Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of October 5-11, 2021
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email tignaitis@seq.org
If a college comes to Sequoia that you are applying to , you should make every effort to attend the visit!
At this time please STUDENTS come into College and Career Center to make an appointment
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct 7 - Senior Financial Aid Evening (see below)
Oct 9 - Cash for College at Sequoia (see below)
Nov 5- Last day to Turn in SR/LOR Form to Counselor for Apps Due AFTER Dec 15
Nov 12- PTSA Reflection Contest Submission Due
Senior Virtual Financial Aid Night
October 7th@ 7 - 8:30 PM
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.
The Spanish presentation hosted by Boys and Girls Club/Sequoia AVID/Professor at SJSU will take place at the same time.
For presentation in English
English Meeting ID: 933 3097 6617 Pass Code: 242415
Or
Para presentación en español
Haga clic en el enlace siguiente para unirse al seminario web:
Spanish Meeting ID: 924 5558 4418 Pass Code: 871948
or
Sequoia Cash for College Event –On Campus
8:30-12:00
Sequoia Cash for College Event – Saturday Oct 9th 8:30am-11:30pm
If you need help with completing your FAFSA or Dream Application, make a Calendly appointment to come to College & Career Center on Saturday Oct 9th. If you have any questions, come see Ms Ignaitis.
It is important to bring the necessary documents and at least one parent/guardian. Families members can come but due to Covid, we are going to limit each group to two people inside the classrooms.
Links to Flier Below or come by College and Career Center for a copy of what to bring.
What to Bring to Cash for College
Qué traer /saber para completar FAFSA - Spanish
ALSO - it is best to get your FAFSA ID BEFORE attending Cash for College (if applying for FAFSA only) - See Financial Aid Section Below
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
Confused About Sequoia's Application Process? Resources to Help You
How To Videos on College and Career Center Webpage
Common App/FERPA/Other Recommenders, CSU App Common Errors, College Visit, Naviance Activities
Process to Request a School Report(SR)/Letter of Recommendation(LOR) at Sequoia Video by Counseling Department
The grade-level presentation (with and without the recording) and handouts will also be available on the website following the meeting. Goes Over the Process for 4 Yr Colleges (UC/CSU/Common App/Private/Out of State)
Copy the link below to share this recording with viewers:
Presentation Recording in English Passcode: dY6Z?Oeg
Presentation Recording In Spanish (no passcode needed)
Handouts - Sending Transcripts and Test Scores, Student and School Responsibilities and Guidelines
Always Welcome to Drop In the College and Career Center at Lunch or Come to College Club on Tuesday between 4-5pm
Need Help Applying to College? College Club @ Tuesday from 4-5
If you have a sport or job after-school, please come see Ms Ignaitis at lunch for an alternate time
Our goal is to get something done every week
Hope to see you there!
If you have questions, please come see Ms Ignaitis
Sequoia High School College Visits
If you need help signing up for a college visit, come by College/Career Center or watch How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia
Oregon State University
Mon October 4
10:30 AM
The American University of Paris
Mon Oct 4
2:00 PM
University of California-Irvine
Tue Oct 5
8:00 AM
University of California-Merced
Tue Oct 5
9:30 AM
University of Connecticut
Tue Oct 5
11:30 AM
University of Rochester
Tue Oct 5
2:00 PM
Tufts University
Wed Oct 6
8:30 AM
Saint Mary's College of California
Wed Oct 6
10:15 AM
University of Redlands
Wed Oct 6
11:15 AM
Boston University
Thu Oct 7
8:00 AM
University of Oregon
Thu Oct 7
10:30 AM
Grinnell College
Thu Oct 7
11:30 AM
University of Delaware
Thu Oct 7
2:00 PM
University of Puget Sound
Fri Oct 8
8:00 AM
Pace University, New York City Campus
Fri Oct 8
10:30 AM
California State University-East Bay
Tue Oct 12
10:30 AM
Lafayette College
Thu Oct 14
8:00 AM
Pitzer College
Thu Oct 14
9:30 AM
Seton Hall University
Fri Oct 15
8:00 AM
Other College Events
Columbia University, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, and Yale University
Throughout the fall we will also host a series of virtual events for prospective students and families. Please share these details with your school community. The sessions will cover academics campus life, financial aid and admissions process at all five schools.
