Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of January 31 - February 6, 2021
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
Feb 1- Deadline for Counselors to Submit Mid Year Report (see Private/Common App Section)
Feb 4 - Senior Community College Fair and Information Night (zoom links below)
Feb 6 - Sequoia Cash for College - Help Completing FAFSA/Dream App (zoom links below)
Feb 12 - CSF Application Period for Fall 2020 Grades Due
January-March- Various CSU Applications Deadlines (see 'CSU Section)
March 2 - Financial Aid Priority Deadline for FAFSA and CADAA
March 2 - Deadline for Cal Grant
Tuesdays, 4 pm- Have questions? Need help with college portals or Financial Aid? Drop by College Club by clicking here: Join us on zoom!
DIRECTIONS FOR CSF APPLICATION PERIOD FOR FALL 2020 GRADES
Due February 12, 2021
The application must be completed and turned in by the STUDENT ONLY!
Go to the College and Career’s CSF webpage for an application form, course list, and more information
Applications must be submitted by email to Ms Ignaitis by Friday, February 12th.
NO Late Applications, NO Exceptions! Please complete it early!
If you need help completing the application form, come to College Club from 4-5 every Tuesday
9th Graders can join as honorary members (Why join, a link to the CSF website is on SHS webpage)
SENIORS: To be a Life Member you must have been a member 4 of the 6 semesters during 10th through 12th grade (ONE of those four semesters must be during your senior year).
TWO Ways to Submit During Distant Learning:
Print form below
Complete the form, scan it, and email it to Ms. Ignaitis
Attach your transcript in the email
Subject Line: CSF Application FALL 2020
OR
If you do not have a printer/scanner
Follow the directions on the form – but complete it in the body of an email to Ms Ignaitis
Attach your transcript in the email
Subject Line: CSF Application FALL 2020
Get Help with College Applications, Follow Up and/or Financial Aid Applications
We want to support each and every one of you through this process! Below are ways to get help:
Students make Individual Appointments via Calendly with college counselors by clicking on their corresponding counselor’s name below. (if you have a free period, email your counselor directly and state the time you have a free period).
Join us every Tuesday for College Club at 4pm on zoom: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/92359863949
Check out the How-To videos (link below)
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.
National Hispanic Institute Virtual College Fair
February 2
NHI is thrilled to announce its first digital college fair and expo of this program year. This college fair will allow students and families to: Uncover new college options through a robust search tool, Experience virtual campus tours, Watch videos and download materials helpful for in the decision process, Schedule meetings and interviews with admissions representatives. No matter where you are in the college search process, you can learn more about your options at the National Hispanic Institute Virtual College Fair and Expo! To learn more and to register click here
CSU Eastbay Education Summit 2021 for African Am, Latino, Native Am, & Pacific Islanders
Saturday Feb 6th
Learn how to prepare for college through presentations and workshops for middle school, high school and community college students
Hear from current East Bay students as they share their experience at East Bay, including the transition to campus, what school has been like during the pandemic, and advice they have for students going into college
Financial aid workshops, including FAFSA and Dream Act application tips
Attend informative workshops for parents of students
For More Information click here
Questions? Contact us at educationsummit@csueastbay.edu
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
FBI Speaker Presentation
Feb 3 (at noon - teacher permission needed to leave class)
Today's FBI is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities that is staffed by a dedicated cadre of more than 30,000 agents, analysts, and other professionals who work around the clock and across the globe to protect the U.S. from terrorism, espionage, cyber-attacks, and major criminal threats.
Our FBI 101 session presentations generally provide an overview of the FBI mission, priorities, investigations, and career information.
REGISTER HERE (for students only - must use school email)
General Four-Year College Information
READ and RESPOND to emails and “To Do” items on college portals.
THIS is the way they are communicating with students.
Failure to meet deadlines can result in the cancellation of your application!
Who Needs to Request a Transcript?
Common Application Schools - If on your Naviance account as a CA school, a MYR will AUTOMATICALLY be sent - DO Not Request
UC - It is rare that a UC request a transcript (usually an international transfer student) - Do not request unless the college emails or it is a “to do” item (send Ms Ignaitis a screenshot and she will send)
CSU - Varies from student to student and school to school. - Do not request unless the college emails or it is a “to do” item. (send Ms Ignaitis a screenshot and she will send)
Out of State Schools - Varies from student to student and school to school. A lot of public out of state colleges DO NOT want transcripts at this point - they do not have staff to process them LIKE University of Oregon and Washington. PLEASE READ EMAILS and CHECK PORTALS
Important Transcript 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.
