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COLLEGE PROCESS AND NAVIANCE

Common App, Transcript & Letter of Recommendation Procedures

Presented by Amanda Bulmahn (School Counselor)

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IMPORTANT STEPS TO COLLEGE PROCESS

  • Know yourself: school size, location, diversity, academic environment, social options, financial aid, admissions selectivity
  • Know your options: 4 year college, 2 year college, part-time vs. full-time, military, trade or technical school, apprentice programs
  • Gather information utilizing resources: Naviance, College Fairs, College Visits, School Counselor, College students/graduates
  • Make decisions: Keep good records on information, review material, make comparisons of important factors to you, visit campus, categorize into REACH, MATCH, or SAFETY, decide with parent/guardian.

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NOW WHAT???

  • Application types: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision
  • Complete college applications and scholarship applications by deadline

Entire application is due by deadline:

      • application
      • resume
      • essay
      • letters of recommendation
      • application fee
      • test scores
      • any supplemental information being requested - test scores, portfolio, etc.
  • Wait for decisions
  • Compare acceptances & financial aide offers based on needs with parents/guardians
  • Respond by deadline (typically May 1st)

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STUDENTS WILL BE TRAINED IN �SENIOR YEAR

  • All students will receive training in September during their English 12 classes regarding:
    • Adding schools to “Colleges I’m Applying to” list in Naviance and requesting transcripts
    • Procedures for teacher letters of recommendation
    • Common App and Naviance issues
    • Requesting and paying for transcripts

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Adding schools in Naviance and requesting transcripts (see handout)

  • Students should have a list of schools under “Colleges I’m Thinking About”
  • Students can select the schools they would like to move to the “Colleges I’m Applying to list”
  • Students can add schools directly to their “Colleges I’m Applying to List”
  • At the time schools are added, to “Applying to List” - transcripts should be requested
  • Please remember that transcripts will not be sent to institutions until waiver is signed and transcript fee is paid

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TRANSCRIPTS

  • Two weeks notice is needed to request transcripts be sent
  • Two step process:
    • 1. Senior Transcript Release Form must be completed in PowerSchool account (available after July 15th)
    • 2. Transcript requested in Naviance
  • Transcript fee is $2 per transcript
  • Fees can be paid to Ms. Allen (School Counseling Secretary) in the School Counseling Office or on the CrHS website through OSP (Online School Payments)
  • If you receive free or reduced lunch please check off the box for a waiver and let Ms. Allen know.

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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (see handout)

  • Students must personally ask teachers/counselor to write a letter of recommendation on his/her/their behalf. This should be done face to face with a follow-up email a minimum of two weeks in advance or deadline.

  • Student should provide copy of resume recommender

  • After the teacher has said yes, enter the letter of recommendation request on naviance (follow along with handout)

  • After the counselor has said yes, follow additional directions (google form, meeting, etc.)

  • Students should ask for recommendations at least two weeks in advance, but before they leave for the summer is ideal.

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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • Once you have requested a letter of recommendation you MUST look at the “Colleges I’m Applying To” list to determine which must be mailed and which are electronic

    • & = Letters of recommendation are ELECTRONIC

    • = Letters of recommendation MUST be mailed

  • For any school that requires letters of recommendation to be physically mailed, it is THE STUDENT’S responsibility to provide stamped and addressed envelopes to your teachers.
  • No stamp and envelope are required for your Counselor.

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COMMON APP & NAVIANCE

  • Common App & Naviance share information.

  • Naviance requires your Common App user name and password in order to submit your transcript and other school documents

  • Colleges listed on Common App & Naviance MUST be EXACTLY the same

  • The student MUST also complete the FERPA waiver and release of information in Naviance in order for the high school to release your transcript.

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TO DO LIST - Complete list on handout

  • Review and finalize College Application list with parents & school counselor
  • Request FSA ID – Do ASAP! (https://fafsa.ed.gov)
  • Create MDCAPS account
  • Review Financial Aid that may be available to you (https://studentaid.ed.gov and mhec.maryland.gov)
  • Complete FAFSA for 2026-2027 school year. Most likely released by December 2025. Deadline is March 1st for State Aid. Need to complete because connected to scholarships.
  • Complete SAT or ACT testing
  • Scholarship applications
  • Ask for letters of recommendation
  • Keep Naviance UPDATED!!!

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QUESTIONS???

  • School Counselors

Amanda Bulmahn (A - Cer)

abulmahn@aacps.org

Tabitha Brown (Ces - Gar)

tfbrown@aacps.org

Shanelle Cantine (Gas - Kim)

scantine@aacps.org

Justyn Juarez (Kin - N)

jjuarez-roberts@aacps.org

Lindsey Luna (O - Sma)

lluna@aacps.org

Danielle Crankfield (Smb - Z)

dcrankfield@aacps.org