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Senior College & Career Newsletter

Dec 22, 2024-Jan 11, 2025 (Holiday Break Edition)

Senior College &Career NewsletterDec 22, 2024-Jan 11, 2025 (Holiday Break Edition)
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Welcome Students & Families

Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career

How to reach us?

For general questions and inquiries please email (Please do not use the link at the bottom of this Newsletter to contact us)


Ms Ignaitis: tignaitis@seq.org

All HCA, Study Skills Students and Last names A-L

and/or

Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org

All DAA, ELD Students and Last names M-Z

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Important Dates/Deadlines & Upcoming Events
Scroll through for more detailed information!

Important Dates and Deadlines

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

January 14- Meeting for Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship (See info below)

January 22 and February 8 - Sequoia's Cash for College

February 6 - Senior Community College Information/Fair (more to come)

Upcoming Flex Offerings

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

Pursuit of Excellence Renewable Scholarship for High Achieving Low Income Students (Informational Meeting Jan 14th)

DUE: February 28th

This scholarship is renewable (you get money for all four years in college) and has strict income guidelines around $65,000. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 It is local and every year more than one senior from Sequoia receives this scholarship.


Informational Meeting Tues Jan 14th 7th period (2:05-2:50pm) in Rm 128.

Launch Your Financial Aid Applications from California Colleges

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

Cash for College Workshops here at Sequoia

January 22 - 6-8PM

February 8th - Saturday 830-1130


FAFSA/CADAA financial aid applications will be available starting December 1st. Sign-up to attend a Cash for College Workshop at Sequoia to get help completing your application. Please bring a parent, a copy of their 2023 taxes and W-2s.
FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

Edgenuity Lab is open!

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.

Sequoia High School College Visits
In Naviance go to the College tab and then click on 'College Visits' for a complete list of visits and to register!
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS

Statewide Cash for College Webinars - Virtual Schedule This Special Alert from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) announces an upcoming series of Statewide Cash for College Webinars.

These webinars will provide information to help students and families complete their financial aid applications - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) - for the 2025-26 academic year to maximize their financial aid eligibility. The priority deadline for 4-year institutions is currently Monday, March 3, 2025.


Please register for a webinar indicated below. These FREE webinars will be held on:

• *January 13, 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM Register for webinar

More Webinars Listed HERE


Register for webinar The dates with an asterisk will be translated live into Spanish. Register for the webinars through the links above or on the Cash for College Webinar Registration site.

COLLEGE INFORMATION

GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION

7th Semester Transcript Information/Who Needs to Request a Transcript

January 11-13: Available to view on Infinite Campus (If there are any errors, EMAIL your counselor right away.)

January 24: Uploaded to Naviance

January 31: MYR will be sent out


Who Needs to Request a Transcript?

Common Application Schools - If on your Naviance account as a CA school, a MYR will AUTOMATICALLY be sent - DO Not Request


UC - It is rare that a UC request a transcript (usually an international transfer student) - Do not request unless the college emails or it is a “to do” item (send Ms Ignaitis/Ms Yeager a screenshot and she will send)


CSU - Varies from student to student and school to school. - Do not request unless the college emails or it is a “to do” item. (if requested, send transcript request through Naviance)


Out of State Schools - Varies from student to student and school to school. A lot of public out of state colleges DO NOT want transcripts at this point - they do not have staff to process them LIKE University of Oregon and Washington. PLEASE READ EMAILS and CHECK PORTALS (if requested, send transcript request through Naviance)

Add All College Applications – To “Colleges I’m Applying To” on Naviance

Please list every school that you applied to on Naviance including CSUs and UCs. We can’t submit documents until you list them on Naviance. Also, make sure you note that you submitted your application as well.

REMOVING a College From Colleges I’m Applying to on Naviance

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.

SPECIFIC FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION BY TYPE
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CSU

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UC

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The Common Application

CSU INFORMATION

Changes or updates to a submitted application

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.

