Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of April 18-24 , 2021
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email us at sequoiaccc@seq.org
Student Appointments:
Ms. Ignaitis, All HCA and Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
Ms. Rocha, All DAA and ELD Students and Last names M-Z
Important Dates and Announcements
May 1 - National Student Intent to Register (SIR) Day
If you are interested in submitting artwork that represents Sequoia for the cover the GRADUATION PROGRAM, email Ms. Ignaitis (more details next week- sorry no photography)
Missing Financial Aid Award Information for Four Year Colleges
Get Help with College Applications, Follow Up and/or Financial Aid Applications
We want to support each and every one of you through this process! Below are ways to get help:
Students make Individual Appointments via Calendly with college counselors by clicking on their corresponding counselor’s name below. (if you have a free period, email your counselor directly and state the time you have a free period).
Check out the How-To videos (At the bottom of the Newsletter)
Student Appointments:
Ms. Ignaitis, All HCA and Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
Ms. Rocha, All DAA and ELD Students and Last names M-Z.
Upcoming District Wide Career Speakers
Doctor of Internal Medicine, Marina Di Bartolo
April 19 at 1:30pm
Dr. Di Bartolo is a proud example of a DACA student who went on to work in the field of medicine. Atlantic Article. Students must pre-register here. Once you register you will receive an email with the zoom link to attend.
Zinnya Rodriguez-Caravez, Dietetic Intern
April 21 at 3pm
Mrs. Rodriguez-Caravez is well on her way to become a dietician. A Woodside and SFSU graduate, she will share her experiences and insights into this career path. Students pre register by April 19
Kevin Daniel Palocio Aris, Stanford Biophysics Community
April 21 at 3pm
Born and raised in the small(ish) university town of Gainesville, FL. After finishing high school there I attended the University of Florida, completing majors in physics and biotechnology while doing research in gravitational physics. My interests in biology and physics then led me to join the Stanford biophysics community, where I work with high precision microscopy techniques to study genome engineering technology. To join the career zoom click here and enter passcode: 990886
Other Virtual Events
Mindfulness - Teen Resource Center
All students are welcomed to join Ms. Judy from the Teen Resource Center (TRC) for 15 minutes of Mindfulness on Wednesdays! Practice breathing exercises and guided visualizations!
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12pm until 12:15pm
Zoom Link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/92956681963
General Four Year College Bound Information
Updating “Colleges I’m Applying to” List
Please update your “Colleges I’m Applying to” list. Edit by using the pencil icon and mark whether you were admitted, deferred, etc for each school.
If you need help- Please watch How to Update "Colleges I'm Applying To" on Naviance
This is part of a required step to graduation - Thanks!
Check Email and Portals OFTEN
This is how colleges communicate with students, check and promptly act on what they are asking you to do!
SIR – Statement of Intent to Register Due May 1st
If going to a four year college, must complete by May 1st!
UC INFORMATION
Although you can opt into multiple UC waitlists, you can only accept one offer of admission. Furthermore, even if a student accepts a waitlist offer, a student should submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to ensure a place to attend in the fall.
For more information, see the UC Admissions website
ALSO
Check your UC Portals OFTEN - This is How You Will Receive Your Decisions
Most students will only have a few days to accept an offer of admission from a waitlist or appeal
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Admitted Students - Next Steps From the UC Counselor Bulletin
For newly admitted freshman students, each University of California campus has important deadlines and procedures for students to accept the offer of admission and prepare for enrollment.
1. Admission Decisions – All campuses notify students of admission decisions on their admissions portal. For admitted students, all campuses will also notify via the U.S. Mail.
2. Financial Aid Offer – All campuses notify students of their official or preliminary financial aid award in the student portal. The timing of the offers relative to the admission decision (e.g., with the admission decision or after) varies by campus.
3. To Accept an Admission Offer–Submission of the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by May 1st at 11:59 pm (PST)
4. SIR Deposit Deferral – All campuses automatically grant an SIR deposit deferral for students who qualified for an application fee waiver.
5. Housing – Plans for fall housing will be announced by campuses in compliance with local/state health and safety guidelines. Students interested in living on campus are encouraged to apply for housing. The application date is listed on this table, but campus housing will have the most current information.
6. To Submit Final, Official Transcripts, Exam Results & Doc - BY JULY 1st
Admitted to UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley is committed to engaging with you virtually and showcasing the opportunities available to you should you choose Berkeley. Their newly admitted student website will soon be updated with ways that you can engage with them online, including their week-long virtual open house, Cal Week (April 24 -April 30).