IF you see a CANCELED TRANSCRIPT request message on your Naviance account – it is because the Counseling department takes out all unnecessary requests (UC, CSU and Common Application Schools)
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 and PRIVATE COLLEGE INFORMATION
REMINDER ABOUT Mid Year Reports (MYR)
Update: Mid Year Reports (MYR)
All MYR will be completed and sent by February 1st
Common Application Schools Require a Mid-Year Report (MYR) Information
Most MYR include only your new GPA and 7th semester transcripts. They also include any change in course work listed on your School Report (SR).
MYRs will be sent automatically if you requested a SR through Naviance IF YOU HAVE LISTED THE COLLEGE AS A COMMON APP School (if there is a ? mark –EDIT it to Common Application if the school needs a MYR
IF you applied to a non-Common Application private college that needs a separate form completed or a MYR, please email your counselor ASAP
UC INFORMATION
Cancelling or Withdrawing a UC Admission Application from UC Counselor Bulletin
Each campus has specific instructions for their individual process if an applicant wishes to cancel or withdraw their application from further consideration. This only applies to students cancelling or withdrawing prior to admission. See Campus Instructions
REPORTING D & F OR SCHEDULE CHANGES
You must tell each UC if you changed your schedule (dropped courses) or received a D or F during the Fall 2020 semester.
Minor changes to your activities, awards, volunteer work or employment are unlikely to have an impact on your admission decision.
NOTE Each Campus has a different policy: Campus instructions & websites for reporting changes
CSU INFORMATION
Transcripts
If you get a message to send your mid-year transcript in your “To Do” list or in an email request, email Ms Ignaitis a screenshot of the message and she will submit it on Naviance. Colleges must be listed on your Colleges I’m Applying list in order for Sequoia to submit documents.
Not all students need to submit transcripts
Check Portals and Emails Often
Every school is a little different so make sure to keep track of your login information. To meet all deadlines, check your email and portals weekly and DO NOT WAIT to complete your “To Do” list.
CSU Application Deadline EXTENDED
Many CSU have extended their deadlines (some only allow certain majors)
Click on link for more information Extended Dates
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION
Sequoia Community College Night
February 4 AT 7PM
Sequoia High School will hold a VIRTUAL Community College Night for seniors and their families on Thursday, February 4th from 7pm to 8:30pm. There will be representatives from our local community colleges. A representative from each college will present overviews of their respective programs and their admission process. There will also be a brief financial aid presentation specific to community colleges. The night will conclude with a college fair where students and parents can speak to the individual schools with their specific questions.
English Presentation link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/91344156647?pwd=S0k3TW1RMFJjR0pyemRTMzB3OTlBQT09
Spanish Presentation link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/2759702970
Virtual Cash for College for Sequoia Seniors
Do you need help completing the FAFSA or Dream Application?
With the help of Canada College, we will have drop in time for families to get their questions answered and applications in. Applying for the FAFSA or Dream Application requires both the student and a parent/guardian to officially submit and it is best if both can be together while applying.
8:00 am- 9:00 am: Create FSA ID and Dream Act Account (if you already have one, join at 9:00)
9:00 am- 11:30 am: Drop in for help completing your Financial Aid application
English Zoom Link:
Link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/2759702970
Spanish Zoom Link:
Link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/2759702970
Please have the following documents available during the webinar:
• Your parents and your FSA ID (For FAFSA filers ONLY) or Dream Act Account (For CADAA filers) • Driver's License, if you have one
• Social Security Card, if you have one
• Alien Registration Card, if you have one
• ITIN, if you have one
• List of colleges you are interested in to list on the applications
• Most current bank statements
• Any records of untaxed income
• 2019 tax information (1040’s and W2’s)
• This includes your parents' tax information if you are a dependent student.
Get your FAFSA/CADAA Application in!
Seniors, you have only a couple of months left to get either your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application in! Do not wait until the last minute.
FAFSA - DUE MARCH 2, 2021
For students with a Social Security Number
-or-
CA Dream Act- DUE MARCH 2, 2021
For students without a Social Security Number.
