Senior College & Career Newsletter
Nov 6-12, 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.
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
Nov 8th- Cash for College (see below)
Nov 8th - UC Small Group Workshop (see below)
Nov 10th- UC Small Group Workshop during Flex (see below)
Nov 11th - PTSA Reflection VPA Contest (see below)
Nov 15th - UC Small Group Workshop during Lunch (see below)
November 30 - Deadline for CSU and UC Applications for Fall 2023
Need Help Applying to College? College Club on Tuesdays!
Tuesdays 4-5 PM
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
Tuesday Nov 8th From 5-7PM Help with FAFSA/Dream App
Need a Fee Waiver for a College Application? Complete the 2022-2023 Meal Application
Fall 2022 Add/Drop Dates
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)
Metro Program at SF State
November 8
The Metro College Success Program (Metro) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) looks forward to supporting senior students who are considering SFSU next fall.
What does the Metro College Success Program Provides Incoming Freshmen?
Classes that cover their G-E credit requirements w. no additional charge, academic advising and educational planning specific to each student’s major, and tutoring services from Metro’s MARC Center! Coordinators and Advisors who are committed to supporting students, and the opportunity to build community with other students who are interested in similar majors.
Sign-up on Naviance- College Visits for Nov 8th visit.
Lesley University
Thu Nov 10. 11:00 AM
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS
Find the College for You at NACAC Virtual College Fairs
November 6th TODAY
Unpacking Financial Aid (Virtual Program) - Willamette
November 7
Audience: Parents & guardians of college-bound students
As a parent or guardian of a college-bound student, financing college can be intimidating. From the FAFSA and scholarships to grants and loans, Dean of Admission, Sue Corner will explain key financial aid terms and take participants through a financial aid offer line-by-line. (Advance Registration Required)National Portfolio Day - Interested in Studying Art and Design in College?
Nov 13
14 on the 14th: Liberal Arts Colleges Across the US
Nov 14th
Fourteen liberal arts and sciences colleges across the U.S. will come together with current students and alumni to offer you fifteen minutes of tips for your college application process followed by an hour-long virtual college fair.
For the list of colleges, more information and the registration link - Click HereGetting Help - Group or Individual
College Club - Tuesdays after school
FLEX Time - All College and Career Flex Times are for Seniors Applying to 4 Year Colleges through November
Individual Appointments with Ms Ignaitis (A-L) and Ms Yeager (M-Z)
What to do after you’ve submitted your applications
After you submit your applications, the process is not over. After you’ve applied make sure to:
Create your portals and check/respond to your email.
Check that all portions of your part of the application were received
Many schools will say that you need to submit your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) to their system, even if you already did it on the Common App.
Check each school and make sure it’s submitted.
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
What is EOP?
What is EOP?
It is a great program that offers academic, financial and emotional support for low income students. It is like AVID at a CSU. They get priority registration, books bought for them, and individual tutoring to name a few.
How can apply for EOP?
After you submit a CSU application, you can apply for EOP on your CSUApply account. It is important to look TODAY at the deadlines for the schools you are applying to. A lot of CSU give priority to students who apply early, some have Nov 30th deadlines. Letters of recommendations are required (you have to ask a teacher or counselor and input their emails- THIS does not go through Naviance). There is an income requirement so please look at the EOP tab on your CSUMentor account.
Get Your Application Checked! - Drop In
It takes less than 15 minutes to check your courses are correct. Come in during lunch, before school, FLEX, or if you have a free period email Ignaitis (A-L) or Yeager (M-Z)
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.
Maximizing use of the "Additional Comments" sections
Applicants can use the first additional comments box, following the “Academic History” section, to explain their course selection decisions, a circumstance that prevented the student from taking more rigorous courses, gaps in education, or a situation that affected their grades.
UC Workshop at Sequoia
Nov 8 -6pm
Nov 10 - during Flex
UC Small Group Workshops at Sequoia
Location: College and Career Center
7pm Nov 8th
Flex Nov 10th
Lunch Nov 15th
For Seniors SHS Students only
Get your questions answered
Learn some tips to enhance your application
Go over some common errors.
Workshop is 30 minutes
Can be helpful for Common Application activities section as well.
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 Davis: programming for counselors, families and students offered throughout the fall quarter
UC Merced: Programming available throughout November
UC San Diego: Programming available throughout November
UC Santa Barbara: Programming throughout November
UC Santa Cruz: Programming throughout November
UCLA Fall Open House Presentations
UCLA Virtual Freshman Admission Presentation
Virtual Freshman Admission Presentations are designed to help prospective students learn about academic opportunities, campus life, and the admission review process. The thirty minute sessions are hosted by UCLA Undergraduate Admission representatives.
To register for a presentation, please select your preferred date below. Please note times are listed in Pacific Time.
If you have any questions, please contact us at welcome@admission.ucla.edu.
Virtual Admission Information Session Reservation
Wednesday, November 9 at 4:00 PM
Virtual Admission Information Session Reservation
Wednesday, November 23 at 4:00 PM
Adding or Removing a College After you Submit your SR/LOR Form
APPLICANTS
You are responsible to keep your list up to date to
ADDING a College:
1. You must contact your counselor to get a NEW SR/LOR ELECTRONIC Form (No Signatures are needed on this form)
2. Once completed, turn in to your counselor
3. Add the college on Common App (it should automatically be added to Naviance but check)
3. Submit a NEW teacher LOR request on Naviance
REMOVING a College:
Email your counselor, Ignaitis, and teachers the colleges you are not applying (one email to all)
Process of Submitting Application and School Documents
When we submit documents for your 1st due date, we submit them to all the schools on your list and there is NO way we would know if you added or removed a school, unless you tell us.
REMEMBER
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!
AND
If a college receives documents from the school and you decided not to apply there, no action is needed! They only start the process when they receive an application.
Complete Your Common Application Correctly - Ways to Get Help from the Common App Website
Take your time and submit the best application possible
Need help? Our Solutions Center is always available. Our Solutions Center team is available 24/7/365, to support any questions you or your students might have as they wrap up their applications.
Search writing requirements for specific colleges. Our writing requirements resource makes it easy for students to look up essay and writing supplement requirements, if any, for individual colleges.
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
What Does the Term "Stacking" Mean in Financial Aid?
A way to get the cost down even lower for out-of-state public schools is called "stacking" - they allow you to get the WUE and other scholarships from their school. FOR EXAMPLE University of Colorado, Colorado Springs located one hour outside of Denver offers the WUE automatically if admitted to all majors except nursing (but they offer an out of state Nursing PEAK scholarship similar to WUE). All can STACK a Presidential Out of State Scholarship (4 areas, Athletics, Leadership, Excellence in Arts and Excellence in Sciences) If a student gets both, the price of college is similar to attending a CSU.
FAFSA VS. CA DREAM ACT: Which one do I complete?
Why should I complete a financial aid application?
In order to qualify for free community college in San Mateo County or the Promise program across the state of California, you have to apply for FAFSA/CADAA.
You never know when your finances may change. Creating an annual record of your income allows colleges to see when situations change.
Applying for FAFSA/CADAA is often a prerequisite to qualify for private or merit-based scholarships.
Other Resource: 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: click here
NEW UPDATED SCHOLARSHIP AND CONTEST LIST AVAILABLE
Lists are available in the bin outside of the College and Career Center or by clicking on the purple banner above this message.
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.
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.
James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists Contest
Due: Nov 15th
Scholarships will be awarded to those students whose work “tells a story”. This is a fairly broad topic and may include a variety of subject matter and approaches (breaking news, sporting events, etc.) Please keep in mind that, for the still photography submissions, we are NOT looking for “art” photography. Five (5) Digital SLR Cameras will be awarded to five (5) high school students. Must be a US citizen. To find out more and apply click here.
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.
Are you a strong student who is interested in the military? NROTC Scholarship
Interested in a presentation on the Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps NROTC, it is a 4 year
scholarship that will educate and train highly qualified young men and women for careers as
commissioned officers in the United States Marine Corps or Navy. Please see Ms Ignaitis/Ms Yeager if interested.
Looking for Volunteers - EPATT
East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring (EPATT) has afterschool and Thanksgiving Break Intersession volunteer opportunities available for high school students. See the flier for details.
Fliers also available in the College and Career Center
Interested in Science and/or Cardiology? Free Program for 11/12th Graders Due: December 1st
American College of Cardiology Young Scholars Program is a free program designed for students interested in a career in science, the Young Scholars program pairs participants with an ACC member mentor for a year of research and education about cardiology and cardiovascular disease. Events throughout the year virtually with a chance to meet in person in Atlanta and another two day camp in Washington, DC. Application includes a 500 word statement of interest and a letter of recommendation.
Click here for more information and to apply.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)
Interested in Working with Rescue Dogs?
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. Doggie Protective Services
Volunteer Tutoring at Siena Youth Center
One-on-one tutoring with elementary and/or middle school students (typically in reading but some also need support in math and other areas). This would be a weekly occurrence after 3:15pm on the weekdays. Sessions are normally 30 minutes. If interested, email mselizabeth@holyfamilyschoolrwc.org
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
Stanford University Residential & Dining Enterprises Food Service Positions
A lot of Sequoia Students work here!
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Hey Sequoia HS Class of 2023! Cap and Gown Info
We now have more than 350 of you that have ordered your caps and gowns, but we are still missing some of you!!
Please follow the below instructions to place your order for a FREE cap and gown TODAY!!
Use THIS LINK to place your cap and gown order. You can also use this same site to purchase additional graduation items (announcements, class rings, etc), but there is NO CHARGE for the Cap and Gown. Select GRAD PACK D from the listed options. Please use promo code 2023grad at checkout (and make sure to click APPLY) for all cap and gown orders... otherwise the system will not let you check out. Please do this immediately!! If you do choose to return to the site later and order additional packages that include a cap and gown, don't worry about that part... the system is set up so that it won't order you a duplicate gown.
Even if you are unsure if you will graduate, please complete the order form. It is better to be over-prepared than get to the Spring and not have one!!!
I'm also attaching the Herff Jones ordering packet. It has some additional links and info on how to order additional items.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, or for questions specific to ordering, you can message our Herff-Jones representative:
Michael Manning
Senior Portrait Information
Past Newsletters
GENERAL: What to do after you've submitted your applications UC/CSU: Common Errors
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: Transcripts UC INFORMATION: Listing Community College Courses. FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: WUE
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: How To Videos, UC: Statement of Integrity, COMMON APP: Complete Your Common Application Correctly
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