CSU Information
If you Have a Question - Contact the CSU Directly (From CSU)
If students have specific questions, they can contact campuses via email.
Campus contact information can be found HERE
We would encourage applicants to contact campuses via email and be patient while awaiting a response.
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.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTE: Concurrent enrollment students MUST apply to Community College as a first time never attended college applicant.
For information on applying and other important information be sure to check out our Community College Tip Sheet!
College of San Mateo’s annual Connect to College event
April 29 6-8pm
For students and parents to learn about CSM, and about different resources we have to offer. Learn about the financial aid options and our Promise Scholars Program. Get the best college tips from current and former CSM students in our student panel. Hear about transfer opportunities to a UC, CSU or a private university after CSM. Learn about our student support services & academic programs. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom Meeting ID: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/connectrsvp
Canada College: Connect To College
May 6
Connect To College is a kind of Open House for high school students and parents to come learn about Cañada College.
Thursday, May 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
What to Expect
President's Welcome
Overview of Cañada's Student Services Programs
Learn about Careers, Transfer, and Guaranteed Admissions
Meet Students, Faculty, and Counselors
Learn how to Register for Summer and Fall Classes
Information on how to get free tuition via the Promise Scholars Program
Foothill Day on the Hill - Virtual Open House
May 8th
As well, we will be having our Foothill Day on the Hill. This will be our Virtual Open House event that will take place via zoom on May 8, 2021 at 9:00am.
This event will be translated in Spanish, and students who RSVP will automatically be put into a prize raffle. Students can get more information at https://foothill.edu/dayonthehill/ and here is the Eventbrite where students can RSVP.
DeAnza Community College
April 24th
De Anza College and our online Enrollment Day, the annual spring event for new and prospective students at De Anza College.
This year’s event will be held online from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24. It’s a great way for students to take care of everything they need for a great start at De Anza.
Students will have the opportunity to
Get help with the application process
Attend an orientation workshop where they will work on a preliminary educational plan
Speak with counselors and other campus experts who can answer their questions about choosing classes and academic programs, getting financial aid, connecting with services and more!
PEP/Steps to Enrolling and UPCOMING Application WORKSHOPS
PEP (Priority Enrollment Program) allows current seniors to complete all the steps to attend college in the fall WHILE in high school
Skyline PEP
April 26-May 7
Join us for an exciting two week virtual program and have the opportunity to complete the necessary enrollment steps to begin taking classes at Skyline College! Participants will be eligible to register earlier and have a greater chance of getting into their first-choice of classes.
Canada PEP
April 21st (In Spanish)
April 28th
May 8th
For specific information and registration instructions go to their website
College of San Mateo PEP Online
Priority Enrollment Program (PEP) is OPEN. A wonderful group of Counselors and Staff are here to help students with the steps to enrollment and registering for classes for summer/fall 2021. Students sign up for (PEP) Priority Enrollment Program to complete the matriculation steps and receive Priority Registration. Once students sign up for PEP, you will get an email with a link to register for a Group Counseling Session and their English and Math course placement.
Here are the steps.
Step #1: Admissions Application
Apply to College of San Mateo and complete the application. You will receive a welcome letter from College of San Mateo which contains your username and student id number (G number).
Step #2: Student Online Orientation/Welcome Orientation
Visit WebSmart and log into your account using your Username and Password. Select the Student tab, then select the Student Online Orientation.
Step #3: English and Math Assessment
Once you register for PEP, CSM staff will send you a confirmation of your English and Math course placement and registration opportunity for PEP Group Counseling Sessions.
Step #4: PEP Group Counseling Session
Sign up for a PEP counseling session (Zoom-video conferencing). You will discuss your classes for Summer/Fall, create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) and any other topic like careers, majors, and transfer.
Step #5: Register for courses and pay school fees on your Priority Registration Date
You will receive an email providing you with your priority registration date (April 2021). Log onto WebSmart to register for courses online. School fees are also payable on your WebSMART.
Lastly, this is the CSM Promise Scholars Program promotion video, which includes more information regarding the program:
Need Help Understanding your Financial Aid Offer?
If you need help understanding your Financial Aid Award letter, please set up a Zoom meeting with Ms. Ignaitis (A-L, HCA) or Ms. Rocha (M-Z, DAA) for help. It might be helpful to have a parent or guardian attend too!
