College & Career Newsletter
Week of October 8-14, 2023
Welcome Students & Families
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
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
October 12 - Freshman College Day and Junior PSAT (more info below)
October 17 - Freshman Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting
College Day 2023 for Sequoia Freshmen
The goal of College Day for Sequoia Freshmen is that every freshman gets the opportunity to see themselves on a college campus!
- Students should plan to be in Gym 1 by 8:15am.
- Please wear comfortable clothes/shoes and bring a water bottle.
- Lunch will be provided for all students
- College assignments will be posted outside Gym 1 on the morning of the 12th.
There will be no regular classes on Oct 12th (no work needs to be made up)
Turn in permission slip to College and Career Center or Complete the permission slip today online
PSAT Information - Students Must Use a SHS Issued Chromebook to Take the Exam on Oct 12th
Sequoia will be administering the DIGITAL PSAT to our juniors on Oct 12th from 830-12:00
This is a new format.
Students must use their Sequoia Issued Chromebook
The Digital PSAT uses the Bluebook app and it has been installed on ALL school issued Chromebooks.
Room Assignments
The administration will email students on Wednesday
What to Bring:
Pen or pencil
Calculator (there is also a calculator on the Bluebook App)
Optional: Water and a Snack
Students will not have brunch - they are given a 10 minute stretch break within the classroom
If you do not have a WORKING school issued Chromebook, you will need to get one. COMPLETE THIS FORM NOW - Students only using their seq.org email
Annual Grade Level IB/4 Year College Bound Meetings
Freshman: Tuesday, October 17th @ 7pm in Carrington
The annual college/IB/ICAP meetings are specifically focused on the requirements, deadlines of the IB Diploma, the IB/ICAP program, and the college application process for attending a four-year college. Ms. Nino-Sears (IB Coordinator) and Ms. Ignaitis/Ms Yeager (College/Career Counselors) present specific information and a different focus for each grade.
Meetings are for students and parents.
All GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS will be:
- Presented in person (English speaking in Carrington Hall)
Presented separately for Spanish speaking parents/guardians in the MPR
SLIDES will be Posted on the SHS College and Career website
Links will be available in the Weekly Newsletter
Missed the Grade Level College/IB Meeting
JUNIORS If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on Sept 12th
SOPHOMORES If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on Sept 26th
The grade-level presentation in English and Spanish ( without the recording) and handouts are available on the Sequoia College and Career webpage.
Complete the 2023-2024 Meal Application
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.
Cañada Concurrent Enrollment Workshop
College Visit Sign-Ups Reminder
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.
SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE VISITS
Haverford College
Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:00 AM
DePaul University
Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:30 AM
Elon University
Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:30 AM
Dickinson College
Fri Oct 13, 2023 7:30 AM
Oberlin College
Fri Oct 13, 2023 8:00 AM
Menlo College
Fri Oct 13, 2023 8:30 AM
Claremont McKenna College
Mon Oct 16, 2023 9:30 AM
Chapman University
Mon Oct 16, 2023 10:30 AM
Loyola Marymount University
Tue Oct 17, 2023 8:00 AM
California State University-Chico
Tue Oct 17, 2023 9:30 AM
University of California-San Diego
Tue Oct 17, 2023 10:30 AM
University of San Diego
Tue Oct 17, 2023 11:30 AM
University of San Francisco
Tue Oct 17, 2023 2:00 PM
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS
Palo Alto College Fair
You are invited to attend the 25th annual Palo Alto College Fair hosted by Henry M Gunn HS. Although right after homecoming, don’t miss the opportunity to meet and ask questions with college representatives from all over the US and some international institutions as well. On Monday, October 9th, 2023 start time is at 5:45 pm-7:30 pm hosted at Gunn High School in Bow Gym. If you have questions for an admission rep, and are still looking for what to do next, this may be just the event to spark interest. Note: Oct 9 is a school holiday for students, so be sure to get this event on your calendar. We suggest students review the Big Future College Fair Checklist to make the most of this event.
Students Register Here: We’ve partnered with StriveScan to make it easy for students to exchange information with college representatives. Select “10/9/2023 - Palo Alto College Fair @ Gunn High School” in the event list. There is a Participating Colleges list to review.
Harvard, Princeton, the University of Virginia, Wellesley, and Yale would like to spend some time with you.
