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

College and Career Center will be closed on Friday September 15th since Ignaitis/Yeager will be attending a conference.

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

Sept 12 - Junior Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting

Sept 14 - CSF Application due

Sept 26 - Sophomore Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting

October 12 - Freshman College Day and Junior PSAT (more info to come)

October 17 - Freshman Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting

Junior: Tuesday, September 12th

Sophomore: Tuesday, September 26th

Freshman: Tuesday, October 17th

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

DUE: Sept 14th by 3:45pm – Don’t Wait! No Late Exceptions!

The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) emphasizes high standards of scholarship and community service for California high school students. For families that do not know about CSF, it is basically a state-wide honor roll organization. The word scholarship has to do with academic performance NOT SCHOLARSHIP MONEY.

You must be a member at LEAST one semester of your senior year to be a Life Member!

For applications, class lists, help completing the form, and general information about the CSF organization please visit the College and Career Center’s CSF webpage or pick up a packet in the bin outside of the College and Career Center

Directions and deadline for submitted Spring 2023 CSF Applications - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

DIRECTIONS:

Only students can complete and submit the application to Ms. Yeager in the College and Career Center/Room 115 from August 29th-September 14th by 3:45pm

The submitted application packet must include:

1. A completed CSF application

2. $5.00 application fee in cash or a check made payable to Sequoia High School

3. A copy of the previous semester report card or transcript- A transcript can be obtained through a student’s Infinite Campus account (report tab).

Please DO NOT GO TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE FOR YOUR TRANSCRIPT!

STUDENTS - if you need help, have questions, or have an issue paying please come by the College and Career Center WE will help you!

What: All Sequoia freshmen will visit a Bay Area College Campus during the school day.

When: Thursday October 12, 2023

Where: Past schools have included UC Berkeley, San Jose State, University of San Francisco, Sonoma State, San Francisco State, University of the Pacific, or Santa Clara University

Complete the permission slip today!

October 12th

The morning of October 12th all Juniors will take the PSAT at Sequoia.

This is the only date we will offer the PSAT.

There will be more detailed information in the coming weeks

Only Juniors are allowed to take the PSAT

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.

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.

It is a good practice to look at the list of schools visiting Sequoia (or the area) on a regular basis.

• If you want to attend you must follow all the procedures in a timely manner in order to leave class and listen to a thirty-minute presentation in Room 115.

• Students need to sign up at least ONE SCHOOL DAY (ends at 3:45) before the visit.

• There is a deadline on Naviance to avoid students leaving class at the last minute out of respect for the teacher.

• Students who attend should be prepared for the visit.

• If you do not have a class during the visit time, register on Naviance, and let us know when you enter the room.

• Colleges visits are updated on Naviance. If there is a college you want to speak to, email sequoiaccc@seq.org and we will try to schedule a visit.

Below are the steps you must follow to attend the visiting college meetings at Sequoia High School:

STEP 1: In your Naviance account, go to the “Colleges” tab on the top bar, click on “College Visits”, to get the complete list OR under “What’s New” on your homepage, select a college you want to visit and click on “Register Now" and it will change to "Registered".

STEP 2: Ask your teacher, of the class you will be missing, for permission to leave their class during the time listed on Naviance. IF OK, go to Step 3.

*STEP 3: PRINT YOUR CONFIRMATION PAGE from your Naviance account and have your teacher SIGN THE Confirmation Page as a pass BEFORE YOU LEAVE CLASS. If you do not have a signed pass, you will not be admitted.

*You can also show it to your teacher on your phone and have the teacher sign a piece of scratch paper if that’s easier.

PROBLEMS –

• If you are not on the list, you will not be admitted EVEN THOUGH your teacher signed a pass.

• If you know you might have printer problems, print the pass in the College and Career Center at lunch the day before the visit.

• The College and /Career Center does not excuse students from a class, only your teacher can allow you to attend a college visit.

NEED HELP

How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia

Princeton University

Tue Sept 12 8:30 AM

Washington State University

Tue Sept 12 9:30 AM

University of the Pacific

Tue Sept 12 10:30 AM

University of Miami

Wed Sept 13 7:30 AM

Macalester College

Wed Sept 13 8:00 AM

Boston University

Wed Sept 13 9:30 AM

Gettysburg College

Wed Sept 13 10:00 AM

Lafayette College

Thu Sept 14 8:00 AM

University of Southern California

Thu Sept 14 8:30 AM

Colby College

Thu Sept 14 9:30 AM

The University of British Columbia

Thu Sept 14 10:30 AM

Texas Tech University

Thu Sept 14 11:00 AM

Northwestern University

Thu Sept 14 2:00 PM

Oregon State University

Mon Sept 18 8:00 AM

Hawaii Pacific University

Mon Sept 18 2:00 PM

University of Chicago

Tue Sept 19 9:30 AM

University of Puget Sound

Tue Sept 19 10:30 AM

Drexel University

Wed Sept 20 8:00 AM

Washington University in St Louis

Thu Sept 21 8:00 AM

Sept 11th - Virtual

Learn about 8 Highly Selective Liberal Arts Colleges at one event.

Claremont McKenna, Colorado College, Connecticut, Grinnell, Haverford, Kenyon, Macalester, and Sarah Lawrence College will be hosting an informational meeting for students and parents.

To register and for more information.

A great opportunity to learn about small liberal arts colleges!

September 13th

Collegewise is the expert in all things college admissions. If you haven’t heard of them, just wait until you meet them. Their experienced, diverse staff of college application counselors with 500+ years combined admissions experience give families the most up-to-date and honest information.

Hosted by ACT and Collegewise

Register Here

Sept 20

Penn State offers a variety of programs for you and your family to attend to connect with admissions representatives and to learn about the opportunities Penn State has to offer.

Register Here

Sept 22 and 29

Join Student Financial Services from Saint Louis University as we discuss the Financial Aid process and answer your questions regarding paying for a college education.

To register and get more information go to their website

Wednesday, September 27 at 8 p.m. ET (focused on domestic audiences)

You’re invited to hear about our distinctive learning opportunities and dynamic communities. Each of our schools is unique, but we are united in our commitment to support counselors, students and families as they navigate the college admission process. We look forward to seeing you! REGISTER NOW

Oct 1st and 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 HERE

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.

• Insider’s Guide to Admission Committee - Aug 31

• Writing Personal Statements for Your College Application - Sept 21

• Crafting Your Portfolio for College Success - Oct 20

• Exploring Your Academic Interests - Nov 17

To register and get more information go to their website

From Simple Studies

The first step to getting involved

Learn about all the organizations your school has to offer! This can seem really daunting at first, but most organizations post recruitment flyers in the hallways. Use these as a chance to learn about all of the organizations available. When looking at organizations, try to pick ones that best fit your interests whether that be music, art, history, debate, competitions, etc. Sequoia’s Club Day is on Friday September 15th at lunch.

Why getting involved is important:

1. Prevent burnout - the feeling of exhaustion that comes with the same old school routine. Many students find themselves burnt out when they do not get involved because all they do is go to school, come home and do homework, and then repeat the process all over again 5 days a week for 10 months a year.

2. You can meet new people. Getting involved is an excellent way to meet new friends and gain new experiences. Most people shudder at the thought of social interaction, but I promise the second you start to feel like you belong within your organization, you’ll meet so many new people and even develop some new friendships!

3. It'll help your college and scholarship applications. Colleges search for well-rounded applicants with a diverse resume. Someone involved in volleyball, student council, and STEM club is more likely to get accepted than someone who simply just went to school everyday. The same goes for scholarships!

4. Become a leader: Lastly, organizations are a great way to develop your leadership skills! From lending a helping hand on a service project your freshman year to leading the organization in a leadership position, getting involved is an excellent tool for personal growth. Whether you’re a shy or outgoing freshman, there are opportunities for everyone to grow as a person and develop their leadership skills within their school and community.

‍Whole article available here.