The Financial Aid Section in this newsletter also has information to help you understand the components of financial aid.
Comparing Financial Aid Award Letters Tool
College Board has a great site to compare your awards letters to help your family make the best choice for college. Go to their financial aid section and click on Compare Your Award Letters
Article from KAKE Television: College Cost-Benefit Analysis - When Deciding What College to Attend
"Choosing Between Colleges? Try a Cost-Benefit Analysis"
With the May 1st decision day looming, try this 4 step cost-benefit analysis steps.
Compare your costs of attendance (COA) (NOTE: Quatromoney suggests determining your net price, COA minus gift aid)
Take financial aid and student loans into account
Consider graduation and retention rates
Dig up data on job placement, incomes, other outcome
Financial coach Kristine Stevenson Seale stated in the article, “Creating a framework that takes the emotion out of the decision-making process will help eliminate costly mistakes.”
Two Articles About Appealing and/or From Financial Reporter Lynn O’Shaughnessy’s Blog - The College Solution
Help with a Financial Aid Award Letter and Appealing a Financial Aid Award Letter
Article #1: Evaluating a Financial Aid Letter: What’s Usually Missing
Article #2: about a new tool to help students/families appeal a financial aid award package SwiftStudent: New tool to appeal financial aid awardsAdded Information from Ms Ignaitis About Appealing FA
- Give a specific amount of money you would like to appeal. For example; If the amount was three thousand less, we could afford to pay. This is what I have personally seen work.
- I would be careful about pitting one college’s aid against another.
- As opposed to appealing to private colleges, public college appeals are mainly going to be based on a change in the family’s financial aid situation from what was given to the college on the student’s application or FAFSA.
- If you need help understanding your financial aid award letter, STUDENTS please set up a Calendly appointment with Ms Rocha or myself
FAFSA
TWO AND FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS, COMPLETE THIS FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID ONLINE TODAY REGARDLESS OF YOUR FAMILY INCOME.
CA DREAM ACT
CSS PROFILE
Scholarship List for April and New List for May
If you find a scholarship you're interested in, get more information on your Naviance account under Paying for College then Scholarship List!
Local Scholarships Due Soon!
Kiwanis of San Carlos Scholarships
Due April 19
The Kiwanis Club of San Carlos is again offering several $1000scholarships to graduating seniors that are residents in San Carlos or Belmont. Application was scanned and attached on Naviance.
Sequoia Stamp Collector Scholarship
Due April 30
For seniors collecting stamps or a similar hobby/activity. 2.0+ GPA and will go to a 2-yr or 4-yr college. Write essay on your particular hobby. Application was scanned and attached on Naviance. If you have a problem accessing scholarship, email tignaitis@seq.org
Sequoia Alumni Association - Spirit of the Seal Scholarship
Due April 30
Criteria: GPA, HS attendance, helping to advance or support SHS traditions & spirit, community service & a personal interview. 2/4 YR or Vocational Application on Naviance. $2000.00
Dreamers Scholarship
DATE EXTENDED- Due: April 30th
For Sequoia High School AB540 Students. Amounts vary. PLEASE Apply to this very simple application. Application is attached to the Naviance scholarship list. Email to jslater@seq.org (any issues please email before the deadline)
Directions to Request an Official Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Log in to your Sequoia Naviance account
Click the Colleges Tab (Right top corner)
Scroll down
Click on Manage Transcripts (Left hand side)
Click on the Red Plus Icon and choose Other Transcript
What Type Requesting? (Unless after graduation, click either Initial or Mid-Year)
What For? (Scholarship or Other)
Note: We do not send unofficial ACT/SAT
Click to watch a short How To Request a Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Directions to Request an Official Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
- Log in to your Sequoia Naviance account
- Click the Colleges Tab (Right top corner)
- Scroll down
- Click on Manage Transcripts (Left hand side)
- Click on the Red Plus Icon and choose Other Transcript
- What Type Requesting? (Unless after graduation, click either Initial or Mid-Year)
- What For? (Scholarship or Other)
- Note: We do not send unofficial ACT/SAT
- Click to watch a short How To Request a Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Contests
The American Library of Poetry National Student Poetry Contest (all grades)
Deadline April 30
Poems are judged based on originality, creativity, and artistic quality. Poems not meeting the requirements for line limitation are automatically disqualified. Poems containing profanity, vulgarity or offensive material are automatically disqualified. To learn more and apply click here.
