Senior College & Career Newsletter
October 16-22, 2022
Welcome Students & Families
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
On Wednesdays, join the College & Career Center in the Quad at lunch.
Senior Financial Aid Night
October 20th@ 7 - 8:30 PM
Get your questions answers, learn about the financial aid process, and get resources!
English Presentation - In the MPR
This meeting is for community college, trade school and 4Yr Bound Seniors – A former financial officer from Stanford University, Mary Morrison will present on financial aid including the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and Cal Grant. She will also be able to answer all your questions.
Spanish Presentation - In Carrington Hall
The Spanish presentation hosted by CSU East Bay and Canada will take place at the same time in Carrington Hall
Sequoia Cash for College Event –Get Help Completing Your FAFSA/Dream Application
Tuesday, Oct 25 5-7pm
Saturday Oct 29th 8:30am-11:30am
If you need help with completing your FAFSA or Dream Application to come to College & Career Center on either Tuesday Oct 25 or Saturday Oct 29th. Sign-up here for an appointment.
It is important to bring the necessary documents (2021 taxes and at least one parent/guardian.
Links below to Sequoia High School Cash for College Flier (what to bring, worksheet, and registration)
ALSO - it is best to get your FAFSA ID BEFORE attending Cash for College (if applying for FAFSA only) - See Financial Aid Section Below
If you have any questions, come see Ms Ignaitis/Yeager.
What is Cash for College?
From CA Student Aid Commission: Starting October 1 through March 2 Cal Grant deadline, students and families can attend FREE Cash for College workshops across California for help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) and Chafee Grant for Foster Youth applications. Our mission is to help low-income and first generation college-goers complete the application process so they can access financial aid for education and career/technical training beyond high school. List of what you need to bring is attached in Spanish and English
Need Help Applying to College? College Club on Tuesdays!
Tuesdays 4-5 PM (Counselors will be there this Tuesday!)
This Tuesday we will go over how College Club can help this application period!
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
Need a Fee Waiver for a College Application? Complete the 2022-2023 Meal Application
Fall 2022 Add/Drop Dates
11/1: Last day to drop an IB course in a testing year.
11/16: Last day to drop with penalty. No drops after this date.
Sequoia High School College Visits
Naviance is currently displaying the incorrect (AM or PM) on the College Visit list - once you register, you can see the correct (AM or PM)
Kenyon College
Mon Oct 17 8:00 AM
University of San Diego
Mon Oct 17 9:30 AM
Lehigh University
Mon Oct 17 10:30 AM
Lawrence University
Mon Oct 17 11:30 AM
University of Miami
Mon Oct 17 2:00 PM
Gonzaga University
Tue Oct 18 8:00 AM
Haverford College
Tue Oct 18 8:30 AM
Brown University
Tue Oct 18 9:30 AM
George Washington University
Tue Oct 18 10:30 AM
Washington University in St Louis
Tue Oct 18 11:30 AM
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Wed Oct 19 7:30 AM
Oregon State University
Wed Oct 19 8:00 AM
Chapman University
Wed Oct 19 8:30 AM
Indiana University-Bloomington
Wed Oct 19 9:30 AM
University of California-Irvine
Wed Oct 19 10:00 AM
Claremont McKenna College
Wed Oct 19 11:15 AM
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Thu Oct 20 8:00 AM
Amherst College
Thu Oct 20 8:30 AM
University of California-Santa Barbara
Thu Oct 20 10:30 AM
Elon University
Thu Oct 20 11:00 AM
University of California-Los Angeles
Thu Oct 20 1:15 PM
St. John's University-New York
Thu Oct 20 2:00 PM
University of Oregon
Fri Oct 21 7:30 AM
Hawaii Pacific University
Fri Oct 21 8:00 AM
Pace University, New York City Campus
Fri Oct 21 9:00 AM
Bowdoin College
Fri Oct 21 10:30 AM
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS
Campus Life and Building a Community - For First Generation and/or Low Income Students
Oct 19th
International University Fair
Thursday, October 20th at 7pm EDT
Understanding Financial Aid by Reed College
October 20 and November 2
Sandy Sundstrom, Director of Financial Aid at Reed College, will demystify financial aid, explain how it works, and show you how to apply. Register here: October 20, and November 2
Interviews Available with Reed College
Reed College encourages students to think of the interview as a casual conversation—a way of sharing about themselves that goes beyond the usual numbers like GPA. Most of their interviews are conducted by current Reedies so they’re also a great way for your students to learn about Reed from the people who know it best.
