Senior College & Career Newsletter

Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career

How to reach us?

For general questions and inquiries please email tignaitis@seq.org

During September, I will have less availability for students due to important annual conferences on the following days:

CSU Conference Sept 21(all day)

NACAC Annual Conference Sept 23-25 (all day)

At this time please come in person to make an appointment

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept 24- Last day to Turn in SR/LOR Form to Counselor for Apps Due on or before Dec 15

Oct 7 - Senior Financial Aid Evening

Oct 9 - Cash for College

Nov 5- Last day to Turn in SR/LOR Form to Counselor for Apps Due AFTER Dec 15

Nov 12- PTSA Reflection Contest Submission Due

If you need help applying to college, please come to College Club every Tuesday from 4-5.

If you have a sport or job after-school, please come see Ms Ignaitis at lunch for an alternate time

Our goal is to get something done every week

Hope to see you there!

If you have questions, please come see Ms Ignaitis

If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on Sept 1st

Copy the link below to share this recording with viewers:

Presentation Recording in English Passcode: dY6Z?Oeg

Presentation Recording In Spanish (no passcode needed)

The grade-level presentation (with and without the recording) and handouts will also be available on the website following the meeting.

SR/LOR Form Meeting Follow-Up:

All seniors who attended an SR/LOR Form meeting on Sept 2nd or Sept 3rd will be emailed the meeting presentation. The presentation includes live links with 'how to videos' for each required activity. The presentation also includes links to register for a required workshop with Ms. Ignaitis and a required meeting with your counselor to submit your form. We encourage attendees to access the videos as a guide and resource to successfully complete the SR/LOR form.

If you need to take the SAT or ACT, you need to register on your own.

Before registering, check the college’s website for deadlines and requirements

Spaces are limited so sign up as soon as possible

For more information go to websites for more information

College Board SAT - Deadline to register for Nov 6 exam is Oct 8

ACT - Deadline to register for the Oct 23 exam is Sept 17

If you need help signing up for a college visit, come by College/Career Center or watch How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia

Merrimack College

Mon Sept 20 8:00 AM

Vanderbilt University

Mon Sept 20 9:30 AM

The University of Arizona

Mon Sept 20 10:30 AM

Loyola University Chicago

Mon Sept 20 11:30 AM

University of the Pacific

Mon Sept 20 2:00 PM

University of Southern California

Wed Sept 22 10:15 AM

The University of Alabama

Mon Sept 27 11:30 AM

Elon University

Mon Sept 27 2:00 PM

California Lutheran University

Tue Sept 28 8:00 AM

Whittier College

Tue Sept 28 9:30 AM

Sarah Lawrence College

Tue Sept 28 11:30 AM

St Olaf College

Tue Sept 28 2:00 PM

Dartmouth College

Wed Sept 29 7:30 AM

Reed College

Wed Sept 29 8:30 AM

Washington University in St Louis

Wed Sept 29 9:30 AM

Menlo College

Wed Sept 29 11:15 AM

University of Miami

Thu Sept 30 8:00 AM

Stony Brook University

Thu Sept 30 10:30 AM

Humboldt State University

Thu Sept 30 11:30 AM

Columbia University, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, and Yale University

Throughout the fall we will also host a series of virtual events for prospective students and families. Please share these details with your school community. The sessions will cover academics campus life, financial aid and admissions process at all five schools.

Student Events (There are more in Oct too)

Thursday September 30

8 pm EDT / 7 pm CDT / 6 pm MDT / 5 pm PDT

Event Registration

Thursday October 7 / Jueves 7 de octubre

Spanish Information Session / Sesión de Información en Español

8 pm EDT / 7 pm CDT / 6 pm MDT / 5 pm PDT

Event Registration

Thursday October 14

8 pm EDT / 7 pm CDT / 6 pm MDT / 5 pm PDT

Event Registration

Drexel University Application Workshop Series

Drexel is offering monthly series of online events designed to help guide students, families, and counselors through important steps of the college application process

• Crafting Your Portfolio for College Success - Oct 20
• Exploring Your Academic Interests - Nov 17

To register and get more information go to their website

Stanford University Community Conversations

Sept 27-Oct 20 (session take place between)

Community Conversations is a series of virtual information sessions providing culturally inclusive and relevant information to students about Stanford’s admission process, campus community centers, and our diverse student body.

Link to Registration Page

Saint Louis University Financial Aid Presentation

Sept 29

Join Student Financial Services from Saint Louis University as we discuss the Financial Aid process and answer your questions regarding paying for a college education.

To register and get more information go to their website

International Universities College Fair

Sept 30th

International Universities College Fair hosted by the Association of International Regional Recruiters in North America (AIRR-NA).