Thursday October 7 / Jueves 7 de octubre
Spanish Information Session / Sesión de Información en Español
8 pm EDT / 7 pm CDT / 6 pm MDT / 5 pm PDT Event Registration
Thursday October 14
8 pm EDT / 7 pm CDT / 6 pm MDT / 5 pm PDT Event Registration
Find the College for You at NACAC Virtual College Fairs
Hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at these upcoming NACAC Virtual College Fairs:
Thursday, Oct. 14: Midwest US Fair: 5-9 p.m. ET
Sunday, Oct. 24: Signature Fair: 1-6 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Nov. 2: Arts & STEM Fair: 4-8 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 14: Signature Fair: 1-6 p.m. ET
Don't miss these free, one-day events for high school students, transfer students, and families. Go to virtualcollegefairs.org to see the list of participating colleges. Then log in on any fair date to attend Zoom sessions, text your questions, and demonstrate interest... all without leaving home.
Meet Your NYU Rep (The person reviewing your application)
10/19
New York University is not doing in-person visits but they are meeting with San Mateo County, Contra Costa County and Alameda County. If planning on applying to NYU do not miss this opportunity Register Here
NYU also has general formal information sessions. Register Here
Drexel University Application Workshop Series
Drexel is offering monthly series of online events designed to help guide students, families, and counselors through important steps of the college application process
- Crafting Your Portfolio for College Success - Oct 20
- Exploring Your Academic Interests - Nov 17
To register and get more information go to their website
Stanford University Community Conversations
Through Oct 20 (session take place between)
Community Conversations is a series of virtual information sessions providing culturally inclusive and relevant information to students about Stanford’s admission process, campus community centers, and our diverse student body.
Coalition Application College Panels
Through- Nov 16
The Coalition will host a series of events this fall, including our largest virtual fair We're excited our panel discussions will be hosted concurrently in Spanish, including sessions on completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile, as well as on getting an early start on college planning and attending college as a first-generation student.
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION
How to Add Courses for Covid Spring 2020 Semester AND Entering Type of Grading System
You do not have to add Pass/No Pass when entering the type of Grading System for the Common App/Coalition/UC and CSU Applications - Sequoia uses a A-F grading system
For the spring semester of your 10th grade year, simply choose P or NP without any explanation
See photos below!
Where do I find my California State ID and What GPA Do I Use?
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.
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
Specific Four Year College Information By Type
UC/CSU Common Errors
1. 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.
3. 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
UC INFORMATION
The UC Application is now open for the Fall of 2022
Students can submit the application between Nov 1-30 2021
There will be workshops available at Sequoia at the end of October
Every UC has great information and tips on completing the application - Check out UCSB page
CSU INFORMATION
CSU What to Do Until Application Opens Oct 1st
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 see if it is IMPACTED. If impacted, there will be a multiple measure selection process, again, different for each campus.
COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFORMATION
Summary of Steps to Get a SR/LOR for Regular Decision - Go to the Information Emailed by Mr Rebello for Specific Details
Meeting to turn in completed SR/LOR Form is due to your counselor by Nov 5
REMINDER - Plus Added Counselor Calendly Link
If one of the school's you are applying to needs a letter or school report sent, you need to go through a process.
- You should have attended a SR/LOR Form Meeting and received your Pink SR/LOR Form
- If you attended, you received an email from Mr Rebello with the presentation and resources including links and explanations of the process
- After creating a Common App account and getting your teacher(s) to sign the pink SR/LOR form, you needed to sign up for a meeting in the College and Career Center to go over common errors and officially request your teacher LOR.
Sign up for meeting with Ms Ignaitis in College and Career Center
- Complete all the activities on the Pink SR/LOR Form
- Make a meeting with your counselors to turn in the form by the due date depending on when you are applying (this meeting is not your senior grad check meeting)
Register for required meeting with your counselor to submit your completed SR/LOR Form CLICK HERE
- Counselor will make you a copy of the sign formed and you will give a copy to the teachers writing your LOR
- Complete and submit your application independently
ALREADY SUBMITTED YOUR SR/LOR Form and Need to Change/Adjust Your LOR Requests?
Drop by the College and Career Center and Ms Ignaitis will open up the request setting. Come by before school, brunch, lunch or College Club - it only will take three minutes!
Help with Sections of the Common App Below
Common App Tab Education Section
Common App Tab Education Section - GRADES
College Tab Recommenders and FERPA Section
Specific Community College Information
San Mateo County CC: Canada, College of San Mateo and Skyline
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
We will be having our FIRST Canada Application Workshop Nov 4th - Sign up on Naviance under College Visits
Youth Advisory Board and Peer Mediators
Want to get involved and make a difference at Sequoia?