Oct 15th
You know our names, but find out more at our evening programs. Don't miss your opportunity to hear admissions officers from all five schools discuss the variety of opportunities one can find at our institutions. Learn about scholarships and our generous need-based financial aid offerings.
We are committed to making education at our schools affordable, accessible, and unforgettable. Please RSVP HEREDrexel University Application Workshop Series
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.
Crafting Your Portfolio for College Success - Oct 20
Exploring Your Academic Interests - Nov 17
COLLEGE TIP OF THE WEEK
Pros and Cons of Out-of-State Colleges
Adapted from the College Foundation of North Carolina
Pros of Out-of-State Colleges
Public colleges and universities are meant to benefit students in the same state since they are supported by state tax dollars. That’s why, in general, it costs more for students to attend an out-of-state college. However, there are other benefits that may entice students to leave their home state.
1) Specialized Programs/ Honors Colleges
If you have a specific major in mind already, certain schools may offer different programs than the ones available in your state. Every school in the country has something special and unique to offer its students. There may be schools with specialized programs in your specific area of study in other states. Most out-of-state public universities have honors colleges that make a large public university feel like a small liberal arts college.
2) Independence
Do you yearn to spread your wings and fly? Attending a school in another state is a great way to exert your independence. Yes, there are benefits to being able to drive home on the weekend (and fuel up on homemade food and free laundry). However, living far from home forces you to depend on yourself.
3) New Friends
If you go to an in-state school, you’ll likely run into other students who attended your high school. Do you want a fresh start? Do you want a chance to make new friends? Attending an out-of-state school gives you an opportunity to meet new people from other parts of the country. You’ll meet students you would not have the chance to meet otherwise.
4) Career Opportunities
Just as certain schools may offer better programs in your specialty, your college’s location may have more career opportunities for you upon graduation. Companies often grow in and around areas that have a big pool of graduates ready to work in their industries. Do you want to be one of those graduates?
5) Different Environment
Maybe you grew up in a rural area and want to give the big city a try, so you want to find a campus in a large metropolitan area. Or perhaps, you love to ski but live in a southern beach town. A different environment in another state may simply pull at your heartstrings, and there is nothing wrong with exploring that desire.
6) New Cultural Experiences
If you want to be exposed to unique cultures or more diversity, you may want to consider an out-of-state school. Different parts of the country attract different crowds, and a new area can open the door to new cultural experiences for you.
Cons of Out-of-State Schools
While scholarships may be able to make out-of-state schools more affordable, there is no denying this is a more expensive option for most students. And, as a young adult taking your first steps out into the real world, sometimes being closer to home may feel more comfortable.
1) Cost of Tuition
Public schools are less expensive to in-state students because these institutions are funded by the states — and the taxpayers who live in them. Out-of-state students are welcome, but in some cases, it’s more difficult and more expensive for them to attend for this reason.
2) Distance From Home
On top of extra tuition, keep in mind the cost to travel to and from home. Whether you need to buy a plane ticket or several tanks of gas, the farther away you are from home, the more expensive it will be to visit. If you get homesick, which is not uncommon, you may want to make it easier to visit your family.
3) Missing Out on Exploring Your Home State
No matter what part of California you live in, you’ve probably never had the chance to explore the whole state and experience the different regions.
Davis Women in Business Fall '23 High School Outreach Program
Due: October 17th
The goal for this program is to provide high school students with knowledge and skills on how to succeed in both college and the professional world. Students will have the opportunity to hear from our organization's members and alumni as well as the personal experiences of current college students.
We will host 2 workshops over the course of two weeks via Zoom that are focused around the topic of college. This program is open to any high school student that is interested and this is a completely free opportunity.
Workshop Dates:
Wednesday October 18th 6:15-7 pm PST: College Applications + College Life
Wednesday October 25th 6:15-7 pm PST: College Essay Tips
Registration closes on Tuesday, October 17th at 5:00 pm.
South County Teen Leadership Council - A Great Way to Get Involved in Community Service and Leadership Opportunities
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.
Civil Service Fellowship
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.
Foundation for a College Education (9-11th grade)
Pick up a flier in the College & Career Center.
Rebuilding Together Peninsula: Volunteers Needed
Saturday 10/14 8am-4pm
Sunday 10/15 9am-3pm
Breakfast & lunch will be provided.
