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:

Nov 1 - Concurrent College Enrollment Flex - see college event section below

Nov 13th- Save the Date -PSAT Passback, Standardized Testing Next Steps ZOOM

Last day to drop with penalty on transcript: Nov 13th

Last day to drop an IB class in a testing year: Nov 1st

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.

Scripps College

Nov 1st

Students, if you are interested in taking a FREE college course with our San Mateo County Community College system, sign up for FLEX on Nov. 1st with Ms. Castaneda to learn about the process. Cañada College staff will be here to support you through the application and sign up process. This is a great opportunity to take a class you're interested in, need for A-G, or graduation like PE.

JEDI @ THE A-SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6

6PM - 7PM (ET)

REGISTER

JEDI @ the A-School recognizes the many Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)-focused student contributions in the areas of student advocacy, school-wide initiatives, studio projects, and community engagement that have a positive impact on the School of Architecture, UVA, and the surrounding communities. The UVA School of Architecture encourages prospective undergraduate students of all backgrounds to attend.

EXPLORE DESIGN FUTURES

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13

7PM - 8PM (ET)

REGISTER

Prospective students are invited to explore design futures, both in how we use design to shape our futures as well as how design may shape your future. Alumni will introduce students to the four disciplines in the School of Architecture (architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history, and urban + environmental planning) and share how they use their A-School education in their professional careers.

These tables present information on UC’s Applicants, Admits, and Enrollees. Freshman applicant counts are presented for fall and transfer counts are presented for the full academic year. Mean high school and transfer GPA are presented for freshman and transfer applicants, admits, and enrollees respectively by source school.

You can look at admit rates for Sequoia High School to all UC or individual UC. You can look at transfer rates from our local community colleges. (Transfer students are two to one freshman overall within the CA Community College system)

While is your transcript (GPA/Course Rigor) is important, remember UC and most competitive colleges look at multiple factors - Comprehensive or Holistic Review.

Comprehensive Review at the UCs (From the UC Freshmen Selection Document)

Most UC campuses have more qualified applicants than they have room to accommodate, so they apply standards that are more demanding than the minimum requirements.

Using a process called comprehensive review, admissions staff look beyond grades to assess applicants’ academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to them and the capacity each student demonstrates to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus.

To guide the campuses in their comprehensive review of applicants, UC faculty developed the factors listed in the document below. All campuses place the highest importance on academic achievement in assessing applications. However, the review process and specific weight (if any) given to each factor can differ from campus to campus and year to year. Each campus evaluates each application individually and independently from every other campus to which the student has applied.

Review this document to check out what universities admit by major, factors considered in comprehensive review, freshman admissions profiles and specific policies for each campus.

Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions Selection Process 2024

Nov 7- Students will receive PSAT scores

Nov 13- PSAT Passback, Standardized Testing Next Steps Virtual Meeting.(We will go over School Day SAT here and then in the Newsletter)

Apr 23 - Sequoia School Day SAT

• All details will be at our evening meetings and in our Weekly Newsletter
• If a student needs accommodations for the PSAT/SAT exam, you must request them through College Board. INFO HERE

No commitment at this point.

Complete the form below using QR code or http://bit.ly/3XknZN5

Only students can complete this form by Oct 1st

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

November 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.

Due: 10/28/2024

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 10-12th

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: 10/29/2024

Eligible Grades: 9-12th

9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Regional winners can move to higher levels.

Due: Oct 31st

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence. Topic 2024 "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

Due: Nov 10th

Grades Eligible: 9th-12th

Explore the arts and express yourself in the PTA’s Reflections Program! Enter your artwork and reflection in one of six categories: Dance, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts.

First-place finishers in each category advance to the district competition. District winners move on to the state, and state winners ultimately compete at the national level. You can do this! Learn more here (including how to enter).

All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement. Participation itself is a meaningful contribution to the Sequoia community. Entries are due by Sunday, November 10, 2024 at midnight. Questions? Email us sequoiareflections@gmail.com

Due: Nov 10th

11th grade only

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad. WEBSITE

Due: 11/15/2024

Grades Eligible: 10-12th

Only submit still photographs, “tells a story”, NOT looking for “art” photography. Five (5) Digital SLR Cameras will be awarded to five (5) high school students. Must be US citizen WEBSITE

Due: Nov 15th

Be between the ages of 16 and 25 on the day of the deadline.

Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater.

Be a citizen of the United States or Canada

Due: Nov 15th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Open to students ages 14-25 attending school in fall of 2024

Write 10 word statement why you should receive scholarship

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

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 on Wednesdays from 4-6pm in Redwood City If you are interested, email, call or text Mason Lok 650 474-1394 mlok@smcgov.org WEBSITE

DUE: ASAP

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-10th

Receive guidance toward achieving your goals. Personal mentor and academic support. Residents and able to commit to one hour every other week for YAC meetings for one year, virtually with occasional in-person meetings. Flier below and in College and Career Center

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)

One way to compare various colleges is to see what happens to their graduates in terms of earning potential.

Payscale’s College ROI Report ranks colleges based on the 20-year salary earnings of college alumni minus the total investment to attend that college (factoring in financial aid) compared to the 24-year earnings of high school graduates without a bachelor’s degree. The report includes breakouts for the best colleges by ROI for individual states, school types, majors, and jobs. The best-value college ranking list is updated annually to show results for the previous year.

Go here to check out the report.

CalKIDS was launched in 2022 to help California children save for post-secondary education including college or career training . Low-income families and disadvantaged communities are encouraged to take advantage of this program.

To check for eligibility and to learn more, please visit: www.calkids.org

Architects need to balance competing needs, such as function vs. safety vs. cost, along with duties like design and supervision—all while communicating their needs to diverse teams. Consequently, on the path to becoming an architect, a person will explore a wide variety of academic fields.

