Senior College & Career Newsletter

Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career

How to reach us?

For general questions and inquiries please email

Ms Ignaitis: tignaitis@seq.org

and/or

Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org

Please do not use the link at the bottom of this Newsletter to contact us

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

October 26- College, Career & Community Fair at Sequoia

October 31- Sequoia Awards Application Due - See Scholarship Section Below

Nov 3 - SR/LOR Form Due for Students Applying to Common App School Due AFTER Dec 15

Only based on volunteering , awards range from 5,000-10,000!

Tuesdays 4-5 PM

If you need help applying to college, please come to College Club every Tuesday from 4-5.

If you have a sport or job after-school, please come see us in the College and Career Center to make other arrangements.

Our goal is to get something done every week and we hope to see you there!

If you have questions, please come to College and Career Center

If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on August 30th

The grade-level presentation in English and Spanish ( without the recording) and handouts are available on the Sequoia College and Career webpage.

We want all families to complete this confidential meal application so that qualifying students can receive reduced cost bus passes, internet, prom tickets, grad night tickets, college application fees and IB testing registration. To complete the meal application, click here.

1) IB Course Drops are permitted starting August 23rd. Please contact or visit your assigned counselor to review the required form and process.

2) Edgenuity credit recovery lab will reopen on August 22nd at 4pm with Mr. Calles in Room B-8. The Edgenuity lab will be open weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4pm-6pm in Room B-8. Please contact your assigned counselor if you are not sure if you need to complete Edgenuity credit recovery.

You are not officially registered for a college visit at Sequoia unless you follow the steps below. Putting a school on your “Colleges I’m Applying To” or “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list does not automatically register you for an upcoming college visit. Also, a college may email you saying they are looking forward to seeing you at Sequoia when they visit but that is not an official registration.

University of Colorado Boulder

Mon October 23

8:30 AM

Sarah Lawrence College

Tue October 24

11:30 AM

Belmont University

Thu October 26

2:00 PM

Southern Oregon University

Fri October 27

10:30 AM

High Point University

Mon October 30

8:30 AM

Cal Poly

Mon October 30

9:00 AM

Grinnell College

Wed November 1

8:30 AM

University of Utah

Thu November 2

2:00 PM

Gonzaga University

Mon November 6

8:30 AM

Use these links and language found on each registration page to share our panel discussions:

• Nov. 7: Succeeding in College as a First-Generation Student

• Nov. 28: Preparing to Complete the FAFSA

Nov 16th

Cañada will be hosting a virtual Concurrent Enrollment workshop for SUHSD students on Thursday, Nov. 16th. Plan to attend this workshop if you are interested in signing up for a college class in the Spring.

Nov 17th

Drexel is offering a monthly series of online events designed to help guide students, families, and counselors through important steps of the college application process. Starting August 31st.

• Exploring Your Academic Interests - Nov 17

To register and get more information go to their website

Wednesday, November 1, from 6:00-7:15 p.m.

Redwood City Library (Community Room)

The students who attended my last session were enthusiastic about the idea of an open-ended Q&A for students to ask about applications and application essays/PIQs, public and private colleges, testing, extracurriculars, GPAs, financial aid and scholarships, rec letters, or anything else that’s on their mind. The emphasis of this session is to lower students’ stress level in relation to the college-application process.

The session is for high school seniors only, not students at other grade levels or parents.

Students who plan to attend must pre-register here.

The only transcripts that need to be requested AT THIS TIME are for OUT OF STATE public colleges and some Non Common App private colleges that do not require a school report or LOR

If you need a transcript sent AT THIS TIME, request on Naviance - Colleges I’m Applying To

*There is a five school day turn around for the Guidance Department to send transcripts.

You DO NOT REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS FOR:

1. UC/CSU - Not required with your application

2. ANY College Listed on your School Report/LOR Form- They will be sent automatically by your counselor with your school report

Always Check School’s Website - Example University of Washington

The Guidance Department is CANCELING all requests for Common App, UC and CSU at this time!

1. Sometimes the approved UC/CSU names are not the same name as is on your transcript

• History IB HL1 is the junior year course

• IB History of Americas HL2 is the senior year.

• If you are in a two-year course, look for HL1 for junior year and HL 2 for senior year.