After You Submit and Some CSU Deadlines Extended

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.

EOP Deadlines

Students who expressed interest and the intention to apply to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) on Cal State Apply for fall 2025 should check individual campus EOP application and documents deadlines on the EOP Admission by Term website. Document deadlines include letter of recommendations. Students can still go back into Cal State Apply to indicate they are interested in applying for EOP if they haven’t missed the campus deadline.

UC INFORMATION

Supplemental Applications From UC Counselor Bulletin

Supplemental applications

Some campuses and programs require submission of a supplemental application in addition to the UC application. These applications may include, but are not limited to:

  • An application form

  • A submission fee in addition to the UC application fee

  • Letters of recommendation

  • An audition

  • A portfolio

  • Videos

  • Interviews

  • Essays/personal statement


Deadlines for supplemental applications and required materials vary but are strictly enforced. Some require all materials to be submitted in December, with auditions or interviews taking place in January. Please encourage your students to check with the department and campus for current information.

If students do not submit required materials, they will not be considered for admission to that program. In some cases, campuses may not review students who do not submit required supplemental materials for admission to the campus.

Not all campuses have majors or programs requiring supplemental materials. For a complete list of required supplemental applications, see pages 61–63 of the Quick Reference Guide to UC Admission.

Canceling/withdrawing a UC application (From UC Counselor Bulletin)

Did you get in ED or EA and have decided to attend a specific college?

Each campus has specific instructions for their individual process if an applicant wishes to cancel or withdraw their application from further consideration. This only applies to students canceling or withdrawing prior to admission.

See campus instructions for canceling/withdrawing a UC application.

From UC Berkeley - Random Selection to Submit Letters of Recommendation

Deadline to Submit: January 10th

We invite up to 15% of our freshman applicants to submit up to two letters of recommendation. A recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, or another education professional can be helpful in our review as it can add context to the application. Letters of recommendation are not required, and the invitation to submit a letter should not be used as a predictor of admission.

Note that letters of recommendation are only accepted for invited students through our electronic systems. Please remind your students that upon receiving a request to submit letters of recommendation, to enter their recommenders information into our system.


For more information on this process, please review our Freshman Policy page.

UC application verification

Deadline: January 31, 2025


As in previous years, UC selects a random sampling of applicants who are required to verify information in their application. The selection and notification take place in mid-December. Applicants are notified by postal mail, email and text message that they have been selected for verification, along with instructions on how to meet the requirements.


The instructions sent to the selected applicants detail how to complete the process as well as a list of appropriate documentation. The deadline to respond is January 31, 2025. Failure to respond to the request by the deadline will result in cancellation of the application.

COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFORMATION

Transcripts and Mid-Year Reports (MYR) Information

All MYR will be submitted by Friday, January 31st


Common Application Schools Require a Mid-Year Report (MYR) Information

Most MYR include only your new GPA and 7th semester transcripts. They also include any change in course work listed on your School Report (SR).


MYRs will be sent automatically if you requested a SR through Naviance IF YOU HAVE LISTED THE COLLEGE AS A COMMON APP School (if there is a ? mark –EDIT it to Common Application if the school needs a MYR)


If you need to speak to your counselor about some personal situation that should be included in your MYR, please make an appointment right away.


Non Common Application Private Colleges

If you had a school report sent to a non- Common Application college, send an email to your counselor ASAP, if a MYR is required.

How to Complete CSS Profile

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.

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Admitted Early Decision?

Congratulations if you were admitted to a school Early Decision (ED). Don’t forget to cancel all other active applications as part of your Early Decision Agreement.

No new SR/LOR requests will be processed during Winter Break

If you have already completed the SR/LOR form and need to add additional LOR requests, please contact your counselor before winter break to complete a new SR/LOR Form. NO NEW LOR REQUESTS WILL BE PROCESSED OVER BREAK.

