“Naviance: The College Application Black Box, or How to Avoid a Score-Related Meltdown”
So, you’ve just finished your college applications, you’ve poured your heart and soul into those essays, and you’re ready to hit that “submit” button. But then, a horrifying thought pops into your head: “What if I submitted my Naviance scores wrong?”
Don’t panic! You’re not alone in this existential college application crisis.
Let’s unpack this Naviance-induced anxiety and answer the burning question: What happens if you submit scores through Naviance that are slightly off, completely wrong, or, dare I say, nonexistent?
Naviance: The College Application Black Box
Naviance is like that mysterious box your parents keep in the attic – full of dusty memories and possibly a few spiders. It’s a portal to college applications, but it can feel like a confusing labyrinth of data, deadlines, and, more importantly, your precious test scores.
The thing about Naviance is that it’s designed to be a collaborative effort between you, your school counselor, and the college gods themselves. Your school is the one who actually inputs your grades and test scores, and your counselor is there to guide you through the process.
But, here’s the rub: You, the applicant, are also given access to Naviance, which means you can see your scores and potentially make edits. This is where the panic sets in, because what if you accidentally mess something up? What if you submit a score that’s not actually yours? What if you accidentally submit a score that’s… well, bad?
The Great Naviance Score-Submitting Dilemma
Let’s break down the possible scenarios and their potential outcomes:
- Scenario 1: You Submit a Score, and It’s Wrong.
This is the classic “did I just press the wrong button?” moment. Maybe you accidentally typed in the wrong date, the wrong test score, or even the wrong test type. Don’t worry, this happens more often than you think.
The solution?
Contact your school counselor or the college admissions office ASAP. Explain the situation clearly (no need to embellish with dramatic flair), and they will likely be happy to rectify the situation.
- Scenario 2: You Submit a Score, and It’s Not Your Best.
You’ve got the test scores, but they’re not exactly your magnum opus. You’re tempted to hide them away like a dusty family photo album, but Naviance is staring you down, demanding you submit them.
The solution?
This is where the “test-optional” policy comes in. Many colleges are now opting for test-optional admissions, meaning you don’t have to submit scores. This gives you the power to choose whether or not your scores are a good reflection of your academic abilities.
- Scenario 3: You Don’t Submit Any Scores at All.
The thought of submitting your scores makes you want to crawl under the covers and disappear. You’re not confident in them, and you’re convinced they’ll ruin your chances of getting into your dream school.
The solution?
Again, the test-optional policy is your best friend. Colleges are increasingly recognizing that standardized tests don’t always tell the whole story. Focus on building a strong application that showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Naviance: A Tool, Not a Tyrant
Remember, Naviance is just a tool. It’s not a magic wand that grants you admission to college, and it’s certainly not a monster that will devour your future if you make a mistake.
The key is to stay calm, communicate clearly, and be proactive in addressing any issues that arise.
The Power of Honesty (and a Little Humor)
If you ever find yourself in a Naviance-related pickle, the best approach is to be honest with yourself and with the people involved. A little self-deprecating humor can also go a long way.
For example, you could say: “Hey, I seem to have accidentally submitted my SAT score from when I was 10 years old. I know, I know, I was a prodigy back then.”
Don’t Worry, Be Happy (or at Least Calm)
The college application process can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a complete and utter nightmare.
Remember, colleges understand that mistakes happen. They want to see who you are as a person, not just your test scores. So, take a deep breath, relax, and remember that you’ve got this.
Need more help navigating the Naviance maze? Don’t be afraid to reach out to your school counselor, your parents, or even a friendly college admissions officer. You can also connect with the JobLoving community for more advice and support.