Sept 15th

All Grades

The (YCA) Leadership Program brings 9-12th grade students from across San Mateo County together to empower youth to take climate action into their own hands. Through the program, students will develop projects designed to drive change within San Mateo County and gain a diverse set of skills related to sustainability and climate action. Go here to apply and learn more.

September 16 & 17th

First Alarm Fire Camp is a free 2-day daytime fire experience camp designed to help ignite the spark in any girl who might be considering a career in the fire service. Our instructor cadre is entirely staffed by female firefighters because if you see it, you may realize you can actually be it! Check out the fire camp link in our signature for more details on what we do.

YOU MUST REGISTER!

Due: Sept 29th

Ages: 15-18

Eight-month service-learning program is for high school students aged 15-18 in the San Francisco Bay Area who are interested in working with marine mammals and educating the public about important ocean conservation topics. We have our last 2 live Q&A sessions on September 10 and 16, register on our website.

Email youthcrew@tmmc.org if you have any questions.

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.

• Sign-up NOW

• Classes start September 25th

Fall 2023 classes:

• Game Art & Design (CRN 21673)
• UI/UX Design (CRN 20530)
• Graphic Design (CRN 20134)

The classes are:

• FREE to all high school students through the dual enrollment program at Foothill College.

• Completely asynchronous, students don’t come to campus

• Earn 4-units of college credit, transferable to UC/CSU.

Enroll here https://www.foothill.edu/hs/

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.

FCE is a college access program based out of EPA, and our goal is to increase the number of Black and brown student who get into, and graduate from college. Most of our students are low-income and first-generation. What distinguishes FCE is our small class sizes, dynamic parent program & engagement, focus on our local community, no minimum GPA requirement, flexible schedule (so it works well for athletics and other extra-curriculars), and the ample access to program managers for personalized support.

Pick up a flier in the College & Career Center.

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

September 12

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)

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

Updated scholarship list for September deadlines is available on the College and Career page on the school website for all grades. Copies are available in the bin outside of College and Career Center as well.

September 16th

All Grades

For CA high school students interested in free speech, science, and the separation of church and state; be involved in, or leaders of, community organizations or school clubs. Essay Contest Prompt: "Why is science education important?"

The United States Military is part of the Department of Defense, the largest employer in the world. There are opportunities to work full-time or part-time, get a degree or participate in hobbies, travel the world or sit at a desk.

From Careers in the Military:

Like a gap year, trade school, or college, the Military is an option. And just like the others, it is not one-size-fits-all. You've probably heard of the five service branches, but did you know there are actually 12? Each offers unique jobs, benefits, and time-commitment options that give you the flexibility to live the life you want. Go here for more information on each branch of service.

Like any other career, you can work (or serve) while you go to school (or go to school while you serve). You can sit behind a desk or travel the world. You can take vacations. You can enjoy your hobbies and downtime with family and friends, all while earning a paycheck and getting invaluable experience.

Members of the U.S. military service maintain the U.S. national defense. Although some service members work in occupations specific to the military, such as fighter pilots or infantrymen, many work in occupations that also exist in the civilian workplace, such as nurses, doctors, and lawyers. There are thousands of careers in the military.

For more information and to explore careers in the military, please go here.

Besides learning about what academic and social programs colleges offer during a college visit at Sequoia, you can also learn about what type of financial aid they offer. Most of the time it is in the form of Merit Aid. Merit-based means that something is based on a student's skill or ability. Often there are certain requirements (GPA, leadership, community service and sometimes test scores) that would be important to know before your senior year. Colleges can offer multiple types from $1000.00 to a full-ride. Usually private colleges have the most to give. Sometimes they can bring the cost down to be comparable to our public colleges.

When College Reps also go over financial aid during their visit, be prepared to ask about institutional aid - It can help you decide which colleges to apply to in the future!

1. What type of merit aid is available and what are the basic requirements?

2. Do you offer scholarships from a specific department?

3. What is the average student debt for your graduates?

4. Do you offer any leadership or community service scholarships?

5. What percent of students receive merit-based scholarships? How much is offered for the largest merit scholarship? What is the average merit-aid given?

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!

Sept 3-9, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: Tips for Updating your Resume 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