College & Career Newsletter

Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career

How to reach us?

For general questions and inquiries please email (Please do not use the link at the bottom of this Newsletter to contact us)

Ms Ignaitis: tignaitis@seq.org

All HCA, Study Skills Students and Last names A-L

and/or

Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org

All DAA, ELD Students and Last names M-Z

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

March 12th - SAVE THE DATE - Junior Meeting for Students Applying to Schools that Need Letters of Recommendations and/or a School Report

April 23th - School Day SAT - SEE JUNIOR SECTION for Sign-up Information

Due February 6th

Seniors Must Turn in CSF Application During Your Senior Year to Be Eligible for Life Membership

DIRECTIONS

• The application must be completed and turned in by the STUDENT ONLY!

• Go to the College and Career’s CSF webpage for application form, course list, and more information or pick up a copy outside of the College and Career Center

• Applications must be turned in by Thursday, February 6th.

• NO Late Applications, NO Exceptions! Please complete it early!

• If you need help completing the application form, come to College and Career Center at lunch

Application Workshop in-person on 1/27 from 6-8pm at our office (687 Bay Road).

We will go over the application, give students time to make progress on their essays, and have a Q&A session.

Please ask your students to register here, as spots are limited.

Students completing Edgenuity credit recovery online courses for graduation and/or UC/CSU A-G requirements are required to take unit tests and cumulative tests in the Edgenuity lab in-person. The lab is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4pm-6pm in Room B-8 with Mr. Calles. The deadline for seniors is May 30, 2025.

January 23th

Launch your Future: NASA OSTEM Internships Virtual Webinar: Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 4–5 pm EST.

Join our NASA Internship webinar to explore internship opportunities, learn about eligibility and application requirements, and discover how to apply. Learn firsthand experiences from current interns and tips to make your application stand out. Whether you're a high school or college student, this session will guide you through everything you need to know to kickstart your NASA journey. Q&A included!

Please note that you must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible and participate.

Meeting links will be sent through email the week of the event.

REGISTER HERE

January 28:

Admissions counselors at Babson College, Bucknell University, Davidson College and Southern Methodist University will share impactful ways to make the most of your summer with an eye toward strengthening your college application. Bring your questions and leave inspired and ready to plan your best summer yet!

Register →

California has 279 two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Looking beyond CA, choices increase to over 4,000 colleges in the US and 17,000 colleges internationally. These options will expose you to colleges of a wide variety of sizes, student populations, locations, academic offerings, and extracurricular activities. Having this many college options allows students to find their match college: A Match College is an academic fit, social and emotional fit, and financial fit

Academic Benefits: Majors aren’t impacted, More direct-entry opportunities, Four year degree = four years, Higher acceptance rates

Financial Benefits: Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), Special scholarships just for CA students, Merit-based scholarships, Need-based scholarships/grants, Cost of living

Personal Benefits: Experience growth in confidence and independence, Explore a new part of the country, Make new friends, Learn more about yourself

Sequoia is offering the School Day SAT on April 23rd

REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL DAY SAT on APRIL 23rd::

Only current SHS 11th-graders are eligible.

Only students can complete this form and MUST use their Sequoia email.

By completing the form above, students understand the following:

• All students will pay $25 by cash or check with Ms. Gordon in the Treasurer's Office or by credit card through My School Bucks by February 5, 2025 to hold their spot. The money is non-refundable. If paying for the test is an issue, please email Ms. Yeager.

• All students will attend a FLEX or Lunch Time meeting to complete the pre-administration session.

• All students will report to Gym 1 on Wednesday April 23rd at 7:30am to begin testing at 8:00am.

Please note, all accommodations are processed by the College Board and directions for receiving accommodations are available here.

DEADLINE to complete form: Wed Jan 22, 2025

REMINDER: UC/CSU do not require SAT/ACT

As you are considering different schools to apply to, make sure to check out their testing policies. If you need or want to take a test, it is your responsibility to sign-up and register for the tests.

Use these links below to sign-up for the SAT or ACT:

College Board

ACT

• Your 504 or IEP accommodations are not covered for outside testing.
• If you want accommodations for the SAT or ACT, you need to request them separately through the College Board or ACT.
• It is the responsibility of the families to research and provide all necessary documentation since these tests are not associated with Sequoia.
• While families can submit their documentation on their own, Sequoia can also complete the final submission step. For more information about this process, go to our website: The College Board Process for SAT/PSAT and The Process for ACT

Updated January lists are now NOW AVAILABLE.

