Senior College & Career Newsletter

Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career

How to reach us?

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

Ms Ignaitis: tignaitis@seq.org

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

and/or

Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org

All DAA, ELD Students and Last names M-Z

UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:

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

March 14th- Foothill College Application Workshop-FLEX

April 2nd - Priority Deadline for FAFSA/Dream Application

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

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

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

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

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

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

March is the biggest month for scholarships!

Don't wait until you get admitted!

Please fill out the form below

REMEMBER TO LAUNCH YOUR FAFSA/CADAA through CaliforniaCollege.edu

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

Click on sign in with Google

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

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

Remember – Every college is different! The first thing you should do is go to the individual website or thoroughly read through the school’s communication emails.

A. APPEALS

Carefully read how to appeal on the college’s website, every school has its own process. Some schools do not allow appeals.

Understand that they made their decision and it is not a good practice to state that they were wrong. Be polite and considerate of their time.

The letter does not need to be long.

The letter should be positive and focused on two areas; significant new information and/or an error in your original application. State the change and present evidence to back your claim.

In closing, reaffirm your interest in the college.

While most appeals are unsuccessful, if you have a claim and they allow appeals, then it does not hurt to try.

B. WAITLISTS

What is a Waitlist?

College waitlists include qualified students who might be admitted if room in the class becomes available.

Why do colleges have Waitlists?

Colleges always admit more students than they have space for because a % of students choose another college where they were admitted. If more students than predicted do not attend, colleges move to their waitlist (they want to fill 100% of their student body)

What are your chances of getting admitted off the Waitlist?

You should ask the college if they have data about past waitlists. Waitlists are tricky because sometimes they are looking for very specific students over the most competitive student. For example, a college might have a space for a nursing major or engineering major.

What to do if you are on a Waitlist?

It will be different for each school but most you have to communicate that you want to be on the waitlist. Some, make you write why you want to be on the waitlist. Ask if you can do anything to increase your chances

Do you need to commit to another college?

You need to submit a deposit to another college. If you get off the waitlist, you will lose your deposit costs. Do not assume you will get off the waitlist.

From California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

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

The deadline is April 2nd for Cal Grant Priority.

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

California extended the date for state aid but...

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

Scholarship Opportunities

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

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

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

At least once a week!

Complete all To Do's as soon as possible!

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

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

Process of Submitting Application and School Documents

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

The Metro College Success Program (Metro) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) looks forward to aiding in the successful transition from high school to college this coming fall. Our application is now open and seniors can apply today!

What does the Metro College Success Program Provide Incoming Freshmen?

Classes that cover their G-E credit requirements w. no additional charge, academic advising and educational planning specific to each student’s major, and tutoring services from Metro’s MARC Center! Coordinators and Advisors who are committed to supporting students, and the opportunity to build community with other students who are interested in similar majors.

Here is the Metro application link

Check Portals and Emails Often

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

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

Next Steps: AFTER YOU SUBMIT APPLICATION

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

Check Portals and Emails Often

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

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

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

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

CSU Application Deadline EXTENDED for some schools:

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

The following CSU campuses continue to accept freshman applications:

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

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

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

See campus instructions for canceling/withdrawing a UC application.

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

Minor changes to your activities, awards, volunteer work or employment are unlikely to have an impact on your admission decision.

NOTE Each Campus has a different policy:

Campus instructions & websites for reporting changes

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

Who Should Complete

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

When to Complete

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

How Much It Costs

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

Article

For the Education – Grades Section of the Common Application

• Class Rank Reporting – Do not rank

• Graduating Class Size – 464

• GPA Scale – 4

• GPA Weighting – Weighted

• Guidance FAX – (650) 306-8893

• Graduation Date – June 6, 2025

• Your Official GPA- Overall weighted GPA - first one listed on your transcript

March 14th: Foothill College Application Workshop-FLEX

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

The steps to enroll are different for each site. Go to the websites below for more information.