Now is a great time for your students to interview while availability is high. Although an interview isn’t required to apply it’s a useful supplement that helps us get to know our applicants. Sign-up for a VIRTUAL INTERVIEW SLOT.
Find the College for You at NACAC Virtual College Fairs
November 6th
National Portfolio Day - Interested in Studying Art and Design in College?
Nov 13
Have questions about a part of the college application process?
Check out our FAQ/How to Video Page to learn more about how to enter grades on the CSU App, common mistakes on the Common App and much more!
Where do I find my California State ID and What GPA Do I Use?
What GPA Do I Use?
First Listed - Cumulative GPA
IF College Asked for Unweighted
Second Listed - Cumulative Unweighted
CSU/UC
Weighted 10-11 A-G
note - UC will not ask for GPA
Where’s my State ID?
The State ID can be found in the transcript printed by your counselor on the top left corner right underneath the GPA Summary.
Specific Four Year College Information By Type
UC/CSU COMMON ERRORS - Same for Both Applications
IB Math Applications SL/YR1 HL or IB Math Analysis SL/YR1 HL on Transcript
- If you only took one year of either IB Math Applications or Analysis, choose the course with ONLY "SL"
Math Analysis and Approaches IB SL (IB)
- If you are in your SECOND year of either course choose:
Math Analysis and Approaches IB HL2 (IB) - second year
OR
Math Applications and Interpretation IB HL1 (IB)
Math Applications and Interpretation IB HL2 (IB)
Sometimes the approved UC/CSU names are not the same name as is on your transcript
- History IB HL1 is the junior year course
- IB History of Americas HL2 is the senior year.
- If you are in a two-year course, look for HL1 for junior year and HL 2 for senior year.
- If a class gets IB or Honor status IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY appear when you add the name of the class. If you have to add the course type for CSU, ALWAYS choose – none.
World Studies 1-2 - no grade first term then add your second semester grade
- Both the quarter of WS 1 and Life Skills are not A-G eligible
NEVER CHOOSE: I do not see my class or add a course on your own that you took at SHS
CSU Application is NOW OPEN!
CSU is Now Open - Make Sure you Choose FALL 2023
If you need help or you need it checked, please come to College Club or drop in at lunch.
FIGURE OUT YOUR MAJOR
One of the first questions on the application is-what the major are you applying for?
Majors/Degrees
All of the CSU are not the same and sometimes they have different names for the same subject area. Figure out HERE what degree you are applying for each school on the CSUapply website.
2022-2023 First Time Freshman Supplemental Factors by Campus
When you figure out what major you will be applying to, see if it is IMPACTED. If impacted, there will be a multiple measure selection process, again, different for each campus.
Statement of Integrity
UC continues to admit students based on self-reported information in the UC application. Transcripts are not required until after a student has been admitted and has submitted a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
It is vitally important that students be accurate, thorough and truthful when completing the application. Counselors are encouraged to remind students that they are required to electronically sign and agree to the Statement of Integrity upon submitting their application. The Statement of Integrity states that while UC encourages applicants to seek assistance and guidance, UC expects all applicants to complete their own application.
UC takes additional measures to verify the authenticity of application materials, including pre-admission verification and PIQ plagiarism checks. It is critical that students do not misrepresent or falsify information; applicants who are found to be in violation of the Statement of Integrity risk having their application canceled.
