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:

CSU Application Deadline- still open for some schools- see below

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

San Carlos Youth Advisory is hosting an event that helps high school kids with study spaces, materials, tutors, and bottomless snacks to prepare for finals. Fee is a donation, contact organizers on flier for more information.

There will be a FLEX session on Dec 8th in the Tea Garden Conference Room. Cañada College will be sending over reps to support students with the process. You are welcome to attend even if they want to take classes at CSM or Skyline. The FLEX will be under Melissa Perez in IC.

What to do after you’ve submitted your applications

After you submit your applications, the process is not over. After you’ve applied make sure to:

• Create your portals and check/respond to your email.

• Check that all portions of your part of the application were received

• Many schools will say that you need to submit your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) to their system, even if you already did it on the Common App.

• Check each school and make sure it’s submitted.

See the directions on the University of Oregon website here for an example.

Want to Check to See If Sequoia Sent Your Documents?

Go to Naviance, Colleges I’m Applying to, and click on “Application Milestones.” A green check will be present when a document was sent to the college. If there is not a green check, contact the teacher submitting your LOR

REMINDERS

Add All College Applications – To “Colleges I’m Applying To” on Naviance

Please list every school that you applied to on Naviance including CSUs and UCs. We can’t submit documents until you list them on Naviance. Also, make sure you note that you submitted your application as well.

How to Lookup your Transcript in Infinite Campus:

• Log in

• Go to Documents Tab

• Download Transcript

Report ALL Dual Enrollment Courses taken or planned to take under College Courses

Reminder about the Transcripts Process

Requesting Transcripts

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, email tignaitis@seq.org

*There is a five school day turn around for the Counseling 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

Next Steps: AFTER YOU SUBMIT APPLICATION

Soon after you apply, you will receive an email from the CSU with directions on how to set up its portal. Every school is a little different so make sure to keep track of your login information.

Check Portals and Emails Often

Every school is a little different so make sure to keep track of your login information. To meet all deadlines, check your email and portals weekly and DO NOT WAIT to complete your “To Do” list.

CSU Application Deadline EXTENDED for some schools:

The Following Schools New Deadline is December 15, 2023:

Chico, Sacramento, San Marcos

Later Deadlines:

East Bay (2/15/24), Maritime (1/5/24), Monterey Bay (12/16/23) Northridge (1/31/24), San Bernardino (1/31/24 for most programs), San Francisco (3/30/24 except for nursing), Stanislaus (2/1/24)

Visit our Application Dates & Deadlines page for more information on which campuses are still open and their deadlines.

Remember to use the Freshman Application Guide to walk you through the application or visit the Applicant Help Center. Also, here are some tips that will help you complete and submit your application:

• Take it one quadrant at a time. The Cal State Apply application has four quadrants. Focus on completing one each day to avoid getting overwhelmed.

• Don’t guess your grades. Have your transcripts (paper or electronic) with you when you apply, high school and college transcripts, if applicable.

• Make it count. Don't forget to enter all your high school coursework that meets an A-G requirement.

• Check once, twice, three times. Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, you can’t make any changes so please review your information carefully.

• Paying to submit. Payment is due when you’re ready to submit your application so have your payment method ready. Application fee waivers (if applicable) are automatically calculated after you complete the entire application.

Remember, we're here to support you through your application process. If you need help, you can:

• Email CalStateApply@liaisoncas.com

• Call 857-304-2087

• Ask Cassie via chat in Cal State Apply

It takes less than 15 minutes to check your courses are correct. Come in during lunch, before school, FLEX, or if you have a free period email Ignaitis (A-L) or Yeager (M-Z)

VIDEOS

California State University Application (CSU Apply):

• Part 1: How to Enter Sequoia High School (Especially if you took a dance class)

• Part 2: How to Enter High School Coursework Section: Basic

• Part 3: How to Enter High School Coursework Section: Summer School and D/F grades

• Part 4: How to Enter High School Coursework Section: Adding 8th Grade Foreign Language and/or Math

• Part 5: How to Check your Coursework in A-G Matching

After the November 30 deadline, UC reviews all PIQ responses for plagiarism by using a plagiarism detection software program. Applicants who are found with a potential plagiarism violation will be emailed in early January.

Applicants will be provided instructions on how to provide information regarding the authenticity of their PIQ responses. The information applicants provide will be reviewed by several campus admissions officials, and applicants will be notified of a decision on the authenticity of their PIQ responses.

The deadline to respond is January 19, 2024. Failure to respond to the request by the deadline will result in cancellation of the application.

APPLICANTS

You are responsible to keep your list up to date to

ADDING a College:

1. You must contact your counselor to get a NEW SR/LOR ELECTRONIC Form (No Signatures are needed on this form)

2. Once completed, turn in to your counselor

3. Add the college on Common App (it should automatically be added to Naviance but check)

3. Submit a NEW teacher LOR request on Naviance

REMOVING a College:

Email your counselor, Ignaitis/Yeager, and teachers the colleges you are not applying (one email to all) and complete this form.

