Dear Seniors & Families,


We hope you all had a positive start to your last semester in high school! In addition to reminders about the college application process, starting next month we will highlight college scholarships. Riordan maintains a database of college scholarships here. On the second tab, there is a list of additional databases you can search.


Please read through this month's newsletter carefully, there are important reminders and events we want to highlight.


CSUs: Some CSUs are still accepting applications, click here to search for open programs/majors and deadlines.


Financial Aid Applications Update & Reminders: Yesterday the Department of Education announced that it will not release FAFSAs to colleges until early March. As a result, many colleges may postpone their commitment deadlines. Please continue to check your emails from colleges with any important updates. We understand that this is frustrating news. It is important to submit your financial aid applications by each college's priority deadline.

  • CSU/UC Priority deadline (March 2, some CSUs may have a later date)
  • Other Colleges: Check their website for their deadline
  • Important Note: If you've submitted and are receiving reminders from colleges, FAFSA will not release your applications to colleges until early March.
  • Links to Financial Aid Applications (note colleges may have other required documents):
  • FAFSA Application OR CA Dream Act Application (for eligible non-citizens only)
  • CSS Profile (only for the colleges linked here)


It's important that you continue to check your application portals and let me know if anything is still marked as missing.


Please email me if you have any questions or would like to check in.


In His love,

Mr. Lin and the Senior Support Team

NEWS & IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Community College Application Assistance

Wednesday, March 20: 1:45 - 2:30 PM

Counseling Wing in the Russi Conference Room

Many community colleges have opened up their applications for Fall 2025. If you would like help with the process, please attend our Community College Application Session. We will help students create accounts and get the process started. Bring your devices!

Fall Senior Grades

Reported to Colleges


Last week, unless otherwise requested to do so, I submitted your midyear transcripts to colleges.


CSU/UC Request for Transcripts: Your grades were not submitted to CSUs and UCs. If a campus requested your 7th-semester transcript or senior fall grades, please email me.

Black College Expo: February 17, 10 AM - 5 PM

Oakland Marriott City Center


Interested in applying to HBCUs? Come to the Black College Expo. Over 100 colleges will be in attendance.


Some colleges are offering on-the-spot admissions and scholarships. Please get a hard copy of your transcript from me if you plan on attending. More information can be found here.

Important Steps After You've Applied

After applying, each college will invite you to create an online application portal! Be sure to check your spam/junk mail folder for these invitations.


Many colleges will release their admissions decisions on these portals.


It's important that you:

  • Check regularly for requested information.
  • Please notify me if the college is missing any school materials.
  • But first, did you mark the college as applied on SCOIR?
  • It can take up to 2 weeks for materials received to reflect on your portal.
  • If applicable, submit required financial aid applications.
  • Each college has a different priority deadline. Please check their admission websites.
  • CSUs and UCs are on March 2.


Failure to respond to requests may result in the withdrawal of your application.

KEEP SCOIR UPDATED!

As you submit the last of your applications and or receive decisions, please keep your SCOIR up to date.

Click Here: Riordan HS College Application Resource Website

Senior Support Team


Ms. Melanie Aguas, Class Counselor maguas@riordanhs.org

Ms. Pia Crosby, Wellness Counselor pcrosby@riordanhs.org

Mrs. Melissa Nagar, Director of College Counseling mnagar@riordanhs.org

Mr. David Lin, College Counselor dlin@riordanhs.org

Ms. Jackie Grealish, College Associate jgrealish@riordanhs.org

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