Task

Timeframe

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Naviance Student Login: 

• Open Google Chrome and navigate to the apps. Choose Naviance and click to login (Single Sign On via Google). Log into your Naviance account and check your Naviance email regularly.  

Often

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Applying Using the Common App:

• Go to  www.commonapp.orgCommon App
• Create a Common Application account
• Add at least 1 college & choose the correct deadline (see more information below)
• Sign the FERPA waiver
• Then go to Naviance to complete the match
• Do not use your CHS email address to set up any applications; use an email that will be available to you after graduation

When you are ready to apply

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Applying Directly to the College/University (not using the common app):

• Click on “Colleges” at the top of the page 
• Select “Colleges I’m Applying To” and  search for the name of college
• Next, select the application type (direct to institution)

When you are ready to apply

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Indicating Application Types in Naviance:  

• There are different types of application types/deadlines: Regular Decision, Early Action, Early Decision, Early Action II, Restrictive Early Action, Rolling, etc.  
• Research the application type each college offers and determine the deadline for the type of application you are submitting:
  • RD, EA, ED, REA, ROLL, etc.
  • FALL of graduating year (NOT spring)

AT LEAST

3 weeks ahead of deadline

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Deadlines: 

• DO YOUR RESEARCH! Specific majors (such as Nursing, Business, Physician’s Assistant, etc.) and Honors Colleges may have earlier deadlines
• There may also be earlier deadlines for financial aid/scholarship consideration

AT LEAST

3 weeks ahead of deadline

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Requesting Teacher Recommendations:

• Request letters at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline
• Speak with two teachers (face–to–face) to ask them to write your letters of recommendation
• We recommend asking your core academic teachers
• If you are majoring in a specific field, then a teacher from that field would be appropriate
• Ask teachers as early as possible. Many teachers write numerous letters each year and cannot accommodate all requests
• Complete the  Parent and Student recommendation forms and senior questionnaire
• Invite the teacher to complete the letter in Naviance

AT LEAST

3 weeks ahead of deadline

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Forms Required for Letters of Recommendation:

• This information will help your teacher and counselor write a more personalized letter!
• All forms are in Naviance under the  “About Me” tab
• Select “Surveys From Your School”
• Recommendation letters will not be completed without this information!
  • Student Recommendation Form (Completed by the Student)
  • Parent/Guardian Recommendation Form  (Completed by the Parent/Guardian)
  • Senior Questionnaire: (Completed by the Student)

ASAP

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Invite Teachers to Complete the Letter of Recommendation in Naviance:

• Click “Colleges” at the top of the page, then  select “Letters of Recommendation”  
• Click on “Add Requests” and follow steps 1-3
• Step 2 - Select which letters should be sent to which  colleges
• If you add a college later you must add the letter that you want sent to that college
• You cannot add a teacher letter of request in Naviance if you do not have any colleges listed in “Colleges I’m Applying To”

After you have asked them personally to write your letter

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College Essay: Senior English classes work on college essays in the fall 

• Check each college to determine which prompt(s) they use for an essay 
• Make sure you edit your version before uploading it to your application(s) 
• Common Application prompts are available in the Spring of each year
• Complete additional supplemental prompts when offered! 
• We encourage you to start thinking about possible topics as early as possible! 

Prompts are available now

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Submitting College Applications (Very Important): 

• After you submit your college application you must indicate in Naviance which schools you submitted by clicking the edit button and checking the “submitted my application” box.

When you complete your application

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If Submitting ACT/SAT Scores:

• Colleges require scores to be sent directly from College Board/ACT
• Log into your SAT account at www.collegeboard.orgCollege Board  or ACT account at www.actstudent.orgACT Student  to send your scores 
• *The Counseling Department cannot send scores to colleges

ASAP

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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):  

• Students and a parent must complete the FAFSA application after October 1^st
• BOTH the student and a parent create an FSA ID https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landingStudent Aid
• you can use the FAFSA4caster before October 1^st
• More information for NJ applicants can be found at https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/FAFSA.aspxHESAA FAFSA Information
• HESAA will host a Financial Aid Night in October at CHS.  Check the Counseling Department’s webpage for date, time, & location.  Students are welcome and encouraged to come!

October 1st

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Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center for DI and DII Athletes: 

• Create a new account using  www.eligibilitycenter.orgEligibility Center (found in upper right-hand corner)
• Request an official transcript from the school by adding NCAA in your Naviance account under “Colleges I Am Applying To”   
• When you commit to play DI or DII sports in your senior year, you must also request a Final Transcript from CHS to be sent to the NCAA

ASAP

Naviance College Super Match: A great resource  for exploring “right fit” colleges based on common criteria important to students (location, academics, admission, student life, diversity, institution characteristics, cost, athletics, and resources). *Click on the “Colleges” tab. Then click on the “Super Match College Search” tool.

Anytime

College Information Sessions/Smart Lunch Visits: Occasionally college representatives will come to speak to seniors in large groups.  Students must sign up for these sessions in the Counseling Office.  Announcements of dates & times will be sent to your school email account. Additionally, college representatives will be visiting CHS during Smart Lunch throughout the year. Go to your Naviance home page, scroll down to “What’s New” to see the dates. 

        Fall/

Winter

Open Houses/Tours: Students are encouraged to visit college and or attend open houses. Up to 3 college/trade school visits that will be considered excused absences.  Please obtain a confirmation letter from any college you visit and submit to the Attendance Office upon return to school. 

Throughout the school year

Senior Parent Night – “College Application Process”: The Counseling Department will conduct a presentation in September regarding college applications and important steps to take to ensure a smooth process.  Please check the Counseling Department webpage for date, time & location.  Messages will also be sent to your school email accounts. 

Early Fall

Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities listed in Naviance. Click on “Colleges” at the top and select “Scholarship List” for scholarships  listed by CHS. Click National Scholarship Search for scholarships curated by Naviance. These are located in the “Scholarship and Money” section. Additional scholarship websites are listed on the school website under the Counseling Department. 

Ongoing

Senior Awards Scholarship Applications: Look for the CHS Senior Awards Applications in the early spring. This must be completed to increase your chances of earning a local scholarship.

Spring

Naviance Email Blasts:  Please check out the weekly email blasts which will be sent to your school email account.  There will be a host of information sent each week including volunteer opportunities, jobs, scholarships, deadlines, etc.  

Ongoing

Students on Free & Reduced Lunch:  You may take the SAT and/or ACT twice each using a fee waiver. You may also be able to apply to colleges for free if you use the fee waiver through Common App. You must meet the requirements to be eligible for a Common App fee waiver (please google common app fee waiver requirements to see if you are eligible). Come to the counseling office about SAT/ACT fee waivers and/or about college application fee waivers if you are eligible. 

As Needed