Process of Submitting Application and School Documents

When we submit documents for your 1st due date, we submit them to all the schools on your list and there is NO way we would know if you added or removed a school, unless you tell us.

REMEMBER

You submit your documents INDEPENDENTLY of your counselor and teachers– when you are ready to submit an application you do not have to wait for the school!

AND

If a college receives documents from the school and you decided not to apply there, no action is needed! They only start the process when they receive an application.

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.

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 DECEMBER 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

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: 12/4/2023

A) The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

B) The scholarship is open to seniors in high school through graduate students.

C) The applicant must have the intention of pursuing a career in the STEM fields and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university to follow a course of study to pursue a career in the STEM field, with a preference for those with space related interests.

D) The applicant can only use the $15,000.00 scholarship towards tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Due: 12/13/2023

A full–tuition scholarship for women and non-binary students in STEM. Film a three–minute educational video of yourself explaining a STEM topic you're passionate about. To apply, you must be a high school senior or an undergraduate college student.

Due: 12/18/2023

Equitable Foundation has a renewed focus to recognize students who demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in their school, local community, or work activities. Apply by submitting an essay describing how you plan to demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in school, community, or work activities.

Due: 12/22/2023

Grades:11 and 12

Essay contest open to all juniors and seniors who are members of CSF. 2023 essay prompt: Describe a volunteer experience you have had and its impact on you and your community.

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: December 13th

Eligible Grade: 9-12th

Bay Area Creative Foundation gives students the opportunity to submit original artworks and performances across a range of creative disciplines, including art, film, music, performance, photography, and writing. Individuals can only submit once. Group work is also allowed. Multiple awards are given to Bay Area students!

Due: Dec 20th

Grades: 11/12

For high school students who are passionate about public service and interested in learning about the legislative process in Congress. Students will be asked to choose a policy area and break up into committees that will focus on specific aspects of chosen policy. Students will then present their policy recommendations to Congresswoman Eshoo. The SAB meets twice a month, on Wednesday evenings, over Zoom. It runs from January to early June. Go here to apply and learn more.

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.

Due: December 7th

Ages: 14 and up

Interested in volunteering with our holiday break onsite art camps? Camp volunteers are essential to a fun, creative and safe experience. We look forward to having you join us! Volunteers assist our camp programs by providing classroom support for art camps, from preparing materials and explaining lessons to working with individual students and supervising campers during breaks. If you are at least 14 years old, please fill out our Info & Interest Form. Interested in general volunteer opportunities? Contact info@arts4all.org for more information.

Due: Dec 10th

Ages:9th-12th

Stulsaft Park January–April 2024

Grassroots Ecology invites local high school students to apply to our Youth Stewards volunteer cohort at Stulsaft Park (Redwood City). Youth Stewards will have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn about nature from expert staff, enhance their observation skills, and help restore local California woodland, creekside and grassland ecosystems through planting, weeding, mulching, and more. This is a 10-week volunteer and educational experience for local high school students, with no mandatory number of sessions required for participation. Go here to learn more and apply.

Check out information below

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)

Colleges can set their own financial aid deadlines and requirements.

Even though the priority deadline for the FAFSA/CADAA is April 2nd by the federal/CA State government, a lot of colleges want you to complete it earlier.

Please visit the financial aid website for all of the colleges where you applied to find out the deadline and other requirements if you are seeking any kind of aid. Remember some private colleges also require the CSS Profile to be completed.

When you visit their financial aid website, look for scholarship opportunities as well.

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

Age: 15 1/2 or older

We are currently looking to hire more swim teachers to join our team. We offer flexible hours and provide paid training. See flier for details.

ELIGIBLE Minimum Age: 16yrs

Make an impact on youth in our community by leading youth in various activities Assist in helping students excel in school by providing them with academic support Participate and create recreational enrichment activities that help generate a positive social environment for youth Develop professionally and enhance your leadership skills Gain experience in youth development and education

For more information

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!

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.

Nov 19-Dec 2, 2023 UC and CSU INFORMATION: Fee Waiver Info

Nov 12-18, 2023

GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: How are Colleges Assessing Your Application?, Add All College Applications - To “Colleges I’m Applying To” on Naviance, UC/CSU Common Errors

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: The CSS Profile Explained, Create a FSA ID, FAFSA/CADAA changes this year

Nov 5-11, 2023 GENERAL 4YR: What to do after you’ve submitted your applications: Some Schools Require Self-Reported Academic Record

Oct 29-Nov 4, 2023 FINANCIAL AID: Changes to the FAFSA, GENERAL 4 Yr: Deadline to Turn in SR/LOR Form to Counselor, COMMON APP: Worried About Your Documents Being Sent on Time

Oct 22-28, 2023 CSU INFORMATION: Why is my A-G gpa Different on My Transcript and CSUapply Account? UC INFORMATION: Maximizing Space on Your Application

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