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Senior College & Career Newsletter

November 24-30, 2024

Senior College &Career NewsletterNovember 24-30, 2024
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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:

December 1st - FAFSA/CADAA Application for 2025-26 Cycle Opens

December 2nd- Deadline for CSU/UC Applications

December 3rd - Jobs for Youth Presentation - Go to Career Section for Info and to Sign Up

December 10th - Cash for College at Sequoia

December 14th - Cash for College at Sequoia

Upcoming Flex Offerings

Nov 21/22 - Help with 4 year college applications

Last Minute Help from College and Career Center

Ms Yeager is not available on Monday and Tuesday

If you need to get your CSU coursework checked, you can drop in the College Career Center - it takes five minutes.

If you need your UC checked, there are not a lot of spaces available at this time but;

1. you can send me your PIQ by end of the day on Monday, Nov 25th and I will send you a recording of my review

2. you can come in at lunch to check your coursework, exams and a couple of activities

3. you can come make an appointment before school, from 7am until 830am - email me now

I will not be available after 2pm on Tuesday until we get back to school on Monday, Dec 2nd

Please wait for questions about college applications and FA that have deadlines past December first for Monday and Tuesday this week!

Ms Ignaitis

From uAspire - Exciting news! The 2025-2026 FAFSA application is now open!

Exciting news! The 2025-2026 FAFSA application is now open, and here’s what students can do to get started:

  1. Create an FSA ID (studentaid.gov account): Visit studentaid.gov to create your FSA ID. This username and password combo is essential for starting and signing your FAFSA form.
  2. Gather the information needed to complete the FAFSA: You’ll need information on income, assets, and demographics. Our handy FAFSA checklist can help you organize everything you need.
  3. Identify your Contributors: Once you start your FAFSA, you’ll need to invite contributors like parents or spouses, who must provide additional information. Not sure who counts as a parent? The “Who is My Parent?” tool clarifies this for you.

Visit our website now for more resources tailored for students, families, and practitioners, including the FAFSA checklist and FSA ID guide, to make the application process as smooth as possible.


REMEMBER TO LAUNCH YOUR FAFSA/CADAA (coming Dec 1st) through CaliforniaCollege.edu

Cash for College Workshops here at Sequoia

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.

Miss the Senior Financial Aid Meeting on Nov 6th?

Slides are attached below.

The packet is available in the hanging file outside the College and Career Center for students to pick up

pptx
insert_drive_file
2025-2026FA HS Prospective Student Presentation v1 (1).pptx
St Mary's Financial Aid Presentation in English
Download
3.2 MB
pptx
insert_drive_file
2025-2026FA HS Prospective Student Presentation v12spanish2.pptx
St Mary's Financial Aid Presentation - Spanish Version
Download
3.2 MB
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

San Francisco State University Workshops

Workshop Dates:

  • Monday, November 25 @ 2:30pm-4:30pm - General

Check out our Cal State Apply Workshops to help you get ready!

Get your questions answered, learn tips and tricks on how to submit a strong application, and learn more about what makes our campus unique.

Register Here

COLLEGE INFORMATION

GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION

From the University of Chicago Admissions and Students;

“Don’t freak out. You’ve worked so hard already. Now’s the time to relax, be proud of your accomplishments, and have fun with your applications.”

“Be sincere in your writing and submissions. You’ll be happiest at a school that chooses you for who you are and what you have to offer.”

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.

What to do after you’ve submitted your applications: Some Schools Require Self-Reported Academic Record

Many schools require you to self-report your grades from your transcript into the Common App. After you’ve applied to those schools, make sure to:

  • Create your portals

  • Check that all portions of your part of the application were received

    • Many schools will say that you need to submit your Self-Reported Academic Record to their system, even if you already did it on the Common App.

    • Check each school and make sure it’s submitted.

  • See the directions on the University of Oregon website here for an example.

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.

IMPORTANT REMINDER IMPORTANT REMINDER

SPECIFIC FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFORMATION BY TYPE
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CSU

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UC

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The Common Application

UC and CSU Course Issues with CaliforniaCollege.edu

Launching your UC and CSU applications on CaliforniaColleges.edu is an efficient way to enter your coursework accurately.

It is VERY important to carefully go through each grade level and check each course and make sure they are correct against your transcript.


Because it is a new system, there are some quirks we have noticed.

