Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of November 29 - December 5, 2020
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 Deadlines
Happening in November:
Tuesdays, 4 pm- Have questions? Need help with college applications? Drop by College Club by clicking here: Join us on zoom!
DUE DATES
December 4 - UC Applications Deadline (see 'Get Help' section below)
December 4 - CSU Applications Deadline (see 'Get Help' section below)
Get Help with College Applications and/or Financial Aid Applications
We want to support each and every one of you through this process! Below are three ways to get help:
- College club on Tuesdays 4 pm - Click here to join
- Students can also make Individual Appointments via Calendly with college counselors by clicking on their corresponding counselor’s name above. (if you have a free period, email counselor directly and state the time you have a free period)
- Look at How-To Videos (link and more info below)
Sequoia High School Virtual College Visits
Note: If you are having trouble registering on Naviance email nrocha@seq.org or tignaitis@seq.org for the link
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Wed December 2, 2020
10:30 AM
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Wed December 2, 2020
1:00 PM
Virtual College Events (Information Sessions)
Higher Ed at Lower Cost ... Hear from 15+ Universities in 1 hour!
Dec 2 @5:30 pm
15 WUE Universities have come together to do a quick 3 minute highlight of each of our colleges and how WUE works at our specific institutions.
Please RSVP https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7016055805854/WN_44IVosbPS7O6B9D9-F8J8g and Join us!
San Jose State CSU Application Workshops
Dec 1st
From SJSU- Join us for: A brief overview of the Cal State Apply application presented by Admissions Counselors, Live Q&A with our Undergraduate admissions team, Tips to avoid common mistakes and FAQ and more!
Registration is required for these webinar events. Please click on one of the registration links to RSVP.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
5:30 pm - - 6:30 pm
UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture - Interested in Studying VPA - Learn about the Portfolio Process
Multiple Dates in Nov/Dec
Presentation on UCLA Arts undergraduate admissions, portfolio and audition requirements, academics, and student life. Click here to learn more and register
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
TWO AND FOUR YEAR BOUND SENIOR INFORMATION:
General Four-Year College Information
Words of Advice From the University of Chicago Admissions and Students;
“Don’t freak out. You’ve worked so hard already. Now’s the time to relax, be proud of your accomplishments, and have fun with your applications.”
“Be sincere in your writing and submissions. You’ll be happiest at a school that chooses you for who you are and what you have to offer.”
REMINDERS
Add All College Applications – To “Colleges I’m Applying To” on Naviance
Please list every school that you applied to on Naviance including CSUs and UCs. We can’t submit documents until you list them on Naviance. Also, make sure you note that you submitted your application as well.
How to Lookup your Transcript in Infinite Campus:
Log in
Go to Documents Tab
Download Transcript
Report ALL Dual Enrollment Courses taken or plan to take under College Courses
Reminder about the Transcripts Process
ALL transcripts requests go through Naviance whether for a college, scholarship or academic program
Transcripts are sent by the Guidance Department
Please allow five school days to send a transcript
IF you see a CANCELED TRANSCRIPT request message on your Naviance account – it is because the Guidance department takes out all unnecessary requests (UC, CSU and Common Application Schools)
UC and CSU – Do not require transcripts for your initial application
Common Application Schools – You do not need to request a transcript because they are automatically sent with your school report, counselor letter, and school profile. Students requested a transcript when they completed the SR/LOR form
Out of State Public/Private (Non Common Application Schools) -Request on Naviance on the Colleges I’m Applying to tab
If you have any questions:
Email either Ms Ignaitis (A-L and HCA) or Ms Rocha (M-Z and DAA)
Watch How to Request a Transcript/What Colleges do you NEED to Request a Transcript at Sequoia
COMMON APPLICATION
How is a College Assessing Your Application?
Most colleges that want a personal statement are looking for the same things every very competitive UC system is looking for in the written personal statements they require. Like the UC system website, you should go to the college you’re applying to and look at how they are assessing your application.