UC Admissions Sessions and Fairs
Campuses may offer a range of opportunities, including college fairs, appointments, admissions sessions, tours and videos on admission, housing and/or financial aid and scholarships. Some will be hosted in person, while others will be offered virtually. Programming for counselors, students and families will be available.
UC Berkeley: programming throughout October
UC Davis: Open House events throughout October; programming for counselors, families and students offered throughout the fall quarter
UC Merced: Programming available throughout October and November
UC Riverside: Discover UCR October 22
UC San Diego: Programming available throughout October and November
UC Santa Barbara: Programming throughout October and November
UC Santa Cruz: Programming throughout October and November
Worried About School Documents Being Sent On-Time? Process of Submitting Application and School Documents
Student Side of the Process
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!
IF we send documents and you decide not to submit an application, it is okay, they discard if not matched.
Counselor and Teachers Side of the Process
When counselors and teachers submit their documents for your 1st due date, they submit them to all the schools on your list.
There is NO way we would know if you added a school, unless you complete another SR/LOR Form. Email your counselor to see how you can complete an additional form.
Do Not Worry About Teachers Completing LORs on Time.
Where it might be to your advantage to submit earlier than the due date, it is not necessary for our staff to complete their letters of recommendation earlier than the due date listed on Naviance. We take the completion of these documents very seriously!
Wondering, was your counselor’s documents (school report, LOR, transcript, and school profile) and/or teacher LOR submitted? (Two Ways to Check)
1. From Common Application Website:
You can check the status of your recommenders on each of your colleges' "Recommenders and FERPA" page under the "My Colleges" tab.
"Not Started" - the recommender has not yet begun your recommendation.
"Submitted" - your recommender has fully submitted your recommendation, and there is no further action required on their part.
Contact your teachers and/or counselor directly if still concerned.
Remember transcripts are included with the counselor report!
2. Naviance should have a green check when documents have been submitted
Go to Colleges I’m Applying to
Application Milestones
If close to the deadline, after checking that they are not submitted, a gentle reminder email is appropriate (but understand a lot of teachers submit on the deadline)
Complete Your Common Application Correctly - Ways to Get Help
Take your time and submit the best application possible
College & Career Common Errors on the Common Application Workshops
We are hosting multiple opportunities before, during and after school to go over the Common Application. Click here view the Workshop Schedule and Sign Up page.
New: Instructional application videos (From Updates from Common Application)
Just in time for back to school, we’re excited to launch our instructional applications videos for the 2022-2023 year, featuring members of the Common App team! Topics include a full application overview of first-year and transfer, how to approach each essay prompt, and the most popular questions we hear about the application process.
View the Playlist Their YouTube channel for more videos throughout the application season!
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION
Thinking About a Career in Biotech?
Over 2000 companies in Bay Area, a third of which are in San Mateo County
How it’s growing
Average growth for this industry-30%, lots of VC invest in this field
Genomics-growth area (i.e.-23 and Me)
Digital healthcare-growth area (i.e.-online doctors)
SSF-Foster City: Over 200 companies, Gilead, Genentech
--Over 85% of people have BA, BS; 65% have MS,MA
Silicon Valley (including Menlo Park)
--80% have at least BA/BS, 50% have MA/MS
Skills needed
Soft skills, such as: Problem solving, Working in teams, Communication
Hard skills needed too, such as: pilot testing, Experience with 3D CAD, Cost of goods, Engineering drawings and bills of material
10 FAFSA Facts Every College-Bound Student Should Know
From CollegeData.com –Read the whole article
1. FAFSA® STANDS FOR “FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID”
The FAFSA is the primary application for need-based financial aid. Colleges use the information from your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Colleges may also use information from your FAFSA to award private scholarships from their own funds, and your state may require the FAFSA to determine state-funded college aid.
2. YOU SHOULD FILE A FAFSA EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU WON’T QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Many families don't complete the FAFSA because they think their income is too high. Others think the form is just too complicated. But anyone who fills out the FAFSA will at least qualify for a federally insured, direct student loan — and perhaps other grants, scholarships, work-study or loans. Some scholarships that are not based on financial need still require a FAFSA.