  1. If you took an IB Math Prep course, it is listed as Common Core Math.

    1. You need to add the course from the Drop Down menu (do not write in your course)and then remove the Common Core Math course.

  2. If you took IB Spanish SL, it is coming up Spanish IV

    1. You need to add the course from the Drop Down menu (do not write in your course)and then remove the Spanish IV course.

  3. PE Dance - check to make sure it is a Quarter course.

You need to change your graduation date to June 2025

  1. All of your senior year courses, state NO COURSE for the 2nd Semester

    1. You need to change those courses to PLANNED, if it is a yearlong course. (English, Math, History, World Languages, for example)

    2. If you are taking American Government, it is only a semester SO leave the No Course AND you have to ADD Economics-P from Drop Down (No Course 1st Sem and PLANNED second semester)

What if a course is Missing (are you taking an Edgenuity course?)

  1. You can add it - BUT - DO NOT write in a course or check - I do not see my course

    1. ONLY use the Drop Down


PLEASE GET Your Courses Check - Come into the College and Career Center at lunch or flex

CSU INFORMATION

Eligibility Criteria for Fee Waivers

To be considered for the application fee waiver, you must be:

  • An undergraduate student (you cannot be in an extension program)

  • A California resident for more than one year

  • A U.S. citizen or someone without lawful immigration status who qualifies for an AB540 non-resident tuition exception

Applicants who are eligible for the application fee waiver may apply to up to four CSU campuses per application term (i.e., fall, spring).

See the Application Fee Waiver Checklist (PDF) for more guidance on how to avoid common errors.

The CSU does not accept College Board fee waivers, nor any other external waiver form.

CSU Application Fee Waiver

When you apply for admission to the CSU through Cal State Apply you are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information requested in the application.

You must fully complete the application before the fee waiver eligibility is determined.

You will see a "Check My Fee Waiver Status" link on the Submit Application tab to determine whether you are eligible for an application fee waiver.

FAQ From CSU Apply

FAQ From CSU Apply

Remember to use the Freshman Application Guide to walk you through the application or visit the Applicant Help Center. Also, here are some tips that will help you complete and submit your application:

  • Take it one quadrant at a time. The Cal State Apply application has four quadrants. Focus on completing one each day to avoid getting overwhelmed.

  • Don’t guess your grades. Have your transcripts (paper or electronic) with you when you apply, high school and college transcripts, if applicable.

  • Make it count. Don't forget to enter all your high school coursework that meets an A-G requirement.

  • Check once, twice, three times. Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, you can’t make any changes so please review your information carefully.

  • Paying to submit. Payment is due when you’re ready to submit your application so have your payment method ready. Application fee waivers (if applicable) are automatically calculated after you complete the entire application.

Remember, we're here to support you through your application process. If you need help, you can:

  • Email CalStateApply@liaisoncas.com

  • Call 857-304-2087

  • Ask Cassie via chat in Cal State Apply


Release Section of CSU Application in the Personal Information Quadrant

CERTIFICATION

When you check this, you the student are saying you completed the application accurately


CAASPP Results Release Statement

Sequoia students DID TAKE the CAASPP last spring


(if you already submitted and checked a different box - do not worry about this)

What is EOP? Your Application Does Not Need to be Completed by Dec 2nd Application Deadline DO NOT RUSH THIS APPLICATION

What is EOP?

It is a great program that offers academic, financial and emotional support for low income students. It is like AVID at a CSU. They get priority registration, books bought for them, and individual tutoring to name a few.


How can I apply for EOP?

After you submit a CSU application, you can apply for EOP on your CSUApply account. It is important to look TODAY at the deadlines for the schools you are applying to. A lot of CSUs give priority to students who apply early, some have Nov 30th deadlines. Go here to check out the due dates. Letters of recommendations are required (you have to ask a teacher or counselor and input their emails- THIS does not go through Naviance). There is an income requirement so please look at the EOP tab on your CSUapply account.

Why is my A-G GPA Different on my Transcript and CSUApply Account? (from CSU)

First of all - Make sure you added all of your classes.


Secondly -(from CSU)

If you’ve taken any approved honors, Advanced Placement (AP), college, or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades, enter the number of honors course grades you have earned that are C or better. The maximum number of honors courses you can use is eight semesters. No more than two approved honors-level courses taken in the 10th grade may be given extra points. Do not enter any count for honors courses with a grade of D or below. Enter one for each semester of approved honors work up to a maximum count of eight.

