Senior College & Career Newsletter
December 22- Jan 8, 2023 (Updated Repeat with 3 NEW ITEMS)
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
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
Information During Holiday Break
Information During Holiday Break
Should you decide to apply to a College over Winter Break:
Should you decide to apply to a college(s) during the winter break that is NOT currently listed on your SR/LOR form AND that has a due date during the winter break, you MUST email Ms. Ignaitis at tignaitis@seq.org to let her know. She will be checking her school email over the holidays and will send documents to colleges over the break. Your counselors will not be responding to emails during the break.
IF you need to REMOVE a college from your Naviance list, email Ms Ignaitis
Teachers get nervous when your letter does not go through because they don’t know you took it off your Common Application list
ALL Four Year Applicants
Set up and check your portals often.
Check your emails often
Complete all items on your college “to do” lists
Scholarship Opportunities
The majority of scholarship opportunities are available from January to the beginning of April.
Look at the Scholarship Section below for some December Scholarship listing
Click on the link below for the updated list of scholarships listed in Naviance
Have a wonderful break! See you in 2023!
Canada Super Saturday - If you Need to Register for a Concurrent Enrollment Course
You must RSVP for this event
Need Help Applying to College and Financial Aid?
We are suspending College Club and Moving to FLEX Application Help or Drop In Support (still can come during 7th)
You can also make an individual appointment by coming into the College and Career Center for Financial Aid (FAFSA/Dream App) or College Applications (we are available Tuesday evenings by appointment only)
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.
IB Predicted Grades in the College Application Process
If you are a senior applying to an international institution that requires IB Predicted Grades please review THIS presentation entirely to complete the IB Predicted Grade Request Process.
Predicted Grades are only provided for international institutions, not domestic ones. If you think you need IB Predicted Grades for a domestic institution, please also review THIS presentation referring to slides #7 & #8 to understand that Sequoia does not provide this. Thank you.
What to do after you’ve submitted your applications
After you submit your applications, the process is not over. After you’ve applied make sure to:
Create your portals and check/respond to your email.
Check that all portions of your part of the application were received
Many schools will say that you need to submit your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) to their system, even if you already did it on the Common App.
Check each school and make sure it’s submitted.
CHECK YOUR PORTALS! and REMINDERS
Check your portals and emails often and do not wait to respond!
College are expecting you to be checking both your emails and portals AT LEAST once a week at this point.
When you get a TO DO item, complete the task ASAP!
Remember the Counseling Office will not be working over the holiday break, so do it before!
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 planned to take under College Courses
Reminder about the Transcripts Process
Requesting Transcripts
The only transcripts that need to be requested AT THIS TIME are for OUT OF STATE public colleges and some Non Common App private colleges that do not require a school report or LOR
If you need a transcript sent AT THIS TIME, make a request on Naviance (Colleges I'm Applying to page)
*There is a five school day turn around for the Guidance Department to send transcripts.
You DO NOT REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS FOR:
1. UC/CSU - Not required with your application
2. ANY College Listed on your School Report/LOR Form- They will be sent automatically by your counselor with your school report
Specific Four Year College Information By Type
You've Applied to the CSU: Now What?
Read this article if you are wondering what to expect in the near future.
CSU Application Deadline EXTENDED for Some Schools
For more details check here
EOP Deadlines
Students who expressed interest and the intention to apply to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) on Cal State Apply for fall 2023 should check individual campus EOP application and documents deadlines on the EOP Admission by Term website. Document deadlines include letter of recommendations. Students can still go back into Cal State Apply to indicate they are interested in applying for EOP if they haven’t missed the campus deadline.
Canceling/withdrawing a UC application (From UC Counselor Bulletin)
Did you get in ED or EA and have decided to attend a specific college?
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 canceling or withdrawing prior to admission.