Student-Led Opportunity on Climate Change
April 22nd (Second Session)
Climate NOW, a youth-led organization dedicated to educating and empowering youth to take climate action is hosting a 4-part Climate Action Crash Course Webinar Series. The webinars will provide attendees with a safe haven for learning about the causes of global warming and the impacts of climate change. Discussions will include careers in climate action and talks on the future of activism. Webinars will last for approximately 45 minutes each on Zoom.
Climate Action Crash Course webinar for AGES 15 - 21
Climate Action Crash Course Earth Day webinar for ALL AGES
Thursday April 22nd 4pm PST/7pm EST
Google Summer Apprenticeship
Google Summer Apprenticeship (all grades)
Deadline April 23
Spend the Summer learning about the various career pathways Google has to offer while collaborating with a team. You must be available on Mondays and Thursdays from June 14th - July 16th, from 2 PM - 4 PM. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays you will be spending time with your group to work on your team challenge and your final presentations. To sign up or learn more click hereThe 2021 Norcal Youth Empowerment Conference "Youth to Youth (Y2Y)"
April 24th
Sign up now for an amazing youth leadership conference on Saturday, April 24 from 9:30 am-3:30 pm. NorCal Youth 2 Youth (Y2Y) is a collaborative online conference for youth to hear from civic leaders, network with like-minded youth leaders, and share opportunities and ideas for being civically engaged in your community. Key speakers will join the conference such as Congresswoman Jackie Speier; State Senator Josh Becker; former State Senator Jerry Hill; East Palo Alto Councilman Antonio Lopez; Belmont City Councilmember Davina Hurt; Redwood City Councilmember Jeff Gee; SUHSD Board Member Shawneece Stevenson, and other local and state civic leaders in public and private arenas There will be three sessions. Register Here You must register to receive the zoom link for the conference. Q's? Email: norcaly2yconference@gmail.com
Summer Volunteer Opportunity
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
BGCP is seeking high school students who might be interested in supporting their in-person summer programs by interning. For more information contact Remi Sobomehin at remi@bgcp.org.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Summer Job: City of RWC’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
The City of Redwood City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is looking for Camp Leaders, Assistant Camp Directors, Camp Directors who are interested in working 25-40 hours per week during the summer, planning, organizing and conducting basic recreation activities in a variety of settings
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.”
EPATT (East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring)
EPATT recruiting high school students for its College and Career Readiness (CCR) Program. At EPATT it is important to meet all of our students where they are academically and create a targeted plan for them. Our approach consists of academic support, one-on-one tutoring, mentoring, college/career advising and parent/family support. Our goal at EPATT is for all our students, to possess the academic and personal skills to be successful not only in college but in life.
Visit myepatt.org to check-out our offerings.
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula - Homework Help
Daily at 3pm
BGCP is offering daily homework help and support for all BGCP students to drop in.
To join via zoom click here: http://tinyurl.com/ForestHWHelp If you cannot join you can submit a homework help ticket by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/BGCPhwhelp
They are also offering small group Math Support (Geometry, Alg II, Pre Calc, Calc and Statistics) - If you are interested email Lauren Kang at lkang@bgcp.org
How To Videos for students available on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Senior Newsletter Contents April 11-17 2021
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Virtual Events: Mindfulness TRC
Financial Aid - Get help understanding financial aid award letters, Understanding Financial Aid Letters and Completing a college’s FA Required Documents, What to do next?
Career Information - District Zoom Career Speakers
General 4 Year - ADVICE From Pace University – When you do not get into your first choice school
Private/Common Application - From Reed College, Choosing with Confidence and Why to Choose a Small College
UC - Admitted Students - Next Steps
CSU - What’s Next Virtual Events and Check your Portals
Community College - College of San Mateo & Canada College Application Help
Student Opportunities - Student-Led Opportunity on Climate Change, Rishi Kumar for Congress Fellowship program, Josh Becker is the newly elected California State Senator for the 13th District Internship, BGCP Summer Interns, Student Mindfulness Training
Scholarships - San Carlos Lions Club Scholarship, San Mateo County Trial Lawyer Scholarship, Philip Tran Scholarship, Bay Area Gardeners, Sequoia’s Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship, and How to Request a Transcript for Scholarships
Job Opportunities: RWC Parks and Recreation Summer Jobs