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:

April-May Various CSU Applications Deadlines (see 'CSU Section)

May 6th and 9th- Super Registration Field Trip to Cañada College- see details below

May 8th - Judy Carmona Memorial Scholarship DUE

DUE: May 8th

If you have participated in Varsity level sports or sports leadership, you have the opportunity to win a $500 scholarship from Sequoia Sport & Spirit Boosters Organization. Seniors should use the Judy Carmona Scholarship Google Form to submit a two-paragraph application highlighting their experience as a Sequoia Varsity athlete. Applications are due by Thursday, May 8, 2025.

PERMISSION SLIPS DUE: April 24th - EXTENDED to May 1st

Field Trip will be May 6th or 9th depending on your IB Exams.

Have you applied to Cañada College or are planning to?

Pick-up a permission slip in the College and Career Center to attend a field trip to Cañada to complete all enrollment steps.

Students completing Edgenuity credit recovery online courses for graduation and/or UC/CSU A-G requirements are required to take unit tests and cumulative tests in the Edgenuity lab in-person. The lab is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4pm-6pm in Room B-8 with Mr. Calles. The deadline for seniors is May 30, 2025.

Registration closes on Monday, May 5th at 5:00pm PST

Workshop Dates:

• Tuesday, May 6th, 6:00-6:30 pm PST: Resume, Cover Letter & LinkedIn

• Tuesday, May 13th, 6:00-6:30 pm PST: Career Exploration

• SIR – Statement of Intent to Register

  DUE May 1st (unless otherwise stated by college)

  Students are ONLY allowed to SIR to One college

  Contact the admissions office directly if you have any problems

  
  

  Students must pay a non-refundable deposit (can call and defer on a case by case basis)

  If you need an extension, call admissions RIGHT AWAY!

  Waitlists

  You need to SIR somewhere and if you get off the waitlist, you will be paying another non-refundable deposit (If you get off a waitlist, contact the school where you submitted a SIR as soon as possible)

  
  

  Please check portals often

  Some schools have a very short turn around for responses – especially for waitlists (72 hour response for most schools)

  
  

• Congratulate yourself for getting this far! Having multiple college options is a good position to be in.

• Have honest financial conversations and understand support.

• If possible, visit campuses.

• Prepare for your independence! College is a time of significant personal growth. Spend some time reflecting on the human being you want to be in five years. How does college help you on that path?

• Don’t rush your decision. Take your time to weigh the factors below.

• Think about best fit qualities, not simply prestige. Focus on what truly matters to you in a college experience.

The "Six F's" of college fit—factors for choosing a college to attend

Susan Tree introduced six key "F's" to consider when determining college fit:

Focus: What are your academic and non-academic priorities? What are your "must-haves"?

Fellowship: Who do you want to share your college experience with?

Financial: Not all loans are created equal.

• Be aware of federal student loan limits. For example, the freshman year limit is $5,500.

Future: How successful is the college in supporting students' aspirations?

Family: Is anything happening in your family that takes priority at this time?

• Consider the distance from home and how it intersects with cultural

Feeling: These are questions to ask yourself directly:

• How do you feel on campus? Excited? Safe? Explorative?

• Do you have a magnetic pull?

• Are these your people?

• Is there a gut feeling that this place is right or wrong?

• What is the vibe, and does it match you?

Full article

Do you Have all of Your Financial Aid Award Letters?

Missing Award Letters

AT THIS POINT, if you have not received your financial aid award letter for the colleges where you were admitted, CALL the FINANCIAL AID office immediately. You need that information to make the best decision for your family.

Every year HUNDREDS of students at colleges rescind admission offers because of changes in what either was stated on the application or predicted grades changes of seniors who have been admitted CONDITIONALLY

Possible Reasons to Take Away Admissions:

Conditional Status – EVERY STUDENT NEEDS TO READ

• Each college could have very specific conditions for an individual student; it is important to carefully read the fine print of each school’s message. Some scholarships or programs have GPA requirements or provisions for no Cs on your transcript

• Lower than Predicted Grades (courses and IB exams)

Schools admit you based on your previous grades and assume you will be receiving the same type of grades. If there is a NOTICEABLE change in your grades, you should contact the school and explain yourself.

• Ds or Fs, Dropping a Course and Any Major Change or Behavior Issue

A final report will be written by each counselor that will include any required reporting to a private school including a final transcript and changes from a student’s School Report. If you think you might be getting a D or F, or have dropped a course, plan on not taking an exam listed on application or have been suspended for a behavior issue, you need to contact the schools IMMEDIATELY. Please call the admissions office and find out what their process for reporting changes

Remember

Colleges do not want to find out about low grades, changes in your schedule, and/or what you put on your application is different from what you originally told them when they received documents from Sequoia High School in July. Admission officials often remind counselors to tell students the following; if they find out before a student tells a college, his/her offer of admissions will be taken away. Remember reporting does not mean you will be rescinded. It is your responsibility to tell a school in a timely manner.