Videos to help and Sequoia Specific Information

Watch the videos below for information about how to link California Colleges and CSU Apply so your classes will be imported to your application.

Video #1 and Video #2


Common Issues:

  • Need to change graduation and end date at Sequoia to June 2025

  • The IB Math Applications and Analysis Prep courses are loading incorrectly as CA-Common Core Algebra II, hit the edit button next to the course and change to your course.


Additional CSU application notes:

1. If you took Algebra, Geometry, Spanish I or French I in 8th grade, don't forget to add them under 8th grade on the CSU application. For grades, you will list pass, pass.

2. If you took Spanish II/III ICAP or any class that was two years of a subject in one year, relist the course for that school year and put your grades in as pass, pass.

Launch your CSU Application from California Colleges

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

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

Impacted Majors or Programs

One of the first steps of your CSU application asks you to choose a major or program. Use the Impacted Majors list to figure out which majors are impacted and use the Supplemental Factors by Campus list to see what additional criteria is used to admit those majors.


Good news, 18 out of the 23 CSU Campuses accept students who meet the minimum requirements in most of their programs.

CSU Preview Days

Go here to check out the CSU campuses offering preview days in the next month.

UC INFORMATION

From the Director of Admissions at UCLA

"Don't tell us your SAT/ACT scores"

Reads "You think the rules don't apply to you or you can't read"

UC Personal Insight Question (PIQ) Plagiarism Check

After the application filing deadline, UC reviews all PIQ responses for plagiarism by using a plagiarism detection software program. Applicants who are found with a potential plagiarism violation will be emailed in early January and will have two weeks to respond.

Applicants will be provided instructions on how to provide information regarding the authenticity of their PIQ responses. The information applicants provide will be reviewed by several campus admissions officials, and applicants will be notified of a decision on the authenticity of their PIQ responses.

Failure to respond to the request by the deadline will result in cancellation of the application.

UC application fees and waiver

The fall 2025 application fee is $80 per campus. UC will continue to waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualifying students. The online fee waiver is found within the UC application and uses the applicant’s family size and income to determine eligibility. During the payment process, the UC application will notify the student of their eligibility and allow them to apply the waiver.


If an applicant received a fee waiver from an outside source (e.g., College Board, NACAC, EOPS) or is requesting a fee waiver based on changes in current financial circumstances, they should indicate that they will “pay fees by mail” and submit the external fee waiver in lieu of payment for four campuses by email to the UC Application Center at ucinfo@applyucsupport.net. External fee waivers and requests for UC fee waivers can be submitted after filing the UC application.

Fee waivers from different sources cannot be combined to cover application fees for more than four campuses. Fee waiver requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

UC’s application fee waiver program is for United States citizens, permanent residents and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits who meet the annual Income Eligibility Guidelines.

This information is also found on page 56 of the Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions.

Maximizing use of the "Additional Comments" sections

Applicants can use the first additional comments box, following the “Academic History” section, to explain their course selection decisions, a circumstance that prevented the student from taking more rigorous courses, gaps in education, or a situation that affected their grades.

UC’s commitment to application integrity

The Statement of Application Integrity states that while UC encourages applicants to seek assistance and guidance, UC expects all applicants to complete their own application.


UC takes additional measures to verify the authenticity of application materials, including pre-admission verification and PIQ plagiarism checks. It is critical that students do not misrepresent or falsify information; applicants who are found to be in violation of the Statement of Integrity risk having their application canceled.

Updates from UCSB

UC Application Support - UCSB is here to help! Encourage your senior students seeking UC application support to register for our UC application virtual workshops that focus on providing guidance on the Personal Insight Questions and Activities & Awards sections of the UC application.

View all Virtual Freshman Events


If you have students applying to music or dance, they are required to register for an audition in January/February. Also, any applicant to a major in the College of Creative Studies (CCS) will need to submit their UC application and a CCS supplemental application. The CCS supplement deadline is January 6, 2025.

Researching majors at the UCs-

  1. UCI majors quiz

  2. All UCs search

  3. Know that within a field of study, like psychology, there are three different ways to study it (at UC Irvine)

Complete your UC application using CaliforniaColleges.edu

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

Things to note for Sequoia specifically:

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

From UC Conference 2024


What are Selective Majors?

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


Look at EACH college you are applying to

They all use different terms for Selective Majors

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


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

Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions Selection Process 2024

SSID # (State ID)

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

Evaluation for California Residency

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

Help on the UC Website

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

  • (800) 207-1710 (within the U.S.)