From the College Essay Guy – who pulled from UC website
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/how-applications-reviewed/index.html
Every student wants to know what their dream colleges are looking for in those darn college essays. Should I write about a challenge? Should I write about my extracurricular activities? Should I write a poem about my life? Fortunately, the UC schools made this really easy by answering this question on their website. They are assessing student applications based on 14 points of comprehensive review. What are those, you ask?
Here they are:
Grade-point average
Test scores (most colleges are test optional this year)
Performance in and number of courses beyond minimum a-g requirements
UC-approved honors courses and advanced courses
Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) – CA residents only
Quality of senior-year program of study
Academic opportunities in California high schools
Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas
Achievements in special projects
Improvement in academic performance
Special talents, achievements and awards
Participation in educational preparation programs
Academic accomplishments in light of life experiences
Geographic location
Note: No single factor determines admission, as your application is evaluated holistically.
And these 14 points correspond very closely to the 8 UC personal insight questions.
UC INFORMATION
FEE WAIVERS (From UC Counselor Bulletin)
“UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students. The online fee waiver is within the UC admission application and uses the applicant’s family size and income to determine eligibility. During the payment process, the system will calculate the fee waiver automatically. Fee waivers from different sources cannot be combined.
If an applicant received a fee waiver from an outside source, they may indicate that they will pay fees by mail and submit a College Board, ACT or NACAC fee waiver in lieu of payment for four campuses. The mailing address for payments is provided on the receipt and confirmation email.
UC’s application fee waiver program is for United States citizens, permanent residents, and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits who meet the annual Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.”
IF you did not receive a fee waiver through the UC application but received a fee waiver for the SAT (were Free or Reduced Lunch last year), there are 4 fee waivers on your College Board account. (need to allow pop-up blockers and accept fee waivers, if not there call CB 888-756-7346)
If you think you should receive a fee waiver but did not, please email Ms Rocha or Ms Ignaitis ASAP
CSU INFORMATION
Reminder for CSU Applications:
Seniors be sure to indicate you DID NOT take the CAASPP test in your application
Common UC & CSU Mistakes:
Academic History Section – Choosing the right course name and type
Sometimes the approved UC/CSU names are not the same – History IB HL1 is the junior year course and 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.
Select Course Type Dropdown – 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 type, ALWAYS choose – none. For Example – History IB HL1 does not get IB type.
How to Enter 9th Grade World Studies 1-2
Enter No Grade for the first semester (it does not get A-G credit) and put the grade from your 2nd semester
You do not need to enter future IB Exams – CSU do not use IB/AP exams in their evaluation if you are receiving a high school diploma.
Get Your Application Checked!
Make a 15 minute appointment and let us make sure you have your courses listed correctly. Make appointments on Calendly. If you do not have a class during the school day, email us and we will try our best to help you then.
Ms Ignaitis (A-L and HCA) Ms Rocha (M-Z and DAA)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION
There are three community colleges in San Mateo County: Canada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. These Colleges serve more than 31,000 students each year and offer the first two years of instruction in a wide variety of degree and transfer programs, as well as vocational-technical programs.
The traditional four-year college experience isn't for everyone. Some students aren't sure what they want to study, while others are looking for a more affordable education. Many students study for two years at community college before transferring to a four-year college, saving significant money on tuition.
Eligibility to Apply:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Anyone 18 years of age or older
To attend complete our reservation form by clicking here.
California Promise Program
For eligible California residents, the California Community Colleges Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived. (Assistance for the purchase of books and supplies must be applied for separately). Many California community colleges offer online California College Promise Grant applications through CCCApply. When you use these financial aid online applications, the data you've entered in CCCApply will be transferred automatically, making your financial aid application much easier and faster.
For information of the Promise Scholar Program at Canada Community College click here. Application opens February 2021!
Send FAFSA Info to Schools – IF you have more than Ten Schools
You can list up to 10 colleges on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), you can make the information available to more than 10 colleges through one of the options listed below. (We recommend the first option)
Option 1: Click Login on the home page and log in to your FAFSA account. You will be given the option to Make FAFSA Corrections. Remove some of the colleges listed on your FAFSA, add the additional school codes, and submit the corrections for processing.
