Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of March 7 - March 13, 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
- March 15- Sonoma and Chico Admitted Students - Next Step Meeting
March 31 - Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship (Naviance Survey More Info Next Week)
Tuesdays, 3 pm- Have questions? Need help with college portals or Financial Aid? Drop by College Club by clicking here: Join us on zoom!
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 3pm 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.
Upcoming District Wide Career Speakers in March
Click the link to see list of Upcoming District Wide Career Speakers in March
Occupational and Physical Therapists
March 11th @ 2:45pm
Are you interested in a healthcare career, but not sure what direction to take? Please join Agile Physical Therapy for an online presentation followed by a question and answer session on Thursday, March 11 at 2:45pm to learn about physical and occupational therapy! Topics will include the following: overview of the professions - similarities and differences, where PTs, PT assistants, and OTs fit within the healthcare team, pathway from high school to graduate programs/professional programs. We look forward to meeting you and sharing all that our professions can offer! Students you must pre -register by March 10 by clicking here. After you register, you will receive the zoom link.
Two Programs for Students Interested in Becoming Doctors
A group for high school students interested in medicine. Supervised by Dr. Enoch Choi, this Medical Post exposes students to numerous areas in the field of medicine such as pediatrics, psychology, and genetics. Students meet monthly via Zoom. Join group on Facebook
2021 Virtual Doctors on Board: Pipeline Program
Application Due: March 22
Physicians Medical Forum’s “Doctors On Board Pipeline Program” is an opportunity for underrepresented minorities students who are African American/Black, Native American, Filipino, Hispanic, and Pacific Islanders that are high seniors, juniors and sophomores interested in becoming physicians or pharmacists to will experience a rare snapshot of what it takes to become a physician or pharmacist. Click on the link above for more information.
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
Conditional Status - Possible Reasons to Take Away an Admission Offer
Every year HUNDREDS of students at colleges rescind admission offers because of changes in what either was stated on the application or predicted grades changes of seniors who have been admitted CONDITIONALLY
Possible Reasons to Take Away Admissions:
Conditional Status – EVERY STUDENT NEEDS TO READ
Each college could have very specific conditions for an individual student; it is important to carefully read the fine print of each school’s message. Some scholarships or programs have GPArequirements or provisions for no Cs on your transcript
Lower than Predicted Grades (courses and IB exams) Schools admit you on your previous grades and assume you will be receiving the same type of grades. If there is a NOTICEABLE change in your grades, you should contact the school and explain yourself.
Ds or Fs, Dropping a Course and Any Major Change or Behavior Issue. A final report will be written by each counselor that will include any required reporting to a private school including a final transcript and changes from a student’s School Report. If you think you might be getting a D or F, or have dropped a course, plan on not taking an exam listed on application or have been suspended for a behavior issue, you need to contact the schools IMMEDIATELY. Please call the admissions office and find out what their process for reporting changes
Remember
Colleges do not want to find out about low grades, changes in your schedule, and/or what you put on your application is different than what you originally told them when they receive documents from Sequoia High School in July. Admission officials often remind counselors to tell students the following; if they find out before a student tells a college, his/her offer of admissions will be taken away. Remember reporting does not mean you will be rescinded. It is your responsibility to tell a school in a timely manner.
UC INFORMATION
Fall 2021 UC Campus Admission Decision Notification Timeline
Each campus you applied to will email you to create a username and password for access to the campus’ applicant portal. This is the site where the admission decision will be posted along with other important information. You should check each campus portal frequently.
Berkeley- Early February (limited release) & Late March
Davis- Mid- March
Irvine- Mid-February, (Limited release), late March
Los Angeles- Late March
Merced- Early March (rolling thereafter)
Riverside- Beginning March 1 (rolling thereafter)
San Diego- Mid-March
Santa Barbara- Mid March
Santa Cruz- Mid-February through Mid-March
CSU Information
Have you been admitted to Sonoma State University? - Next Steps Webinar
March 15th
This event will provide useful information on how to help your students navigate through the next steps necessary to become successfully enrolled students at Sonoma State University. Join us on Monday, March 15th 11am-12pm. Register Here
Chico Next Steps Meeting for Admitted Students
March 15th @ 2:45
You should have received an email from Ignaitis last week with registration information.
Here it is again: Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
For information on local Community Colleges and upcoming workshops visit the website.
Applying to College of San Mateo?
Priority Enrollment Program (PEP) is OPEN. A wonderful group of Counselors and Staff are here to help students with the steps to enrollment and registering for classes for summer/fall 2021. Students sign up for (PEP) Priority Enrollment Program to complete the matriculation steps and receive Priority Registration. Once students sign up for PEP, you will get an email with a link to register for a Group Counseling Session and their English and Math course placement.
Here are the steps.
Step #1: Admissions Application
Apply to College of San Mateo and complete the application. You will receive a welcome letter from College of San Mateo which contains your username and student id number (G number).
Step #2: Student Online Orientation/Welcome Orientation
Visit WebSmart and log into your account using your Username and Password. Select the Student tab, then select the Student Online Orientation.
Step #3: English and Math Assessment
Once you register for PEP, CSM staff will send you a confirmation of your English and Math course placement and registration opportunity for PEP Group Counseling Sessions.
Step #4: PEP Group Counseling Session
Sign up for a PEP counseling session (Zoom-video conferencing). You will discuss your classes for Summer/Fall, create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) and any other topic like careers, majors, and transfer.
