College Resources
How Does College Counseling Work at Riordan?
At Riordan, college counseling is a personal process, not a checklist. Our College Counseling team guides every student and family through researching colleges, understanding the application process, and making confident decisions about life after graduation.
The formal college counseling process begins in the spring of junior year. Before then, we encourage students to focus on what matters most: their academics, their interests, and the experiences that shape who they are. That foundation becomes the heart of a strong application.
College admissions is about more than grades and test scores. Colleges want to know who you are: your honesty, resourcefulness, leadership, humor, and your ability to overcome challenges. Whatever your story is, we will help you tell it and be proud of it.
Where Our Graduates Go
Riordan graduates are ready for what comes next. 96% of the Class of 2025 continued on to college, with 80% enrolling at four year colleges and universities. Our graduates were accepted to schools across the country and around the world, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, NYU, Notre Dame de Namur peers like Santa Clara and Saint Mary's, Harvey Mudd, the University of Virginia, and international universities in Canada and the Netherlands.
That success reflects every kind of Riordan story: 25% of the Class of 2025 are first generation college students, and Riordan invested $8.2 million in tuition assistance last year to make that journey possible for 61% of our families.
Riordan graduates go on to colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Members of the Class of 2025 are also returning to their home countries, taking gap years, and entering the trades.
College Prep Starts on Day One
Formal college counseling begins junior year, but preparation for college starts the moment a student arrives at Riordan. Our college preparatory curriculum is designed around the coursework four year colleges and universities expect, and our Class Counselors work with students from freshman year on to choose courses, build strong study habits, and explore their interests inside and outside the classroom.
Along the way, families are never left guessing. Throughout the year, the Counseling Department hosts events that bring the college process into focus, including College Financial Aid Night, mini college fairs, the San Francisco College Case Studies event, and Senior College/Career Work Day. Each fall, more than 50 college representatives visit campus to meet directly with our students.
Athletes
Many talented Riordan athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level. Our college counseling team is available to answer questions about athletic eligibility and the recruiting process.
College Search Resource
Every Riordan student receives access to SCOIR, a college research and application platform that keeps students, families, and counselors on the same page throughout the process.
add SCOIR link