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:

March 4th - SFSU Metro Program (come if admitted to SFSU-see below)

March 5th - Career Club Presentation - Nursing

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

April 2nd - Priority Deadline for FAFSA/Dream Application

April 2nd - Deadline for Cal Grant (Last Day to Submit FAFSA/Dream Financial Aid Application for Cal Grant Eligibility)

March 14th- Foothill College Application Workshop-FLEX

Come to Flex Sessions for help with financial aid and community college applications.

A representative from Canada College will be in the College and Career Center during Friday Flex Periods (Can help with community college applications)

March is the biggest month for scholarships!

Don't wait until you get admitted!

Wed March 12th in the College and Career Center at LUNCH

A registered nurse will be here to speak to students about a career in nursing

Also, learn more about the different levels of nursing in the Career Section below

Please fill out the form below

REMEMBER TO LAUNCH YOUR FAFSA/CADAA through CaliforniaCollege.edu

Login using your seq.org email (no password or username)

Click on sign in with Google

Hover over Financial Aid tab and choose Launch with either FAFSA or CADAA

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.

Information Session on Tuesday March 4th at 2:05pm in Room 128

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

California extended the date for state aid but...

• That does mean all the colleges you applied to changed their due dates - make sure you check!
• Everyday you delay, is another day the college can delay your award letter!
• Some colleges and scholarships require students to complete a financial aid application for Non Need Based Aid!

Scholarship Opportunities

The majority of scholarship opportunities are available from January to the beginning of April.

• You should be applying for scholarships before you even know if you are admitted to a college

Click on the link in the scholarship section below for the updated list of scholarships listed in Naviance

At least once a week!

Complete all To Do's as soon as possible!

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.

Email your counselor, Ignaitis/Yeager, and teachers of the colleges you are not applying (one email to all) and complete this FORM (Only Students using their seq email can complete the form)

Process of Submitting Application and School Documents

When we submit documents for your 1st due date, we submit them to all the schools on your list and there is NO way we would know if you added or removed a school, unless you tell us.

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.

Next Steps: AFTER YOU SUBMIT APPLICATION

Soon after you apply, you will receive an email from the CSU with directions on how to set up its portal. Every school is a little different so make sure to keep track of your login information.

Check Portals and Emails Often

Every school is a little different so make sure to keep track of your login information. To meet all deadlines, check your email and portals weekly and DO NOT WAIT to complete your “To Do” list.

Campuses will send out notice of their admissions decision by March 31, 2025.

Lastly, applicants should apply for financial aid as soon as possible. At the CSU, about 80% of students receive some kind of financial aid, and 60% of undergraduates have their tuition completely covered by grants or other non-load aid.

Find out more about what to expect after you’ve submitted a CSU application.

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.

The following CSU campuses continue to accept freshman applications:

Visit our application dates & deadlines page and use the “Is Your Campus Still Accepting Applications?” feature to view open campus programs and their deadlines.

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.

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

CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by hundreds of colleges, universities, professional schools, and scholarship programs to award financial aid from sources outside of the federal government. After you submit your application, the College Board sends it to the colleges and scholarship programs you have chosen.

Who Should Complete

Not all colleges and scholarship programs require the CSS Profile. Check with the ones you’re interested in to see if they require it.

When to Complete

Start your CSS Profile by visiting cssprofile.org at least two weeks before the earliest college or scholarship priority application date you need to meet. This date is the college or program’s deadline for submitting a completed CSS Profile application.

How Much It Costs

CSS Profile is free for families who make up to $100,000 a year. First-year domestic undergraduate students may submit CSS Profile for free if your family adjusted gross income is up to $100,000 or you qualify for an SAT fee waiver, or you are an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24. CSS Profile fee waivers cover all application and reporting fees. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver submitting your CSS Profile to one college or scholarship program costs $25. Additional reports are $16 each. To qualify for the SAT-based fee waiver, students must log in to CSS Profile using the same College Board account used for the SAT. Providing eligible students with fee waivers for College Board programs and services is integral to our mission of connecting students to college success and opportunity.