Step #5: Register for courses and pay school fees on your Priority Registration Date
You will receive an email providing you with your priority registration date (April 2021). Log onto WebSmart to register for courses online. School fees are also payable on your WebSMART.
Canada Application Workshops and Help
Cañada College Outreach, now has LIVE Drop In Zoom hours! For students/parents that have any questions about Cañada College, or need assistance with applying, Campus Ambassadors are available via zoom to help!
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9am - 5pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9am - 6pm
Fridays 9am - 2pm
Zoom Link: https://smccd.zoom.us/j/81729634506
What do you do NEXT after Submitting your FAFSA/CADAA?
After completing your FAFSA, go to the WebGrants 4 Students website
And create an account, and check that your GPA has been received.
IF it states your GPA has not been submitted, contact Ms. Ignaitis/Ms Rocha immediately.
2. Check Your Status for FAFSA or CADAA
Log back into your FAFSA or CADAA account and make sure your application has been processed and there are no messages that changes need to be made.
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 March
If you find a scholarship you're interested in, get more information on Naviance!
NOW is the Time to Apply for Scholarships!
This is the Time to Apply for Scholarships!
March is when the bulk of the scholarships are due
Do not wait until you get your financial aid letter from colleges!
Sequoia’s Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship
Application Due: March 31st
There is a group of about twenty scholarships given to seniors each year by our scholarship committee made up of teachers and counselors. These memorial scholarships are looking for different types of students so all should apply. The scholarship is available on Naviance on the About Me tab. Go to Surveys and then Surveys Not Started. It takes about 15 minutes to complete!!
San Mateo Credit Union Scholarship
Deadline March 19
SMCU is proud to offer two $5,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors to help cover the costs such as tuition, housing, books, and meals. Be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide a typed essay and plan to enroll in an accredited college or technical school for Fall 2021. For more information and to apply click here.
Rotary Club of Redwood City Scholarship
Deadline March 23
Must be a Redwood City resident; awards based on Scholastic ability, Community service, Responsibility towards education and financial need. For more information and to apply click here.
Directions to Request an Official Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
- Log in to your Sequoia Naviance account
- Click the Colleges Tab (Right top corner)
- Scroll down
- Click on Manage Transcripts (Left hand side)
- Click on the Red Plus Icon and choose Other Transcript
- What Type Requesting? (Unless after graduation, click either Initial or Mid-Year)
- What For? (Scholarship or Other)
- Note: We do not send unofficial ACT/SAT
- Click to watch a short How To Request a Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Girls who Code Summer Program (All grades)
Application Due: March 19th
2-week summer program for 10th-11th grade girls to learn CS and get exposure to tech jobs and join a supportive sisterhood of thousands of girls across the U.S. Intro computer science course, no previous experience required.
Upcoming Contests
LegiSchool Editorial Cartoon Contest (All Grades)
Postmark deadline: March 19th
A single image can convey a powerful message. That is why editorial cartoons are often used to explore complex subjects. Cartoonists use symbols, metaphors, caricatures and more to explain public opinion on current issues. In this contest, LegiSchool invites you to express your opinion by creating an original editorial cartoon. Cash prizes awarded to winners and runners up.
Deadline: April 1
An essay and video contest for high school students in the western United States and Pacific Islands. 2021 Topic: What Does our American Community Ask Us For?
Mindfulness Training for Sequoia Students!
This year for the first time we are offering a student training through the Mission Be Organization. Students will be trained on mindfulness practices and have the role as mindfulness ambassadors/mentors. They will help promote mindfulness at Sequoia among their peers. It could be as simple as leading a 1 minute mindfulness practice in class, during a club meeting, sports conditioning, etc. Or helping to think of ways to raise awareness regarding mindfulness as a coping skill to deal with stress.They will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the training. They can use this as community service and/or on college applications. It is open to 10th-12th grade students.
Below are the dates and times for the training.
- March 3rd, 12:45-1:55
- March 10th, 12:45-1:55
- March 17th, 12:45-1:55
Follow- up sessions
- April 7th, 12:45-1:30
- April 14th, 12:45-1:30
Students can contact Ms. Romero directly jromero@seq.org to sign up.
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.
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula - Homework Help
Daily at 3pm
BGCP is offering daily homework help and support for all BGCP students to drop in.
To join via zoom click here: http://tinyurl.com/ForestHWHelp If you cannot join you can submit a homework help ticket by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/BGCPhwhelp
They are also offering small group Math Support (Geometry, Alg II, Pre Calc, Calc and Statistics) - If you are interested email Lauren Kang at lkang@bgcp.org
How To Videos for students available on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Senior Newsletter Contents Week of February 28 - March 6
- Upcoming Events and Deadlines
- Virtual Events: Mindfulness, Connecting …to Mental Health
- Financial Aid - Get Last Minute Help with FAFSA/Dream Application. Due Date March 2nd -
- Career Information - Zoom Career Speakers - Occupational and Physical Therapists and Data Science as a Major
- General 4 Year -Reminders: Transcripts, Checking Portals, Extended Deadlines,
- Community College - Upcoming Foothill/Canada Workshops,Skyline Auto Program Info
- Student Opportunities -,Student Mindfulness Training, Writing Contest: Have You Been Involved with Race Equity Activities?, Create a 60 Second Film to Prevent Suicide, Editorial Cartoon Contest
- Scholarships - March list available, San Mateo Credit Union Scholarship and Rotary Club of Redwood City Scholarship and How to Request a Transcript for Scholarships