Senior College & Career Newsletter

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)

Mr. Rebello jrebello@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

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

Aug 27 - Senior Grade Level IB/4 Year College Meeting (see more information below)

Sept 1- First College Visit at Sequoia

Are you confused or do you have a lot of questions about the process for submitting your letters of recommendation and/or just about general requirements and procedures at Sequoia for submitting your applications and school documents?

PLEASE ATTEND the Grade Level Meeting on zoom on, Thursday, August 27th for students and families. More information below.

Thursday, August 27th at 7pm on Zoom

The annual Four-Year College/IB meeting for students and parents/guardians is specifically focused on senior year application and IB process at Sequoia.

Ms. Nino-Sears (IB Coordinator)/ Ms Zamora (IB Administrative Assistant) will go over the requirements, deadlines and procedures for the IB Program and IB Diploma.

The College and Career Advisors will present information about applying to Four Year Colleges including UC,CSU, Common Application, Out of State Public Colleges, and Coalition.

Some of the other topics include:

How to Officially Request Transcripts if Needed

Early Action/Early Decision

Letters of Recommendation that are specific to Sequoia.

For All GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS:

• SLIDES will be Posted on the SHS College and Career website

• Links will be available in the Weekly Newsletter

English Meeting ID: 933 3097 6617 Pass Code: 242415

Spanish Meeting ID: 929 7370 4386

Or

English Link

Spanish Zoom Link

We want all families to complete this confidential meal application so that qualifying students can receive reduced cost bus passes, internet, prom tickets, grad night tickets, college application fees and IB testing registration. To complete the meal application, click here.

Needs to be completed every year!

9/25: Last day to add a class or drop a class without penalty on transcript.

10/30: Last day to drop an IB course in an IB testing year.

11/12: Last day to drop with penalty on the transcript. No drops after this date.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM until 6:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Are you getting ready to start your college application journey? Join us for an exciting and informative virtual webinar hosted by the Northwest 5 (NW5) College Consortium! We’ll be sharing 5 essential things every high school student should know before hitting “submit” on those applications. Our admissions representatives from Lewis & Clark, Reed, Whitman, Willamette, and the University of Puget Sound are here to offer insider tips, tricks, and answers to your questions about the process.

Whether you’re curious about the Common App, looking for advice on essays, or just want to learn more about what makes the NW5 colleges unique, this session is for you.

Register

Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis are proud to present LAUNCH (Linking Access, Unity, Networking, Collaboration and Higher Education). At LAUNCH, you'll virtually meet admission officers from all five partner institutions and learn more about what unites us.

Event times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time.

Online

• LAUNCH Virtual Student Event
  Wednesday, August 19 at 8:00 PM

• LAUNCH Virtual Student Event
  Wednesday, September 16 at 8:00 PM

• REED IN TWENTY MINUTES (virtual) – Multiple dates: During this 20-minute session, we’ll break down everything that makes our community distinctive.

• ACING THE INTERVIEW (virtual) – Thursday, August 20, at 4 p.m. PT: Your students will take a deep dive into the college interview and discover how this face-to-face meeting fits into the larger application process.

• IS EARLY DECISION RIGHT FOR ME (virtual) – Thursday, August 27, at 4 p.m. PT: In this session, we’ll walk your students through the benefits of Early Decision, debunk common myths, and answer questions about applying and finding out early.

August 26th at Redwood City Library

UC, CSU, Community College, Private (Independent), Out-of-State Public, International:

Applying, Affording, Attending

We will take a look at the various college systems: their differences and similarities. What does the application process look like at each one? How will students know how much they will cost? What will it feel like to attend schools in these systems?

As juniors begin to think about or as seniors begin to finalize their college lists, what should they consider as they choose which system(s) might be a best fit?

Register here

Admissions 101 | August 13, September 8, October 6

Curious about how we read applications? Wondering how to make your application stand out? Join Bryn Mawr Admissions staff for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at how we review applications at Bryn Mawr. ✍️

Financial Aid 101 | August 11, September 9, October 8

Curious about how financial aid works? Wondering what's required to apply for aid? Join Bryn Mawr Financial Aid staff for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at financial aid at Bryn Mawr. 💵 👀

Ask an Admissions Officer: Drop-In Hours | August 17, September 15, October 14

Still have questions? We're here to help! Join a Bryn Mawr Admissions Officer for an open Q&A where you can ask anything about the college search, the application process, life at Bryn Mawr, or other topics on your mind.

There isn't a set presentation for this session — it's an informal opportunity to hop online, ask your questions, and hear answers to topics other students are wondering about. Bring your curiosity, and we'll do our best to help!