To volunteer, E-mail or Call: Angie Ramos - 408-825-3817 aramos4408@gmail.com
Project Read - Redwood City Library Volunteer Opportunity
Project Read has some upcoming training for teens who would like to volunteer on
October 10
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)
Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area
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
Girls That Code - Online Activities
They “release activities bi-weekly— some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.” Click here for more information
Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers, 16 years old and older, to help at our construction site in Daly City. If you are curious about Habitat and how you can get involved, we are holding informational sessions to provide a glimpse of our work. In these sessions, you can also expect to hear about the Covid-19 protocols currently in place to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Click Here for more information on how to volunteer
Updated Scholarship List
Interested in Studying Space Science? Scholarship for Juniors and Seniors Facing Financial Hardship and/or Challenging Cultural Circumstances
Application Due: Oct 8th
Applications are open for the The American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Inspiration Scholarship. The scholarship hopes to inspire students to explore space biology.
Voice of Democracy Scholarship
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.Congressional App Challenge
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.
Sequoia High School PTSA: 2023-2024 Reflections VPA Contest Information
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.
Dance Choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
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.
Big Futures Scholarship, College Board
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.
Careers in Engineering from LINK for Counselors
Engineering is a broad and exciting field with many different areas of specialization. For students with an interest in STEM, becoming familiar with their engineering options can go a long way. This being the case, it can help someone in your position to have a rough understanding of some of the main types of engineers.
Some popular engineering roles include:
Chemical engineers: These professionals utilize their expertise to help create and manufacture a wide array of products, such as asphalt and gasoline. This is a role perfect for students with an interest in chemistry and manufacturing.
Civil engineers: These engineers are tasked with aiding in the designing and building of infrastructures, such as bridges. If a student has an interest in some STEM subjects and the field of architecture, this could be a perfect role to pursue.
Mechanical engineer: These professionals play a key role in the creation and innovation of products ranging from robotics to car engines. Students with an interest in building and fixing devices have an opportunity to pursue their passion by becoming mechanical engineers.
Beyond these particular roles, engineering students can specialize in roles such as aerospace engineer and production engineer. Given the many different professional avenues in engineering, it’s vital you’re able to explain to students interested in STEM their many varying options they have.
Paying for College is a Family Affair and Here’s How It Works
From NACAC
THE SAD FACT is many students who earn admission to college never go because they do not complete the financial aid process.
THE GOOD NEWS is there are lots of ways to pay for college and lots of information and help are available to students who need financial aid assistance.
FACTS WORTH NOTING:
THE EARLIER YOU BEGIN TO THINK ABOUT PAYING FOR COLLEGE THE BETTER.
MONEY IS AVAILABLE TO ALMOST EVERY STUDENT WHO ATTENDS COLLEGE.
NO ONE GETS FINANCIAL AID BY WISHING! YOU NEED TO APPLY AND FOLLOW THROUGH.
EVEN THE MOST AMBITIOUS STUDENT WILL NEED ASSISTANCE FROM THE ADULTS IN THE HOUSEHOLD IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION PROCESS.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE TO HELP YOU APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID! BEWARE OF ANYONE WHO OFFERS A SERVICE FOR A FEE.
OFTEN THE MOST EXPENSIVE COLLEGES HAVE THE “DEEPEST POCKETS” AND CAN HELP THE VERY NEEDIEST STUDENTS MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE.
In a perfect world, families begin planning for college finances when their children are still in grade school. But we all know this is NOT a perfect world. So—the time for you to start thinking about paying for college is TODAY.
City of San Carlos Part-time Recreation Leaders
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
In-N-Out Burger
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
Assistant and Lead Soccer Coach Positions
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/
Hummingbird Music School is looking for fun and talented high school musicians to join our team of Music Teachers!
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
Kumon Tutoring 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
Front Office Assistant (P/T)(Bilingual Spanish) Needed - Across the Street
Minimum Age Requirement: 16yrs
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
Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center
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
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Past Newsletters
Oct 1-7, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: What is a Research University? CAREER: Careers in Engineering
Sept 24-30, 2023: Updated Only
Sept 17-23, 2023: COLLEGE TIP: Types of Colleges/Universities, CAREER: Public Service Careers that Will Pay for Your College Degree
Sept 10-16, 2023: COLLEGE TIP: Importance of Getting Involvement FINANCIAL AID: Researching FA During College Visits
Aug 27-Sept 2, 2023 CSF, How and Why to Sign Up for a College Visit