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)

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

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

Oct10th College, Career, & Community Fair (see flier below)

Oct 15th - RACC Mini College Fair in Quad During 7th (more information next week)

Nov 6 - Senior Financial Aid Night (more info to come)

Nov 8- Last day to turn in SR/LOR Form for Common App Schools

OCT 3- Senior Four Year College Application Help

OCT 4- Senior Four Year College Application Help

Thursday Oct 10th

Representative from colleges, the trades and community support programs will be at Sequoia Gym 2 from 6:15-8:30pm. Families, come, learn and get your questions answered! See flier below.

Complete the 2024-2025 Meal Application

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!

HOW TO SIGN UP - NEED HELP

How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia

If you get the email below with the subject Visit Reminder, that is not confirmation that you are signed up for a college visit, it is an invitation to go to Naviance and sign-up.

University of San Francisco

Tue Oct 1, 2024

1:00 PM

Oregon State University

Wed Oct 2, 2024

8:30 AM

Loyola University Chicago

Wed Oct 2, 2024

11:15 AM

University of Vermont

Thu Oct 3, 2024

8:30 AM

Pitzer College

Thu Oct 3, 2024

11:15 AM

Boston University

Fri Oct 4, 2024

7:45 AM

Sarah Lawrence College

Fri Oct 4, 2024

8:30 AM

Adelphi University

Fri Oct 4, 2024

9:00 AM

St. John's College

Mon Oct 7,

8:30 AM

Whitman College

Tue Oct 8,

10:30 AM

Haverford College

Wed Oct 9,

11:15 AM

St Olaf College

Tue Oct 15,

9:30 AM

Chapman University

Tue Oct 15,

10:30 AM

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Tue Oct 15,

11:15 AM

Loyola Marymount University

Tue Oct 15,

1:00 PM

Sunday, October 6

Attending a virtual session is a great way to learn more about these schools.

Go here to sign-up for the meeting.

Oct 1st, 3rd, 10th

St Mary’s will offer a series of virtual sessions to learn more about the many ways that Saint Mary’s inspires, engages and transforms students. These information sessions will spotlight many of our distinctive academic programs, financial aid opportunities, campus and student life and more!Financial Aid Spotlight

Oct 1st

REGISTER HERE

Study Abroad Spotlight

Oct 3rd

REGISTER HERE

Honors Program

Oct 10th

REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, October 8

Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center

Considering your college options? Our admissions officers are heading to the Bay Area and would love to talk to you about the college admissions process, as well as opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register HERE

The Best of Boston: Explore the City with Students event will provide you with the opportunity to hear from students from each institution about the benefits of going to school in Boston: “America’s College Town.” The students will also answer any questions you may have about incorporating the city into their own college experiences.

Additionally, we will offer a workshop specifically about your questions on the admission process. The College Application Process event will walk you through the application process and advise you on how to showcase your accomplishments to universities, while keeping stress to a minimum.

Best of Boston: Explore the City with Students

Wednesday, October 9
7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Register here.

Best of Boston: College Application Process

Tuesday, October 15
8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Register here.

Oct 13th SF

Oct 16th Los Altos

You’re invited to hear about our distinctive learning opportunities and dynamic communities. Each of our schools is unique, but we are united in our commitment to support counselors, students and families as they navigate the college admission process. We look forward to seeing you! Register Here SF and Los Altos

Private Colleges/Common Application Colleges: Majority No Advantage

Admissions representatives (the people who will be reading your application) are traveling recruiting students; attending events and school visits up until November.

There are many parts that go into this application separately from the student’s part (transcript, counselor report, teacher recommendations) The admissions set aside time to read applications after they have been processed and all parts of the application are together.

Exceptions: Some smaller, less competitive colleges with ROLLING ADMISSIONS

State Public Colleges: Depends

Schools like our CSU system that basically look at your self-reported transcript; some of these colleges process applications as they are submitted or in batches so students find out if they are admitted at different times. A lot of out of state public schools that do not require anything but application and transcript (some who claim, if you turn in by this date will get your decision in a few weeks).

Notables excluded from CSU: Cal Poly SLO - majority of decisions come out at the same time.

Notable out of state public colleges excluded: Note: University of Michigan, University of Colorado, Boulder, and University of Texas, Austin

UC: No

From UCLA Admissions:

Will students be at an advantage if they submit their application in October?

A. No, students will not have an advantage or disadvantage based on when they submit their application. Students must submit their application during the filing period between October 1 to November 30. We do not offer early decision or early action

Bottom Line: Start Early, Turn your application after it has been checked by someone and before

the deadline when you feel that you have completed your best application!

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, request on Naviance - Colleges I’m Applying To

*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

Always Check School’s Website - Example University of Washington

The Guidance Department is CANCELING all requests for Common App, UC and CSU at this time!