• 
  

2. Select Course Type Dropdown

• If a class gets IB or Honor status IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY appear when you add the name of the class. If you have to add the course type for CSU, ALWAYS choose – none.

3. World Studies 1-2 - no grade first term then add your second semester grade

• Both the quarter of WS 1 and Life Skills are not A-G eligible

4. NEVER - Choose - I do not see my class or add a course on your own that you took at SHS

If you’ve taken any approved honors, Advanced Placement (AP), college, or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades, enter the number of honors course grades you have earned that are C or better. The maximum number of honors courses you can use is eight semesters. No more than two approved honors-level courses taken in the 10th grade may be given extra points. Do not enter any count for honors courses with a grade of D or below. Enter one for each semester of approved honors work up to a maximum count of eight.

There are some common classes that students cannot find when typing them in on the CSU Application:

- US History-P on your transcript is U.S. History on the CSU Application

- For Spanish courses, you need to put in Roman Numerals (Spanish I v Spanish 1)

Still stuck? Come by at lunch or sign-up for FLEX.

Maximizing use of the "Additional Comments" sections

Applicants can use the first additional comments box, following the “Academic History” section, to explain their course selection decisions, a circumstance that prevented the student from taking more rigorous courses, gaps in education, or a situation that affected their grades.

Common Errors

• Quarters and semesters for PE-Dance

• If you are an IB Diploma student, you are getting a High School Diploma

If you want your application reviewed by Ms. Ignaitis or Ms. Yeager, come by to make an appointment.

The UC Application is now open for the Fall 2024

Students can submit the application between Oct 1-Nov 30 2023

Sign-up for flex sessions to get support completing your application.

Every UC has great information and tips on completing the application - Check out UCSB page:

We offer helpful webinars on the UC application and Personal Insight Questions for both high school and transfer applicants. Visit our Virtual Admissions Events page for more information. Our UC Application Tutorial YouTube playlist also offers a step-by-step guide to each section of the UC application. We even have the UC Application Tutorial in Spanish!

Evaluation for California Residency

The UC Application will ask multiple questions about whether you attended and will graduate from a California high school. Additionally, you will be asked “Do you want to be evaluated for California residency for tuition purposes?” ANSWER YES TO THIS QUESTION IF YOU DON’T WANT TO PAY OUT OF STATE TUITION.

SSID # (State ID)

When the UC Application asks for SSID# they are asking for your State ID from the top left of your transcript.

DUE: Nov 3rd

Friday Nov 3rd is the deadline to meet with your counselor to sign-off on your completed SR/LOR Form - If you want a letter submitted by your counselor with your School Report and a teacher to write a LOR for a Dec 15th or later deadline.

Before you make the appointment with your counselor:

• Complete all the activities on the SR/LOR Form

• 
  

(IF you need a Letter of Recommendation for a Common App or Private College and DO NOT know how to access the form, contact your counselor immediately!)

For colleges that allow “Other Recommenders” you must do those requests in the Common Application, they do not go through Naviance. Other Recommenders can include a coach, community member, etc.

Common Application:

• How to Create a Common Application Account & Matching your Naviance Account (Includes FERPA Information)

• How to add Current High School Courses at Sequoia

• FROM COMMON APP WEBSITE: That is correct, only classes that award high school credit should be inputted in the "Current Classes" section. The student may elaborate on non-high school credit courses in the "Additional Information" prompt within the "Writing" section of the Common App tab.

• How to add in IB exams and Should I add my SAT or ACT tests here? If you add your SAT/ACT, you need to send them through College Board and/or ACT

• How to add in Courses & Grades on Common App (updated Sept 2022)

• FROM COMMON APP WEBSITE: When high school students simultaneously take college courses through a college or university, this is known as dual enrollment. For Courses & Grades, only courses receiving high school credit (i.e. appearing on your high school transcript) should be reported in this section. If you are not receiving high school credit for the course, you do not need to report this course in Courses & Grades.

