How Do I Know If Naviance Is Matched with Common App? (And Why It Matters)
So, you’re knee-deep in the college application process, and you’ve got Naviance and the Common App open on your laptop. You’re probably wondering, “How do I know if these two things are playing nice?” Let’s face it, college applications are enough to make anyone feel like they’re in a tangled web of forms, deadlines, and jargon.
The answer to your question is surprisingly simple: If you’ve successfully linked your Naviance and Common App accounts, you should see a list of your Common App colleges appear under the “Colleges I’m Applying To” section in Naviance. Boom! You’re good to go.
But hold on, let’s dive a little deeper and make sure you’re not left scratching your head like a confused hamster in a wheel.
The Process to Match or Connect Naviance to Your Common App
Think of this as a quick and easy handshake between your Naviance and Common App accounts. It’s the digital equivalent of saying, “Hey, we’re all on the same team here, let’s get this college application party started!”
Here’s how you do it:
- Log onto your Naviance account. (This is your online college planning platform, usually provided by your high school.)
- Click on COLLEGES I’M APPLYING TO. (This is where you’ll find the magic happening.)
- Click on MATCH ACCOUNTS. (This is the button that makes it all happen.)
- Enter your Common App Email address and click on MATCH ACCOUNTS. (You’ll be asked to confirm your Common App email address, making sure it’s really you!)
- That’s it. You have connected your Naviance and Common App Accounts! (You should see the list of colleges that are listed on your Common App appear on your list of colleges you are applying to in Naviance.)
See? Easy peasy.
What Connecting Naviance and Common App Allows
Now, why does this whole “matching” thing even matter? Well, think of it as the backstage pass to the college application world. It’s the secret handshake that unlocks the power of these two digital platforms.
Connecting your Common App to your Naviance account does two things:
- It lets your Naviance account know that you’ve signed your FERPA. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), is the permission slip that allows your high school to send your transcripts and letters of recommendation to the colleges you’re applying to. It also waives your right to see those letters of recommendation. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a legal expert to understand this.)
- It automatically imports your Common App college list into Naviance. This means you won’t have to manually search for each college and add it to your Naviance account. Imagine the time you’ll save (and the stress you’ll avoid).
A Little More About Naviance
Naviance is kind of like your personal college planning guru. It’s a treasure trove of information and tools to help you navigate the college application process. Here’s a sneak peek at what Naviance can do for you:
- College Search: Find colleges that match your interests, location, and academic profile.
- College Profiles: Get detailed information about colleges, including admissions statistics, majors, and financial aid options.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: Explore financial aid options and scholarship opportunities.
- Resume Builder: Create a professional resume that will impress college admissions officers.
- Career Exploration: Explore different career paths and see what you’d be good at.
The Common App: Your One-Stop Shop for College Applications
The Common App is like the central hub for applying to hundreds of colleges across the US. It’s a standardized application, meaning you only have to fill out one application to apply to multiple colleges.
Here’s why the Common App is a lifesaver:
- Save Time & Effort: You don’t have to fill out separate applications for each college you’re applying to.
- Streamlined Process: The Common App is easy to use and navigate, making the college application process less overwhelming.
- Widely Accepted: Hundreds of colleges accept the Common App, giving you access to a vast network of universities.
The Importance of Staying Organized
In the wild world of college applications, organization is your best friend. Think of it as a superpower that will help you conquer deadlines, avoid mistakes, and stay on top of the application process.
Here are some tips for staying organized:
- Create a Master List: Make a list of all the colleges you’re interested in applying to, along with their deadlines, application requirements, and any other important information.
- Use a Calendar: Mark important deadlines on your calendar, so you don’t miss anything.
- Keep Your Documents Organized: Create a folder for all your college application documents, such as transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters.
- Check Your Email Regularly: Make sure you’re checking your email regularly for important updates from colleges.
Navigating the College Application Journey
The college application process can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting time. It’s a chance for you to explore your options, discover your passions, and plan for your future. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to your guidance counselor, teachers, family, and friends for support.
And if you’re ever feeling lost or overwhelmed, remember that the JobLoving community is always here to help. We love helping students navigate the college application process and find the perfect college for them.
Need further guidance on how to match your Naviance and Common App accounts, or have other questions about the college application journey? Connect with us at JobLoving! We’re here to help you make your dream college dreams come true.