Deadline to Turn in SR/LOR Form is THIS Friday - Sept 20th for college deadlines BEFORE Dec 15th that require letters of recommendation.

Some Guidelines to Help:

If it is a Common App College exclusive school, YES

If it is a California Public College (CSU/UC), NO

If it is a Coalition College that needs a school report (SR) and LORs, YES

Univ of Washington does not require SR or LOR

Univ of Texas does not require SR but LOR are optional

If it is a Private College with its own application that needs a school report (SR) AND letters of recommendation (LOR), YES

Out of State Public Colleges, VARIES (Read Below)

Sometimes the school asks for LORs that do not go through Naviance (teachers will be sent a link) if this is the case, NO

Seniors, it is your responsibility to do the research and find out the APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS for each college you're thinking of applying to this fall.

The most important change this year is that students can "Launch" their applications from the Californiacolleges.edu website - ALL your courses load on to CSU Application

Most students created an account during a visit to College and Career Center in your social studies class. You need to use your seq.or email (sign on with Google not username and password). Use this worksheet to prepare to apply. Below is a checklist from CSU

Remember these are averages!

Here is a tutorial for launching the UC App via CaliforniaColleges.edu

Things to note for Sequoia specifically:

• Update your graduation date and end date for Sequoia to June 2025, it defaults to Dec 2024.

• 9th grade history/social science will only have one semester of Ethnic Studies when you import your grades, that is correct.

• Use your transcript to check that all of your A-G Courses are listed correctly by selecting the edit function for each grade level to confirm.

• 12th grade courses will import as IP (in-progress) for first semester but you need to switch second semester to PL (planned).

• American Government should be IP first semester and NO for second semester.

• Add Economics-P as NO first semester and PL for second semester.

This page has great resources for many of the platform's functions: https://cacollegeguidance.org/resourcehub/tutorials/ -Students would reference the partner account tutorials

Each UC is Different Comprehensive Review at the UCs (From the UC Freshmen Selection Document)

THIS IS IMPORTANT RESEARCH - What you check can depend if you are admitted.

From UC Conference 2024

What are Selective Majors?

• Can’t take all applications
• Have to go beyond minimum requirements
• General interest in subject area - Both in and out of the classroom

Look at EACH college you are applying to

They all use different terms for Selective Majors

• Selective - Merced, Irvine, Davis, Riverside, UCLA, UCSB
• Screening - UCSC
• High Demand - Berkeley
• Capped - UCSD

Review the document below to check out what universities admit by major, factors considered in comprehensive review, freshman admissions profiles and specific policies for each campus.

Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions Selection Process 2024

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.

From UC: The UC application for fall 2025 opened. UC encourages students to spend ample time on their application, developing each section to reflect the accomplishments, challenges, opportunities and talents of each student within their own family, school and community context.

The UC application provides built-in help and support throughout each section of the application. Applicants can view answers to their commonly asked questions on each page of the application by clicking ‘Help’ on the top navigation bar or by clicking on the blue ‘i’ icons seen throughout the application. Students needing further assistance can contact the UC Application Center via phone or email. The center is available Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Pacific Time).

• (800) 207-1710 (within the U.S.)

• (925) 298-6856 (outside the U.S.)

• ucinfo@applyucsupport.net (email)

Click HERE for the How to Apply webpage on the UC website

For the Education – Grades Section of the Common Application

• Class Rank Reporting – Do not rank

• Graduating Class Size – 464

• GPA Scale – 4

• GPA Weighting – Weighted

• Guidance FAX – (650) 306-8893

• Graduation Date – June 6, 2025

• Your Official GPA- Overall weighted GPA - first one listed on your transcript

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SR/LOR FORM TO COUNSELOR

Nov 8th - for application deadlines AFTER Dec 15th

There is a required process and form, as well as deadlines. All students needing a SR/LOR for early action/decision must complete the process, form, and meet with their counselor by Sept. 20th. Students applying for regular decision admissions must complete the process no later than Nov. 8th. Please note that the workshops are for students only and that the UC/CSU/California Community Colleges do not accept SR/LORs as part of their applications.

SEE COUNSELOR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO GET THE REQUIRED FORM

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

SAVE THE DATE: Community College Info Night and Fair will be February 6, 2025

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

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

• De Anza: https://www.deanza.edu/apply-and-register/index.html (not available for Fall 2025 until the spring)

• Foothill: https://foothill.edu/reg/admission/highschool.html (not available for Fall 2025 until the spring)
  

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

October and early November lists are now NOW AVAILABLE.

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.

Due Sept 30th

Grades Eligible: 12th

Applicants are evaluated on their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. US Citizen

Due Sept 30th

Eligible Grades: 9-12th

This scholarship helps students understand the risks of texting while driving. 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because... Must be US Citizen or Legal Resident

Nomination form must be completed by Oct 11th

For high school seniors (ANY GENDER) who have the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Applicants describe how they have tried to manifest these qualities, and must write an essay of an assigned topic as administered by Sequoia staff. If you are interested, complete the nomination form below. You also need two letters of recommendation.

