Senior College & Career Newsletter
September 18-24, 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.
This week, the College and Career will be closed starting 10am Sept 20-24th due to important annual NACAC conference
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
September- Common App/Common Mistakes Workshops
Sept 13 - College Club continues (see below)
Sept 20 - CSF Application Deadline (see below)
Sept 23 - SR/LOR Form Due for College Deadlines before Dec 15th
Oct 20 - Senior Financial Aid Evening
This week, the College and Career will be closed starting 10am Sept 20-24th due to important annual NACAC conference
College & Career Center: Where to Find Us?
This week, the College and Career will be closed starting 10am Sept 20-24th due to important annual NACAC conference
At this time please come in person to make an appointment
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
CSF Applications Period Now Open for SPRING 2022 Grades
DUE: Sept 20th by 1pm – Don’t Wait! No Late Exceptions!
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) emphasizes high standards of scholarship and community service for California high school students. For families that do not know about CSF, it is basically a state-wide honor roll organization. The word scholarship has to do with academic performance NOT SCHOLARSHIP MONEY.
You must be a member at LEAST one semester of your senior year to be a Life Member!
For applications, class lists, help completing the form, and general information about the CSF organization please visit the College and Career Center’s CSF webpage or in the bin outside of the College and Career Center
Directions and deadline for submitted Spring 2022 CSF Applications - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
DIRECTIONS:
Only students can complete and submit the application to the College and Career Center/Room 115 from September 6- 20th at 1pm
The submitted application packet must include:
1. A completed CSF application
2. $5.00 application fee in cash or a check made payable to Sequoia High School
3. A copy of the previous semester report card or transcript- A transcript can be obtained through a student’s Infinite Campus account (report tab).
Please DO NOT GO TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE FOR YOUR TRANSCRIPT!
STUDENTS - if you need help, have questions, or have an issue paying please come by the College and Career Center and WE will help you!
Need a Fee Waiver for a College Application? Complete the 2022-2023 Meal Application
Missed the Grade Level College/IB Meeting on August 30th - Recordings Available
If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on August 30th
Copy the link below to share this recording with viewers:
12th Grade Level College/IB Meeting Recording Part I Passcode: D^$%9yDL (9/30/22)
12th Grade Level College/IB Meeting Recording Part II Passcode: g8^XT%aq (9/30/22)
The grade-level presentation in English and Spanish ( without the recording) and handouts will also be available on the Sequoia College and Career webpage.
Fall 2022 Add/Drop Dates
9/28: Last day to add a class or drop a class without penalty.
11/16: Last day to drop with penalty. No drops after this date.
11/1: Last day to drop an IB course in a testing year.
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)
Baylor University
Mon September 19 8:00 AM
Tufts University
Mon Sept 19 8:30 AM
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Mon Sept 19 9:30 AM
University of Arizona
Mon Sept 19 10:30 AM
New York University
Mon Sept 19 11:30 AM
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Mon Sept 26 9:30 AM
University of Connecticut
Tue Sept 27 8:30 AM
Colby College
Tue Sept 27 9:30 AM
Pomona College
Wed Sept 28 11:15 AM
University of California-San Diego
Thu Sept 29 10:30 AM
Columbia University in the City of New York
Fri Sept 30 8:00 AM
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS
Tufts Univ Presentation at M-A, Beyond the Numbers: Breaking Down Highly Selective Admissions
Sept. 19, 2022
Beyond the Numbers: Breaking Down Highly Selective Admissions, an interactive, in-person, workshop designed by the Tufts University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, aims to show you what happens behind the scenes of a highly selective admissions process. REGISTER HERE.
The program will highlight the following:
Academics and campus life at Tufts University
The different components of a college application and how those materials are evaluated by selective admissions offices
Tips on successful essay writing and the impact of Tufts-specific short essays
The role of recommendations and interviews in the process
A case study designed to resemble the admissions process, featuring five real applications from prior Tufts applicants
Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn and Stanford Info Session - Exploring College Options
Sept 19 and Oct 2 & 3th
Information Session with a group of selective colleges.
