Does My Resume on Naviance Send to My Requested Teacher? (Spoiler Alert: It Doesn’t!)
Ah, the great Naviance mystery. It’s a system that’s supposed to make college applications a breeze, but sometimes, it feels like you’re navigating a labyrinth with no map. You’ve filled out your resume, you’ve carefully selected your dream colleges, and you’ve even requested those all-important teacher recommendations. But here’s the burning question: Does your resume magically teleport into your teacher’s inbox just because you’ve uploaded it to Naviance?
(Spoiler Alert: No, it doesn’t. Think of Naviance as a fancy, digital filing cabinet, not a telepathic messenger.)
Let’s break down the reality of Naviance and teacher recommendations:
- Naviance is for organizing, not sending. It’s a platform that helps you manage your college applications, including requesting transcripts and recommendations. But it’s your teachers who actually write the recommendations and submit them.
- You request, they submit. When you request a recommendation through Naviance, you’re essentially sending a digital nudge to your teacher. Think of it like saying “Hey, remember me? I’m applying to college, and I’d love for you to write me a glowing recommendation.”
- It’s a two-way street. Your teacher will receive a notification about your request. They’ll then need to access their own Naviance account, find your recommendation request, write the letter, and submit it.
- You can track it (kind of). Naviance does offer a status tracker that shows you if your teacher has started working on the recommendation. However, it won’t tell you what they’re writing or if they’re impressed by your resume.
So, what about the resume?
Your resume is part of your application portfolio, but it’s not directly tied to the recommendation process. It’s essentially a separate document. Your teacher may ask you for a copy of your resume to get a better sense of your accomplishments, but it won’t automatically be attached to the recommendation letter.
Here’s where things can get a bit tricky:
The Common App and Naviance can be a bit of a dance. Some schools use Naviance for recommendations, while others use the Common App. If your school uses Naviance, you’ll generally request teacher recommendations through Naviance, but they may still be submitted through the Common App. If your school doesn’t use Naviance, you’ll manage everything through the Common App.
Confused yet? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Here’s a simplified guide to help you get your recommendations in order:
- Talk to your teachers. Don’t assume they know you’re planning to apply to college. Let them know which colleges you’re targeting and ask if they’re willing to write you a recommendation.
- Check your school’s guidelines. Your school likely has specific instructions for requesting recommendations. Make sure you understand the process and deadlines.
- Use Naviance (if applicable). If your school uses Naviance, follow the instructions for requesting recommendations.
- Follow up. Don’t be afraid to check in with your teachers a few weeks after requesting the recommendation to make sure they’ve received the request and have time to write it.
Remember: Teacher recommendations are crucial for college applications. Make sure you give your teachers ample time to write them and that you’ve provided them with all the necessary information.
Bonus Tip: If you’re ever unsure about how Naviance works, don’t hesitate to ask your counselor for help. They’re your expert guide through the college application process!
Need further help or have more questions about Naviance and college applications? Join the JobLoving community – we’re here to help you navigate the crazy world of college admissions.