Is My Naviance Account Linked to My College Board Account? (And Why It Matters)
You’re in the thick of college applications, and you’re staring at your Naviance account like it’s a cryptic scroll from ancient times. You’re trying to figure out if it’s linked to your College Board account, and you’re starting to feel like a lost soul in the wilderness of college admissions.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a question that plagues many a high school student (and probably their parents too). The answer, like most things in the college application process, is a little more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.”
Here’s the lowdown:
Naviance and College Board are not directly linked. They are separate entities, each with their own purposes and functionalities. Naviance is your school’s go-to platform for college and career planning, while College Board is the powerhouse behind the SAT, AP exams, and the Common App.
So, why are we talking about linking them?
Because while they are separate entities, they can be interconnected. You can choose to link your College Board account to your Naviance account (and vice versa) to streamline a few processes. Here’s how it works:
1. The Holy Grail of Linking: The Common App
The Common App is the magic key that unlocks the door to applying to hundreds of colleges. Linking your College Board account to your Common App account is a crucial step because it allows your SAT scores to be automatically sent to the colleges you’re applying to.
2. Linking Naviance to the Common App (The Real Question)
While Naviance and College Board aren’t directly linked, linking your Naviance account to your Common App account can be a valuable step. Here’s why:
- Seamless Score Sending: Once your Naviance account is linked to the Common App, you can easily send your SAT scores to your chosen colleges without having to manually enter them on each application. This saves you time and reduces the chance of making a typo (which is like finding a four-leaf clover in a desert).
- Simplified College Research: Naviance stores all your college research, including your list of colleges, application deadlines, and even essays. Linking it to the Common App lets you seamlessly transfer all this precious data, so you don’t have to start from scratch on the Common App.
How to Link Your Naviance and Common App Accounts
- Log onto your Naviance Account: This is your school’s platform, so you should have your login details handy.
- Click on “Colleges I’m Applying To”: This section is where you’ll find all your college research and application information.
- Click on “Match Accounts”: This will take you to a page where you can link your Naviance account to your Common App.
- Enter your Common App Email Address: You’ll need the email address you used when you created your Common App account.
- Click on “Match Accounts”: This will complete the linking process, and you’ll be ready to send your SAT scores with the click of a button.
But Wait, There’s a Catch…
While linking your Naviance and Common App accounts is a great idea, it’s not always a straightforward process. Some schools require you to use your school-based Naviance account, which means you won’t be able to link it to your personal Common App account. This can be a bit frustrating, but it’s important to check with your school counselor to see what their requirements are.
The Bottom Line:
Linking your Naviance and Common App accounts can be a great way to streamline the college application process, but it’s not always a simple task. Make sure you understand your school’s requirements and be prepared to work around any potential roadblocks.
Remember: If you’re feeling lost in the college application maze, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your school counselor and the College Board website have a wealth of resources available to you.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to link your accounts or have any other questions about the college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community! We’re here to help you navigate the ups and downs of this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey.