Undoubtedly, college is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make as an adult. Whether you are an athlete, musician, STEM student, or aspiring artist, choosing the right college is essential. But how do you decide what school is right for you? Naviance can help you answer that question.

What is Naviance?

Naviance is the leading provider of online, personalized college and career planning tools that help young people make informed decisions about their future. The company’s award-winning software empowers parents, educators, counselors, and students to make better-informed choices about higher education.  It provides an easy-to-use, interactive platform for exploring education options based on individual interests, strengths, and talents.

The award-winning Naviance platform includes:

• Student Information System (SIS) – Manages all student data, including attendance, grades, and schedules
• College Search and Matching – Helps students match with schools that are a good fit based on academic, financial, and personal factors
• Career Planning – Provides engaging career exploration resources to help students understand their interests, strengths, and values
• Parent Portal – Allows parents to see their child’s progress at school in one place

Naviance Student provides tools for students to:

• Identify colleges based on academic requirements, cost, and more
• Plan for college with a personalized list of schools
• Explore majors, careers, transfer options, and more
• Explore social media options in the classroom

How Does Naviance Work?

Naviance connects high school students with colleges that may be a good fit for them. It uses a series of personality tests and tools to help them find the schools that will best fit their individual needs.

First, Naviance asks about your learning style and whether you prefer working independently or in groups. It then asks about your study habits: how you approach studying, feel about spending time at home vs. on campus, and how much you sleep each night.

Finally, you take a test that assesses your personality type.  Based on your answers to these questions, Naviance gives you a list of schools that matches your preferences, creating a college wish list designed just for you.

Naviance Succeed

Naviance Succeed offers high school college-readiness planning software. The software aligns students’ strengths and interests to post-secondary goals and improves student outcomes.

The Student Success Planner is the core component of Naviance Succeed. It is a guided course selection and planning tool that helps students:

• Understand their academic strengths,
• Explore career and major options,
• Set goals, and
• Create a plan for meeting those goals.

Students learn to use the planner in class through an optional curriculum called Naviance Succeeds Essentials. It includes lesson plans on goal setting, college readiness, study skills, and more.

Benefits of Naviance

There are many benefits of using Naviance College Matching:

1.  It’s easy, the process only takes about 5 minutes, and it’s completely free.
2.  It’s fast, and you’ll get an instant list of colleges that fit your selected criteria.
3. You’ll get matched with up-to-date information about each college, including their admissions requirements, tuition costs, campus life, etc.
4. It offers a personalized learning experience that helps you discover your passions and strengths, plan for your future, and connect with people who share your interests.
5. It offers access to thousands of scholarships and financial aid tips and tools to help you pay for college.
6. It offers an online community where you can meet other students and get advice from experts in your field of interest.

Who Can Use Naviance for College Matching?

This software solution can be accessed online and is available for students and parents. Students can use Naviance to manage all aspects of the college admissions process, including:

• Researching colleges
• Creating a college list
• Building a resume
• Requesting transcripts from teachers and counselors
• Preparing for SAT or ACT exams (with test prep resources)
• Applying for financial aid (with FAFSA4caster)
• Sending SAT or ACT scores to colleges (through Score Send)

How to Log into Naviance

Logging into Naviance is simple. First, visit the Naviance Family Connection website. Next, type the name of your school into the text box on the right-hand side of the screen. If you don’t know your school’s name, choose your state from the drop-down menu to see a complete list of schools in that state.

If your school uses Naviance, you’ll be able to access it through your Common App account. If you don’t have a yet, you can create one.

Once you log into your Common App account, click on the “My Colleges” tab and select the College Match tool on the right side of the page. When asked if you’d like to connect your account to Naviance, click “Yes” and follow the prompts to complete the connection.

You’ll need to enter your school email address so they can send an invitation to connect your accounts. Ensure you’re using the correct email address for your school before proceeding.

Upon connecting your accounts, all your College Match list colleges will appear in a new section called “My Colleges” within Naviance.

How Can I Search for Colleges in Naviance?

You can search for colleges in Naviance by clicking on the “Colleges” tab and clicking on the “Colleges I’m thinking about” link. It will bring you to a page where you can browse all colleges and universities or filter your search based on specific criteria.

Try using the filters to narrow down your results by location, size, majors offered, type of school, etc. To learn more about each school you’re interested in, click on its name.

How Can I Compare Colleges in Naviance?

To compare colleges in Naviance, you can use the College Compare tool. It allows you to compare up to three colleges at a time. You can access this feature by going to the “Colleges” tab and clicking on “Compare Colleges.” Most information is in a graph format.

You can also click on the “Details” link to see more specific information about the college. It’s a great way to narrow down your college search.

Frequently Asked Questions about Naviance College Matching

1. What information do I need to use Naviance College Matching?

To use Naviance College Matching, you will need your username and password and access to the internet.