  • (925) 298-6856 (outside the U.S.)

  • ucinfo@applyucsupport.net (email)

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


Application Tips

The UC application is an opportunity for students to convey information about their accomplishments, individuality and context. To assist students through the application process, UC has created a freshman presentation which provides guidance on how to thoroughly and accurately represent the students’ academic and extracurricular achievements.

COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFORMATION

If you took a community college course in high school, do you need to submit those transcripts when applying?

Every college is different!


  • Some want it by the due date
  • Some want it soon after the due date
  • Some only need you to Self-Report - and submit when admitted


You need to call or email the admissions if you can't find it on their website for each college you are applying to.

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, and teachers the colleges you are not applying (one email to all)

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.


REMEMBER

You submit your documents INDEPENDENTLY of your counselor and teachers– when you are ready to submit an application you do not have to wait for the school!

AND

If a college receives documents from the school and you decided not to apply there, no action is needed! They only start the process when they receive an application.


Complete Your Common Application Correctly - Ways to Get Help from the Common App Website

Need help? Our Solutions Center is always available. Our Solutions Center team is available 24/7/365, to support any questions you or your students might have as they wrap up their applications.


Instructional application videos (From Updates from Common Application)

Topics include a full application overview of first-year and transfer, how to approach each essay prompt, and the most popular questions we hear about the application process.


View the Playlist Their YouTube channel for more videos throughout the application season!

How to add college courses to your Common Application?

Check out this video for step-by-step instructions to list your college courses in your common application under the Writing Section, Additional Information.

Courses and Grades

As you complete your application, you will see as you add colleges that some require you to input your grades and some do not. See below for image of what it looks like in the application. After you submit, some colleges also require you to submit Self-Reported Grades in their portals. Come to flex sessions if you need help completing these steps. See the Common App How To Videos for more help.

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 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.

Are you a strong student who is interested in the military? NROTC Scholarship

Interested in a presentation on the Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps NROTC, it is a 4 year scholarship that provides full tuition and will educate and train highly qualified young men and women for careers as commissioned officers in the United States Marine Corps or Navy that want to have a traditional college experience. Please see Ms Ignaitis/Ms Yeager if interested.

Rumba Meats & USHLI Partner Scholarship

DUE: November 30th

Senior - going to 2 or 4 year Non-U.S. Citizens are eligible . Demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support. Consistent, active participation in public and/or community service activities. At least one parent must be of Hispanic ancestry. Minimum 2.5 GPA $1000.00

Big Futures Scholarship, College Board

Due: 11/30/2024

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

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Due: Dec 1st

For African-American students with great academics & leadership potential, community service & financial need. US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Dell Scholars Program

Due: Dec 1st

Demonstrate desire/ability to overcome barriers & to achieve your goals. Criteria: financial need, self-motivation in challenging coursework, and ability to communicate your situation.

Hagan Scholarship - Fall Application

Due: Dec 1st

3.5 GPA, annual gross income of $100,000 or less on 2023 Federal Income Tax, and work 240 hours between Jan 2025 and starting college. US Citizen or Permanent Resident

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

Bay Area Creative Foundation's Creative Youth Awards

DUE DATE: December 11th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

Students have the opportunity to submit original artworks and performances across a range of creative disciplines, including art, film, music, performance, photography, and writing. Individuals can only submit once. Group work is also allowed. Multiple awards are given to Bay Area students! WEBSITE

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.

Harvard Ventures-TECH Winter Fellowship - Free Program

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

DUE: November 30th


The Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard (TECH) is offering The Harvard Ventures-TECH Winter Fellowship (HVTWF)

It is a free, highly selective winter program designed specifically for high school students passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation.

HVTWF provides aspiring young leaders with an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into a transformative experience at the cutting edge of technology and business, spanning 5 days during winter break.

More information and an application for our program can be found here: https://tech.seas.harvard.edu/fellowship

Program Logistics

Tuition: Free

Dates: 5 days during winter break. Selected based on fellow availability.

Format: Virtual/Remote

Eligibility: High-school students from any country

Admissions

At HVTWF, we are not seeking any specific background or set of experiences. Instead, we are looking for students who demonstrate a strong interest and desire to innovate, regardless of the medium they choose—whether through technology and coding, law, the arts, humanities, business, or any other field. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

All applicants, whether selected for the fellowship or not, will gain access to our exclusive newsletter, providing valuable insights, resources, and opportunities to stay connected to the innovation community.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, with the final due date being November 30th, 2024. All notifications of acceptance will be sent out on December 10th, 2024.