*Report D/F orChanges in Your Application (when you are 100% sure of the grade and before th

*Check your portals and emails often and do not wait to respond!

*Make sure you complete all financial aid requirements for each college

As you get decisions from the colleges you applied to, please update your College's I'm Applying To

• College Tab
• Colleges I'm Applying to
• Go through each college listed (add colleges if not already listed) CLICK on EDIT
• Pop Up - CLICK on RESULT and choose from the dropdown options (admit, denied, waitlisted)

REMINDER

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.

From California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

After your FAFSA or CADAA application is processed, you’ll receive an email letting you know it’s time to create your WebGrants4Students account. When you create your account, it will still show INCOMPLETE for Cal Grant but if you click on details, you will be able to see your GPA which means you've done your part.

The deadline is April 2nd for Cal Grant Priority.

If you have any questions call CSAC- 888-224-7268

Congratulations to your students who have been admitted to one or more of our California State Universities! Our Freshman: Next Steps webpage provides access to the admitted student websites for all twenty-three CSUs. Campus websites provide more information about important deadlines and next steps in the admissions process.

From CSU Counselor Bulletin

To view a list of the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) or Admission Acceptance or Enrollment Confirmation deadlines and deposit requirements, visit our Statement of Intent to Register webpage.

Make sure you apply for HOUSING asap!

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

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.

When a student submits their first application to any campus, regardless of the priority deadline, they will not be able to make any changes to any subsequent application. If students need to report any corrections or updates, please have them contact the campuses they applied to directly.

CSU Application Deadline EXTENDED for some schools:

Later Deadlines are available for some CSUs, visit the Application Dates & Deadlines page for more information on which campuses are still open and their deadlines.

From UC Counselors and Advisers Bulletin

Admission decision season is here! Some campuses have begun notifying first-year/freshman applicants of their admission status, while others plan to contact students later this month. Transfer applicants will learn of their admission status starting this month through late April.
For more information on the enrollment process for first-years, including campus-specific information, reference the following two resources:

• Next steps from admission to enrollment
• First-year waitlist and appeals fact sheet

From UCSD

If students have questions about next steps after receiving an offer of admission or an offer to join our waitlist, please visit the first-year timeline or FAQ page for more information.

From UCLA

• First-Year New Student Checklist

You must tell each UC if you changed your schedule (dropped courses) or received a D or F during the Fall 2024 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 changes

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

We will complete Steps 4-6 at Canada College on the May 6th or 9th field trip. Come by the College and Career Center to get help with the process.

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 (not available for Fall 2025 until the spring)

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

Updated May/June lists are 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.

Come speak to Ms Yeager by April 21st at lunch!

The Tang Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to Bay Area lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian and Pacific Islanders for 2- or 4-yr college or vocational program. Min GPA 3.0. Download application on Naviance or pick up in College and Career Center

HENAAC Great Minds in STEM Scholarship

For students pursuing a STEM degree at 2-yr or 4-yr college. MIN GPA of 3.0 (2.5 for non-merit-based scholarships). Must be of Hispanic descent and/or must demonstrate significant leadership or service within the underserved community.

Love Lotus Foundation Renewable Scholarship

Sequoia Senior who demonstrates outstanding achievement and is part of the first generation of their family pursuing college (community or 4 yr) Local scholarship, must have at least a 3.0 GPA Renewable for 4 years - Application download on Naviance or pick up in the College and Career Center

Due: 5/1/2025

The student must be pursuing a career in printing technology, printing management, graphic communication, or packaging. 3.0 min GPA. Going to college in USA

Due May 1st

The Construction Financial Management Association Silicon Valley Chapter (“CFMA-SV”) is offering FIVE scholarships to eligible students for the 2025-2026 academic year. CFMA-SV awards scholarships to assist students with the cost of their books, classes, housing, tools and supplies needed to further their education.

Must live in the Bay Area, have maintained a cumulative 3.0 GPA for the past two years. Presently have an intention to pursue a career in or closely related to an accounting, finance or construction-related field.

Due: 5/2/2025

Student in SUHSD. 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. Pick up in College Center or Download on Naviance.

Woodside-Area Equestrian Merit Scholarship Award - Up to $10K

DUE: May 9th

Awarded to seniors in San Mateo, Santa Clara and SF counties who demonstrate involvement in equestrian activities, academic achievement and community Service.

Ellevation Scholarship

Due: May 12th

Be high school seniors who have been enrolled as an English Language Learner (ELL) at some point during their K-12 education.

Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.