3. THE FAFSA ASKS FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Generally, students who are unmarried and under 24 years of age must report information on the FAFSA about themselves as well as their parents
4. YOUR FAFSA WON’T TELL YOU HOW MUCH FINANCIAL AID YOU’LL RECEIVE
Technically, the information from your FAFSA only determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is a number that colleges use to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility. The EFC is not, as its name implies, an exact dollar amount that students and their families will be expected or required to pay for college. You'll receive your EFC from one to three weeks after submitting your FAFSA in a document called the Student Aid Report (SAR).
5. THE FIRST DAY YOU CAN ACCESS AND SUBMIT THE FAFSA IS OCTOBER 1
Be sure to complete and submit your application before the FAFSA deadline set by the colleges you plan apply to (varies) and by the deadline set by your state of residence (CA priority date March 2)
6. YOU CAN COMPLETE THE ENTIRE FAFSA ON YOUR COMPUTER OR PHONE
Go to the Federal Student Aid website to access the online form.
7. YOU CAN SELECT UP TO 10 COLLEGES TO RECEIVE YOUR FAFSA AND STUDENT AID REPORT
You can add or remove colleges later, if you need to.
8. FAFSA HELP IS AVAILABLE
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
9. YOU MAY MAKE SOME CHANGES TO YOUR FAFSA AFTER YOU SUBMIT IT
If your family’s circumstances change after you submit your FAFSA, such as one or both of your parents or guardians lose their job or unemployment benefits, you cannot adjust the FAFSA form directly. But you can contact the financial aid office of each of the colleges you selected to receive your FAFSA information and explain the change in circumstance. The college may ask you to submit a letter detailing the changes along with a copy of supporting documentation.
10. YOU MIGHT BE SELECTED FOR FAFSA VERIFICATION
Sometimes, colleges will ask you to provide documentation for the information you reported on the FAFSA. This is called being selected for “verification.”
Where do I go to get an FSA ID?
Get started here!
FAFSA opens Oct 1 but it is quicker to complete if you have a FAFSA ID before you start.
The most important step is that you physically have your Social Security Card with you to make sure create your FAFSA with the exact name and number on your card!
RESOURCES
For Help creating a FAFSA ID, watch the short video clip on the College and Career How To webpage
Click on the purple buttons below for more information about FAFSA, CA Dream, and CSS Profile
Other Resource: 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: click here
Sequoia Awards Scholarship
Deadline October 31st
Do you live in Redwood City and have you made an impact with your community service activities?
The Sequoia Awards provides scholarships to high school seniors who are outstanding community volunteers. To apply for a Sequoia Awards scholarship, you must: have performed voluntary community service; be a high school senior; and reside at a Redwood City mailing address. This includes unincorporated Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, Emerald Hills, and Redwood Shores. For application and more information visit their website here.
Deadline to submit an application and materials is October 31. Upload your transcript from Infinite Campus.
Are you applying to a college that requires a nomination from Sequoia for scholarships or programs?
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.
Congressional App Challenge
Due Nov 1
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives host a district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. For more information; Congressional App Challenge
Students can register as individuals or as teams of up to four. Check out Congresswoman Speier's Webpage.
Sequoia High School PTSA: 2022-2023 Reflections VPA Contest Information
Due: Nov 11th
This year’s theme: Show Your Voice
Enter your artwork and reflect about its meaning to you in one of six categories.
Dance Choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
Special Artist Division
All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement. Participation itself is a meaningful contribution to the Sequoia community! First-place finishers in each category enter the district competition, district winners move on to the state competition, and state winners move on to compete nationally.
Be sure to review the rules and category information on the Reflections page of the PTSA website.
Submissions due Friday, Nov. 11. Click here for the online submission form.
Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship
Due: Nov. 11
Good Tidings Foundation encourages and supports the growth of marginalized children in the Bay Area by creating spaces for athletics, artistic activities, education, and wonder.