Option 2: Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center and have them add the colleges for you. When you call, you must provide the DRN from your SAR or confirmation page. Refer to the Help page for contact information.
Option 3: If you have a paper SAR, you can replace the colleges listed on the SAR with other colleges, and mail the SAR back to Federal Student Aid. Note that the paper SAR allows you to change up to four colleges - not all 10.
Note: If there are 10 colleges on your FAFSA, any new school codes that you add will replace one or more of the school codes already listed. When this change is made, any college removed from the list will not have automatic access to any new information you provide after you've removed that college. However, the college will still have the data you submitted when you listed that college on your FA
CSS Profile and FAFSA (Private Colleges)
Reminder: IF private college requires a CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA, ensure that the CSS Profile is filed 2 weeks (it takes time!) before the priority deadline for the college.
Other Resources
- 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: click here
- 10 things you need to know about the California Dream Act: click here
Missed Financial Aid night?
The links below were from the Senior Financial Aid Event Oct 15th.
Sequoia Award Scholarship and New December Scholarship List
The December Scholarship List is Available on the Sequoia Website Click Here
The Sequoia Award Scholarship
Deadline Nov 30th
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 November 30!
Upload your transcript from Infinite Campus
How to Request a Transcript for a Scholarship on Naviance (if needed)
Go to Colleges tab
Go to Apply to College (in black not Colleges I’m Applying to)
Go to Manage Transcripts
Click on the red +
Add the scholarship information
Remember it takes up to 5 school days to process a transcript request!
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.
Informational Sessions: Nov 18 and 20th
Click Here to sign up for a 30-minute informational sessionStanford’s The Young Women’s Leadership Summit January 23-24
Deadline to Register: Dec 12th
The Young Women's Leadership Summit is a FREE annual conference that aims to introduce young women to a variety of business disciplines, and during the 2-day-long conference, attendees will listen to and learn from accomplished women leaders, gain hands-on experience through workshops, and interact with industry professionals, Stanford students, and motivated peers. ALL High School Girls are WELCOMED! For more information
http://www.stanfordwomeninbusiness.com/summitCONTESTS
Crate & Barrel at Stanford Shopping Center
Are you looking to earn some extra money this holiday season? Spend your holidays with great design and a 30% discount.
Crate & Barrel at Stanford Shopping Center is currently building their holiday team. Sales ~ Stockroom ~ Merchandising ~ Customer Service
Flexible hours. Day shifts & Evening shifts. Weekend availability is important.
Please fill out an application online.
https://jobs.crateandbarrel.com/?st=Jobs
Location: Palo Alto
Put my name down as a referral. (John Durkin)
Please fill out the online application. 16 years old with a work permit is the minimum age.
Email Mr. Durkin johnfdurkin@yahoo.com for more details or questions.
How To Videos for students now on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Nov 1-7, 2020
General 4 Year - Listing IB Exams
UC -From UC Bulletin, Reasons to Apply Early and Entering IB Exams
CSU - UC -Common UC & CSU Mistakes:
CSU - How to add courses into CSUApply
Student Opportunities - Sequoia High School PTSA: 2020-2021 Reflections Information
Scholarship - Elks Most Valuable Scholar and How to Request a Transcript for a Scholarship
Nov 8-14, 2020
Virtual College Visits and Events
Financial Aid - Adding More than Ten Colleges on FAFSA and Dream Application
General 4 Year - Requesting Transcript Reminders
Private - Adding Colleges AFTER you Submit your Form to your Counselor
UC -From UC Bulletin, Reasons to Apply Early and Entering IB Exams
CSU - What is EOP
Nov 15-21, 2020
General 4 YR - Transcript Reminders
Common App- Adding or Removing Colleges
UC - Entering Exams
CSU - What is EOP?
Community College - Promise Scholarship
Student Opportunities -Participate in San Carlos City Government - Skate Park, Job Openings at Crate N Barrel