• How to report a college concurrent enrollment course (updated Fall 2023)

• How to add a summer school or middle school math course (updated Sept 2022)

• How to request "Other Recommender" Letter on Common App and Naviance

• Should I apply Early Action/Early Decision (updated Fall 2023)

Located on school website under Departments, College & Career Center, FA!?How to Videos

For the Education – Grades Section of the Common Application

• Class Rank Reporting – Do not rank

• Graduating Class Size – 509

• GPA Scale – 4

• GPA Weighting – Weighted

• Guidance FAX – (650) 306-8893

• Graduation Date – June 7, 2024

• Your Official GPA- Overall weighted GPA - first one listed on your transcript

Updated scholarship list for OCTOBER and NOVEMBER deadlines is available on the College and Career page on the school website for all grades or in the outside bin at the College and Career Center

Must Complete Self Nomination Form by Tuesday, October 24th

The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. United States citizenship is not required.

The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of: Dependability: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality and being worthy of trust Service: cooperation, courtesy, and contributing to the welfare of others Leadership: personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others, and a decision-maker Patriotism: devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes. that make one’s community stronger, and appreciating the cultural and historic importance of America’s unique population

Important Process Below:

When you are researching colleges to apply to, check to see if they have scholarships and programs that require nominations.

For example, Davidson College has the Belk Scholarships which provides 8 full-ride scholarships to students who are selected. Also, Washington University in St. Louis has the Danforth Scholars Program that awards partial and full-tuition scholarships based on merit and does not consider need as part of the award process. Both of these examples require being nominated in order to apply.

After you research your colleges, if you find a scholarship or program you want to be nominated for, complete this form three weeks prior to the nomination deadline to be considered.

Due: Oct 31st

Grades: 9-12th

Audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence. Topic 2023 “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy? Go here for more information.

Deadline October 31st

Do you live in Redwood City and have you made an impact with your community service activities?

The Sequoia Awards provides scholarships to high school seniors who are outstanding community volunteers. To apply for a Sequoia Awards scholarship, you must: have performed voluntary community service; be a high school senior; and reside at a Redwood City mailing address. This includes unincorporated Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, Emerald Hills, and Redwood Shores. For application and more information visit their website here.

Deadline to submit an application and materials is October 31. Upload your transcript from Infinite Campus.

Due: Nov. 8

Good Tidings Foundation encourages and supports the growth of marginalized children in the Bay Area by creating spaces for athletics, artistic activities, education, and wonder.

Our purpose is to provide opportunities that otherwise would be unavailable to kids regardless of their financial status, ethnic origin, or religion. Our scholarships award high school seniors based on the greatest service and financial need. Go here to find out more.

DUE: Nov 16th

Criteria:

• Family Income up to 95K

• Academic ability and achievement: Strong academic record, academic awards and honors, and substantive assessments by educators providing confidential recommendations. We also look at:

• GPA (minimum of 3.5, unweighted)

• participation in available advanced courses

• commitment to learning

• intellectual curiosity

• Leadership: Considered a positive role model, takes initiative, and contributes meaningful service efforts to a community or social issue.

For more information, CLICK HERE

DUE: Nov 15th

Eligible Age: 14 Yrs or older

1) In 10 words or less, tell us why you deserve the $1,000 scholarship. Please write your answer below.

2) Before or After writing your Answer you will also need to "Like" our Facebook page at facebook.com/myscholarships. Note we will only read the answers provided by people that have "Liked" our page.

To Apply CLICK HERE

Grades: 10-12th

MONTHLY

Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps to plan for college. The sooner you start and the more steps you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win. Go here to learn more.

Due Nov 1

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives host a district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. For more information; Congressional App Challenge

Students can register as individuals or as teams of up to four.

Due: Nov 12th

This year’s theme: I am hopeful because…

Enter your artwork and reflect about its meaning to you in one of six categories.

1. Dance Choreography

2. Film Production

3. Literature

4. Music Composition

5. Photography

6. Visual Arts

7. Special Artist Division

All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement. Participation itself is a meaningful contribution to the Sequoia community! First-place finishers in each category enter the district competition, district winners move on to the state competition, and state winners move on to compete nationally.

Be sure to review the rules and category information on the Reflections page of the PTSA website.

DUE: Nov 15

Eligibility Grades: 10-12th Grade

Focus of the work is Photojournalism. Foundation will select 4 high school students for video work and 1 for still photography. For more information and details go to their website

Must be a US Citizen.

When: Saturday, October 28th

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon (PT)

Free Virtual Meeting

Attend this one-of-a-kind event to learn about cardiology as a career choice. Learn about the diversity in the cardiology workforce, hear from panelists about a week in the life of a woman in cardiology, participate in small group networking sessions, and resources to pursue cardiology as a career.