Article

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

March 14th: Foothill College Application Workshop-FLEX

If you have a social security number, please bring a copy or a picture of your card.

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 March list is NOW AVAILABLE. The March list is a work in progress so check back for updates.

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.

Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Scholarship Program NATIONAL LEVEL

Multiple Scholarships. Students can be any ethnic background. Full-time college, university, trade school, business school, or any other institution of higher learning. Must be a member of JACL

USPAACC US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce

Multiple scholarships awarded. Must be of East, South, Southeast Asian, or Pacific Island heritage. Min GPA 3.3. US Citizen or permanent resident. Community and activity involvement, financial need.

Friends of the CA State Fair Scholarship

Numerous scholarship categories here -- see website. Min GPA 3.0. Preference given to those with broad personal, civic and academic experience.

DUE March 9th

Experience with service and leadership in a women’s-only or women’s-focused organization (e.g., Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run, Girls Inc., local organizations for women and girls) or plans to participate in a women’s-only or women’s-focused organization during college.

DUE: March 14th (Better Together) DUE: March 22nd (ERG/ENG)

NEED TO CLICK ON TAB - Two Different Sites within PG&E

Each of the ERG and ENG scholarships listed are supported in part by PG&E and through fundraising and contributions made by members of these employee groups and fellow employees. These groups not only help bring our employees together, but also provide an essential bridge of communication to our diverse customers. Each group awards scholarships to students who have shown commitment to specific communities or causes. For a list of available scholarships available visit their website here.

DUE: March 15th

Redwood City residents from various schools and backgrounds. The awards are based on a number of criteria including scholastic ability, responsibility toward education, and financial need—with a special emphasis on community service

DUE: March 15th

Several different scholarships here. Preference given for strong educational motivation, group leadership skills through activities in school, church, youth groups, community volunteer effort and/or work experience. Application was scanned and attached on Naviance. (download on Naviance or pick up copy in College and Career Center)

DUE: March 21st

Looking for a female with a min 3.2 GPA

Criteria: Commitment to School and Community Leadership, Work Experience. Come to the College and Career Center for an application.

Due March 21st

The Rotary Club of San Carlos Endowment Board annually presents scholarships.

Applicants must be residents of San Carlos and must complete an application and

appear for an interview. Applications are judged on the basis of academic achievement

and financial need

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: March 5th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

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: Child Wellbeing, Rainforest Ecosystems, or Sanitation WEBSITE

Due: March 7th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

An essay and video contest for high school students. 2025 Topic: When Duty Calls: Why Exercising the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is Important to Me" WEBSITE

DUE: March 15th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Contest theme for 2025: Managing fear is about finding ways to stay calm, asking for help, and taking small steps to feel brave and turn it into strength. This theme is about your understanding of fear and learning how to manage it.

An art, essay and video contest for All kindergarten through 12th grade students in any school in the nine (9) Bay Area counties are eligible to participate, regardless of their background or cultural identity

WEBSITE

DUE: March 21st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Purpose: To increase personal knowledge and awareness of the importance of being able to speak effectively before a group. Winners move to the next level of competition. 2025 Theme: Service Above Self. If interested, come to College and Career Center for more information. WEBSITE

Due: March 10th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a summer program for high school students focused on service learning and conservation in local communities and parklands. Upon successful completion of LINC summer program you will receive an educational award of up to $2,400. 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.

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 March 2nd for Cal Grant Priority.

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

1. The majority of UC’s California undergrads get financial aid.

A full 70 percent of UC’s California undergrads get grants and scholarships — the average amount is about $20K. We’re not talking loans. This is money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back.

2. UC tuition is fully covered for more than half of California students.

That’s no typo. For most in-state students, if your household income is $100K or less, your UC tuition payment is ZERO. In fact, more than 50 percent of UC’s California undergrads pay no tuition at all.

