Common App and Naviance Matching ("Naviance Family Connection" is now referred to simply as "Naviance Student")
If you are applying to colleges/universities using the Common Application, follow these steps to link your Common Application with Naviance. This must be completed in order for transcripts and letters of recommendation to be sent.
If you are applying to colleges/universities using the Common Application, follow these steps to link your Common Application with Naviance. This must be completed in order for transcripts and letters of recommendation to be sent.
- Log into your Naviance account
- Click on the “colleges I’m applying to” link under the “Favorites” section on your homescreen.
- In the pink box at the top of the screen click “match accounts”
- Read the posted information, scroll to the bottom of the page to enter your email address. Then, click “match accounts”.
- An explanation for the unsuccessful match should be given in the “Common App Account Matching” box
- If it says you need to complete the FERPA”
- Login to your Common Application account
- Click on “My Colleges”
- Choose one of the colleges you plan to apply to
- Click on “Recommenders & FERPA”
- You must complete all of the questions in the “education” section
- Click on the link to complete the FERPA waiver
- Agree to the terms to waive your right to view letters of recommendation
- Return to your Naviance account and repeat the steps listed above
Naviance/Common App Steps
Starting the Application Process
1. If ANY of the schools you want to apply to use the Common Application (refer to www.commonapp.org for the member list), then you will need to start a Common Application account. We recommend starting the Common App well in advance of your deadlines. There is a required essay in the Common App--choose from six prompts--as well as many questions about your courses, your family, and other details. You can start the application and come back to it later.
2. In Naviance, start a "Schools I am Applying To" list.
3. The first time students enter schools on the "Applying To" list, a form called the FERPA Waiver will come up. Answer "Yes" and complete the waiver. This waives your right to see recommendations coming from teachers or counselors. Also check the box next to "By completing this form…" which authorizes your high school to release your records to the schools you select.
4. Match your Common App and Naviance accounts. Naviance will have fields for you to enter your Common App information.
5. Make sure that the "Colleges I am Applying To" list in Naviance is complete. It is easier to remove schools later than to add schools later. Counselors and teachers will not be able to submit materials without your doing this step.
6. Check to see that the application deadlines match the application type you want. Naviance defaults with the regular decision deadline; if you want Early Decision/ Early Action or other, you will need to change the dates. See the FAQ for how to edit the date and ask for an override.
7. If you have not already, ask teachers in person (preferred) or email to ask them for letters of recommendation.
• After teachers have said yes, then send requests through Naviance to your teachers and to your counselor. On the Colleges I am Applying To screen, look below the list for the recommendation requests. Select your teacher(s) and counselor and add a personal note briefly detailing your timeline (leave a cushion--give them a date in advance of the actual due date) and conveying your thanks.
• Right after your request, email your teachers and your counselor a personal summary to give them a more complete idea of who you are. (link to Letter of Recommendation file) Some may ask for a resume as well.
• Follow up politely well in advance of your deadline.
• Once your applications are submitted, send your teachers and your counselor thank you notes (handwritten are best). Follow up during the school year, letting them know your news and your decisions.
Starting the Application Process
1. If ANY of the schools you want to apply to use the Common Application (refer to www.commonapp.org for the member list), then you will need to start a Common Application account. We recommend starting the Common App well in advance of your deadlines. There is a required essay in the Common App--choose from six prompts--as well as many questions about your courses, your family, and other details. You can start the application and come back to it later.
2. In Naviance, start a "Schools I am Applying To" list.
3. The first time students enter schools on the "Applying To" list, a form called the FERPA Waiver will come up. Answer "Yes" and complete the waiver. This waives your right to see recommendations coming from teachers or counselors. Also check the box next to "By completing this form…" which authorizes your high school to release your records to the schools you select.
4. Match your Common App and Naviance accounts. Naviance will have fields for you to enter your Common App information.
5. Make sure that the "Colleges I am Applying To" list in Naviance is complete. It is easier to remove schools later than to add schools later. Counselors and teachers will not be able to submit materials without your doing this step.
6. Check to see that the application deadlines match the application type you want. Naviance defaults with the regular decision deadline; if you want Early Decision/ Early Action or other, you will need to change the dates. See the FAQ for how to edit the date and ask for an override.
7. If you have not already, ask teachers in person (preferred) or email to ask them for letters of recommendation.
• After teachers have said yes, then send requests through Naviance to your teachers and to your counselor. On the Colleges I am Applying To screen, look below the list for the recommendation requests. Select your teacher(s) and counselor and add a personal note briefly detailing your timeline (leave a cushion--give them a date in advance of the actual due date) and conveying your thanks.
• Right after your request, email your teachers and your counselor a personal summary to give them a more complete idea of who you are. (link to Letter of Recommendation file) Some may ask for a resume as well.
• Follow up politely well in advance of your deadline.
• Once your applications are submitted, send your teachers and your counselor thank you notes (handwritten are best). Follow up during the school year, letting them know your news and your decisions.
