How to Share the Common App with Your College Counselor: A Guide for the Perplexed
So, you’re applying to college, and you’re probably feeling like you’re navigating a minefield of forms, deadlines, and acronyms. You’ve heard about the Common Application, and you know you need to share it with your college counselor – but how? Fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through this treacherous process and emerge victorious, with a shared Common App and a counselor who thinks you’re a tech-savvy genius.
The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship
The Common App is a love-hate relationship. It’s a convenient way to apply to multiple colleges without having to fill out the same information repeatedly. But, it can also feel like a bureaucratic nightmare, especially when it comes to sharing your application with your counselor.
Sharing Your Common App with Your College Counselor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of sharing your application. It’s actually pretty simple, but I’ll break it down for you, step-by-step, because I know you’re probably feeling overwhelmed.
- Log in to your Common App account. You know the drill, right? Username, password, the whole shebang.
- Navigate to the “My Colleges” tab. This is where you’ll find all the colleges you’ve selected.
- Click on the college you want to share your application with. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a navigation bar.
- Select “Recommenders and FERPA.” This is where the magic happens.
- You’ll see a section called “For All Colleges.” This is where you’ll find the “Invite Recommender” button. You’ll need to click on that button.
- A pop-up window will appear. This is where you’ll add your counselor.
- If your counselor is already in your Common App contacts, select their name from the dropdown list. Easy peasy, right?
- If your counselor isn’t in your contacts, enter their email address. You’ll then be prompted to enter their first and last name.
- Select “Continue.”
- You’ll be asked to select whether you want to waive your rights to access your recommendation. This is basically saying whether you want to be able to see what your counselor writes about you. It’s a good idea to waive your rights, as it shows your counselor that you trust their judgment.
Important Note: If you’re using Naviance, you can invite your counselor as an advisor. This way, they can review your application status.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve invited your counselor, they’ll receive an email with a link to your application. They can then access your application and review your answers. They can also submit a recommendation on your behalf.
Can My Counselor See My Entire Application?
Your counselor can only see the sections of your application that you’ve chosen to share with them. They can’t see your essays, for example, unless you’ve explicitly granted them access.
A Word of Caution
Don’t forget to check with your counselor about their preferences. Some counselors prefer to be invited through Naviance, while others might prefer to be invited directly through the Common App.
The Common App: A Beast of Burden
The Common App is a beast of burden, but don’t let it intimidate you. It’s a powerful tool that helps you simplify the college application process. Remember, by following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to sharing your Common App with your counselor – and hopefully, getting that acceptance letter!
Need More Help?
If you need further assistance navigating the Common App, don’t hesitate to reach out to your college counselor or an expert in college application. At the JobLoving community, we have a team of experienced professionals who can help you with every step of the college application process. We can help you create a winning application, write compelling essays, and navigate the complex world of college admissions.
Why JobLoving?
We’re not just another college admissions website. We’re a community of passionate educators, mentors, and experts dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams. We’re here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed in your college application journey. So, what are you waiting for? Join the JobLoving community today and let’s take your college dreams to the next level!