You’ll have the opportunity to meet with 27 international universities and find out more about the benefits of studying internationally.

Register HERE

Coalition Application College Panels

Sept 30- Nov 16

The Coalition will host a series of events this fall, including our largest virtual fair We're excited our panel discussions will be hosted concurrently in Spanish, including sessions on completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile, as well as on getting an early start on college planning and attending college as a first-generation student.

Local College Night Sponsored by PAL/College Advising Prep - IN PERSON

Sept 30

Talk with College Reps for UC, CSU, local community colleges, private and out of state colleges. Offered in English and Spanish We will be providing snacks for all families/students, so please encourage any interested student to rsvp with the QR code or tinyurl.com link so we can have an idea of how many people will be attending.

Deadline to Turn in SR/LOR Form is This Friday - Sept 24th

Seniors, it is your responsibility to do the research and find out the APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS for each college you're thinking of applying to this fall. See Common App/Private College Section Below.

Some Guidelines to Help:

If it is a Common App College exclusive school, YES

If it is a California Public College, NO

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

(Univ of Washington does not require SR or LOR) (Univ of Texas does not require SR but LOR are optional)

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

Out of State Public Colleges, VARY (Read Below)

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

The tricky ones are public colleges that have their own online application and are on the Common App AND do not require a school report (LORs are optional). If these are the only schools you would list on your SR/LOR Form, then it is less work to not use the Common App. Notables: Univ of Oregon, Oregon State, Univ of AZ, and AZ State.

If after reading the requirements on the college’s website and looking at the information on Naviance (submission status), you still need help deciding if you need to use this form, come in and see Ms. Ignaitis.

If you realize you need to submit a SR or LOR and did not attend the meeting on Sept 1st, contact your counselor ASAP

Summary of Steps to Get a SR/LOR REMINDERS - Go to the Information Emailed by Mr Rebello for Specific Details

If one of the school's you are applying to needs a letter or school report sent, you need to go through a process.

• You should have attended a SR/LOR Form Meeting and received your Pink SR/LOR Form
• If you attended, you received an email from Mr Rebello with the presentation and resources including links and explanations of the process
• After creating a Common App account and getting your teacher(s) to sign the pink SR/LOR form, you needed to sign up for a meeting in the College and Career Center to go over common errors and officially request your teacher LOR.

Sign up for September Calendly Appointments Students Submitting Form for Early Application (Due BEFORE Dec 15th) - Sept 20 and 23

745 am, 12:15pm, 2:45 pm, 3:30 pm

Sign up for October Calendly Appointments Students Submitting Form for Application (Due AFTER Dec 15th)

• Complete all the activities on the Pink SR/LOR Form
• Make a meeting with your counselors to turn in the form by the due date depending on when you are applying (this meeting is not your senior grad check meeting)
• Counselor will make you a copy of the sign formed and you will give a copy to the teachers writing your LOR
• Complete and submit your application independently

UCLA Fall Open House

Sept 25th -30th

Our program will be virtual this year and will take place from Saturday, September 25 through Thursday, September 30. To best serve our prospective students and their families, we will offer programming on Saturday and in the evenings Monday through Thursday. Your students and their families will have an opportunity to gain insight about the admission process, learn more about the incredible academic opportunities available to them, participate in student panels, virtually tour campus and experience Bruin pride firsthand.

Registration is required, students can make a reservation here

The UC Application is now open for the Fall of 2022

Students can submit the application between Nov 1-30 2021

There will be workshops available at Sequoia at the end of October

Every UC has great information and tips on completing the application - Check out UCSB page

CSU What to Do Until Application Opens Oct 1st

One of the first questions on the application is-what the major are you applying for?

Majors/Degrees

All of the CSU are not the same and sometimes they have different names for the same subject area. Figure out HERE what degree you are applying for each school on the CSUapply website.

2022-2023 First Time Freshman Supplemental Factors by Campus

When you figure out what major you will be applying see if it is IMPACTED. If impacted, there will be a multiple measure selection process, again, different for each campus.

There are three community colleges in San Mateo County: Canada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. These Colleges serve more than 31,000 students each year and offer the first two years of instruction in a wide variety of degree and transfer programs, as well as vocational-technical programs.

The traditional four-year college experience isn't for everyone. Some students aren't sure what they want to study, while others are looking for a more affordable education. Many students study for two years at community college before transferring to a four-year college, saving significant money on tuition.

Eligibility to Apply:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Anyone 18 years of age or older

We will be having our FIRST Canada Application Workshop Nov 4th - Sign up on Naviance under College Visits

Want to get involved and make a difference at Sequoia?