Stanford STaRS Internship Program

Due Nov 30th

16yrs+ by June 2025

7 week summer internship program (must be able to commit for the whole time period). Each year, Science, Technology and Reconstructive Surgery (STARS) host a group of talented young individuals who are interested in the fields of healthcare and research. In our laboratory, these interns work side-by-side with experienced clinician/scientist mentors and peers who will challenge, inspire, and guide them on their first steps toward a career in healthcare.

WEBSITE

Grassroots Ecology: Youth Stewards Volunteer Program

Due: Dec 1st

Grades Eligible: 9-12th


Grassroots Ecology invites local high school students to apply to our Youth Stewards volunteer cohort. Youth Stewards will have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn about nature from expert staff, enhance their observation skills, and help restore local California woodland, creekside and grassland ecosystems through planting, weeding, mulching, and more. This is a volunteer and educational experience for local high school students, with no mandatory number of sessions required for participation. Multiple locations available. WEBSITE

Health Ambassador Program For Youth Is Now Accepting Applications - STAR VISTA

DUE: December 6th

See Flyer Below

South County Teen Leadership Council with the Sheriff’s Activities League

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

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

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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

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

Contributors to the FAFSA® Form

A contributor refers to anyone (you, your spouse, your biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who's required to provide information on the FAFSA form.

Parents or Spouses

Your answers to the questions on the FAFSA form will determine if any contributors need to be identified. You’ll need to report parent information on your FAFSA form if you’re a dependent student. Here are some guidelines about which parent is considered a contributor:

  • If your parents are married (not separated) and filed taxes jointly, only one parent is required to be a contributor.

  • If your parents are married (not separated) and didn’t file taxes jointly, both of your parents are contributors.

  • If your parents are not married to each other and live together, both of your parents are contributors.

  • If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married, and don’t live together, the parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months is the contributor.

  • If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married; don’t live together; and provided an exact equal amount of financial support or if they don’t support you financially, the parent with the greater income and assets is the contributor.

  • If this parent is now married and did not file taxes jointly with their current spouse, their spouse is also a contributor.

If you are married (not separated) and didn’t file taxes jointly, your spouse is required to be a contributor. If you are married (not separated) and filed taxes jointly, your spouse isn’t a contributor.

Your contributors are asked to provide personal and financial information, complete their sections, and then sign the FAFSA form. Contributors are not financially responsible for your education.


All contributors need an FSA ID and must provide consent

To access and complete the FAFSA, all contributors must create a StudentAid.gov account and FSA ID and provide their consent to having their federal tax information transferred directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) into the FAFSA form. All contributors must provide this consent even if they do not have a social security number, did not file taxes, or filed taxes in another country. If a student or contributors don’t provide consent, the student will not be eligible for any federal aid other than a direct unsubsidized loan.


Video #1

Video #2

Full article

Cómo completar la FAFSA®: Cómo encontrar dinero gratis para la universidad

Miércoles 20 de noviembre a las 7:30pm ET | 6:30pm CT | 5:30pm MT | 4:30pm PT

Esto suena muy bien, pero el momento simplemente no funciona para mí. ¡Sabemos que esta es una época agitada del año! Si estás interesado pero no puedes asistir, sigue adelante y regístrate: obtendrás una grabación para ver cuando estés listo.

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)

California Kids Investment & Development Savings Program "CalKIDS"

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

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

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.

Jobs for Youth(JFY) - Local Resource for Jobs/Internships/Career Information PLUS Information About Upcoming Workshop at Sequoia!


JFY is a County of San Mateo program that serves youth ages 14-21 achieving their career and higher education goals via our three pillars of success/services

Learn: They offer a variety of job training workshops

Work: They offer a job board page on their website (in the spring, they also have an internship list)

Scholarships: Each year they offer twenty $2000.00 scholarships to 11/12th grade students


In order to access their services, you must attend one of their workshops.


We will be offering a JFY workshop on our campus December 3rd from 11-11:45

STUDENTS IF INTERESTED, please complete this form with your school email address
Job Opportunities

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

Teresa Ignaitis
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Sequoia High School College & Career Center

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