See campus instructions for canceling/withdrawing a UC application.From UC Berkeley - Random Selection to Submit Letters of Recommendation
We invite up to 15% of our freshman applicants to submit up to two letters of recommendation. A recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, or another education professional can be helpful in our review as it can add context to the application. Letters of recommendation are not required, and the invitation to submit a letter should not be used as a predictor of admission. Note that letters of recommendation are only accepted for invited students through our electronic systems. The deadline for letter submission is January 15, and letter requests will be issued to applicants through the first week of December. Please remind your students that upon receiving a request to submit letters of recommendation, to enter their recommenders information into our system.
For more information on this process, please review our Freshman Policy page.
UC Merced deadline extended
To ED2 or not to ED2?
From Bruce Epstein, First Choice College Counseling
So, now that you’ve received your early responses, there are a few possibilities. At your ED1/EA college, you were either:
· Admitted - Congrats! In most cases, that means you’re done. Accept your offer, etc.
· Denied – This is disappointing but makes it easier to move on.
· Deferred – Ugh. Should you hold out hope for the RD period or apply ED2 somewhere else?
In short, to ED2 or not to ED2, that is the question.
You should consider applying ED2 somewhere if:
· Your ED1 college denied you or deferred you but your prospects of being admitted remain slim
· The college you are now most interested in offers ED2
· ED2 offers your best shot at a college that might be otherwise out of reach
· Comparing financial aid packages is not a priority for you
· You were too late to apply ED1 but otherwise would like to apply ED somewhere
You should not apply ED2 somewhere if:
· Your preferred college, say, one of the UCs, won’t provide a response until after the ED2 deadline
· You were not admitted ED1 and decide to reach even further ED2. Don’t expect to get into Chicago or Hopkins just because they offer ED2 if you aren’t a competitive applicant.
· You’re simply disappointed in and anxious about your earlier results and panicking that you need to commit somewhere. You don’t. You need a plan and a balance list, not grasping at straws.
If you were deferred at your ED1 college and unsure if you should wait for the RD decision, consider the following:
· How realistic is your hope of admission during RD? If your chances are very low, take the deferral as a denial, and move on.
· Does the college historically accept deferred students, even very strong ones?
· How much more do you like your ED1 college over another ED2 option? If you like another college a lot, consider applying ED2, even if you don’t like it quite as much as your ED1. If you can’t imagine yourself anywhere but your ED1, consider waiting, or research/visit other colleges.
· Do you have a realistic spread of colleges that give you a safety net even if your ED1 and ED2 decisions both result in a denial?
· Is your record going to materially change between when you first applied ED1 and when you will be reconsidered during the RD period? (better grades/scores, a big award, securing a summer job)
Forbes has a list of ED2 colleges HERE
Community Colleges in San Mateo County
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
How to Become a Pilot
What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
Decide what you want to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration’s rules for getting a pilot's license (certificate) differ depending on the type of aircraft you fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.
You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilot's licenses, from student pilot all the way up to airline transport pilot. For more information from the FAA, go here.
What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Pilot?
Meet the minimum age requirement
Meet the minimum education requirement: The specific educational requirements prospective students need to meet depend on the school you choose to train at. Some pilot training programs require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, while others allow students to begin training while still in high school. Certain universities also offer aviation programs that allow students to earn their pilot’s license alongside a four-year degree. Go here to learn about different training programs.
Pass a medical examination: Pilots must pass a medical examination to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to fly.
Meet language proficiency requirements: Pilots must be able to speak and understand English, as it is the international language of aviation.
VIRTUAL Cash for College Events from California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission is pleased to announce the continuation of statewide Cash for College workshops aimed to provide information to help students and families complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
• The webinars are FREE and open to all students and families applying for financial aid. We will have volunteers answering questions throughout the session via chat box (general questions only) and one-on-one assistance on a phone line after the webinar.
• Students can register for the webinars here. Current available webinars include:
January 12, 2023 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 25, 2023 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
February 8, 2023 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
February 22, 2023 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
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.
If you know the EXACT name and number on your Social Security Card, please sign up for Flextime in the College and Career Center to get your FAFSA ID. Students without a SSN, please come in and start the Dream Application.