3. A debt-free path is possible.

Not only do a majority of California undergrads get help with tuition, but more than half of the Class of 2022 graduated completely debt-free, without any student loans at all.

If you do take out loans, know that UC students borrow far less than the national average. And special low-interest loans are available to both parents and students.

4. There’s help for middle-class families too.

Costs are on the rise for just about everything, and middle-income families are feeling the pinch. Through its Middle-Class Scholarship program, California provides college dollars for families with annual incomes up to $234K.

5. You’re likely to get money. And more than you realize.

Lots of college applicants don’t think they’ll qualify for aid. But UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country, and it’s a good bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Another surprise: Many financial aid applicants get more than they expected.

6. You can count on tuition staying flat.

There are no surprises with UC tuition. What you pay as a first-year is likely to be the same thing you’ll pay as a senior, making it easier to plan and budget.

7. Financial aid goes beyond tuition.

For California students, the average undergrad financial aid award covers more than tuition, providing about $4,500 more in grants and scholarships to help with costs like food, housing and living expenses.

8. There’s money for undocumented students, too.

Everyone should have access to education. If you’re an undocumented Californian, you may be eligible for state and UC dollars through the California Dream Act.

9. UC is an investment with a high return.

UC graduates out-earn other California college grads and take in 84 percent more in lifetime earnings than their peers without degrees.

Don’t just take our word for it: All nine UC undergraduate campuses just earned top marks for their combination of excellence and affordability from Money magazine. With all the economic, social and personal advantages that come with a UC degree, it’s a value that’s hard to beat.

Full article available here.

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!

NurseJournal

To practice as an RN, entry-level registered nurses can graduate from either:

• An associate degree in nursing (ADN) program, or
• A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program

The program must be accredited to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which every state requires to get an RN license.

Nurses who graduate with a BSN typically enjoy greater responsibility and higher pay than candidates who graduate with an ADN. However, a BSN takes four years to complete and most ADN programs can be completed in two years.

Most employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing records a growing body of evidence that demonstrates a strong link between education level and patient outcomes.

However, it may not be possible for you to initially complete a four-year degree. If you start off with an ADN, pass the NCLEX, and earn your RN license, you can then attend one of the many RN-to-BSN or RN to master’s in nursing program bridge programs while you are working. This means you can work while completing your education.

From NurseJournal

There are several ways high schoolers can prepare for a nursing career. The length of time it takes to complete an ADN program depends on the program. For some, you must complete prerequisite classes before entering the nursing program. Other schools include the prerequisite classes in the nursing program.

Seven Steps For High School Students

1. Take IB Courses

2. Take Community College Courses

3. Volunteer at Local Hospitals or Medical Centers

4. Seek Shadow Programs Opportunities

5. Take Basic Life Support and First Aid Program

6. Join HOSA - Future Health Professions

7. Set Yourself Apart - There are limited spaces a nursing program can admit - It is essential that your application is as attractive to the school as possible

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

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.

Dec 8-14, 2024 ANNOUNCEMENTS: PCF Info Meeting FINANCIAL AID- Sequoia’s Cash for Colleges (Help with FAFSA/CAADA), Sticker Price v What you Pay GENERAL 4 YR: What to do after you’ve submitted your applications: Some Schools Require Self-Reported Academic Record, Add all Colleges to Naviance UC: Random LOR CSU: Fee Waivers PRIVATE/COMMON APP: Deferred What to do next

Dec 15-21, 2024 CSU: Changes or updates to a submitted application UC: Supplemental Applications From UC Counselor Bulletin COMMON APP: What is Early Decision 2 and Which Colleges Offer It? - From Maia Learning

Dec 22, 2024-Jan 11, 2025 CSU: Changes to Application UC: Supplemental App, Application Verification, Common App Transcripts and Mid Year Reports, FINANCIAL AID: Next Steps After Submitting your FA

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