Hadden Scholarship

DUE: May 12th

For students planning to go to a 4-yr college, have a 3.5+ GPA, and considers scholastic achievement, character, leadership, volunteerism, and financial need (no income limits) US Citizen

Sequoia District Teachers Association Scholarship

Due: May 13th

All Sequoia District students and children of Sequoia District Teachers are eligible to apply.

Here's the link to apply.

Catalino Tapia Scholarship

Due: May 16th

Low-income, underserved and underrepresented students open to AB540 recipients, undocumented, and first-generation to apply.

LPA Diversity in Design Scholarship

DUE: May 21st

Pursuing a degree in one of the following majors associated with the building and design industry: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture/Design, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree. Be Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander and Women of all races

Cameron Impact Scholarship - Renewable Full Tuition and Expenses

EARLY APPLICATION DUE: May 21st

3.7 GPA, planning to enroll 4-yr college/university full time. Community service, leadership and extra-curriculars. Must be USA citizen.

Kelly J. Kolozsi Memorial Scholarship - Local - Must Be Enrolled in UC

DUE May 23th

Attending UC, Demonstrate Academic Merit and Financial Need. Students with a learning disability are given special consideration. Download on Naviance or pick up application in the College & Career Center.

Karen Ha Scholarship - Local 2500.00 for Four Years

DUE: May 30th

Korean heritage attending college in CA. 3.0 GPA Minimum. Documented financial need for BAY AREA

Digital Responsibility: E-Waste Scholarship

9th-12th grade

Complete the application form and include a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: The most important reason to care about e-waste is…

Be-You-Tiful, Be Free Multimedia Contest, From the Eating Disorders Resource Center

9th-12th grade

Submit a poem. essay, artwork, or video

THEME: How does social media and the world around you influence how you see yourself or others?

1. Make your WebGrants account

From California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

After your FAFSA or CADAA application is processed, you’ll receive an email letting you know it’s time to create your WebGrants4Students account. When you create your account, it will still show INCOMPLETE for Cal Grant but if you click on details, you will be able to see your GPA which means you've done your part.

If you have any questions call CSAC- 888-224-7268 ASAP

2. If you already made your WebGrant, check to make sure you have the school you are going to next fall is listed as your ATTENDING school.

1. Check your email for confirmation that your application has been submitted.

1. If you do not receive an email, log back into your application, and verify that you submitted it. Also, verify that you submitted an application for the correct school year. It should be for the year you will be in college.

2. After a few days, check your email for confirmation that your application has been processed.

1. If you do not receive an email, log back into your account, and check for any error messages.

2. For FAFSA filers, contact Federal Student Aid for questions about processing your application. For CADAA filers, contact CSAC for questions about processing your application.

See this document for full instructions about Next Steps. Copies available in College and Career Center.

• Students were given a FAFSA/CADAA Worksheet in their Social Studies Class. This is just as a guideline for what information you will need to have in order to complete the FAFSA/CADAA starting in December. (sorry for any confusion)

• The district will be sending out information about AB 132, that requires all public school districts and charter schools in California to confirm that all high school seniors have completed a FAFSA or CADAA, unless the student opts out

• If families do not want to complete the FAFSA/CADAA, you can go to the district's Financial Aid Resources webpage to complete an opt-out form (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page)

Sequoia Union High School District submitted your GPA to Cal Grant November 6, 2024

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!

Due: April 27th

15yrs+

MTC offers Bay Area high school students the opportunity to discover the inner workings of a metropolitan planning organization, and start on a career path in government service

Must be 15 and live in Bay Area WEBSITE

Summer

Due: May 1 EXTENDED

Grades Eligible:9-12

The Academy is a powerful three-week program for high school students passionate about climate action, leadership, and making a difference. Participants will build knowledge, develop skills, and connect with a network of like-minded peers and mentors. WEBSITE

Due: 4/30/2025

9-12th

We are a non-profit organization located in the Bay area and we will be offering summer coding camps in your city.

We are looking for students who are committed to volunteering and passionate about computer science.

This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours, learn leadership & people skills, develop time management & organizational skills. See flier for more info

Due: May 1st

16+

Summer Culinary Internship at Stanford University. WEBSITE

DUE: May 11th

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGES: 9-12th

An advisory commission to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, established in 1993 to address youth need in the county and provide youth voice in local government. The Youth Commission is comprised of 25 youth between the ages of 13-21 who reside in San Mateo County. Commissioners serve a fixed term following the school year cycle from August to May. WEBSITE

DUE: May 15th

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGES: 9-12th

Until There’s A Cure is a national organization based in Woodside, CA is seeking fun and creative individuals for our internship program. We are dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and funds to combat this pandemic. Our interns play a vital role in our organizational success, and can anticipate a challenging, fun, and rewarding experience.

Different internships offered on website.