Youth Advisory Board and Peer Mediators are both clubs on campus that work on supporting students and elevating their voices! YAB works towards identifying issues that impact students at Sequoia. Peer Mediators trains students to help others with conflicts. If interested in either of these clubs please reach out to Alicia Siese, alicia.siese@star-vista.org or come by the Teen Resource Center for an application.

Click here for both website links for YAB and Peer Mediators that include links for the application and more information about each group.

Volunteers, aged 14 - 96 years old, provide one-on-one support for children in K-8th grade in San Carlos or Redwood City schools to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning and self-esteem. The need for volunteer tutors grows every year and we hope you or someone you know will get involved in this rewarding volunteer experience.

In Redwood City, we currently serve Clifford School (K-8th grade), Connect Community Charter School(K-8th grade), Kennedy Middle School (6-8th grade), and Henry Ford Elementary School (K-5th grade). You will be able to choose your preferred school location, age/grade of child, and day/time for tutoring.

Tutor training and orientation for all new volunteers starts in October

For more information about Healthy Cities Volunteer Opportunities: Visit

Volunteering with StarVista is an excellent opportunity to learn more about yourself and receive valuable training while making an important contribution to your Community

For more information

StarVista has helped people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges. Our counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, and early childhood programs help tens of thousands of people in our community each year.

Sept 25th

Build with Pride 2021 at Bayview Senior Center and Quesada Garden Initiative in San Francisco.

Sign Up Now

The Sequoia Award Scholarship

Deadline October 31st

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

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

Deadline to submit an application and materials is October 31

Upload your transcript from Infinite Campus

Due: Nov 12th

This year’s theme: I will change the world by...

Enter your artwork and reflect about its meaning to you in one of six categories.

1. Dance Choreography

2. Film Production

3. Literature

4. Music Composition

5. Photography

6. Visual Arts

All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement. Participation itself is a meaningful contribution to the Sequoia community! First-place finishers in each category enter the district competition, district winners move on to the state competition, and state winners move on to compete nationally.

Be sure to review the rules and category information on the Reflections page of the PTSA website.

Submissions due Friday, Nov. 12. Click here for the online submission form. For questions, email Meredith Park or Margaret Brockman at sequoiareflections@gmail.com, or call 650-743-1695

What is an FSA ID?
It is a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to access the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access certain information online.

Why do I need one, if I haven’t started the FAFSA Application?
Getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app cuts down on errors and delays.

Does my parent(s)/Guardian(s) need to get one too?
If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically. (It is ok if your parents/guardians do not have SSN)

Where do I go to get an FSA ID?
Get started here!

FAFSA opens Oct 1 but it is quicker to complete if you have a FAFSA ID before you start.

The most important step is that you physically have your Social Security Card with you to make sure create your FAFSA with the exact name and number on your card!

RESOURCES

For Help creating a FAFSA ID, watch the short video clip on the College and Career How To webpage

Click on the purple buttons below for more information about FAFSA, CA Dream, and CSS Profile

SF Gelateria is a gelato shop in downtown Redwood city, minutes walk from Sequoia High School. We have shop attendant positions for ages 16+ for students who love gelato and serving joy to our customers. Shifts are opening or closing shift, 5 hours each. 12pm-9:30pm Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 12pm-10:30pm Friday and Saturdays. Apply by sending resume to ciao@sfgelateria.com.

Crate & Barrel at Stanford Shopping Center is currently building their team. Sales ~ Stockroom ~ Merchandising ~ Customer Service

Flexible hours. Day shifts & Evening shifts. Weekend availability is important.

Please fill out an application online.

Location: Palo Alto

Put my name down as a referral. (John Durkin)

Please fill out the online application. 16 years old with a work permit is the minimum age.

It’s a fun place to work. If hired, you enjoy a nice 30% off employee discount.

Please ask if you have any questions. Please send an email to johnfdurkin@yahoo.com for more details.

Has open interviews every Monday from 2-5.

Apply at www.cfaredwoodcity.com

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

Sept 12-18

Click Here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana.

Follow-Up SR/LOR Meeting from Counseling

GENERAL FOUR YEAR - Requesting Transcripts

COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFO: Sequoia Class Size for Education Section

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:Stanford Residential & Dining, Menlo Country Club, RWC and San Carlos Kumon Tutors

Sept 5-11

Click Here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana.

GENERAL FOUR YEAR COLLEGE INFO: Adding Colleges to Naviance

CSU INFO

COMMON APPLICATION/PRIVATE COLLEGE INFO: SR/LOR Mandatory College and Career Meeting Info

OTHER INFO: Senior Portrait Reminder

August 15-21

COMMON APPLICATION INFO: Letter of Recommendation Info

August 29- Sept 4

COMMON APPLICATION INFORMATION: FERPA Info