College Application Process - Frequently Asked Questions

Letters of Recommendation

  1. What is the first step in getting letters of recommendation?
    • First complete the Waiver of Right and Records Release form and return to the registrar in Student Services.
  2. Can I include an unlimited list of teachers in Naviance?
    • No, please include only the teachers who have agreed to write your recommendation letters. It is recommended to ask two teachers. 
  3. Where will my teachers and my counselor get autobiographical information from?
    • From Naviance; please make sure you update that information.
  4. Should I give each teacher the entire list of colleges I am applying to?
    • No, only give them a list of the colleges they are writing a letter of recommendation for. Not all colleges will accept two teacher letters, so you will need to determine which teacher(s) will send to which colleges.
  5. Besides the school names, what other information about the colleges should I give to my teacher recommenders?
    • Please also include: - application deadlines, - mail or electronic submission, -is it a Common App school
    • This is done by completing the yellow Teacher Request form and giving that to each teacher.
  6. What if I want to add more schools to my list but I've already given the yellow form to my teachers?
    • When adding more schools, simply grab another copy of the Teacher Request Form and fill it out for those schools.
  7. When should I turn in the Teacher Request Forms to my teachers?
    • Please give to your selected teachers at least 4 weeks (or 20 school days) before the college application deadline.
  8.  Do I need to do something in Naviance for teacher recommendations?
    • Yes, you will need to invite your teachers through Naviance (giving them electronic access to submit on your behalf). These steps can be found in the Senior Folder linked on the College Planning Tab.

Transcript Request Form

  1. What is a transcript?
    • It is an official copy of a student’s academic record.
  2. What does a transcript include?
    • It includes: course names from 9th – 11th grade, final grade for each course taken, 12th grade courses, plus a student's weighted and unweighted GPA
  3.  Are my standardized test scores, like PSAT, SAT, ACT,  AP, MCAP included?
    • No, those scores are not included on the student transcript. SAT/ACT/ AP scores must sent by the student from the testing organization directly to the college/university. These requests can be triggered online through College Board and/or ACT.
  4. What do I do with the Waiver of Rights and Records Release form?
    • Complete it and return to the registrar at LEAST 4 weeks (20 business days) prior to your college application deadlines.
  5. Do I need to count holidays and breaks in the 4 weeks prior?
    • Yes 
  6. Do I need to pay for a transcript to be sent to my chosen universities?
    • There is no fee associated with the request process for current seniors. There is a cost associated for graduates (alumni) who request that transcripts be sent on their behalf. 
  7. Is there a waiver that I need to complete in the transcript request process?
    • Current students only need to complete the Waiver of Rights and Records Release form.
  8. Where can I find out how (mail, electronic, Common App or Coalition) schools want my transcript and recommendations sent?
    • In Naviance. 
  9. What if my colleges accept only electronic transcripts?
    • In this case your counselor will send them. 
  10. How will transcripts that are not accepted electronically be sent?
    • These transcripts will be mailed by the registrar.
  11. Do I need to put the exact deadline date on the form?
    • Yes, please. This is very important.
  12. Do I need to do anything on Naviance?
    • These steps can be found in the Senior Folder linked on the College Planning Tab.
  13. What if I plan to participate in sports at the school I decide to go to?
    • You will need to create an NCAA account and also meet with the school registrar to understand this process as it is a little different for student athletes. 

Common Application Process

  1. What should I be sure to do if if I am using the Common Application for even just one school?
    • You need to do 2 things:
      • Sign the FERPA waiver (see steps below)
      • Connect your Common App account and Naviance account. These steps can be found in the Senior Folder linked on the College Planning Tab.
  2. Where do I find the FERPA waiver in Common App?
    • Step 1: Go to www.commonapp.org
    • Step 2: Complete the Education section
    • Step 3: Add at least 1 college to your “My Colleges” tab using the “College Search” tab
    • Step 4: Under “My Colleges,” click on one of the colleges (on the left)
    • Step 5: Click on “Recommenders and FERPA
  3. How do I connect my Common App account and Naviance account?
    • Step 1: Sign into your Family Connection account
    • Step 2: Stay on the home page
    • Step 3: Click on “com app match video” on the left hand side under “links.”
    • Step 4: Follow the steps in the video
  4. Do I need to match my Common App account and Naviance account if I do not have any colleges that use the Common App?
    • No, if none of your colleges use the Common App, you can skip this step.
  5. Do I need to do multiple Common Apps?
    • No, you fill out the Common App once and all your Common App schools get that information.
    • There may be supplimental forms that you'll need to complete for individual schools so be looking for those once you submit your Common App.
  6. What happens if my college(s) requires additional evaluation forms?
    • Don’t worry, your teacher recommenders and counselor will send these forms for you.
  7. How long after I submit my paperwork to the college can I check the status online?
    • Please give the colleges a couple weeks to update their system. Pleae remember that teachers, counselors, and the registrar may submit at different times from you. They will meet your college deadlines but often need everyday leading up the deadline to ensure all materials are sent. 
  8. What are other things to troubleshoot to make sure my schools receive the application information?
    • Please make sure you have matched your Common App. to Naviance, completed the waivers, submitted your colleges you are applying to in Common App. and designated in Naviance that you are applying to schools via Common App. 

    

Make sure you submit your paperwork 20 SCHOOL DAYS prior to any given deadline!