Click HERE to go directly to the Sequoia High School website for the most updated scholarship and student opportunities lists. How to Access Scholarships on Naviance (9-12th Grades)

If you find a scholarship you are interested in and want the link to the website or more information be sure to log in to your Naviance account, under the College tab, click on Scholarships and Money, then Scholarship list, and put the name of the scholarship in the search box, then click on the name of the scholarship.

Come to College and Career for an Application by January 27th

The contest is open to all students 9-12. This year’s topic: “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe?” Students must speak on the topic for a minimum of 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes. All speeches will be judged on text, delivery and effectiveness. However, the club is limited on the number of contestants.

Come to the College and Career Center to pick up an application.

Due: Jan 28th

Grades Eligible: 10th-12th

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

Due: Jan 29th

Grades Eligible: 11-12th

For juniors/seniors with financial need who have attended a Jobs for Youth workshop and registered as a member. Minimum GPA 2.0.

Due: Jan 30th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

All grades. Focus of scholarship is to help students understand the negative effects of too much screen time. US citizen or legal resident.

DUE Feb 1st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Welcome aspiring young authors, and thank you for your interest in the $1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest! We’re looking for an outstanding piece of short fiction that consists of exactly 1000 words. As long as you do so in precisely 1000 words

For More Information click here

DUE Feb 1st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

2025 Topic: Write a piece describing a common object you would make "smart". Tell us what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong.

Open to all high school students! More Information and Application HERE

Scholarship DUE: February 16th

ELIGIBLE GRADE/AGE: Must be at least 17, prefer Juniors

Scholarships for high school juniors that are interested in aviation. The scholarship provides both the ground and flight training necessary to obtain a private pilot license. The training mainly occurs in the summer

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply

DUE: Jan 20th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

As a Ballotpedia Fellow, students will research assigned local candidates, gathering contact information, campaign websites, social media profiles, and more. Fellows are asked to volunteer 5-10 hours per week during the program. WEBSITE

Due: Jan 21st

Grade Eligible: 11th

Looking for rising leaders. Interested in personal and intellectual growth, practice reflection, demonstrate a strong work ethic and communicate clearly. We favor students who engage with their communities, pursue their passions in substantive ways and are interested in serving others.

Must be US Citizen, enrolled in at least one IB class.

All-expense paid scholarship to the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado June 24-30, 2025. WEBSITE

Week long program and scholarship

Due Jan 31st

Grades Eligible: 9th - 12th

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. All expenses paid trip to week long symposium. Must have an adult sponsor not related to you. WEBSITE

Register by Feb 1st

Grades Eligible:9-12th

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. WEBSITE

REGISTER HERE

Volunteer

all year

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

To sign up to volunteer, visit our website by selecting one of the following options: Sort food at our warehouses, Distribute food to community members - Distribution sites are located in nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley,

Deliver food to homes – Load your vehicle and deliver healthy groceries to homes of seniors and other homebound clients in Santa Clara or San Mateo County. You must be 18 years old to volunteer for this activity. WEBSITE

ELIGIBLE AGES: 14+

DPS Rescue is searching for new volunteers for our biweekly events in Palo Alto! We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and backgrounds, ages 14+, and offer community service credits/sign-offs if needed. Complete form on their WEBSITE.

Available All Year

Eligible Grades:9-12th

The San Mateo County Historical Association offers a number of free public programs throughout the year for Lunar New Year, Happy San Mateo County Day, Fourth of July (half-price admission), Victorian Days, Día de los Muertos, and Hometown Holidays. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with craft activities and gallery monitoring for these events. Interested students can email carmen@historysmc.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities. WEBSITE

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)

What is WUE? (From the WUE website)

WUE (pronounced “woo-wee”) is the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WUE, students in western states may enroll in more than 150 two-year and four-year college institutions at a reduced tuition level: 150 percent of the institution's regular resident tuition. WICHE member states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Search the WUE Online Database to see which institutions participate and which programs are available at the discounted WUE rate.

Tools:

The Tuition Savings Finder helps students identify reduced tuition opportunities at participating colleges and universities in the West*. Students can browse school profiles, explore WUE-eligible majors, and estimate WUE tuition rates and savings at participating schools.