Youth Advisory Board and Peer Mediators are both clubs on campus that work on supporting students and elevating their voices! YAB works towards identifying issues that impact students at Sequoia. Peer Mediators trains students to help others with conflicts. If interested in either of these clubs please reach out to Alicia Siese, alicia.siese@star-vista.org or come by the Teen Resource Center for an application.
Healthy Cities Tutoring - Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers, aged 14 - 96 years old, provide one-on-one support for children in K-8th grade in San Carlos or Redwood City schools to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning and self-esteem. The need for volunteer tutors grows every year and we hope you or someone you know will get involved in this rewarding volunteer experience.
In Redwood City, we currently serve Clifford School (K-8th grade), Connect Community Charter School(K-8th grade), Kennedy Middle School (6-8th grade), and Henry Ford Elementary School (K-5th grade). You will be able to choose your preferred school location, age/grade of child, and day/time for tutoring.
Tutor training and orientation for all new volunteers starts in October
For more information about Healthy Cities Volunteer Opportunities: Visit
Star Vista Teen Volunteer (Must be 16 or older)
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.
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
EPATT (East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring)
EPATT is 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.
EPATT is currently offering its programming through dynamic and engaging online classes and tutoring. Visit myepatt.org to check-out our offerings.
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
Upcoming Local Scholarship for Sequoia Students
The Sequoia Award 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
Sequoia High School PTSA: 2021-2022 Reflections Contest Information
Due: Nov 12th
This year’s theme: I will change the world by...
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
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. 12. Click here for the online submission form. For questions, email Meredith Park or Margaret Brockman at sequoiareflections@gmail.com, or call 650-743-1695
FAFSA Opens 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 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
Downtown RWC Job Opportunity: SF Gelateria
SF Gelateria is a gelato shop in downtown Redwood city, minutes walk from Sequoia High School. We have shop attendant positions for ages 16+ for students who love gelato and serving joy to our customers. Shifts are opening or closing shift, 5 hours each. 12pm-9:30pm Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 12pm-10:30pm Friday and Saturdays. Apply by sending resume to ciao@sfgelateria.com.
Mathnasium of Redwood City
Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Our starting salaries are $15.50 - $19.00, depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.
Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math! If interested, please apply online at www.mathnasium.com/redwoodcity/employment
Crate & Barrel is Busy and Looking for Workers!
Crate & Barrel at Stanford Shopping Center is currently building their team. Sales ~ Stockroom ~ Merchandising ~ Customer Service
Flexible hours. Day shifts & Evening shifts. Weekend availability is important.
Please fill out an application online.
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.
It’s a fun place to work. If hired, you enjoy a nice 30% off employee discount.
Please ask if you have any questions. Please send an email to johnfdurkin@yahoo.com for more details.
Chick-fil-A in Redwood City
Apply at www.cfaredwoodcity.com
OTHER SENIOR INFORMATION
How To Videos for students now on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Sept 26-Oct 2
Click Here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana.
Confused About the Process of Applying to Four - Year College? Where to Find Resources to Help You
Follow-Up SR/LOR Meeting from Counseling
GENERAL FOUR YEAR - State ID and GPA Information for College Applications
UC INFO: How to Enter P/NP, UCLA Fall Virtual Open House
COLLEGE INFO: CSU INFO- Supplemental Factors by Campus, Search Majors and Programs on CSUApply
COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFO: Summary Reminder of Required Process Do you need a SR/LOR Form for Regular Decision or Do you Need to Adjust for LOR Requests AFTER Submitting your Pink SR/LOR Form?
Sept 19-25 2021
Click Here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana.
Follow-Up SR/LOR Meeting from Counseling
Signing Up for SAT/ACT
GENERAL FOUR YEAR - Do you need a SR/LOR Form
COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFO: Summary Reminder of Required Process
Sept 12-18
Click Here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana.
Follow-Up SR/LOR Meeting from Counseling
Signing Up for SAT/ACT
How to Sign Up for College Visit at Sequoia
GENERAL FOUR YEAR - Requesting Transcripts
COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFO: Sequoia Class Size for Education Section
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:Stanford Residential & Dining, Menlo Country Club, RWC and San Carlos Kumon Tutors
Sept 5-11
Click Here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana.
GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFO: Adding Colleges to Naviance
CSU INFO
COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFO: SR/LOR Mandatory College and Career Meeting Info
OTHER INFO: Senior Portrait Reminder
August 15-21
COMMON APPLICATION INFO: Letter of Recommendation Info
August 29- Sept 4
COMMON APPLICATION INFORMATION: FERPA Info