Because we are a big school and don't want you to use the phrase "I didn't know", we have created a consistent method of getting out information.

FIRST: WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

It is the student's responsibility to read/skim through each week. This is where we list upcoming events and opportunities, specific college, required steps, financial aid, scholarships, contests, volunteering, and job information.

Instead of individual emails throughout the week, we send it once a week on Sundays!

SECOND: EVENING EVENTS

Throughout the year, we hold evening college informational meetings/events for both students and parents/guardians. These meetings have specific content students are responsible to know and understand. If both a student and parent/guardian can't attend, the presentations are available on the school website under the College and Career Department section.

THIRD: COLLEGE AND CAREER WEBPAGE

Located on the SHS website under Departments, our webpage includes student opportunities and scholarship monthly lists, How To videos, posted presentations from evening meetings, old Newsletters, CSF forms as well as other post secondary resources.

The CSU Application YOU NEED AS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL is now available but you won't be able to update academic section until October 1st.

As a first time freshman, you will need to choose Fall 2027

If you apply now using Spring 2026, your application will not be considered.

This year students will be able to launch their UC application from californiacolleges.edu and have their courses/grades transfer over. Come to flex to get help with this process.

When the UC Application asks for SSID# they are asking for your State ID from the top left of your transcript

The UC Application will ask multiple questions about whether you attended and will graduate from a California high school. Additionally, you will be asked “Do you want to be evaluated for California residency for tuition purposes?” ANSWER YES TO THIS QUESTION IF YOU DON’T WANT TO PAY OUT OF STATE TUITION.

The UC Application is now open for the Fall 2027

Students can submit the application between Oct 1-Dec 1, 2026

There will be flex workshops available and several UC are visiting Sequoia this fall. Plan to attend a flex session for help importing your grades from California Colleges directly into your application (saves a lot of time).

Every UC has great information and tips on completing the application - Check out UCSB page

At this point, if you know you need a LOR, there are a few important things you can do.

1. Make sure you understand any specific LOR requirements for each college on your list (how many and do they have grade level or subject area requirements?)

2. Ask your teacher in person if possible or in an email.

3. If a teacher agrees, you can complete the Teacher LOR Survey on Naviance (it is a good practice to write your responses on a Google doc and transfer the information)

How to Access - Surveys From Your School (Counselor School Report, Teacher LOR, Upload Personal Statement, etc)

More specific information about officially requesting teachers on Naviance will be explained at the meeting on August 27th.

There is a specific process for Sequoia High School.

Please attend the grade level meeting August 27th

Official Class Size

Will be in the weekly newsletter SEPTEMBER 13th

1. Create a Common Application account
2. Add in Sequoia High School (052605) on the Education tab
3. Add at least one college to your account on the My Colleges tab
4. Sign FERPA Waiver located on the left hand side under "Recommenders and FERPA"

Our recommendation is that you Waive Your Rights because that is what colleges want you to do. All Counselors and some teachers will not write a letter if you do not waive your rights.

What is the FERPA Waiver? (From Common Application website)

Since FERPA is a complex law, we want to provide some key information before you respond to the FERPA waiver question.

1. How does FERPA relate to your college application?

FERPA regulates the privacy of student education records, which could include your application to the college where you enroll. FERPA also gives you the right to review confidential letters of recommendation provided as part of that application after you enroll.

2. In the application you'll be asked if you want to waive the right to review confidential letters of recommendation. What you should know about this waiver?

• Waiving your right lets colleges know that you do not intend to read your recommendations, which helps reassure colleges that the letters are candid and truthful.

• Some recommenders may decline to write a letter for you if you do not waive your rights. Check with your counselor or teachers to see if any of them follow such a policy.

We will focus on the community college application process the second semester of school.

Community College Info Night and Fair date to be announced soon!

The steps to enroll are different for each site. Go to the websites below for more information.

• Canada College: https://canadacollege.edu/admissions/new-student.php

• College of San Mateo: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/admissions/new-returning-students.php

• Skyline College: https://skylinecollege.edu/outreach/pep.php

• De Anza: https://www.deanza.edu/apply-and-register/index.html

• Foothill: https://foothill.edu/reg/admission/apply.html

• Your 504 or IEP accommodations are not covered for outside testing.
• If you want accommodations for the SAT or ACT, you need to request them separately through the College Board or ACT.
• It is the responsibility of the families to research and provide all necessary documentation since these tests are not associated with Sequoia.
• While families can submit their documentation on their own, Sequoia can also complete the final submission step. For more information about this process, go to our website: The College Board Process for SAT/PSAT and The Process for ACT

Signing up for testing

As you are considering different schools to apply to, make sure to check out their testing policies. If you need or want to take a test, it is your responsibility to sign-up and register for the tests.

