Senior College & Career Newsletter
February 5-11, 2023
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:
February 7 CSF Application Period (See information below)
January-March- Various CSU Applications Deadlines (see 'CSU Section)
March 2 - Priority Deadline for FAFSA/Dream Application
March 2 - Deadline for Cal Grant (Last Day to Submit FAFSA/Dream Financial Aid Application for Cal Grant Eligibility)
CHECK FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES AT COLLEGES YOU'VE APPLIED TO
Each college and university sets their own deadlines for financial aid applications to be submitted. Go to the financial aid office website for each of the out of state public and private schools that you applied to for their deadlines.
CSF APPLICATION PERIOD FOR Fall 2022 Grades Open Until Feb 7th LAST TWO DAYS
Due February 7th
DIRECTIONS
The application must be completed and turned in by the STUDENT ONLY!
Go to the College and Career’s CSF webpage for application form, course list, and more information or pick up a copy outside of the College and Career Center
Applications must be turned in by Tuesday, February 7th.
NO Late Applications, NO Exceptions! Please complete it early!
If you need help completing the application form, come to College and Career Center at lunch
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).
Benefits of Becoming Life Member Now
Your name will be in the pool for a random drawing for a $300.00 scholarship
You could be considered for CSF Seymour Award Scholarship nomination
IF you want to be considered for this scholarship - turn in your Naviance Resume along with your application by Feb 3rd to the College and Career Center.
Class of 2023 SHS Senior Class Scholarship Available Now
Due: Feb 28th
All Sequoia seniors can now apply for the 2023 SHS Senior Class Scholarship available on Naviance. By applying, you are eligible for over 20 scholarships that will be awarded by the senior scholarship committee. To access the scholarship application, go to Naviance →About Me → Surveys from my school and complete the “2023 SHS Senior Class Scholarship.”
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.
Boys and Girls Club Senior Support
Hosting financial aid office hours beginning in January at both the EPA and Redwood City Boys & Girls Clubs on Wednesdays from 3-7 pm until March 2nd. These financial aid office hours are open to ALL STUDENTS who have questions or need support with submitting the California Dream Act or the FAFSA.
Upcoming Community College Workshops at SHS
Cañada Application Workshop 2/9/2023 (FLEX) & 2/16/2023 (follow-up) (FLEX) Room 115 CSM Application Workshop 2/16/2023 (FLEX) Room 115 Foothill SOAR Part 1 at Sequoia (application and presentation) 3/31/2023 (FLEX) & 4/7/2023 (follow-up) (FLEX) Room 115 Canada Senior PEP Day (go to College & Career Center for Permission Slip) 4/3/2023 @Canada
University of Nevada, Reno Virtual Information Session on How to Prepare for Pre-Med
February 5th
The University of Nevada, Reno is hosting a 45 minute virtual info session on Pre-Med on Sunday, February 5th at 2pm via zoom.
At this program you will:
Meet the Pre-Med advisors
Learn about courses, activities, and majors that will best prepare students for med school
Hear from a current med school student who completed Pre-Med at the University of Nevada
Have an opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A session
Here are the meeting details:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://unr.zoom.us/j/86030992214?pwd=VzB6a0tIcnFuVHlxVnhtREo4Um9LUT09
Meeting ID: 860 3099 2214
Passcode: 420971
Coalition College Virtual Events
Registration is now open for the Coalition's series of events this spring, including panel discussions on building college lists, decoding financial aid offers, and more. Each brings the expertise of our members together to help students understand the admissions and financial aid process and make smart college choices.
Decoding Your Financial Aid Offer
March 28
Understanding How Colleges Communicate With Applicants
Whether you like it or not, most colleges use both email and portals to communicate with applicants.
They are expecting that you check your email at least a couple of times a week for any college information sent to you AND respond to their requests in a timely manner.
If they do have a portal, most know exactly how many times you login so there are not any excuses about not having enough time to respond to a request on your “To Do” list.
Make sure to carefully read due dates and requests. If you have a question, call the admissions office for clarification. IF you are worried, call the admissions for help.
Past problem examples:
Students on a waitlist to UC Berkeley/Santa Cruz have 5 days to respond and missed the deadline because they did not regularly check their email and did not get into Berkeley.
Students were told to submit 7th semester transcripts, and did not respond and got their applications pulled.
Students were told that the college did not receive their SAT or ACT. Students sent them in so did not respond to request (Should Call if this is the case) and got their applications pulled.
Check your portals and emails often and do not wait to respond!
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.
Make sure you note that you submitted your application as well.
Update admission status from Unknown when notified
Colleges I'm Applying To, Click the Pencil Edit Icon for a specific college, Click on the appropriate response under Results, click on SAVE College Application
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!