Students can email their resume and cover letter to: info@utac.org

WEBSITE

DUE: May 15th

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGES: 9-12th

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula is recruiting motivated teens to participate in summer programs across East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City, and South San Francisco. This internship opportunity is open to students entering 9th grade through graduating high school seniors. All interns will gain hands-on youth development experience alongside BGCP staff. WEBSITE

DUE: May 18th

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGES: 9-12th

9 Saturday afternoons via Zoom, high school students gain an introduction to the health sciences field. Students will hear from graduate students, research professors, and various health professionals as they learn more about the health sciences' academic, research, and professional components. Free if qualify for Family Guidelines for Free or Reduced Lunch Program 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.

ExploreLearning Website

Born to Engineer Website

Different Types of Engineering and Their Careers

Types of Engineering:

• Civil engineers design and construct different types of infrastructure, like bridges, buildings, roads, and more.

• Mechanical engineers study and develop systems related to the flow of motion, from cars to roller coasters.

• Electrical engineers design systems that transmit energy and information, including electrical systems for airplanes and cars along with communication systems.

• Chemical engineers examine how new substances can be created using biological and chemical processes, including chemicals, fuel, drugs, and food.

• Aerospace engineers design and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and other technologies used in aviation.

• Biomedical engineers develop new technologies, medicines, equipment, and devices to improve human health, from a prosthetic arm to the components of an x-ray machine.

• Environmental engineers create solutions for the world’s environmental challenges, including clean drinking water, sanitation, and air quality.

• Agricultural engineers work to make farms more efficient, by designing new equipment, developing seeds, or testing different environmental factors to observe the impact on crops.

• Software engineers develop applications and programs that power our daily lives, from a computer processing system to a video game.

Guidance for High School Students from Princeton Engineering: Preparing to Study Engineering on College (in high school)

Full Article

Math

Study as much math as you possibly can in each of your four years of high school.

Physics

The calculus-based physics courses taken by engineering students during their first year in college presume a strong recent high school foundation in physics. Take a college-preparatory physics course in your junior or senior year that uses at least algebra in its calculations.

Chemistry

Chemistry is also part of the engineering curriculum at most colleges.

Other Science and Engineering Classes

Biology and related life sciences are becoming increasingly important in many areas of engineering. A strong foundation in basic concepts of biology at all levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems, can provide an important complement to math and the physical sciences

Eligible Age: 16+

We are looking for talented musicians to lead rock band groups at Rock Band Summer Camp! Must have a knowledge of guitar/bass/keys/vocals and the ability to create simple and fun song arrangements.

Rock Band Camp runs in weekly sessions, each Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm throughout June, July and August. Counselors can choose to work one week or all summer long. $600/week. To apply, send a cover letter to info@hummingbirdmusicschool.com

See Flier Below

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

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!

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.

SECOND SEMESTER

Jan 12-18, 2025 CAREER: Career in Radiology

Jan 19-25, 2025 Mid Year Reports & Transcript Info, FINANCIAL AID: WUE Tuition, Applying for Scholarship NOW

Jan 26- Feb 1, 2025 CAREER: Careers in Gaming

Feb 2-8, 2025 Click Here Common App: Mid Year Reports Four Yr: Transcript and Reporting D/F or Changes FA: How to Talk to Your Parents About FA

Feb 9-16, 2025 CAREER:Think About Getting a Summer Job You Can Do While You Are Going to School/College - Get Certified As a Lifeguard

Feb 17-March 1, 2025 FA: Webgrant for Students Account & UC FA Advice 4 YR: How Colleges Communicate with Applicants

Mar 2-8, 2025 CAREER:Should You Pursue an Associate or a Baccalaureate Nursing Degree? From NurseJournal

MARCH 9-15, 2025 FA: Overlooked Strategies for Paying for College CA Priority Deadline Extended to April 2nd, UC: Withdrawing an Application

March 16-22, 2025 FOUR YEAR COLLEGE:Update Your Admit Status on “Colleges I’m Applying To” in Naviance UC: First-year admission updates and resources (Next Steps for Admitted Students/Waitlists & Appeals) CSU: 2025 Admit Days CAREER: Career in Marine Biology

March 23-29 Enter your Art for Cover of Grad Program, GENERAL 4 YR: Update Colleges I’m Applying to Admit, Appeals and Waitlists. FA: 5 Numbers to Look For on Your FA Letter

March 30-April 5, 2025 GEN 4-YR: Conditional Status - Possible Reasons to Take Away an Admission Offer CAREER: Earn and Learn Occupations From State of California EDD

April 6-19, 2025 GEN 4-YR: Missing Financial Aid Award Letters, How to choose what college to attend from College Essay Guy FA:How to Review and Compare Your Financial Aid Awards from College Board

April 20-26, 2025: GEN 4 YR: Don't Forget to Submit Your SIR FA: Award Letters