FAFSA - DUE MARCH 2, 2023
For students with a Social Security Number
-or-
CA Dream Act- DUE MARCH 2, 2023
For students without a Social Security Number.
Click for Financial Aid Information: English or Espanol
Other Resource: 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: click here
NEW UPDATED SCHOLARSHIP AND CONTEST LIST AVAILABLE
Lists are available in the bin outside of the College and Career Center or by clicking on the purple banner above this message.
GET AHEAD OF THE GAME - START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS in DECEMBER
California Association of Educational Office Professionals (CAEOP)
Due: December 23rd
Applicant must intend to continue his/her education in the field of business administration or education
Gene and Kelly Tanabe Student Scholarship
Due: December 31st
$1000.00
Eligibility:
- Legal resident of the U.S.
- 9-12th Grade
- Based on your personal statement
- Not based on past academic performance or need based aid
They want to help pay for your college! Also offered July 31st
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Due: Jan 5th
Candidates must
Demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces
Display strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent)
Be citizens of the United States of America
Due Jan 15th
For female students. Several scholarships here, with varying eligibility and awards. One of the scholarships is for students interested in studying law.
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.
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Due: Jan 13
“Speak and Lead with Pride” Course for HS Asian Americans
Due: Jan 14
Want to improve your leadership and public speaking skills?
The San Mateo County of OCA is accepting applications for “Speak, and Lead with Pride” program, a hands-on course designed to teach the art of public speaking and leadership skills to high school students who identify as Asian-American. It is a six week course, for six Saturdays from 10:00AM to 12:00PM in the Foster City Recreation Center free of charge. The course concludes with a speech competition for a $500 cash prize. For more information and the application, visit http://www.ocasanmateo.org/youth/speakandlead/speakandlead.php
Are you a strong student who is interested in the military? NROTC Scholarship
Interested in a presentation on the Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps NROTC, it is a 4 year
scholarship that will educate and train highly qualified young men and women for careers as
commissioned officers in the United States Marine Corps or Navy. Please see Ms Ignaitis/Ms Yeager if interested.
Jobs for Youth Al Teglia Scholarship program
The Jobs for Youth Al Teglia Scholarship program provides 20 youth with $2,000 each. Scholars are selected for financial and personal need, and all Scholars demonstrate a clear desire to succeed. The program is open to Jobs for Youth Members ages 16-21 who reside in San Mateo County. Applicants must be at least a junior in high school and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Go here to apply.
Safe Jobs for Youth Month Poster Contest
Due: Jan 27th
Design a poster highlighting job safety and health for teens. See website for details.Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Due: Jan 31st
Submit Your Writing to DePaul’s Blue Book: Best American High School Writing 2022
Deadline: Jan 31st
Best American High School Writing is a one-of-its-kind annual anthology featuring the best writing from high school students from across the United States. The collection is both a digital and print anthology.
Each year, the Blue Book features outstanding student work from high school literary magazines (poetry, fiction and essays), school newspapers (narrative journalism, profiles and feature writing), and new media (digital stories, narrative videos, podcasts and other forms of audio storytelling). We also feature a special section each year—for 2022, the section is “Defining a New Generation.” We encourage and include Spanish-language pieces in all of the above categories.
Submit student work via DePaul’s Blue Book Submissions.
Being selected to this national anthology would certainly enhance any student’s college applications. I hope it will also inspire selected students to continue to pursue writing in college.
Paid Summer Internship for Students Interested in Health Care Careers - KP Launch
Application Due: December 23rd
Through KP LAUNCH, Kaiser Permanente offers unique and dynamic health care internship programs that provide interns with practical job skills and experiences in a supportive environment. Our goal is to bring students coming from underserved communities and backgrounds underrepresented in health care careers into the KP LAUNCH program for exposure to various business and healthcare careers.
We invite you to learn about the KP LAUNCH summer internship program of 2021 and apply by visiting their website. While working, interns gain exposure to various health careers that they may choose to pursue.