What is Early Decision 2 and Which Colleges Offer It? - From Maia Learning

Now the recent round of Early Decision acceptances are out, some students are celebrating, but not everyone received the news they hoped for. However, students can take heart knowing that many fantastic institutions in the USA offer Early Decision II (Early Decision 2.) This second round of binding decisions could be a great option in US college admissions because it offers students a second chance to show their commitment to one of their top-choice colleges.

For a complete list of EDII school and more information about ED II CLICK HERE

Deferred? Here’s What to Do Next

By CollegeData.com

WHAT IS A DEFERRED COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DECISION?

A deferral means the college wants to review your application again with the regular decision pool of applicants. While it might feel like a rejection, a deferral is not a denial, nor does it mean there was something wrong with your application. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: “If you were deferred it means your application is strong enough to continue to be seriously considered by the admissions committee,” explains Hannah Mendlowitz, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Yale University.

4 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU’VE BEEN DEFERRED

  • Follow the instructions in the deferral letter. Some colleges may ask you to write a letter to confirm your interest, which is another opportunity to express why you feel the college is a good fit for you.

  • Reach out to the admissions office. Keep communications positive, upbeat, and hopeful, no matter how disappointed you feel. If you are absolutely sure that you would attend the college if accepted in the regular decision round, say so.

  • Send an update on your midterm accomplishments, for example, grades showing an upward swing, awards, or new projects and activities inside or outside of the classroom.

  • Arrange for another letter of recommendation.

Adding or Removing a College After you Submit your SR/LOR Form

APPLICANTS

You are responsible to keep your list up to date to

ADDING a College:

1. You must contact your counselor to get a NEW SR/LOR ELECTRONIC Form (No Signatures are needed on this form)

2. Once completed, turn in to your counselor

3. Add the college on Common App (it should automatically be added to Naviance but check)

3. Submit a NEW teacher LOR request on Naviance


REMOVING a College: 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.

Sequoia School Information for Common Application

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

COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION

Community College Help and Information

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

How to Apply to Community College

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)

Student Scholarships
Updated monthly scholarship list is available on the College and Career page on the school website for all grades

Monthly SHS Scholarships & Student Opportunities Lists

December and January 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.

AFSCME Scholarship (For State, County and Municipal Employees' Students)

DUE: December 31st


For graduating seniors with parent or guardian who is an active or retired member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Student Scholarship

DUE: December 31st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Submit an essay of 250 words or less. Winners are chosen based on the submitted personal statement. Legal resident of the U.S. Not based on past academic performance or need based aid.


They want to help pay for your college! "

Cirkled In "No Sweat" Scholarship

DUE: December 31st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th


No income or gpa requirements. Point based scholarship - create a profile of your academic classes, extracurricular activities, volunteering, goals, etc.

AIAA Lockheed Martin Marilyn Hewson Scholarship

DUE: December 31st

FEMALE intending to major in one of the following engineering fields, aerospace,computer, computer science, electrical, industrial,mathematics, mechanical or physics, at a college or university in the United States or one of its territories. Must be a US Citizen. 2.5 GPA

Big Futures Scholarship, College Board

DUE: December 31st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 10-12th


Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps to plan for college. The sooner you start and the more steps you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship

Due: Jan 3rd

Candidates must

  • Demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces

  • Display strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent)

  • Be citizens of the United States of America

APIASF Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship

Due: Jan 9th

For Asian or Pacific Islander students with financial need. 2.7 GPA Must apply for FAFSA. Citizen or legal resident.

Jackie Robinson Scholarship

DUE: January 9th

For underrepresented seniors showing leadership potential and financial need, academic excellence, going to a 4-yr school next Fall. US Citizen, community service.

Alert1 Student for Seniors Scholarship

DUE: January 10th

Whether you're pursuing technology or the arts, you're committed to improving senior care. Broad interest in the field of senior care or elder care is what we are searching for! US Citizen

Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship

DUE: January 10th

Planning on enrolling in NAAB accredited architecture degree program. FAFSA required.

