Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of March 21-27, 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 25 - Foothill Community College Application Workshop Part 2: EdPlan (See Community College section below)
March 31 - Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship (See Scholarships section below)
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).
Check out the How-To videos (At the bottom of the Newsletter)
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
Plumber/Electrician
March 23 at 2:45pm
Students click here to pre-register by March 22. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting including the zoom link.
Other Virtual Events
Cal State East Bay
March 24 3:30pm
High school students who are interested in becoming or learning more about speech pathologists or audiologists are invited to an upcoming information session hosted by the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. PST. Students can register by emailing NBASLHCARES@nbaslh.org.
Tech Girls United workshop about Responsible AI
March 28 at 1pm PST.
Interested in Artificial Intelligence or learning more about the future of technology? If so, sign up for Tech Girls United's workshop on Responsible AI presented by Martha Czernuszenko. This is an amazing opportunity for all aspiring technologists so make sure to check it out! You can also learn more about Tech Girls United here https://linktr.ee/techgirlsunited.
-To Sign up click here
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
General Four Year College Bound Information
Appeals and Waitlist
Remember – Every college is different! The first thing you should do is go to the individual website or thoroughly read through the school’s communication emails.
A. APPEALS
- Carefully read how to appeal on the college’s website, every school has its own process. Some schools do not allow appeals.
- Understand that they made their decision and it is not a good practice to state that they were wrong. Be polite and considerate of their time.
- The letter does not need to be long.
- The letter should be positive and focused on two areas; significant new information and/or an error in your original application. State the change and present evidence to back your claim.
- In closing, reaffirm your interest in the college.
- While most appeals are unsuccessful, if you have a claim and they allow appeals, then it does not hurt to try.
B. WAITLISTS
- What is a Waitlist? College waitlists include qualified students who might be admitted if room in the class becomes available.
- Why do colleges have Waitlists? Colleges always admit more students than they have space for because a % of students choose another college where they were admitted. If more students than predicted do not attend, colleges move to their waitlist (they want to fill 100% of their student body)
- What are your chances of getting admitted off the Waitlist? You should ask the college if they have data about past waitlists. Waitlists are tricky because sometimes they are looking for very specific students over the most competitive student. For example, a college might have a space for a nursing major or engineering major.
- What to do if you are on a Waitlist? It will be different for each school but most you have to communicate that you want to be on the waitlist. Some, make you write why you want to be on the waitlist. Ask if you can do anything to increase your chances
- Understand you need to commit to another college? You need to submit a deposit of attending at another school. If you get off the waitlist, you will lose your deposit costs. Do not assume you will get off the waitlist.
UC INFORMATION
Check your UC Portals
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.
Accepting a UC Admissions Offer
Students can accept an admission offer by agreeing to the provisions/conditions outlined in the offer and submitting their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) with the SIR deposit to reserve their space at a campus. The SIR deposit is $250. Some important things to keep in mind about accepting a UC admission offer:
- Students can accept only one admission offer from one UC campus.
- The SIR deposit is applied to the student's first enrollment term tuition.
- Students that qualified for the UC application fee waiver will have the SIR deposit deferred until financial aid is disbursed.
- The SIR deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- A Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) for tuition determination purposes may be required.
CSU Information
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.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
Foothill Community College
March 25 2:30pm
Join Foothill representatives to complete Part 2 EdPlan Workshops. To join the zoom workshop click here
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
Need Help Understanding your Financial Aid Offer?
If you need help understanding your Financial Aid Award letter, please set up a Zoom meeting with Ms. Ignaitis (A-L, HCA) or Ms. Rocha (M-Z, DAA) for help. It might be helpful to have a parent or guardian attend too!
The Financial Aid Section in this newsletter also has information to help you understand the components of financial aid.
Comparing Financial Aid Award Letters Tool
College Board has a great site to compare your awards letters to help your family make the best choice for college. Go to their financial aid section and click on Compare Your Award Letters
Understanding Components of a Financial Aid Award Letter and Reminder from Last Week
What’s in a financial aid offer?