KP LAUNCH interns will have the opportunity to:
· Work full-time within various Kaiser Permanente departments for eight weeks
· Learn about a variety of different health careers opportunities
· Meet and learn from health professionals and their internship program peers
· Gain professional and personal development through workshops
High school interns must:
Be age 16 through 19. Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students
Be a high school student or recent high school graduate of the class of 2020*
Be available to work full-time during the six-week summer program
Provide proof of eligibility to legally work in the United States
Have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area
Summer 2023 High School Application period is open from 11/21 to 12/23. They will contact you by way of email if you have been selected to participate in the interview process.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program (for 11th/12th graders)
Application Due: January 13th
Do you have a Passion For Improving your Community?
Free Program that Connects Leadership to Employment
Gain Practical Work and Life Experiences
OVERVIEW: The B of A Student Leader Program is a summer 8-week paid internship with a nonprofit organization selected by the bank. It is designed to help students develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience. Also a week-long all-expense paid student leadership summit in Washington DC to introduce students to civic, social and business leadership.
Stanford Science Technology and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program
Due: Jan 31st
For high school and undergraduate students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences. 7-week Summer internship program with Stanford’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department. Go here for more information.
Holiday Break Art Camp Aides
Healthy Cities Tutoring is Recruiting Volunteers
Become a Healthy Cities Tutor and join our community of volunteers to provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to a public school student to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning, and self-esteem. Tutoring sessions are held in-person, once a week for 45 minutes to an hour, on school campus or at a public library.
For 25 years Healthy Cities Tutoring has provided tutoring services to thousands of students in need. Following two years of pandemic, students are falling further and further behind in school. We need volunteers more than ever!!!!!
We hope you or someone you know will get involved in this rewarding volunteer experience.
No tutoring experience required, we can provide training. 8th grade and high school students are welcome to tutor with us. Students can receive community service hours, and use the experience for resume building and college applications.
Adult tutors are always welcome!!!
It only takes one hour a week to make a positive impact on a child’s life.
Please check out our website for the volunteer application https://healthycities.site/
Or contact Janelle Gibson, HCT Program Coordinator at 415-793-1064 or Janelle@healthycitiestutoring.org
Looking for Volunteers - EPATT
East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring (EPATT) has afterschool and Thanksgiving Break Intersession volunteer opportunities available for high school students. See the flier for details.
Fliers also available in the College and Career Center
Interested in Working with Rescue Dogs?
DPS Rescue is searching for new volunteers for our biweekly events in Palo Alto! We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and backgrounds, ages 14+, and offer community service credits/sign-offs if needed. Complete form on their website. Doggie Protective Services
Volunteer Tutoring at Siena Youth Center
One-on-one tutoring with elementary and/or middle school students (typically in reading but some also need support in math and other areas). This would be a weekly occurrence after 3:15pm on the weekdays. Sessions are normally 30 minutes. If interested, email mselizabeth@holyfamilyschoolrwc.org
Concurrent Enrollment Classes at Foothill Starting January 9th for Winter Session
The class is FREE ONLINE art classes at Foothill College.
Enroll NOW
Classes start January 9
Winter 2023 classes:
Graphic Design (CRN 30148)
Game Art & Design (CRN 30570)
User Experience (UI/UX) Design (CRN 30429)
Typography (CRN 30149)
The classes are:
FREE to all high school students through the dual enrollment program at Foothill College.
Completely asynchronous, students don’t come to campus
Fulfill the Area-F requirement for high school graduation.
Earn 4-units of college credit, transferable to UC/CSU.
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
Front Office Assistant (P/T)(Bilingual Spanish) Needed
Duties: Filing, Telephones, Giving Appointments etc.