California PEO Scholarships - Multiple Scholarships for California Women Residents

DUE: January 15th

Dorothy Weller Scholarship: women working toward a career in the field of law

Ethel Gardner Scholarship: women studying a variety of academic field

Scholarship Selection Committee: 41 scholarships with varying specification


Silicon Valley Engineering Council (SVEC) High School Award

Due: Jan 15th

Engineering and Technology students graduating from high school are eligible. Recognizes high school engineering and technology students for their dedication, focus, and commitment to engineering.

Breanna Coleman Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Due: Jan 24th

For first-generation students pursuing a 4-year degree in nursing. Must have volunteering and extracurricular involvement.

Big Futures Scholarship, College Board

Due: Jan 28th

Grades Eligible: 10th-12th

Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps to plan for college. The sooner you start and the more steps you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win

Al Teglia Jobs for Youth Scholarship

Due: Jan 29th

Grades Eligible: 11-12th

For juniors/seniors with financial need who have attended a Jobs for Youth workshop and registered as a member. Minimum GPA 2.0.

Are you applying to a college that requires a nomination from Sequoia for scholarships or programs?

Important Process Below:

When you are researching colleges to apply to, check to see if they have scholarships and programs that require nominations.

For example, Davidson College has the Belk Scholarships which provides 8 full-ride scholarships to students who are selected. Also, Washington University in St. Louis has the Danforth Scholars Program that awards partial and full-tuition scholarships based on merit and does not consider need as part of the award process. Both of these examples require being nominated in order to apply.

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.

CONTESTS

International Bipolar Foundation High School Essay Contest

DUE: January 10th

ElIGIBLE GRADES: 9th-12th Grades

Create a 500-1000 word essay. 2025 Prompt: How have your mental health experiences helped you to create a supportive and open mental health environment with your peers, within and outside of your high school? WEBSITE

Improve your public speaking and leadership skills today! (and possibly win a scholarship) OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates - Speak & Lead with Pride Contest

DUE: January 12th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9th-12th


The San Mateo County Chapter of OCA is now accepting applications for its premier Speak and Lead with Pride program for the 2024 year! This is a hands-on course designed to teach the art of public speaking and leadership skills to high school students. Over the course of 6 weeks, participants will gain remarkable confidence in their public speaking and leadership abilities. The course concludes with a recognition ceremony and speech contest for a $500 cash prize.

WEBSITE

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

DUE: Jan 12th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th


1000-word essay contest invites high school students to consider the concept of political courage. To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs. All submissions must adhere to contest requirements.

Safe Jobs for Youth Poster Contest

DUE: January 17th

ELIGIBLE AGES: 14-18



Design a poster highlighting job safety and health for teens. See website for details.

Digital Responsibility: Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship Contest

Due: Jan 30th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

All grades. Focus of scholarship is to help students understand the negative effects of too much screen time. US citizen or legal resident.

GET INVOLVED! Student Opportunities
click on the images below for opportunities to learn more and get involved virtually on and off campus! New list available for December.

Intern for Congressman Kevin Mullin

Due: Dec 31st

Grades Eligible: 12th grade

Students living in San Mateo County. Congressman Mullin's district office offers internships each term. To apply, visit the WEBSITE

Young Aviator Workshop - San Carlos Flight Center

January 4th

The Upwind Foundation (located at the San Carlos Flight Center) provides scholarships that help students in the summer between their Junior and Senior years in high school achieve their Private Pilot certificates.

  • The Young Aviators Workshop event is open to all students.

Space is limited, so students should register at https://sancarlosflight.com/event/young-aviators-workshop/

Paid Summer Internship for Students Interested in Health Care Careers - KP Launch

DUE: January 6th

ELIGIBLE AGES: Must be at least 16 yrs old before June 1st


KP LAUNCH is a paid summer internship program introducing high school and undergraduate students to careers in the healthcare industry. We are seeking applicants from under-resourced communities and diverse backgrounds.