REGISTRATION LINK

AGENDA

Due: October 31st

Contact Mary Martinez to apply: mmartinez@redwoodcity.org

The South County Teen Leadership Council run through the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League offers high school students a free program that provides mentoring, travel conferences, field trips, leadership and organizes community service projects.

Weekly meetings are from 4-6pm in Redwood City

If you are interested, email, call or text Mason Lok

650 474-1394 mlok@smcgov.org

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

Can Apply All Year

All Grades

Rhizome, a nonprofit organization built by and for students, is offering a community service, leadership, and civic engagement opportunity through their Civic Service Fellowship. Their website includes info on how the Fellowship boosts mental health determinants, leadership skills, and community connectedness while making an impact and receiving service hours. Check it out if you’re interested in civics, service leadership, or learning how to make a genuine impact.

Nov 5th

Looking for volunteers for the upcoming Día de los Muertos event at the San Mateo County History Museum (2200 Broadway, Redwood City) on Sunday, November 5. Traditionally, this is our biggest event of the year with over 3,000 people anticipated in a 4-hour time span. Volunteers are needed to assist younger kids with craft activities. This year the craft activities include making a calavera or skull, crafting paper flowers and designing barriletes or kites. Volunteers are needed from 3:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. If necessary, we can split this into two shifts, but the second shift will have to allow extra time to find parking and get into the building.

Any interested students can contact me at education@historysmc.org by Thursday, November 2 at 5 p.m..

Project Read has some upcoming training for teens who would like to volunteer on

November 7

This is a great opportunity for SHS students to be matched with a younger student to tutor once or twice a week.

If interested contact:

Email - rclread@redwoodcity.org

Phone- 650 780-7077

For more information go to their website and scroll down to the Teen Volunteer Section.

(Flier in College and Career Center)

Must be 16yr+

Help families able to stay close to their sick children

Families with critically ill children are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. By helping us keep our programs running smoothly, hosting in-kind drives or fundraisers, and spreading the word, you make it possible for families to keep their focus on their children

Year long opportunities to volunteer

For more information, click here for their website

What is an FSA ID?

It is a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to access the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access certain information online.

Why do I need one, if I haven’t started the FAFSA Application?

Getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app cuts down on errors and delays.

Does my parent(s)/Guardian(s) need to get one too?

YES! If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically.

(It is ok if your parents/guardians do not have SSN but they have to wait until December)

Where do I go to get an FSA ID?

Get started here!

Need help

Watch this six minute video from the Department of Education on how to create a FSA ID account

Video para ayudar a crear una FSA ID en español

There are many changes coming to the 2024-2025 FAFSA this year, namely that it will not be available in October, as it has in previous years. The most up-to-date information that we have from Federal Student Aid states that the FAFSA will open in December 2023 — however, the FAFSA Simplification Act states that it can be open no later than January 1, 2024.

California Student Aid Commission has also extended the priority deadline for the Cal Grant to April 2.

More information to come next month

Full Article from Forbes

What Is Law Enforcement? Law enforcement encompasses agencies, officers and other individuals who enforce laws and regulations, ensure public safety and maintain order through the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system includes three subsystems: police, courts and corrections. Police work on the frontlines to enforce the law and promote community safety. Courts ensure anyone charged with a crime receives a fair trial and verdict. Corrections systems incarcerated individuals or place them on parole and rehabilitate those who have committed crimes.

Why Should You Get a Degree? Most law enforcement agencies mandate a high school diploma or GED certificate as the minimum requirement for hiring, per the minimum requirements set by their respective states. However, other agencies may require education above their state’s minimum requirement for certain positions. While not all law enforcement jobs require a college degree, there are advantages to earning a degree for your law enforcement career.

Better Pay. Nearly one-third of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. pay higher salaries to police officers with bachelor’s degrees.

Career Advancement Options: Earning a degree may qualify you for career advancement. A degree is common for individuals in CEO positions in law enforcement, such as chiefs and sheriffs. For example, about 32% of law enforcement CEOs have master’s degrees, around 28% have bachelor’s degrees and about 17% have high school educations, NPI reports.