High School

Most high schools lack programs specific to architecture; however, that doesn’t mean a student can’t start preparing themselves for a career as an architect early in their academic careers. Math classes such as geometry, algebra, calculus, and trigonometry are all recommended for aspiring architects. Similarly, science classes such as physics are beneficial for understanding concepts such as force, compression, and tension. It’s also important to explore the arts; drawing, painting, sculpting, and photography all help build the ability to visualize and conceptualize.

Similarly, some colleges may require portfolios, such as the Cornell College of Art, Architecture, and Planning. They ask for “15-20 slides with no more than two dedicated to the same project.” The portfolio should contain sketches and fully developed work, but doesn’t need to be entirely focused on architecture. The website states that “painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video, woodworking, and other crafts can convey artistic experience and aptitude.” Spend some time building a portfolio so you can put your best food forward come application time.

College

There are two paths students can take toward a career in architecture in college. One path is to achieve a traditional undergraduate degree before going on to earn a master’s degree. In the architectural field, this is referred to as an M. Arch. The other path is to earn a B. Arch., which is a five-year program accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). Students graduating with a B. Arch. qualify to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)—a key step on the path to earning an architectural license.

B. Arch.: For students entering college with clear intentions of becoming an architect, a B. Arch. program is the most direct route through college, as graduates of these five-year programs qualify for licensure. The first two years of a B. Arch. program focus on the history of the discipline and basic building skills, such as fundamental design concepts and understanding of material properties. The final three years of a B. Arch. program cover topics like architectural theory, building technology, and computer-aided design and drafting.

M. Arch.: For students who don’t discover their passion for architecture until college—or who aren’t prepared to settle on an architectural career path as an undergraduate—there is the M. Arch., or master’s degree in architecture. Students come to M. Arch. programs from all backgrounds; some schools will even offer separate tracks for students entering an M. Arch. program with bachelor’s degrees in architecture, and those coming from unrelated subjects. Regardless, students in M. Arch. programs will study courses covering topics the theoretical, technological, historical, and cultural aspects of architecture. The length of time a student spends in an M. Arch. program is determined by a student’s previous architectural education.

US BLS - Similar Occupations

Interested in studying architecture and looking for ways to prepare? Study Architecture, in partnership with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), has put together a series called “An Application Guide to Architecture Schools” where we will share tips and tricks from current and former architecture students. Over the next few months, look out for more posts as part of this ongoing series.

Tip #1: Research. Research. Research.

There are many paths to becoming a licensed architect. If that’s your goal, it’s important to know which schools offer degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Additionally, you should also assess what area of focus a school emphasizes. For example, some schools are art intensive, some are technology-focused and others are community-centered.

Tip #2: Take an art class.

It’s a common misconception that studying architecture will be extremely math-intensive. While every program has different requirements, art and/or design is a staple in most programs. Architecture is a blend of art and science and so cultivating those art skills early will definitely give you a leg up. As a student, you’ll discover that an architecture degree can lead to many careers.

Tip #3: Get social.

Social media is a great way to expose yourself to design content from around the world. Check out student work on Instagram @imadethat_, keep up with what’s happening at architecture schools on Instagram @studyarchitecture, and get a preview of what student leaders are doing with their design and service work on Instagram by following @aiasorg.

Tip #4: Explore some architectural sites.

This can often be done right where you live. Architecture is everywhere. From historic homes found in the south to skyscrapers lining city streets, each building found in your neighborhood contributes to the social, political and environmental story of your community.

Tip #5: Visit a few schools.

If time and money permits, it’s always best to visit the school’s campus so you can see the student work, take a tour of the school, and ask questions in person. See the next page for a shortlist of questions you can ask the admissions department.

Medical Explorers

A group for high school students interested in medicine. Supervised by Dr. Enoch Choi, this Medical Post exposes students to numerous areas in the field of medicine such as pediatrics, psychology, and genetics. Operates as a Facebook Group For general inquiries please email VMCmedicalexplorer@gmail.com

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!

August 18-24, 2024

August 25-31, 2024 ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPCOMING: Grade Level 4YR College/IB Meeting, CSF Applications Open, College Day for Freshmen, COLLEGE TIP: Visiting Colleges is a Great Way to Figure Out What Type of College Is Best for You!

September 1-7, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPCOMING: Grade Level 4YR College/IB Meeting, PSAT for Juniors

COLLEGE TIP: What Did You Do Over the Summer? Did You Receive Any Awards Last Spring? Reflect on Who You Are as an Applicant While Updating Your Naviance Resume

September 15-21, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: Best Practices to Help Students Build A Balanced College List

September 22-28, 2024 COLLEGE TIP:What is a Research University and what are the benefits of attending a research university?JUNIOR: PSAT and Spring SAT Info

Sept 29- Oct 4, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: Demonstrated Interest: What and Why Important, Good and Bad Ways to Show Articles

Oct 6-12th COLLEGE TIP: CaliforniaColleges.edu, UC Admit Data For California Residents for Fall 2024 JUNIORS: Sequoia Junior Standardized Testing Timeline, PSAT Info, PSAT Information - Students Must Use a SHS Issued Chromebook to Take the Exam on Oct 23rd, Test Prep FA : : It pays to be involved and get good grades- Check out RaiseMe

Oct 13-19, 2024 COLLEGE TIP: 90% Admit Rate to Medical School or 94% Sound Good? An Important Advantage of a Small Liberal Arts College CAREER: Exploring Medicine: High School Students Resources

Oct 20-26: COLLEGE TIP: Want to go to college in another country but with an American-style education? Financial Aid: Best Value Colleges Ranked by Return on Investment, CalKids