Interns receive:

  • Full-time paid internships
  • Hands-on assignments and professional development
  • Exposure to careers in healthcare, an industry that never stops growing
  • Networking and mentoring from leading health care professionals
  • Opportunities to develop professional and personal leadership skills


Apply by visiting their application WEBSITE

While working, interns gain exposure to various health careers that they may choose to pursue. Application link below;

Bank of America Student Leaders Program

DUE: January 15th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 11th and 12th

As a Student Leader, you will participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization where you will learn first-hand about the needs of your community and the critical role nonprofits play. In addition, you will learn valuable civic, social and business leadership skills. Each Student Leader will attend the Student Leaders Summit held in Washington, D.C. where you will learn how government, business and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs. WEBSITE

Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Week long program and scholarship

Due Jan 31st

Grades Eligible: 9th - 12th

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. All expenses paid trip to week long symposium. Must have an adult sponsor not related to you. WEBSITE

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ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Rhizome, a nonprofit is offering a community service, leadership, and civic engagement opportunity through their Civic Service Fellowship. Year round opportunities! website

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ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

free and open collection of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum. No registration. WEBSITE

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ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Weekly activities some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.” Click here for more information

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Saturday Homework and Tutor Help at the Boys & Girls Club

Dates for the first semester of the year. LUNCH INCLUDED!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Second Harvest Silicon Valley

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

Do you love dogs? Doggie Protective Services (DPS) Volunteer Opportunity

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.

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Camp Volunteer Opportunities at Marine Science Institute

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

This is a great place for volunteers interested in science to help younger students learn about science.Year round opportunities! WEBSITE

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City Trees Volunteer Opportunities

CityTrees loves working with volunteers from our community. The easiest way to volunteer with City Trees is to sign up for an upcoming event. Year round opportunities! WEBSITE

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San Mateo County Historical Association

all year

Eligible Grades:9-12th

Volunteer for free public programs throughout the year: Lunar New Year, Happy San Mateo County Day, Fourth of July (half-price admission), Victorian Days, Día de los Muertos, and Hometown Holidays. Interested students can email carmen@historysmc.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities. WEBSITE

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Friends of the Redwood City Library

Eligible Grades:9-12th

Volunteer to staff the Bookstore in the Downtown Library. This requires a 2-hour per week commitment. Volunteers chat with customers and accept payment. There are Saturday shifts plus shifts from 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 in the afternoon/evenings. WEBSITE

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Must be 16yr+

Help families able to stay close to their sick children

Families with critically ill children are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives.Year round opportunities!

For more information, click here

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Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity

Must be 16yr+

Help at their construction site in Daly City.

Click Here for more information

Next Steps After Submitting Your Financial Aid Application

  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.

Parents: Some General Financial Aid Information at Sequoia High and CA Assembly Bill 132

  • 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)

Cal Grant Verification

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!

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FAFSA

Two and four-year college bound seniors, complete this Free Application for Federal Student Aid online today regardless of your family income.

Go here to learn more.

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CA Dream Act

California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students to receive certain types of financial aid funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and cal grants.

Go here to learn more.

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CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by nearly 290 private colleges and some public university scholarship programs to award non-federal aid.

Go here to learn more.

All about Trade Apprenticeships

More than 80,000 women and men working in one of more than 800 occupations in California construction trades began as apprentices. To enter the building trades, you must start as an apprentice.

