
Keep your grades up! Many schools review final grades and may rescind an offer of admission if senior year grades slip.
Take a minimum of four academic courses such as English, math, science, social studies and a foreign language, per semester.
Retake the ACT if you are still unsatisfied with your score.
Apply for admission to the three to five colleges or universities that interest you by OCTOBER of your senior year. Check college websites and brochures for specific application deadlines.
Complete the FAFSA online as soon after January 1 as possible to apply for need-based financial aid for the following academic year.
Testing
St. Mary high school students take several standardized tests throughout the year.Here is a brief description of a few.
The ACT is offered in March to juniors and qualifying seniors, at no charge, as a part of the MME (Michigan Merit Exam). Students can retake the ACT at their own cost if they are unsatisfied with their score. Tests are offered at various sites throughout the year. Make sure your student registers to take the ACT plus WRITING. Watch for registration deadlines. Test Prep and Registration.
The MME replaces the MEAP test for high school juniors and qualifying seniors. It is offered in March over a period of three days and includes the ACT, a WorkKeys assessment, and certain Michigan assessments. Taking the MME will ensure that your student has the chance to earn the $4000 Michigan Promise Scholarship that can be used for college or technical and trade schools. More information about the MME.
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.The PSAT/NMSQT Measures: Critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills & writing skills. Juniors take this test in October.
PLAN includes four multiple-choice tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science. As a practice for the ACT, the PLAN can show students areas where they might need extra preparation before they take the ACT. The PLAN also includes an interest survey that can help students clarify their educational goals and plan for college or work. Sophomores take this test in October.
More Helpful Links
Michigan College Guide: Compare tuition rates at colleges and universities in the State of Michigan. You can also search Michigan schools by geographic area and major.
College & University Rankings: 2008 US News College and University Rankings. Check out Liberal Arts colleges, engineering programs and many more.
Peterson's Planner: Petersons offers college search options, help in choosing a major and tips on college admissions.
MyMajors.com provides useful advice on college majors and minors. Students take a short quiz and receive five possible majors that match their interests and educational experiences.
Queendom.com offers a variety of personality, intelligence and health tests. It provides users with an avenue for self-exploration with a healthy dose of fun!
MNCareers at iSeek is a simple guide from the State of Minnesota helps students answer the questions, "What do I want to do?" and "How do I get there?" while planning a career path.
College Application Process
General Information
Apply online whenever possible. It’s easier to track your progress through the admissions department.
Keep track of deadlines. Aim to have your applications completed by October 31.
Watch the announcements and bulletin boards for college visits, open houses and scholarship opportunities.
Please allow two days for your transcript request to be processed and three school days for paper applications to be reviewed.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point! Take every opportunity to highlight your leadership skills and your accomplishments on your applications.
Online Applications
Print “High School Counselor” Section.
If you decide not to pay online, write a check payable to the college.
Attach essay and recommendations if you do not submit them online.
Provide 9” x 12” envelope with two stamps and ad address it to the college. Bring the packet to Mrs. Torsky who will enclose your transcripts and mail your application.
Go to ACT and SAT to have official test scores sent to your college if needed.
Paper Applications
Fill out application completely. Type or print neatly in black ink.
Attach application fee, write a check payable to the college.
Attach essay and recommendations.
Provide 9” x 12” envelope with two stamps and ad address it to the college. Bring the packet to Mrs. Torsky who will enclose your transcripts and mail your application.
Go to ACT and SAT to have official test scores sent to your college if needed.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
FAFSA Online (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):Completing the FAFSA online is strongly recommended.
Michigan Nursing Scholarship:Non-need based scholarship for students enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution in a program leading to a LPN, AND, BSN or MSN. Students are selected for this scholarship by their college or university financial aid office. Don’t forget to ask about it when you meet with your financial aid officer!
Scholarship Search Websites Beware of scams! Do not give out personal banking information. Some recommended sites are:
Families should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online as soon as possible, following January 1. Local Scholarship information will be updated as applications are received in the Office of Student Services. Check back frequently and watch the daily announcements for updates!
Local Scholarships & Deadlines
Ancient Order of Hibernians - April 5 Bishops Christian Service - April 5 Amer. Assn. of Univ. Women - April 13 Amer. Business Women Assn. - April 13 Crawford/Otsego MSU Alumni - April 13 Culinary Arts - April 15 Donald Skop Memorial - April 15 Edelweiss Garden Club - April 15 Farm Bureau - April 15