Monday, Sept 19 at 7:00 PM Register: Exploring College Options Student Program (Virtual)Sunday, October 2 at 6:00 PM Register: Exploring College Options Student Program (Virtual)
Monday, October 3 at 7:00 PM Register: Exploring College Options Student Program (Virtual)
Majors, Minors, and More: The Academic Experience at Liberal Arts Colleges
Tues, September 20 7:00 p.m. EDT
What are classes like? How do students explore academic interests? Faculty and current students will talk about the academic experience at a liberal arts college—from choosing a major to relationship building and research opportunities. Hosted by Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams. REGISTER HERE
CSU College Nights
Wed Sept 21
Meet with all 23 California State University campuses in one location and learn what steps you need to take next to get ready for college. Learn key information regarding applications, financial aid and more. For more information and to register click here.
College Night in RWC Hosted by Canada College, PAL and College Advising Prep
Thursday, September 22nd, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
University Reps for CSU East Bay, Sac State, Santa Clara University, Univ. of San Francisco, University of Silicon Valley, Univ. of the Pacific, and, of course, yours truly, Cañada College will be there in person (more may be confirming).
Reps that will be in attendance virtually are from UC Irvine, UC Davis and Menlo College.
The location for this event is at Redwood City PAL, 3399 Bay Road. In Redwood City (not too far from Costco).
Emory, Rice, University of Michigan, and University of Washington
Sept 28th
Attend a virtual information session for prospective students and their families and learn about these Engaging Distinctive Universities all in one meeting.
Lawrence University: (Colleges That Change Lives) Speak to an Admission Counselor
Chat with an admissions counselor in person or virtually
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.
GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION
Do I Need a School Report/Letter of Recommendation (SR/LOR) Form? Depends.
Deadline to Turn in SR/LOR Form is This Friday - Sept 23th for college deadlines BEFORE Dec 15th that require letters of recommendation.
Some Guidelines to Help:
If it is a Common App College exclusive school, YES
If it is a California Public College (CSU/UC), NO
If it is a Coalition College that needs a school report (SR) and LORs, YES
Univ of Washington does not require SR or LOR
Univ of Texas does not require SR but LOR are optional
If it is a Private College with its own application that needs a school report (SR) AND letters of recommendation (LOR), YES
Out of State Public Colleges, VARIES (Read Below)
Sometimes the school asks for LORs that do not go through Naviance (teachers will be sent a link) if this is the case, NO
The tricky ones are public colleges that have their own online application and are on the Common App AND do not require a school report (LORs are optional). If these are the only schools you would list on your SR/LOR Form, then it is less work to not use the Common App. Notables: Univ of Oregon, Oregon State, Univ of AZ, and AZ State.
If after reading the requirements on the college’s website and looking at the information on Naviance (submission status), you still need help deciding if you need to use this form, please contact your counselor (week of 9/19-23) or come in to the College and Career Center (will be out next week 9/19-23)
Seniors, it is your responsibility to do the research and find out the APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS for each college you're thinking of applying to this fall.
Specific Four Year College Information By Type
CSU What to Do Until Application Opens Oct 1st - Research Majors
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.
UC INFORMATION
UC Built in Help
The UC application provides built-in help and support throughout each section of the application. Applicants can view answers to their commonly asked questions on each page of the application by clicking ‘Help’ on the top navigation bar or by clicking on the blue ‘i’ icons seen throughout the application. Students needing further assistance can contact the UC Application Center via phone or email. The center is available Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Pacific Time).
(800) 207-1710 (within the U.S.)