Use these links below to sign-up for the SAT or ACT:

College Board

ACT

Click HERE to go directly to the Sequoia High School website for the most updated scholarship and student opportunities lists. How to Access Scholarships on Naviance (9-12th Grades).

If you find a scholarship you are interested in and want the link to the website or more information be sure to log in to your Naviance account, under the College tab, click on Scholarships and Money, then Scholarship list, and put the name of the scholarship in the search box, then click on the name of the scholarship.

Sequoia Union High School District will submit your GPA to Cal Grant in September.

Make sure your Infinite Campus information (name and address) is correct to avoid matching problems. If something needs to be changed, contact the counseling office

No Verification Form is needed AFTER submitting your FAFSA/Dream Application!

Due: September 1, 2026

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

The (YCA) Leadership Program brings 9-12th grade students from across San Mateo County together to empower youth to take climate action into their own hands. Through the program, students will develop projects designed to drive change within San Mateo County and gain a diverse set of skills related to sustainability and climate action. WEBSITE

8-month service-learning program is for high school students aged 15-18 in the San Francisco Bay Area who are interested in working with marine mammals and educating the public about important ocean conservation topics.
Email highschool@tmmc.org if you have any questions. WEBSITE

Volunteer

all year

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

To sign up to volunteer, visit our website by selecting one of the following options:

Sort food at our warehouses, Distribute food to community members - Distribution sites are located in nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley,

Deliver food to homes – Load your vehicle and deliver healthy groceries to homes of seniors and other homebound clients in Santa Clara or San Mateo County. You must be 18 years old to volunteer for this activity. WEBSITE

ELIGIBLE AGES: 14+

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.

Available All Year

Eligible Grades:9-12th

The San Mateo County Historical Association offers a number of free public programs throughout the year for Lunar New Year, Happy San Mateo County Day, Fourth of July (half-price admission), Victorian Days, Día de los Muertos, and Hometown Holidays. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with craft activities and gallery monitoring for these events. Interested students can email carmen@historysmc.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities. WEBSITE

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)

Gladeo Bay Area offers resources that help student users

• Learn about Careers by exploring top industries, career paths, and employers in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area region.

• Watch Video Interviews that show how community college alumni from the Bay Area region navigated their way to successful careers.

• Explore Career Progression Roadmaps that illustrate the types of jobs a person has within an industry as they progress in their career.

• Search the Program Finder to find certificate, degree, and training programs that will help students reach their career goals.

• Connect with Resources and Opportunities by receiving a personalized newsfeed of events, networking opportunities, and internships.

• Take a Personalized Career Quiz to map personality type and interests to potential career options and industries.

Job Type: Part-Time (6–12 hours/week, with opportunities for additional hours)

Program Dates: June 2, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Location:
Think Zone Learning Center (Redwood City)

777 Woodside Rd, Ste A1 Redwood City, CA 94061

Pay: $18.50–$20.00/hour

Love Math? Make a Difference. Build Your Resume.

Looking for a rewarding after-school job? Join Think Zone, where you'll help elementary and middle school students build confidence in math while gaining valuable leadership, communication, and teaching experience.

Whether you're preparing for college, exploring a future in education, or simply looking for a meaningful part-time job, this is a great opportunity to grow your skills while making a real impact.

About Think Zone

Think Zone, part of TAL Education Group, helps K–8 students build strong math foundations through engaging, personalized instruction. We believe learning should be fun, challenging, and confidence-building—and our tutors play a huge role in making that happen.

Find out more information and apply here.

Help lead fun, hands-on STEM and creative enrichment programs for K–8 students after school. No prior teaching experience required—training is provided. We’re looking for dependable, upbeat coaches who take initiative and enjoy working with kids and are great team players!

Details

• When: 1–2 days/week, after school (typically 3:00–4:30 PM or 3:30–4:30 PM, depending on the site)

• Where: In person at school sites in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, San Mateo, San Jose, and Los Gatos — pick the locations most convenient for you

• Pay: $20/hour with 2.5 hours of paid training at the start

• What you’ll do: Lead engaging activities (LEGO, robotics, maker projects, basic coding), manage small groups, and support a positive classroom environment

Requirements

• Reliable, responsible, and strong communicator

• Prior leadership experience in clubs is great to have!

students can apply here!

ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 16yr+ (Must have own transportation)

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. Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math!

Our starting salaries are $17.00-$19.00 depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.

If interested, please apply online

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

Check here for past newsletters