Click for Financial Aid Information: English or Espanol
Families who would like assistance with the FAFSA or CADAA can make an appointment with College Counselors (appointment links above).
FAFSA
TWO AND FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS, COMPLETE THIS FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID ONLINE TODAY REGARDLESS OF YOUR FAMILY INCOME.
DEADLINE MARCH 2, 2021
CA DREAM ACT
DEADLINE MARCH 2, 2021
CSS PROFILE
New Scholarship List for February
If you find a scholarship you're interested, get more information on Naviance!
Peninsula College Fund 4 YR Renewable Scholarship for Low Income Families
DEADLINE FEBRUARY 12
The Peninsula College Fund is excited to begin the application process for the 2021 PCF Scholarship Program! PCF is a scholarship given to multiple Sequoia students each year. Students need to have a 2.8 - 3.8 Unweighted GPA, plan to attend a four-year college, and come from a low-income family (documented). This is a four-year renewable scholarship and a great opportunity!
For more information and scholarship application visit their website here.
PG&E Employee Resource Group and Engineering Network Group Scholarships
DEADLINE FEBRUARY 12
Each of the ERG and ENG scholarships listed are supported in part by PG&E and through fundraising and contributions made by members of these employee groups and fellow employees. These groups not only help bring our employees together, but also provide an essential bridge of communication to our diverse customers. Each group awards scholarships to students who have shown commitment to specific communities or causes. The 2021 Scholarship Program opens December 14, 2020 and closes February 12, 2021.
For a list of available scholarships available visit their website here.
Writing Contest: Have You Been Involved with Race Equity Activities?
Due: March 1
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. For More Information
Do you have a talent in art and want to share your work with the community?
Due: February 12th
The San Carlos Youth Advisory Council is holding an arts competition called "Creations and Connections." Any youth ages 10-18 can submit artwork under the theme of "Peace, Love, and Community" in one of many categories ranging from poetry and short stories to film production, and even dance choreography. Express your talent and join us for an awards ceremony where you may even win a prize. Read and learn more at cityofsancarlos.org/yac.
Los Altos High School's Green Team, virtual conference
February 13
Hosted by Los Altos High School's Green Team, this virtual conference is designed by high school students, for high schoolers. Our goal is to help high schoolers effectively implement green projects and foster a culture of environmental responsibility at their schools. This year, we’re going virtual! We have planned a very dynamic and interactive agenda, including two wonderful speakers, so we hope to see you there! Please check out our website sfghs.lahs.club for past photos and other information. The SFGHS committee is also looking for clubs interested in participating in a club panel event and having a webpage on our website to share information, communicate, and spread love for our planet. If you’re in a club that is interested, please indicate so on the registration form and fill out this form after.
This year’s conference:
When: Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST
To Register: bit.ly/SFGHSRegistration
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.”
EPATT (East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring)
EPATT 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.
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.
For More Information Click Here
How To Videos for students available on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
January 24 - 30, 2021
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Virtual College Events:National Hispanic Institute Virtual College Fair, CSU Eastbay Education Summit 2021
Career Information- Interested in a career as a pilot?
Financial Aid - Why you should complete FAFSA or CADAA Before Deadline March 2
General 4 Year - Transcripts are Ready- Who Needs to Request Mid-Year Transcripts?
Private - Update Mid Year Reports (MYR)
UC - Pre-Admission Verification, Personal Insight Question Plagiarism Check, Reporting Changes
CSU - Deadline Extended, Set Up Portals if Submitted
Community College - Sequoia’s Senior Community College Information Evening
Student Opportunities - Girls that Code Activities, Habitat for Humanity, Bank of America Leaders Program,
Contests- Leyla Beban Young Authors Creative Writing Contest, 2021 EngineerGirl Writing Contest, San Carlos Youth Advisory Council Art Contest
Scholarships -February Scholarship List Available on College and Career Website, Al Teglia Jobs for Youth Scholarship
Jan 17-23, 2021
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Financial Aid - FAFSA or CADAA Deadline March 2
General 4 Year - Check your portals, Transcripts and communicating with your colleges
Private - Interview Help Mid Year Reports/Transcripts
UC - Reporting D/F or Schedule Changes
CSU -
Community College - Canada College Workshops
Student Opportunities - Girls that Code Activities, Habitat for Humanity, Bank of America Leaders Program
Contests-
Scholarships -January Scholarship List Available, Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship