Senior College & Career Newsletter
October 9-15, 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. (no table this Wed due to PSAT)
Local College Expert - Help with FA and Scholarships at RWC Library
Tues Oct 11, from 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Alice Kleeman will provide an overview of financial aid and scholarships in the Downtown Library Community Room. Seniors: Even if you think your family might not need financial aid for college, this presentation could be helpful to you. This session is for high school seniors only, not students at other grade levels or parents. Students who plan to attend must pre-register, click here.
From Alice Kleeman, Instructor: "I served as the College Advisor at Menlo-Atherton H.S. for 20 years. Since retiring seven years ago, I have kept well informed so I can be useful to students who need extra help (without ever charging money for my help). I offer college-related help as a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club and elsewhere. I particularly enjoy serving students whose parents did not go to college.
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-11:30pm
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.
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)
Macalester College
Tue Oct 11 8:00 AM
University of East Anglia (UEA)
Tue Oct 11 8:30 AM
IE University - Madrid
Tue Oct 11 9:00 AM
Grinnell College
Tue Oct 11 9:30 AM
Occidental College
Thu Oct 13 9:30 AM
St. John's College
Thu Oct 13 10:30 AM
University of Chicago
Fri Oct 14 7:30 AM
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Fri Oct 14 9:00 AM
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Fri Oct 14 10:30 AM
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
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS
Opportunities and Outcomes at Liberal Arts Colleges
Oct 11th
Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams are putting our own rivalries aside, and hosting a series of virtual events for students and families. .
RSVP for the events below that interest you, and browse recordings of previous sessions at the bottom of the page. You can also fill out one easy form to get admission information about each school.14 on the 14th: Liberal Arts Colleges Across the US
Oct 14th
Starting October 14 and continuing each month until December 14, 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 HereReed College Senior Scholars Program
Application Due Oct 15
SENIOR SCHOLARS PROGRAM – Apply by Saturday, October 15: This yearlong, three-part engagement with our community is designed to answer the unique questions posed by underrepresented students and students of color. If admitted to Reed as a Senior Scholar, your students will meet with a financial aid counselor, create lasting connections with current students and faculty, and receive a partially- or fully-funded travel voucher to visit campus in the spring.
Campus Life and Building a Community - For First Generation and/or Low Income Students
Oct 19th
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
Does Submitting My Application Earlier Than The Due Date Give Me an Advantage? Depends on the Type of College
How Most Admissions Operate (always check individual websites)
Private Colleges/Common Application Colleges: Majority No Advantage
Admissions representatives (the people who will be reading your application) are traveling recruiting students; attending events and school visits up until November.
There are many parts that go into this application separately from the student’s part (transcript, counselor report, teacher recommendations) The admissions set aside time to read applications after they have been processed and all parts of the application are together.
Exceptions: Some smaller, less competitive colleges with ROLLING ADMISSIONS
State Public Colleges: Depends
Schools like our CSU system that basically look at your self-reported transcript; some of these colleges process applications as they are submitted or in batches so students find out if they are admitted at different times. A lot of out of state public schools that do not require anything but application and transcript (some who claim, if you turn in by this date will get your decision in a few weeks).
Notables excluded from CSU: Cal Poly SLO - majority of decisions come out at the same time.
Notable out of state public colleges excluded: Note: University of Michigan, University of Colorado, Boulder, and University of Texas, Austin
UC: No
From UCLA Admissions:
Will students be at an advantage if they submit their application in October?
A. No, students will not have an advantage or disadvantage based on when they submit their application. Students must submit their application during the filing period between October 1 to November 30. We do not offer early decision or early action
Bottom Line: Start Early, Turn your application after it has been checked by someone and before the deadline when you feel that you have completed your best application!
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.
VIRTUAL CAMPUS VISITS
with CSU campus representatives over the course of two nights. Refer to the list below to identify which date and time each campus will be available. Students can register at Explore the CSU | CSU (calstate.edu).
Tuesday, October 11
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Chico, Fresno, Fullerton, Northridge
5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - Bakersfield, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Channel Islands, Dominguez Hills, Maritime, San Diego
Wednesday, October 12
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Humboldt, Sonoma, Long Beach
5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - Pomona, Sacramento, San Marcos, Monterey Bay
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -East Bay, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose
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.
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: Open House October 8; programming throughout September and October
UC Davis: Open House events throughout October; programming for counselors, families and students offered throughout the fall quarter
UC Irvine: Discover UCI October 15
UCLA: Open House October 8 (hybrid)
UC Merced: Programming available throughout September, October and November
UC Riverside: Discover UCR October 22
UC San Diego: Fall Showcase October 1; programming available throughout September, October and November
UC Santa Barbara: Programming throughout October and November
UC Santa Cruz: Programming throughout September, October and November
Sequoia School Information for Common Application
For the Education – Grades Section of the Common Application
Class Rank Reporting – Do not rank
Graduating Class Size – 460
GPA Scale – 4
GPA Weighting – Weighted
Guidance FAX – (650) 306-8893
Graduation Date – June 9, 2023
Your Official GPA- Overall weighted GPA
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
Health Career Fair- Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
Thurs Oct 13th 6:30pm
Come hear from and talk to a variety of health career professionals at the Redwood City Clubhouse. Email Andrea Marquez, andream@bgcp.org, for more information.
Annual Women in Cardiology Career Development Event
Oct 15, 2022, 9:00 AM – 12 NOON (PT) (Virtual)
This event is one of a kind, aimed at inspiring women to choose Cardiology as a career at a pipeline level targeting all women trainees – including undergraduate and high school students. The small group breakout sessions in the program provide an excellent networking opportunity for trainees to learn more about cardiology as a career choice. For registration link and details, click here.
Stanford Financial Aid Presentation Slides
FAFSA Opened Oct 1st - Get Your FAFSA ID Now (Student and One Parent/Guardian)
What is an FSA ID?
It is a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to access the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access certain information online.
Why do I need one, if I haven’t started the FAFSA Application?
Getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app cuts down on errors and delays.
Does my parent(s)/Guardian(s) need to get one too?
If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically. (It is ok if your parents/guardians do not have SSN)
Where do I go to get an FSA ID?
Get started here!
FAFSA opened 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.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
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