(925) 298-6856 (outside the U.S.)
ucinfo@applyucsupport.net (email)
COMMON APPLICATION INFORMATION
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
Having a Job in High School Has More Benefits Than Just a Paycheck
Excerpts from Article by Christine Sarikas of Prep Scholars
- You earn money
- You’ll learn new skills
- You’ll gain new work experience
- You’ll meet new people
- You'll Learn More About What Kind of Career You Want
- You'll Gain Independence
Reed College - Understanding Financial Aid
Monday, Sept 19th at 4PM
UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID – Monday, September 19, at 4 p.m. PDT: Sandy Sundstrom, Director of Financial Aid, will demystify financial aid, explain how it works, and show your students how to apply.What are the financial aid requirements at colleges I’m applying to?
Each school has its own financial aid requirements and deadlines. As you research different colleges to apply to, make sure to visit their Financial Aid Page. You can see if they require a separate application for institutional scholarships or have earlier deadlines to submit FAFSA/Dream Act to be considered for merit-based aid, honors programs, etc. For example, check out NYU Financial Aid Explained, a 3-minute video that guides you through the process of applying for financial aid from NYU.
Example - Washington State
Priority Admission: January 31st (Scholarship Deadline)
Priority First Time Freshman - March 31st
See the Scholarship Section for information about the process at Sequoia if a merit scholarship/program requires a nomination from Sequoia.
Other Resource: 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: click here
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.
Where do I go to get an FSA ID?
Get started here!
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
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.
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.
Healthy Cities New Tutor Orientation on Zoom
September 21 or October 5, 7-7:30 PM.
Are you a new volunteer tutor? Interested in becoming a tutor but want to learn more first? Join other new tutors and learn more about HCT and our program, meet our staff and have all your questions answered!
Learn more and RSVP here.
Hackathon - No Coding Experience Required
Sept 24-25
Los Altos Hacks VI is a 24-hour in-person high school hackathon. No coding experience is required; there's a place for everyone at our hackathon! Los Altos Hacks will be 100% free, including prizes, swag, mentorship, and much more! For more information and to sign up.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.
FREE ONLINE art classes at Foothill College
Classes Start Sept 26th
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
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
Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods Customer Service Part-Time Job
Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods is looking for part-time customer service employees. Starting pay is $15.50. Hours are flexible around the student's schedule and average between 3-10 hours per week. For more information or to apply contact Brent Goetz, brent@goetzsports.com or 650-366-4082
Stanford University Residential & Dining Enterprises Food Service Positions
A lot of Sequoia Students work here!
LaserMaxx Crew Member Part-Time Job
18 Years Old and Like to Play Video Games?
Get paid to test games. Test games for two weeks and get paid $1400.00
Flier in College and Career Center.
Email Justin Steele at jsteele@steele-recruiting.com if interestedMenlo Country Club is Looking for Servers and Bussers
BENEFITS Competitive Wages Complimentary Meals While on Duty Flexible Scheduling Hospitality Training Fun, Family-Oriented Work Environment Golf Privileges (in accordance with the club’s policies) Holiday Bonus Potential
HOW TO APPLY Please submit your current resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to James Shafer, Clubhouse Manager, at JShafer@menlocc.com
Studio Host for San Carlos Yoga Studio
Must Be 16yrs old
Yoga Health Center in downtown San Carlos at 677 Laurel Street ia a community-based culture and are seeking a studio host that is a customer service pro with great energy to help our studio soar and provide students with a phenomenal experience.
Part time, minimum of 8-hours / wk
Salary: From $17.00 per hour
If interested, can apply by calling or texting 650-209-0703 or sending an email to mila@yogahealthcenter.com
(Flier with more information in College and Career Center)
Hummingbird Music School is looking for talented high school musicians to join our team of Music Teachers!
Part-time work is available teaching private lessons (in all instruments) in-person or online and teaching group Piano Classes or group Ukulele Classes at local San Carlos Redwood City and Menlo Park elementary schools. Pay is $45/hour for private lessons and $60/hour for group classes. Please apply online at http://hummingbirdmusicschool.com/about
(Flier with more information in College and Career Center)
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Senior Portrait Information
Past Newsletters
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