Timings: After School and Weekends
Contact: Walk-in Siva Cherukuri DDS 198 Arch St Redwood City (Across the street from Sequoia HS) or
email: sivasch@hotmail.com
Lifeguard and Swim Instructors at YMCA
Lifeguard and swim instructor positions available at our local YMCA. Min age 15 for lifeguard and 16 for swim instructors. Pay starts at $20/hour. Apply by scanning QR on the flyers or go here: ymcasv.org/jobs and apply to the appropriate YMCA.
Learningtech.org looking for part-time Administrative Aide
Learningtech.org in San Carlos has an opening for a part-time Administrative Aide, 6-8 hours/week. Pay starts at $15/hr. Come by the College and Career Center to get application information.
Hummingbird Music School is looking for fun and talented high school musicians to join our team of Music Teachers!
Part-time work is available teaching group Piano Classes and Ukulele Classes at local elementary schools, as well as private lessons (in all instruments) in-person or online. Pay is $60/hour for group classes and $45/hour for private lessons. Please apply online at http://hummingbirdmusicschool.com/about
Interested in lifeguarding? Cañada College hiring Lifeguards
We are looking for lifeguards at the Aquatics Center at Cañada College. Minimum age is 18 and need to have some swimming experience; If you aren’t already lifeguard certified then we do offer the certification class for free. Contact Audrey Gaddis gaddisa@smccd.edu for more information.
Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center
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.
Chick-Fil-A Redwood City
Find a culture that is unique. Serve with a team that cares. Whether you’re first job or the next step in your career, Chick-fil-A provides a positive environment for hardworking individuals to thrive.
KJ’s Cafe is Hiring Baristas @ Kaiser Medical Office Building in RWC
3pm-6:00pm Mon-Friday
NO WEEKEND OR EVENING WORK REQUIRED.
WE WILL WORK AROUND YOUR SCHOOL SCHEDULE.
IF YOU ENJOY/HAVE:
Experience with customer service, Genuine warmth for others, Learn quickly, Thrive in collaborative environments, Value earnest hard work, Enjoy/love being part of a team… We are looking for you!!!
Formal resume not required. Barista experience strongly preferred but happy to train the right person. Full or Part Time, Salary: $17.00- $20.00 + tips which average approx $5-6 per hour.
E-Mail:katherine@kjscafe.com
Cell: (650) 464-3111
Stanford University Residential & Dining Enterprises Food Service Positions
A lot of Sequoia Students work here!
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Hey Sequoia HS Class of 2023! Cap and Gown Info
We now have more than 350 of you that have ordered your caps and gowns, but we are still missing some of you!!
Please follow the below instructions to place your order for a FREE cap and gown TODAY!!
Use THIS LINK to place your cap and gown order. You can also use this same site to purchase additional graduation items (announcements, class rings, etc), but there is NO CHARGE for the Cap and Gown. Select GRAD PACK D from the listed options. Please use promo code 2023grad at checkout (and make sure to click APPLY) for all cap and gown orders... otherwise the system will not let you check out. Please do this immediately!! If you do choose to return to the site later and order additional packages that include a cap and gown, don't worry about that part... the system is set up so that it won't order you a duplicate gown.
Even if you are unsure if you will graduate, please complete the order form. It is better to be over-prepared than get to the Spring and not have one!!!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, or for questions specific to ordering, you can message our Herff-Jones representative:
Michael Manning
Senior Portrait Information
Past Newsletters
COMMON APP:
COMMON APP: Tips for Personal Statements from NYU Admissions
Common Application: CSS Profile
Medical Explorers, COMMON APP: Adding or Removing a College After you Submit your SR/LOR Form
CSU: What is EOP?
GENERAL: What to do after you've submitted your applications UC/CSU: Common Errors
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: Transcripts UC INFORMATION: Listing Community College Courses. FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: WUE
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: How To Videos, UC: Statement of Integrity, COMMON APP: Complete Your Common Application Correctly
GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: Does Submitting My Application Earlier Than The Due Date Give Me an Advantage?
CAREER: Benefits of having a job in high school, COLLEGE TIP: Ask the Same Question for Each College Visit FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE: Do I need a LOR/SR Form
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
Sequoia High School College & Career Center