Our purpose is to provide opportunities that otherwise would be unavailable to kids regardless of their financial status, ethnic origin, or religion. Our scholarships award high school seniors based on the greatest service and financial need. Go here to find our more.Redwood City Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Due: November 14th
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2023. Our Redwood City Lodge will award 10 students with $1,500.
MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:
Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
Male and female students compete separately.
Students choose Redwood City Elks Lodge #1991 as their sponsoring Lodge. Our Redwood
City Lodge will send our best six students to the Bay District competition with the opportunity to
go to the state and Grand Lodge finals
Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS.
The application deadline this year is November 14th.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Deadlines: Dec 6, 7 and all year long
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards allow high school students to submit art, writing and poetry for regional and national recognition.
Poetry: open all year and can submit once (there is a cost to process, but it can be waived) Frequently Asked Questions
Teens may enter work that was created this past spring or over the summer. Students should enter their current grade level, even if they are entering work that was created while they were in a different grade.
Healthy Cities: Tutor Tips Workshop
October 19th
Don't miss our Fall Tutor Tips Training led by HCT staff and teachers from our schools. Learn valuable techniques for engaging and supporting your students. Learn more and RSVP.
Star Vista Teen Volunteer
Volunteering with StarVista is an excellent opportunity to learn more about yourself and receive valuable training while making an important contribution to your Community
StarVista has helped people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges. Our counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, and early childhood programs help tens of thousands of people in our community each year.
Project Read- Redwood City Library Volunteer Opportunities
TRAINING - Nov 8th
Project Read has some upcoming training for teens who would like to volunteer on November 8. 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)
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.” Click here for more information
Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers, 16 years old and older, to help at our construction site in Daly City. If you are curious about Habitat and how you can get involved, we are holding informational sessions to provide a glimpse of our work. In these sessions, you can also expect to hear about the Covid-19 protocols currently in place to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Click Here for more information on how to volunteer
Chick-Fil-A Redwood City
Find a culture that is unique. Serve with a team that cares. Whether you’re first job or the next step in your career, Chick-fil-A provides a positive environment for hardworking individuals to thrive.
KJ’s Cafe is Hiring Baristas @ Kaiser Medical Office Building in RWC
3pm-6:00pm Mon-Friday
NO WEEKEND OR EVENING WORK REQUIRED.
WE WILL WORK AROUND YOUR SCHOOL SCHEDULE.
IF YOU ENJOY/HAVE:
Experience with customer service, Genuine warmth for others, Learn quickly, Thrive in collaborative environments, Value earnest hard work, Enjoy/love being part of a team… We are looking for you!!!
Formal resume not required. Barista experience strongly preferred but happy to train the right person. Full or Part Time, Salary: $17.00- $20.00 + tips which average approx $5-6 per hour.
E-Mail:katherine@kjscafe.com
Cell: (650) 464-3111
House of Humor Seasonal Help
Applicants must be at least 15 years old. Applications available in store. Turn in applications to the Hiring Manager. Questions, call 650-368-5524
Flier Available in College and Career Center
Stanford University Residential & Dining Enterprises Food Service Positions
A lot of Sequoia Students work here!
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Senior Portrait Information
Past Newsletters
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: Does Submitting My Application Earlier Than The Due Date Give Me an Advantage?
CAREER: Benefits of having a job in high school, COLLEGE TIP: Ask the Same Question for Each College Visit FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE: Do I need a LOR/SR Form
September 11-17 , 2022 Click Here
4YR COLLEGE: Choosing a Major FA: Real Cost of College
September 4-11 Newsletter Click Here
4YR COLLEGE: - Requesting Transcripts, COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE: Application Help, CAREER: Firefighter Program, Motion Graphic Design
COLLEGE: Nomination Process
August 28- September 3 Newsletter Click Here
COMMON APPLICATION: What you can do now for LOR, CAREER: Careers in Art
August 21-27 Newsletter Click Here
CAREER: O'NET Career Resource, 4 YR GENERAL - Importance of College Visit