• Canada College: https://canadacollege.edu/admissions/new-student.php

• College of San Mateo: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/admissions/new-returning-students.php

• Skyline College: https://skylinecollege.edu/outreach/pep.php

• De Anza: https://www.deanza.edu/apply-and-register/index.html (not available for Fall 2025 until the spring)

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

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

Click HERE to go directly to the Sequoia High School website for the most updated scholarship and student opportunities lists. How to Access Scholarships on Naviance (9-12th Grades)

If you find a scholarship you are interested in and want the link to the website or more information be sure to log in to your Naviance account, under the College tab, click on Scholarships and Money, then Scholarship list, and put the name of the scholarship in the search box, then click on the name of the scholarship.

DUE March 9th

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

Due: March 12th

Merit-Based

Tri Counties Bank offers a merit-based scholarship opportunity for graduating high school seniors who display outstanding achievements in academics, community service, or business entrepreneurship. -Weighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher 20@1000.00 will be awarded

Income Based

Awards will be made to the higher education-bound, economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement and business entrepreneurship. -Minimum GPA of 2.5

-Have an SAI of zero or less - verification required via completion of the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Financial Aid application

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

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

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

Woodside Terrace AM Kiwanis -- multiple scholarships

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

Redwood City Rotary Club Scholarship ($2000-4000)

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

Hagan Scholarship

No citizenship requirement. 3.5 unweighted GPA. Must work 240 hours between Jan 1-Sept , 2025. Parents Gross Household Income reported on 2023 Federal Tax must not exceed 100K. Must attend 4 yr college

Beyond the Boroughs

For low income students admitted to full-time college in the fall. Minimum GPA 2.5. Involvement in extracurricular activity or work and essays.

Due: March 18th

Students with financial need who are of East Asian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and/or mixed heritage that includes an Asian ethnicity.

Note: several different scholarships here - check website.

DUE: March 21st

Looking for a female with a min 3.2 GPA

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

Due March 21st

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

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

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

and financial need

Important Process Below:

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

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

After you research your colleges, if you find a scholarship or program you want to be nominated for, complete this form three weeks prior to the nomination deadline to be considered.

Due: March 7th (Extended deadline March 14th)

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

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

DUE: March 15th

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

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

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

WEBSITE

DUE: March 21st

ELIGIBLE GRADES: 9-12th

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

Due March 10th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

Experience day-to-day of working in a state legislative office. Assist with legislative research projects, data analysis, social media content creation, and more. WEBSITE

Due: March 10th

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

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

WOW! That’s Engineering is an award-winning conference for high school girls/non-binary students. At the event, attendees will get to learn about different engineering fields through a series of workshops and design activities hosted by industry professionals. Our participating organizations this year are Altera, Lucid, Lockheed Martin, Capella Space, Nokia and more! Our keynote speaker and college panelists are excited to share their experience and give valuable advice. We also have an engineering design challenge where participants can tackle real-world problems, present their solutions to a panel of judges from various companies, and win prizes! This is a great opportunity for attendees to make new friends, understand what it takes to be an engineer, and consider their academic options in higher education.

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Where: One Washington St, San Jose, CA 95192 (Diaz Compean Student Union @ San Jose State University)
Price: $10 (Please email swesjsu.wow@gmail.com for a code if you have any difficulties with this amount, no proof required!)

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/SWEWOW25

*We only have 100 spots total so please register before the spots fill up.

Volunteer

all year

Grades Eligible: 9-12th

To sign up to volunteer, visit our website by selecting one of the following options:

Sort food at our warehouses, Distribute food to community members - Distribution sites are located in nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley,

Deliver food to homes – Load your vehicle and deliver healthy groceries to homes of seniors and other homebound clients in Santa Clara or San Mateo County. You must be 18 years old to volunteer for this activity. WEBSITE

ELIGIBLE AGES: 14+

DPS Rescue is searching for new volunteers for our biweekly events in Palo Alto! We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and backgrounds, ages 14+, and offer community service credits/sign-offs if needed. Complete form on their WEBSITE.