An apprenticeship is an excellent career choice if you

  • like to work with your hands

  • are willing to serve an apprenticeship for up to five years, depending on the trade

  • have dexterity, mechanical ability, problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team

  • want to earn a living wage and good benefits

  • want the opportunity to advance in your career

If you are interested in pursuing a trade apprenticeship, the following are great resources to begin your search and/or learn more about opportunities within California:

California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association website

Division of Apprenticeship Standards


If you are interested in learning more about The Trades, please email tignaitis@seq.org (Ms Ignaitis)

Job Opportunities

Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods Customer Service Part-Time Job

Goetz Bros. Sporting Goods is looking to hire part-time sales associates. Students usually work 6-10 hours a week, after school and on Saturdays. Sports experience is nice but not a must and no work experience is required. Tasks will include customer service, inventory management and assistance with custom decoration. For more information or to apply contact Brent Goetz, brent@goetzsports.com or 650-366-4082

Part-time Grader Assistants Needed San Carlos Math and Reading Center Kumon Tutoring Center

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

Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center

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

Hummingbird Music School is looking for fun and talented high school musicians to join our team of Music Teachers!

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

FAQs/How To Videos
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How To Videos for students now on our website!

Students: visit the website for a number of How-To videos that Sequoia Counselors made for help with common application, scholarships and much more!
REMINDERS From Previous Weekly Newsletters
Click here for a list of past newsletters links

Do you need free or reduced costs for College Applications, IB Exams, Prom Tickets and more?

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!

Missed the Grade Level College/IB Meeting on August 28th

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.

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Past Newsletters

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

Sept 29-Oct 4, 2024 GENERAL 4 YR: Does Submitting My Application Earlier Than The Due Date Give Me an Advantage? Depends on the Type of College How Most Admissions Operate (always check individual websites) CAREER: So You Want to Be a Veterinarian

Oct 6-12th General 4 YR: Keep Your Colleges I’m Applying to Up to date UC:New Campus Majors, CSU Video to Help with Application, FA : : It pays to be involved and get good grades- Check out RaiseMe, CalKIDS, Cal Grant Verification

Oct 13-19th GENERAL 4 YR: Worried about school documents being sent on-time? UC and CSU: Course issues with loading from Californiacolleges.edu

Oct 20-26, 2024: General 4 Year College- Getting Help, Common App/Private Colleges - SR/LOR Form, Financial Aid -Best Value Colleges Ranked by Return on Investment (ROI)

Oct 27-Nov 2, 2024 GENERAL 4 YR: Transcript Reminders COMMON APP/PRIVATE: Nov 8 Regular Decision Deadline, Worried about Documents for Nov 1 Deadline UC: How to Enter College Courses, College Fairs and Events CSU: Why is my A-G GPA different than what is on my transcript? CAREER: How to Become an Architect, COUNSELOR INFO: Drop Deadlines

Nov 3-9th Click Here CSU: What is EOP? GENERAL 4YR: What to do after you’ve submitted your application COMMON APPLICATION: How to add college courses to your Common Application?, FA: 10 FAFSA® Facts Every College-Bound Student Should Know

Nov 10-17, 2024 UC: Maximizing use of the "Additional Comments" sections CAREER: Jobs for Youth(JFY) - Local Resource for Jobs/Internships/Career Information PLUS Information About Upcoming Workshop at Sequoia!

Nov 17-23, 2024 FINANCIAL AID- Upcoming Cash for Colleges (Help with FAFSA/CAADA), Create your FSA ID, What is a Contributor 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: Fee Waivers CSU: Fee Waivers PRIVATE/COMMON APP: How do colleges review your application

Nov 24-30th, 2024 ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPCOMING: Cash for College Workshops here at Sequoia, Senior Financial Aid Meeting - Missed FOUR YEAR COLLEGES: Fee Waivers, From the University of Chicago Admissions and Students, If you took a community college course in high school, do you need to submit those transcripts when applying? If you took a community college course in high school, do you need to submit those transcripts when applying? CAREER: Thrive Health Careers FINANCIAL AID: Contributors and FSA ID UC: From the Director of Admissions at UCLA

Dec 1-8, 2024 CAREER:My Next Move - Career Exploration Resource UC: UC application verification

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

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