2. How often should I use Naviance College Matching?

You can use Naviance College Matching regularly throughout high school. The more information you enter into the system, the better it can match colleges based on what matters most to you.

For more information about how Naviance might be a useful tool for you or  your child, contact �Ӱ���Ƶ’s College Counseling Office today.

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The Best Times to Begin Applying for Academic Scholarships

Even though most academic scholarship application deadlines are usually March 1, the best time to begin applying for scholarships is as early as a year before joining college. recommends that you start searching for scholarships in summer, just after your high school .

We recommend that you begin searching for scholarships as early as possible and take note of the critical deadlines and the eligibility criteria. Early research will help you avoid the last-minute application rush because you will already have everything that’s required of you. Bear in mind that there are many scholarships available, and each of them has different deadlines.  If you’re applying for academic scholarships, high chances are you’re submitting multiple applications to increase your chances of landing one. In this case, consider noting down the deadlines or perhaps setting reminders to ensure you submit your application on time.

How to Find the Best Academic Scholarships

Scholarships are available everywhere, but it takes a bit of research to find the ones you are eligible for and worth applying for.  Here are a few places to begin your search:

Look into Your Specific Prospective Colleges: Most colleges offer scholarships from their private funds, making it the best starting point for your academic scholarships. To learn more about academic scholarships at your prospective college, visit the school’s website and/or contact the college’s financial aid office.

Get Counseling Resources From Your School: A great way to find the best academic scholarships is by utilizing your school’s . At �Ӱ���Ƶ, our College Counseling Office is dedicated to providing our students with a comprehensive and guiding them through the application process. Contact us at info@The�Ӱ���ƵSchool.com to inquire about our college counseling services.

Visit Official National or Governmental Websites: Consider filling out a free scholarship application for or the . You will also find different national academic scholarships on database search services such as Fastweb.com and Unigo.com.

Visit Your Public Library or Ask for Local Scholarships: Check the reference section in your public library to see any available scholarships.  Many public libraries will have information on available local scholarships.  Local scholarships may include, but are not limited to, civic groups, local foundations, and ethnicity-based organizations.

Look for Private Scholarship Options: Private scholarships can be non-profit or profit scholarships. Profit private scholarships include foundations such as Coca-Cola, while the LEAP Foundation is an example of a non-profit private scholarship. Profit scholarships tend to be more competitive than non-profits because they’re often big-name companies. Profit and non-profit private scholarships often attach a specific theme to their applications, such as a hobby, heritage, or college major.

What to Expect When Applying for Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are incredibly competitive.  Even though some scholarships are based on having outstanding academic records, also referred to as merit-based scholarships, in most cases, several factors determine your scholarship’s success, including your volunteer work, leadership experience, and extracurricular involvement. Your financial needs may also affect your application’s success.

Each scholarship you apply for will have its own requirements. The best way to apply for academic scholarships is to ensure you read and double-check the requirements to see if you’re eligible. Provide all the requirements, fill out your application thoroughly, and ensure you’ve met the application deadline. Applying for academic scholarships is not complicated; you only need to set aside time and do your diligence. Here are tips on what you need to remember when submitting your scholarship application:

• Double-check the eligibility requirements of the scholarship.
• Read and understand the application process and the required format applicable.
• Note down the scholarship’s application deadline and set a reminder if possible.
• Assemble all the documents. That could be your high school transcripts, two to three letters of recommendation, your resume, a creative essay on the given topic, and a complete FAFSA or guardian’s tax receipts.
• Triple-check your application for any small mistakes and submit your application on time.

Do You Need Help With Your Academic Scholarship Application?

If you need help with your application process or want more information, visit our page or contact us at info@The�Ӱ���ƵSchool.com to get in touch with our College Counseling Office.

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Fortunately, preparing for it is not nearly as daunting as it may seem.  As with any major test, you need to know what to expect. With a better idea of the scope of the SAT, you can build your timeline and schedule time to prepare for testing day.

When Should High School Students Take the SAT?

The SAT typically happens seven times in an academic year: March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Testing times are usually offered on Saturdays. The College Board, which administers the test, that March 12, May 7, and June 4 will be the last testing days in this academic year.

SAT experts typically recommend that students take the test twice:

• The spring of their junior year in high school.
• The fall of their senior year in high school, before college application deadlines.

Research shows that students who take the SAT twice tend to improve their scores, however, there is no limit to how often you take the test and you can take it at any point in your high school career.  If you feel the need to take it more than twice, all it takes is an extra registration.

�Ӱ���Ƶ offers a no-charge SAT Test day to all junior and senior students, but students may also register for the test outside of our scheduled test day.

How Long Does It Take to Prep for the SAT?

Most students take about two to three months to practice for the SAT. On that timeline, carve out one to three hours each week specifically for SAT practice, and take at least one practice test a month to track your progress and find areas that you need to improve.