Other Advantages: 61% of respondents perceive that college-educated officers are better report writers, and about 46% perceive that they are more adept at using technology. The majority of respondents believe that these perceptions provide genuine benefits.

There are many career pathways in law enforcement please click on the link above and read the full article.

Article Includes: Majors for Law Enforcement Professionals, Careers in Law Enforcement to Consider, Average Salaries, Job Opportunities based on Education Goals - From High School Diploma to a Masters Degree.

Must have license and be able to drive others.

We're looking for an after-school driver to pick up our 2 kids, firstly from Orion Elementary, and then Nesbit Elementary school, and then drop them off at home in the Hallmark neighborhood of Belmont. It'd be about an hour everyday, with first pickup at 2:40pm at Orion, except Thursday's pickup at 1:40pm. Contact angelabunner@gmail.com / 408-368-9943. If you want more hours and $, we're happy to have you help do writing homework help too! Thanks for your help!

Ages: 16 and older

City of San Carlos Parks and Recreation Department. is looking for part-time recreation leaders to oversee gym rentals and sporting events.

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

Flexible hours, Free Meals, Gain Work Experience

$21.00 hour

Apply at In-N-Out.com or

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

Footsteps Child Care, located in Belmont and Redwood Shores, is a not for profit organization that has been operating for almost 30 years. Next school year we will be providing after school programming for a large group of underserved students, TK to sixth grades and need to hire around 30 additional staff members. You must be either 18 years old or a high school graduate to work for us.

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

16 years and older

Will be here on campus Monday August 28th at lunch.

Super Soccer Stars is currently looking for Part-Time assistant and Lead Coaches in the Bay Area for their Fall season (Paid training available starting immediately).Current Openings: https://apply.workable.com/super-soccer-stars/j/52A1133161/

Minimum Age Requirement: 16yrs

Part-time work is available teaching group Piano Classes and Ukulele Classes at local elementary schools, as well as private lessons (in all instruments) in-person or online. Pay is $60/hour for group classes and $45/hour for private lessons. Please apply online at http://hummingbirdmusicschool.com/about

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

No Experience required, Entry level

Paid Minimum Wage

Looking for students with good math and reading skills who are available to work Tuesday and Fridays 3-7pm. If interested email at lihueiw@yahoo.com or text at 650-799-4099

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

Minimum Age Requirement: 16yrs

Duties: Filing, Telephones, Giving Appointments etc.

Timings: After School and Weekends

Contact: Walk-in Siva Cherukuri DDS 198 Arch St Redwood City (Across the street from Sequoia HS) or email: sivasch@hotmail.com

Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math!

Our starting salaries are $17.00-$19.00 depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.

If interested, please apply online

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

Students: visit the website for a number of How-To videos that Sequoia Counselors made for help with common application, scholarships and much more!

Oct 15-21, 2023 GENERAL 4YR: Getting Help FINANCIAL AID: Paying for College is a Family Affair

Oct 8-14, 2023 GENERAL 4YR: Does Submitting My Application Earlier Than The Due Date Give Me an Advantage? Depends on the Type of College FINANCIAL AID: Create a FSA ID

Oct 1-7, 2023 GENERAL 4YR: Research College Majors CSU: Application is NOW OPEN! CAREER: Careers in Engineering

Sept 24 -30, 2023 Updated Only Due to Off Campus Weeklong Conference

Sept 17-23, 2023 GENERAL FOUR YEAR INFO: Transcript Request Info, COMMON APP: Sequoia School Info for Education Tab, CAREER: Public Service Careers that Will Pay for Your College Degree

Sept 10-16, 2023 GENERAL 4YR Do you need the SR/LOR Form?, FINANCIAL AID: Changes to FAFSA/CAADA and FSA ID

Sept 3-9, 2023 GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE: Updating your resume with reflection CAREER: Careers in the Military

Aug 27-Sept 2, 2023 CSF, How and Why to Sign Up for a College Visit

August 20-26, 2023

When: Thursday, October 26

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Sequoia High School Multipurpose Room, 1201 Brewster Ave, Redwood City

Reserve a spot

The fair will feature presentations on different pathways to college (offered in English and Spanish), a college expo for families to meet with college and university representatives, local businesses and organizations to showcase various industries and potential career paths, and opportunities to connect with community organizations and learn about their initiatives, opportunities, and resources.