Following information from Sallie Mae;
Financial aid offers usually contain this information:
Cost of attendance (COA), an estimate of what you can expect to pay for one year of school. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and even personal expenses.2 If the COA isn’t included in your offer, check the school’s website or call the financial aid office.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC), a number that your school uses to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for. It’s not (despite its name) how much your family will have to pay for college.3
College grants are typically need-based and can be given by state or federal governments.
College scholarships can be need-, merit-, or interest-based and are awarded by a school, company, or private organization.
Federal work-study is a program, implemented by the school, where you work to earn your financial aid.
Federal student loans let you borrow money directly from the federal government; you pay this financial aid back with interest. A financial aid offer may also list the amount you can borrow with a credit-based loan (like a federal Direct PLUS Loan or a private student loan).
Short Video on How to Read Financial Award Letters
What do you do NEXT after Submitting your FAFSA/CADAA?
Set Up Your Cal Grant Account
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.
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.
CA DREAM ACT
CSS PROFILE
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!
SO MANY LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS DUE IN NEXT COUPLES OF WEEKS
Do not wait until you get your financial aid letter from colleges!
Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pre-Med Scholarship
Due: March 26th
Interested in becoming a doctor? Scholarships are up to $30,000, paid out over five years: four years of an undergraduate university and the first year of medical school. LOR is required. Need to be in the top 20% of your class.
Due: March 26th
The Rotary Club of San Carlos Endowment Board annually presents scholarships. Applicants must be residents of San Carlos and must complete an application and appear for an interview. Applications are judged on the basis of academic achievement and financial need
Sequoia’s Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship
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 Carlos Lions Clubs Scholarship
DUE: March 31st
The San Carlos Lions Club will give three scholarships to senior high school San Carlos residents. The students who write the most compelling essays outlining their background, college they plan to attend, future aspirations and why they should be selected for this scholarship.
San Mateo County Trial Lawyer Association
DUE: March 31st
The San Mateo County Trial Lawyer Association will award three awards (a $3,500 award, $2,500 award, and a $1,500) for students interested in law or criminal justice careers. In order to be eligible for one of these scholarship awards, you must submit an essay, not to exceed 750 words, describing your reason for choosing your career path. If you are interested, go to the scholarship list on Naviance
Due: March 31st
A merit-based scholarship that promotes values such as family, generosity, hard work, and humility. Eligibility Requirements: 3.5 GPA or higher and acceptance to 4-year (by April). Application was scanned and attached on Naviance. If you have a problem accessing scholarship, email tignaitis@seq.org
Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship
Due: April 4
To promote the educational attainment of all diverse students. For seniors with financial need, community recipients will receive $2,000 per student, plus a Chromebook (for first time awardees only).
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
Upcoming Contests
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?
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
BGCP is seeking high school students who might be interested in supporting their in-person summer programs by interning. For more information contact Remi Sobomehin at remi@bgcp.org.
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 March 14-20
- Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Virtual Events: Mindfulness TRC
- Financial Aid - Understanding Components of a Financial Aid Award Letter and Reminder from Last Week
- Career Information - Zoom Career Speakers -Social Workers and Plumber/Electrician and Two Programs for Students Interested in Becoming Doctors
- General 4 Year - Understanding Financial Aid Letters and Completing a college’s FA Required Documents
- UC - Fall 2021 Admissions Decisions Notifications Timeline
- CSU - Admitted to Sonoma State University - Next Steps Webinar and Chico Too
- Community College - College of San Mateo & Canada College Application Help
- Student Opportunities - Girls who Code Summer Program, Student Mindfulness Training, Editorial Cartoon Contest,
- Scholarships - Rotary Club of San Carlos Scholarship, Sequoia’s Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship, San Mateo Credit Union Scholarship and Rotary Club of Redwood City Scholarship. SVFC - Social Justice Scholarship. PAMF Pre-Med Scholarship and How to Request a Transcript for Scholarship