Reporting D/F or Changes in Your Application
You must report any Ds or Fs on your 7th semester transcripts OR changes in course work you reported on your Fall application. Either call or email to find out what the procedure for each specific school
IF you do not do this step and you are admitted, your admission will likely be taken away if you decide to go there, when they require your final transcripts
7th Semester Transcripts can be viewed on Infinite Campus
Specific Instruction for UC and CSU in their respective sections.
Need to remove a college from your Naviance List?
If you withdrew an application or are no longer planning to apply to a college, please complete this form so that the College and Career Center can remove it from your list.
7th Semester Transcript Information/Who Needs to Request a Transcript
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 or Ms Yeager a screenshot and we 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. (if requested, send transcript request through Naviance)
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 (if requested, send transcript request through Naviance)
Specific Four Year College Information By Type
Changes to a Submitted Application
When a student submits their first application to any campus, regardless of the priority deadline, students will not be able to make any changes to any subsequent application. If students need to report any corrections, please have them contact the campuses they applied to directly.
You've Applied to the CSU: Now What?
Share this article with your students who already submitted their applications and are wondering what to expect in the near future
Have you been admitted to San Francisco State? Check out the Metro Program!
The Metro College Success Program (Metro) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) looks forward to aiding in the successful transition from high school to college this coming fall. Our application is now open and seniors can apply today!
What does the Metro College Success Program Provide Incoming Freshmen?
Classes that cover their G-E credit requirements w. no additional charge, academic advising and educational planning specific to each student’s major, and tutoring services from Metro’s MARC Center! Coordinators and Advisors who are committed to supporting students, and the opportunity to build community with other students who are interested in similar majors.
Here is the Metro application link
CSU Application Deadline EXTENDED for Some Schools
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 2022 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 changesCanceling/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.UPCOMING Community College Workshops
Cañada Application Workshop
2/9/2023 (FLEX) & 2/16/2023 (follow-up) (FLEX)
Room 115
CSM Application Workshop
2/16/2023 (FLEX)
Room 115
Foothill SOAR Part 1 at Sequoia (application and presentation)
3/31/2023 (FLEX) & 4/7/2023 (follow-up) (FLEX)
Room 115
Canada Senior PEP Day (go to College & Career Center for Permission Slip)
4/3/2023
@Canada
Community College Help and Information
1. If you know your Social Security Number drop by the College and Career Center any lunch or sign up for Flex Time to apply - it takes 30 minutes!
2. Attend our Community College Fair and Information Evening on February 2nd from 7-8:30pm
(details Next Week) - Canada, San Mateo, Skyline, Foothill and hopefully De Anza will be there.
3. There will also be scheduled college application workshops during the school day with CSM, Canada and Foothill
4. It is important that all students submit their FAFSA/Dream Application to qualify for the Promise Scholarship/San Mateo County Resident Initiative - which pays for first two years of college!
Can I Really Afford It? Income and Financial Aid Eligibility: From University of Notre Dame
"My income is too low. I can't afford tuition." "My income is too high. I won't receive financial aid." These are two statements we hear often from students and families. But the truth is that you may be surprised by the amount of financial aid you may qualify for.
Two ways to estimate the amount of financial aid you may receive include:
Net Price Calculator or MyinTuition. We encourage you to try out each calculator to get an estimate of possible financial aid.
You should also know that, because Notre Dame reviews each financial aid application on an individual basis, we are able to consider many factors in determining the amount of need-based aid you receive. There is no specific income that automatically eliminates a family from receiving need-based aid.
Other major factors aside from income include, but are not limited to:
Size of your family
Number of children currently enrolled in college as undergraduates
Amount of private grade and high school tuition being paid
Family assets
This chart shows need-based scholarships awarded to first-year students by parent income in fall 2022.
Find your family's income range to get a sense of how your income may be considered on your financial aid applications. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the best way to find out how much aid you qualify for is to apply for financial aid.
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:
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.
Scholarship Opportunities
The majority of scholarship opportunities are available from January to the beginning of April.
Click on the purple bar above to get to the updated list of scholarships listed in Naviance
Two Renewable Scholarship Opportunities for Sequoia High School Students from Low Income Households
Peninsula College Fund 4 YR Renewable Scholarship
Scholarship Due Date: Feb 17th
The Peninsula College Fund is excited to begin the application process for the 2023 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!
Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship
Scholarship Due date: Feb. 28th
This scholarship is renewable (you get money for all four years in college) and has strict income guidelines around $65,000. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 It is local and every year more than one senior from Sequoia receives this scholarship.
World of 8 Billion Video Contest
Due: February 22nd
Grade Eligibility: All Grades
Create a 60 seconds video about Global Challenges. This year's topic: Explain how population growth impacts one of the following global topics and offer an idea for a sustainable solution. The global topics are: Climate Change, Gender Equality, or Waste
For More Information: World of 8 Billion Video ContestSAE Engineering Scholarships
Due: Feb 28th
SAE offers a variety of scholarships for students who are interested in engineering and the STEM field. Unweighted GPA 3.0 and above, US Residents only. Go here to find out more about the specific scholarships for first year college students.
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.
NEW UPDATED FEBRUARY STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES 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. There are more opportunities than we can highlight each week so make sure to check it out.
Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP)
DUE: February 15 for High School Students
Must be 16 Yrs or Older
For More Information: Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP)
Summer Research Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Due: February 17th
Must be 16 Yrs or Older
Program’s Goal: Increase ethnic diversity in the health sciences.
Research training experience to stimulate interest in pursuing a career in the basic, biological, clinical and/or behavioral sciences. Underrepresented students.
For More Information: UCSF Summer Research ProgramScience, Humanities, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (SHTEM) Stanford Summer Research Internships
Due: February 24th
Eligibility: 11th and 12th Graders
Provide high school students early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment
Introduce students to the diversity of research topics pursued in engineering
Emphasize the inseparability of the humanities and the human element from research in STEM
For More Information: SHTEM Summer Research InternshipInterested in Cosmetics?
The camp is $100 for all 3 days, however, full scholarships are available for students with a financial need.
The Summer Science Program
Due: March 3
The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, participants complete a real research project, each team taking and analyzing original data. Go here to apply.
CALLING ALL FEMALE ATHLETES to Volunteer!
Sequoia Club BAWSI (Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative) is looking for female athletes to volunteer as coaches at Hoover Elementary School. We lead sports activity stations on Wednesdays from 2:55 - 4:10pm. Spring sessions start March 22nd. Come enthusiastic about sports and ready to inspire young athletes.
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
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
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
LaserMaxx Marshal
Must Be 16 Yrs or Older
LaserMaxx is now auditioning for the Marshal role which includes delivering an entertaining briefing to our patrons. We are looking for people who are 16 or older, have energy and enjoy working with the public.
This is a part-time role and compensation is up to $30/hr.
To apply use this link888 Monkeys Circus Camp has Full & Part Time Positions for CAMP COUNSELORS & COACHES!
Must be 16 Yrs or Older
No Circus experience required for Counselors / Coaches in Training – enthusiasm, energy, and flexibility are.
Training / Professional Development provided.
Gymnasts, Equestrians, Athletes, Thespians, Acrobats strongly encouraged to apply – skills transfer.
Experience working in one or more of the following disciplines is helpful.
Comedy/Clowning • Partner Acro/Pyramids • Tumbling • Tightwire • Stilt Walking • Unicycle • Rolla Bolla • Globe Walking • Juggling • Diabolo • Devil/Flower Stick • Poi • Tissu/Fabric • Trapeze • Rope/Web • Hula Hoop
COME INTO College and Career Center for a flier with FULL DETAILS
San Mateo County Parks Interpretive Team Paid Internships
Bilingual Community Engagement Intern II
This position would be based out of Flood and Friendship Parks in North Fair Oaks and Menlo Park. The person would provide fun and educational opportunities for the local communities and would manage the Friendship Park Community Garden Program. An ideal candidate would have gardening experience and good verbal communication skills.
Term: Feburary to December 2023
Hourly wage: $20.27 - $25.34
40 hours a week
Split between Work from Home and In person
Bilingual in English and Spanish
At least 18 years old with a valid CA Driver’s License
Interpretive Aide Intern II
This position would help support the interpretive programming offered by San Mateo County Parks. An ideal candidate would be someone who has enthusiasm for the environment, good communication skills, experience working with school aged children, and wants to provide environmental education opportunities and fun experiences for the public.
Term: February to December 2023
Hourly wage: $20.27 - $25.34
40 hours a week
Split between Work from Home and In person
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required
At least 18 years old with a valid CA Driver’s License
TechKnowHow Tech Camps for Kids
Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods (P/T) Sales Associates
Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods is looking for part time sales associates. Individuals must be available weekday afternoons and Saturdays. No experience is necessary. Applicants should have a good attitude, be personable and reliable. Hours are flexible and normally average between 6-10 hours a week. Please contact Brent Goetz (brent@goetzsports.com) with any questions or to apply.
Foley Electric in RWC Needs Warehouse Workers
Must be 16 years old or older
Over the last two decades Foley Electric Inc has hired several of your high school students to help run our warehouse. Several of these men have gone on to become field electricians. I am once again looking to hire one or two of your student's part time after their school day is completed. Our hourly wage is $17 an hour. Work schedule is very flexible. Looking for hardworking mechanically inclined students.
Please contact John Philpott 650-369-2878
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.
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.
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
CAREER: How to Become a Police Officer
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: Upcoming Cash for College at Sequoia
First Semester Newsletters: See school website for full list