Students and parents should consider these ideas for making college cheaper.

Paying for college is no small feat: Annual tuition and fees at ranked four-year colleges for 2021-2022 ranged from about $10,300 for in-state public schools to about $38,200 for private institutions, according to U.S. News data.

Here are some other options you may not yet have considered for easing the financial burden of attending college:

529 college savings plan

College 529 savings plans, which offer an opportunity for families to grow their savings tax-free as long as the money is spent on qualified educational expenses, were used to pay a greater percentage of college costs than other savings options like non college savings accounts and retirement accounts.

Local Scholarships

Colleges and universities may offer institutional scholarships, but students can also chip away at the cost of college further by taking advantage of local scholarships, which are typically offered by local organizations, nonprofits or places of worship.

These may not equate to large award amounts like some national scholarships do, but local scholarships are often much less competitive.

Some companies also give out scholarships to dependents of their employees.

Financial Aid Appeals

The FAFSA uses "prior prior year" information to determine a family's financial need. For example, the 2025-2026 FAFSA uses 2023 federal tax returns. However, families who have had a recent change in their financial situation – like job loss, salary reduction or high dependent-care costs – can request a financial aid appeal, sometimes called a professional judgment, from a college.

No-Loan Schools

There are some schools, like Amherst College in Massachusetts or Stanford University in California, that aim to meet each student's full demonstrated need without loans. That means financial aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants and work-study. These financial aid packages are sometimes limited to students from lower- or moderate-income households.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many students juggle additional responsibilities outside of earning a degree, including being a parent or working. But some companies, including a number of fast-food chains, offer tuition assistance to help employees afford a college degree.

Note that depending on the employer, the funding may be capped at a certain amount.

Regional Tuition Exchange Programs

Public schools tend to be less expensive than private colleges before financial aid is applied, but there can be a significant difference between attending a public institution as an in-state and out-of-state student. Tuition and fees at ranked public colleges for in-state students averaged $10,338 in 2021-2022, according to U.S. News data. The cost for out-of-state students was more than double, averaging $22,698.

Under the Western Undergraduate Exchange, for instance, students who apply to certain programs pay no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate at participating institutions.

Full article available here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure your Infinite Campus information (name and address) is correct to avoid matching problems. If something needs to be change, contact the counseling office

No Verification Form is needed AFTER submitting your FAFSA/Dream Application!

NurseJournal

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

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

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

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

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

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

From NurseJournal

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

Seven Steps For High School Students

1. Take IB Courses

2. Take Community College Courses

3. Volunteer at Local Hospitals or Medical Centers

4. Seek Shadow Programs Opportunities

5. Take Basic Life Support and First Aid Program

6. Join HOSA - Future Health Professions

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

ELIGIBLE GRADES/AGE: Juniors and Seniors

$17.00 hour Looking for students with good math and reading skills who are available to work approximately 6 - 8 hours per week on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Ideal part time job for high school or college students. Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

If interested email qualifications and resume to kumonsancarlos@gmail.com

ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 16yr+ (Must have own transportation)

Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math!

Our starting salaries are $17.00-$19.00 depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.

If interested, please apply online

Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center

ELIGIBLE AGE/GRADE: 15yr+

Part-time work is available teaching after-school group Piano Classes at local elementary schools, as well as private lessons (in all instruments) in-person or online. Pay is $60/hour for group classes and $45/hour for private lessons. Please apply online at http://hummingbirdmusicschool.com/about

Complete the 2024-2025 Meal Application

We want all families to complete this confidential meal application so that qualifying students can receive reduced cost bus passes, internet, prom tickets, grad night tickets, college application fees and IB testing registration. To complete the meal application, click here.

Needs to be completed every year!

If you missed the Grade Level 4YR College & IB Meeting on August 28th

The grade-level presentation in English and Spanish ( without the recording) and handouts are available on the Sequoia College and Career webpage.

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

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

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

SECOND SEMESTER

Jan 12-18, 2025 CAREER: Career in Radiology

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

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

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

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

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

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