The Common App Advisor: Your Secret Weapon (Or, How To Avoid Being Your Own Worst Enemy)
So, you’re applying to college, and you’re faced with the dreaded Common App. And, of course, there’s that question: “How do I see the advisor role on the Common App?”
Let’s dive into the world of college applications, where the “advisor role” is a bit like a secret agent, working behind the scenes to ensure your application shines (hopefully without sabotaging your efforts with awkward typos or a disastrously revealing essay about your love of The Bachelor).
The Common App Advisor: More Than Just a “Friend”
Think of the Common App advisor like a seasoned guide in a treacherous jungle (metaphor alert!). They’re there to help you navigate the complex process of applying to colleges. Now, they’re not your personal therapist (though you might wish they were at times), but they’re experts on the Common App’s labyrinthine system.
Here’s the thing: the advisor role isn’t just for parents. It can be your guidance counselor, a teacher, a college access counselor, or even a friend who’s been through the college application gauntlet and survived to tell the tale.
The Advisor Can See Your Application…But Not Your Embarrassing Google Searches
Now, you might be wondering, “Can colleges see the advisor’s role on the Common App?” The good news is no, colleges can’t see your advisor’s profile or your interactions with them. Think of it like a secret decoder ring that only you and your advisor share.
But here’s the catch: your advisor can see your application, including those essays you wrote at 3 AM after a sugar-fueled all-nighter and your GPA, which may or may not be a reflection of your true potential (we’ve all been there).
So, why involve an advisor?
- They know the Common App inside and out: They can help you navigate the system, make sure you’re submitting the right information, and avoid common pitfalls.
- They’re (hopefully) objective: They can provide feedback on your essays and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, which, let’s be honest, is a lot less painful than hearing it from your mom.
- They can help you stay organized: The college application process can be overwhelming. Your advisor can help you keep track of deadlines, organize your materials, and ensure you’re on track.
In short, a good advisor can be your secret weapon in the college application wars.
How to Add an Advisor to the Common App?
Adding an advisor is a simple process.
- Navigate to the “My Colleges” tab on the top bar. (This is where you go to find your list of colleges).
- Choose any college on the left navigation bar, then select “Recommenders and FERPA”. (This is where you’ll find the magic “Recommenders” section).
- The top section is “For All Colleges”. This is where you’ll add your advisor.
- Click the “Add Recommender” button.
- Select “Advisor” from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your advisor’s email address.
- Click “Invite”.
That’s it! You’ve officially added an advisor to your Common App team.
The “Enable Preview” Feature: Your Chance to Avoid a Public Humiliation
Once you’ve invited your advisor, you might see an option called “Enable Preview.” This feature allows you to let your advisor see your application before you submit it to colleges.
Think of it like a dress rehearsal for your application. It’s a chance for your advisor to catch any errors, typos, or awkward phrases that could make you cringe later.
Here’s the key:always enable preview! It’s your opportunity to get feedback from your advisor and make sure your application is as polished as possible. Trust us, you don’t want your advisor to be the one who reads your essay about your love of The Bachelor and wonders, “Is this really the kind of person we want at our university?”
The Common App Advisor: A Necessary Evil (Or, Your Secret Weapon to College Acceptance)
Let’s face it, the Common App can be a real pain. But with the right advisor, it can also be a valuable tool for helping you get into the colleges of your dreams.
Think of it this way: your advisor is like that friend who always has your back, even when you’re doing something ridiculous like applying to college. They’re there to help you navigate the process, stay organized, and avoid making any major blunders.
So, embrace the Common App advisor. They might just be the key to unlocking your college dreams.
Need more help with your Common App or the college application process?
Join us at the JobLoving community, where you can connect with other students, advisors, and experts to get the support you need. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of college applications, write killer essays, and make sure your application stands out from the crowd. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to end up in the “waitlist” purgatory.