Dear Seniors & Families,

As we approach the first set of major college application deadlines, it's very important that you read the reminders in this month's newsletter.

There are a lot of moving pieces to the college application process and we know it can be overwhelming. The Senior Support team and I are here to support you!

We were very happy to see so many students at the Optional College Workday this month! We've linked the resources from the workday in the newsletter below. Please note that all students, regardless of attendance were emailed the information on the morning of the workshop. It's important that all students applying to four-year colleges review them!

November Thursday, College Helpdesk in the Courtyard: College Counselors will be in the courtyard during lunch on the following dates to help answer questions and review CSU/UC applications. We highly recommend you show a counselor the CSU/UC application before submitting it.

• November 2
• November 9
• November 16

If you have questions or would like me to review any pieces of your application please either email me or drop in (zero block, break, passing period, or directly after school). You can also email me quick questions or drafts of essays to review.

I also encourage you to schedule a meeting via Calendly: https://calendly.com/jgrealish

Thank you,

Ms. G

IMPORTANT APPLICATION TIPS FOR CSU & UC

These applications rely solely on self-reported information. It is very important that they are completed carefully and accurately, especially when entering your courses & and grades. Come to the Counseling Wing if you need additional help.

I've listed some of the important tips below:

• Entering Riordan Course Information:
• Only approved courses should be entered into the application. Do NOT manually type in courses, unless instructed to do so in the application guide. Use this Riordan A-G Course list to help you.
• Reference the following pages for entering courses
• Cal State Apply Guide: pages 12-21
• UC App Guide: pages 10-16
• California ID: Leave this blank, this is only for public school students. 
• CSU Specific Reminders
• Deadlines vary by campus and sometimes program. The most competitive campuses/programs are due November 30.
• CAASP Release Statement: Please select "I did not attend High School in California, or did not complete the CAASPP assessment.”
• CSUs admit by the program of study. When possible, it's important to indicate an alternate major that is not impacted. Reference the CSU Impaction Database.
• Before Submitting: We highly recommend you have one of the College Counselors review your application.

It's important that you keep your College List on SCOIR up-to-date (see the image below). Otherwise, we don't know that you've applied.

When you've marked that you applied on SCOIR, I receive a notification and submit your transcript(s) and teacher recommendations when they are all completed and where applicable.

• Some colleges like CSUs and UCs do not accept or require official transcripts and/or recommendations unless required by a specific program.

• We do not use the Common App to submit materials and do not need a copy of the forms.

After you've applied, drop by the Counseling Wing to grab one of these stickers!

Have a November 1 or November 15 Deadline?: Don't forget to check the college's financial aid requirements and deadlines (if applicable).

Changing Application Deadlines: If you move up your application deadline for colleges that require recommendations, we cannot guarantee that your teacher and counselor recommendations will be ready in time. As noted on the teacher recommendation request form, you should notify me and your teachers asap. Changing the deadline on SCOIR is not sufficient notice.

Changes to College List on SCOIR: You are able to edit application dates and add/remove colleges to SCOIR under applying. I will then approve it unless I have concerns and will check-in with you.

Need a Counselor's Recommendation?: All students who need or would like me to provide a counselor recommendation with their secondary school report must complete the "2024: Counselor Letter of Recommendation Survey" on Scoir by December 1 or ASAP if you have an earlier deadline. 

Save the Date: December 5 at 6 p.m.

Virtual College Financial Aid Night for Seniors & Families

A representative from the University of San Francisco's Financial Aid Office will join us to discuss the College Financial Aid Process and Updates to the new FAFSA. The session will be recorded for any students and families who cannot attend. A link will be emailed closer to the event.



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