For more information, go to the their website http://www.wiche.edu/wue/students

Things to Remember

• WUE colleges individually sets their policies and they are all different

• Watch out for details, certain majors are sometimes excluded (nursing and engineering are often excluded)

• Some are automatically given to students if admitted and some students must meet a given criteria

If you go to a public out of state college - you pay a lot more for your tuition than a resident. One way you can cut costs is by choosing a WUE participating institution (others offer non resident scholarships as well). Look at University of Nevada, Reno Tuition with and without WUE:

WUE: $12,645

Resident: $8,430

Nonresident: $26,572

Through WUE You'd Save: $13,927

Radiologists are doctors who specialize in interpreting medical images, like X-rays, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scans (computed tomography), and ultrasounds. These images help them spot problems like broken bones, tumors, or infections that are not visible on the outside of the body.

In addition to radiologists, there are other healthcare professionals in radiology, like radiologic technologists, who operate the imaging equipment, and radiation therapists, who use radiation to treat cancer.

Key Roles in Radiology:

1. Radiologic Technologist (X-ray Tech):

• These professionals use machines like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to capture images of the body.

• They prepare patients for imaging procedures, operate the machines, and make sure the images are clear and accurate.

2. Radiologist:

• A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in reading and interpreting medical images to diagnose diseases and conditions.

• They work closely with other doctors to determine the best course of treatment.

3. Radiation Therapist:

• Radiation therapists treat cancer patients by using radiation (like X-rays or gamma rays) to target and destroy cancer cells.

• They work with oncologists (cancer doctors) to deliver precise doses of radiation.

Education & Career Path:

1. Radiologic Technologist:

• Typically requires an associate’s degree (2 years) and certification.

• You can find programs in community colleges or technical schools.

• Some states also require licensing.

2. Radiologist:

• Becoming a radiologist requires a bachelor's degree (4 years), followed by medical school (4 years), then a radiology residency (about 4-5 years).

• Radiologists can specialize in different areas, like pediatric radiology (for kids) or interventional radiology (where they use imaging to guide medical procedures).

3. Radiation Therapist:

• Requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, along with certification.

• The education focuses on medical imaging, patient care, and radiation safety.

Resources for Learning More:

1. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

• Website

• Offers resources about the profession, educational programs, and career paths.

2. Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

• Website

• Provides information about radiology as a field, career opportunities, and educational resources.

Cool Facts About Radiology:

• Radiology is one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare, with advanced technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) helping doctors interpret images faster and more accurately.

• Radiologists are often referred to as "the doctors' doctors" because they provide crucial information that helps other doctors make medical decisions.

Foothill Community College has a Radiology Tech Program: Learn about the program HERE

Must be 16 or older to apply

San Carlos Parks and Recreation is looking for individuals who are passionate about giving back to the community, motivated, enthusiastic, and responsible. Engage a fun and positive leadership experience while also having the opportunity to make an impact on kid’s lives. Come join our Parks and Recreation staff as a Recreation Leaders I/II or Program Coordinator in our Summer Camp Programs! Learn more and apply today at https://www.calopps.org/city-of-san-carlos

Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods is looking to hire part-time sales associates. Students usually work 6-10 hours a week, after school and on Saturdays. Sports experience is nice but not a must and no work experience is required. Tasks will include customer service, inventory management and assistance with custom decoration. For more information or to apply contact Brent Goetz, brent@goetzsports.com or 650-366-4082

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGE: Juniors and Seniors

$17.00 hour Looking for students with good math and reading skills who are available to work approximately 6 - 8 hours per week on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Ideal part time job for high school or college students. Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

If interested email qualifications and resume to kumonsancarlos@gmail.com

ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 16yr+ (Must have own transportation)

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

CaliforniaColleges.edu provides free college and career planning tools for California public school students and educators, including an academic planner where students can track their A-G completion status and admission eligibility for UC and CSU. CaliforniaColleges.edu also allows students to easily launch and track their applications to UC campuses and for financial aid. Keeping all this information in one place makes the college application process easier and smoother, not only for students, but for their school districts and the campuses to which they are applying.

If you didn’t register for an account last year- see the slide below to register

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.

Needs to be completed every year!

Dec 8-14, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: What are the Best Techniques to Help Students Manage Stress? JUNIORS: SAT School Day Sign-up, FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: Sticker Price vs. What You'll Actually Pay

Dec 15-21, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: There Are Organizations Out There That Need Your Help! CAREER: All about Trade Apprenticeships

Dec 22, 2024-Jan 11, 2025 COLLEGE TIP: It's Not Too Late to Get Involved, FINANCIAL AID: How to Apply to Scholarships, JUNIORS: Sign Up for School Day SAT

SECOND SEMESTER

Jan 12-18, 2025 COLLEGE TIP: Reflect on Who You Are as an Applicant While Updating Your Naviance Resume CAREER: Career in Radiology