If you want to be considered for the scholarships listed above, Complete the NOMINATION FORM located below.

Due: Oct 8

NOT JUST FOR ENGINEERS! For leaders in various fields. Awarded on character, as evaluated through your essay.

Deadline October 31st

Do you live in Redwood City and have you made an impact with your community service activities?

The Sequoia Awards provides scholarships to high school seniors who are outstanding community volunteers. To apply for a Sequoia Awards scholarship, you must: have performed voluntary community service; be a high school senior; and reside at a Redwood City mailing address. This includes unincorporated Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, Emerald Hills, and Redwood Shores. For application and more information visit their website here.

Deadline to submit an application and materials is October 31. Upload your transcript from Infinite Campus.

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.

After you research your colleges, if you find a scholarship or program you want to be nominated for, complete this form three weeks prior to the nomination deadline to be considered.

Due: Oct 31st

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence. Topic 2024 "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

South County Teen Leadership Council run through the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League offers high school students a free program that provides mentoring, travel conferences, field trips, leadership and organizes community service projects. Weekly meetings are on Wednesdays from 4-6pm in Redwood City If you are interested, email, call or text Mason Lok 650 474-1394 mlok@smcgov.org WEBSITE

FIRST MEETING OCT 1st - Apply ASAP

ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 15-21 Years Old

NAMI's Youth Advisory Council will be starting soon and we are looking for youths who are interested in advocating for mental health and organizing events to destigmatize mental health conversations and topics Residents and able to commit to one hour every other week for YAC meetings for one year, virtually with occasional in-person meetings.WEBSITE

Project Read has some upcoming training for teens who would like to volunteer on

October 8

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)

CalKIDS was launched in 2022 to help California children save for post-secondary education including college or career training . Low-income families and disadvantaged communities are encouraged to take advantage of this program.

To check for eligibility and to learn more, please visit: www.calkids.org

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 change, contact the counseling office

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

Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who provide for the health and quality of life of all kinds of animals. If you are interested in learning about how to prepare for a career in veterinary medicine, visit So You Want to Be a Vet

Start Early in High School (section of the UC Davis website "So You Want to Be a Vet)

Because there are more qualified applicants than there are places in veterinary schools, entrance to veterinary school is highly competitive. Here’s how you can get an early start:

• Study hard - lay the foundation in high school for academic success in college and veterinary school. Excellent grades and high SAT scores will ensure entrance into a good undergraduate institution which will prepare you for admittance to veterinary school.
• Challenge yourself - take biology and other science courses, math and English, and other college prep classes.
• Get involved in farm and science clubs as well as other leadership activities. Take opportunities to increase your appreciation for veterinary medicine.
• Volunteer at a kennel, animal shelter, farm or other setting where you can learn animal-handling skills. Begin to keep a record of your animal-related experience.
• Ask your high school counselor about applying to colleges that will best meet your goals.

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGE: Juniors and Seniors

$17.00 hour Looking for students with good math and reading skills who are available to work approximately 6 - 8 hours per week on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Ideal part time job for high school or college students. Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

If interested email qualifications and resume to kumonsancarlos@gmail.com

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

ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 15yr+

Part-time work is available teaching after-school group Piano 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

Students: visit the website for a number of How-To videos that Sequoia Counselors made for help with common application, scholarships and much more!

If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on August 28th

The grade-level presentation in English and Spanish ( without the recording) and handouts are available on the Sequoia College and Career webpage.

We are currently reviewing the CSF applications for Spring 2024 and will be updating transcripts for eligible students by the third week in October.

August 18-24, 2024

August 25-31, 2024

GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION:CaliforniaColleges.edu, Transcript Info CSU INFORMATION: Opens October 1st!, CSU Night Events UC INFORMATION: Launching with CaliforniaColleges.edu, Evaluation for California Residency, Application Now Open, Help on UCSB website

September 1-7, 2024

GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: What Did You Do Over the Summer? Did You Receive Any Awards Last Spring? Reflect on Who You Are as an Applicant While Updating Your Naviance Resume

Sept 8-14, 2024

GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: Do I Need a School Report/Letter of Recommendation (SR/LOR) Form? Depends CSU INFORMATION: Wait to Apply - Lookup Majors and Selection Process UC INFORMATION: Comprehensive Review at the UCs, COMMON APPLICATION INFORMATION: SR/LOR Form & Process Review Meeting, FA: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the California Dream Application, CalKIDS, Cal Grant Verification

September 15-21, 2024 GENERAL FOUR-YEAR INFORMATION: Requesting Transcript Reminders

September 22-28, 2024 GENERAL 4YR: Researching Majors UC: Launch with CaliforniaColleges FINANCIAL AID: 10 Facts About the FAFSA