The Great Recommendation Rat Race: A Teacher’s Guide to Navigating Naviance and the Common App
Ah, the joys of being a teacher. You get to pour your heart and soul into shaping young minds, deal with the occasional existential crisis over grading, and then, of course, there’s the ever-popular task of writing letters of recommendation.
But hold on! Don’t you worry, dear reader. This isn’t just another generic blog post about how to write a stellar recommendation. This is a deep dive into the digital labyrinth of Naviance and the Common App. We’re going to unveil the secrets of how teachers can navigate this online jungle and submit those all-important recommendations without losing their sanity.
The Question: “How Do Teachers Submit Recommendations on Common App Through Naviance?”
Ok, let’s get down to brass tacks. You’re a teacher, you’ve got a student who’s applying to college, and they need a recommendation. They’ve asked you to write one, you’ve agreed (because you’re a good soul), and now you’re facing the dreaded digital abyss that is Naviance.
Fear not, my friend. Here’s how it works:
1. The Digital Summoning:
You’ll receive an email from Naviance, the digital platform most high schools use to manage college applications. This email will have a link – your gateway to the world of college recommendations. Click on that link, and prepare to face the digital beast.
2. The Naviance Login:
You’ll need to log into your Naviance account. If you haven’t already set one up (because let’s face it, teachers are busy people), now’s the time.
3. The Recommendation Request:
Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a list of student requests. Click on the specific recommendation request from your student. You’ll see a form that needs to be filled out.
4. The Recommendation Form:
This is where the real fun begins. You’ll be asked to write a recommendation letter, complete a teacher evaluation form, and maybe even answer a few questions about the student. This is your chance to shine and showcase your student’s brilliance (or at least their potential).
5. The Submission:
Once you’re happy with your recommendation, click “Submit.” The recommendation will be sent directly to the Common App.
The Common App: Where the Magic Happens
The Common App, for those who haven’t yet encountered this digital behemoth, is a centralized application platform used by many colleges and universities.
The Auto-Submit Feature:
Here’s the great news: If you’ve already submitted a recommendation through the Common App for one college, Naviance will automatically send it to any other colleges the student applies to using the Common App. It’s like digital magic, except instead of sparkly wands, you have a computer screen and a whole lot of patience.
The Teacher’s Perspective:
Now, let’s be honest. Writing recommendations can be a bit of a chore, especially when you’re juggling lesson plans, grading papers, and trying to maintain your sanity.
Pro Tips for the Time-Crunched Teacher
- Don’t Procrastinate: The sooner you start, the less stressed you’ll be. You don’t want to be frantically writing recommendations at 2am the night before the deadline. We’ve all been there, and it’s not a fun place to be.
- Keep a Running List: Keep track of your students who need recommendations. This will save you time and prevent you from losing track of who needs what.
- Use Templates: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you write a recommendation. Create a template that you can customize for each student.
- Ask for Help: If you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your colleagues might have some tips, or your school’s guidance counselor might be able to offer some assistance.
The Student’s Perspective:
You might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but what about the student?” Well, students have a role to play too.
Student Tips for Success
- Communicate Early: Give your teachers plenty of notice when you need a recommendation. Don’t wait until the last minute. (Please, for the love of all things educational, don’t wait until the last minute!)
- Provide Information: Give your teachers all the information they need, such as the college you’re applying to, the deadline, and any specific details they should include in the recommendation.
- Send a Thank-You Note: A little appreciation goes a long way. Send your teachers a thank-you note for their time and effort.
The Bottom Line: Navigating the Digital Maze
Submitting recommendations through Naviance and the Common App might seem daunting, but it’s really not that complicated. With a little bit of planning and a touch of patience, you can navigate the system and get those recommendations sent off without too much stress.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to navigate the depths of Naviance and the Common App, remember: You’re not alone! Join the JobLoving community, where you can connect with other teachers, students, and experts who can offer support and guidance. We’re here to help you conquer the digital jungle and make the college application process a little bit less chaotic.
So, go forth, brave teachers and students, and conquer the world of digital recommendations!