To stick to that plan, it helps to build a study schedule. Start with a baseline test to benchmark yourself and understand where you should focus most of your early studies. Then, set aside a specific time each week to focus on these studies, ensuring that other priorities in your life don’t overtake the need to continue studying.

Of course, you can also take more than three months to study. With the right research, you’ll find effective that can be more focused if you still need to improve significantly on some areas or simply don’t have the time to prepare for multiple hours each week. The most intensive plans aim to ensure that there are no surprises come test time.

What Can I Expect On SAT Test Day?

The test itself consists of four subject areas: reading, writing and language, math, and an optional essay. Let’s break each of them down for a better understanding of what you can expect:

1. Reading: You will have 65 minutes to complete the first section. The basic concept is simple: read five passages of content taken from literature, history, and other sources, and answer 52 multiple choice questions about them. You might be asked to identify context or author intent or compare two passages against each other.
2. Writing and Language: The time allowed for this section is 35 minutes. That’s the time you have to answer 44 multiple choice questions, which focus on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and other pieces related to making sure you know how to write just right.
3. Math: You will have a total of 80 minutes on the math portion of the test – 25 minutes to answer non-calculator questions, and 55 minutes for 38 questions in which you can use a calculator. You’ll be asked to analyze data, solve basic algebra equations, and perform basic trigonometry to ace this section.
4. Optional Essay: You will have 50 minutes to write an essay on a pre-selected topic. While this section is optional, many universities require a score for your essay, so be sure to check before taking the test – or complete the essay just in case.

In between all the above times, you’ll have two breaks during which you are allowed to eat and drink: one 10-minute break and an additional 5-minute break. You will not be allowed to bring your test book, answer sheet, or calculator on your breaks.

Where Should I Turn for Help in SAT Prep?

Even though the SAT can be scary, the good news is that you’re not on your own. Almost all high school students take the SAT, which means there are plenty of resources available for you to take advantage of.

is home to the official preparation program for the SAT, approved by The College Board. But other reputable sources, from Kaplan Education to the Princeton Review, all have their own SAT prep systems. Check your options, compare pricing, and find a solution that matches your pace and preferred learning style.

And of course, our will help as well.  Our College Counselors schedule SAT prep courses for all of our students in preparation for SAT Test Day each year.  Additional tutoring is also available for students who would like to prepare outside of these scheduled courses.   Contact us at info@The�Ӱ���ƵSchool.com to ask about help and information related to all common standardized tests, from the SAT to American College Test (ACT), the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), and the National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test (NMSQT). Our college counselors work hard to help our students succeed, from the freshman year to college.

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Why Is Choosing the Right College Important?

No matter the level of degree you are seeking to earn, choosing the right college is crucial if you want to equip yourself for the future and make yourself eligible for more job opportunities. Higher education experiences vary widely from one college to another, and so do the degrees they offer.

When Should You Decide on a College?

Selecting a college can be broken into two stages; the application process and choosing between the received admission decisions. High school seniors typically apply to various colleges and universities of their interest during the fall semester, and admission decisions are usually released by schools between January and March. Once you receive the admission decisions from the schools you applied to; you’ll need to choose which college you wish to attend. Most colleges/universities require students to make their enrollment decision by May 1.

How Do I Find Scholarships?

One of the most frequently asked questions by senior high school students is finding scholarships for their higher education. At �Ӱ���Ƶ, our College Counseling Office work with students on a daily basis to find available grants, work-study opportunities, and scholarships at each student’s desired school(s). Please visit our  page to find more helpful information on college scholarships.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a college, several factors should be considered to help you find the best fit for you.

Academic Quality and Accreditation

One of the best ways to ensure that you get into a school that offers high-quality education is to research the school’s rankings and reviews. The  report is one of the reputable sources with the most extensive information. While objective rankings are valuable, it’s also essential to have an insight into things from first-person experiences, which you can get from . Niche is a great resource for reviews from various students who are attending or have attended different colleges.

In addition to the academic quality, it’s vital to ensure that the college you choose is accredited. Accreditation is the process that higher education institutions go through to meet certain standards to maintain quality. It’s important to check whether the school is nationally or regionally accredited. Regional accreditations are generally considered more reliable in terms of academic quality. You might also want to check whether the individual academic department you wish to join is accredited in the specific field you wish to study.

Size

You’ll find state universities that enroll more students and smaller liberal art colleges with fewer students. While small colleges and universities may not offer a wide range of programs, they sometimes offer more specialized degrees. Small schools also offer smaller class sizes, which can provide you with access to one-on-one support from academic advisors and professors.

However, if you have a clear goal and interest in what you want to do, you may thrive more at a bigger university because you’ll get access to diverse coursework, professional resources, and a wide range of social and cultural activities.

Geographic Location

Location is among the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a college.

The first question many students ask themselves is if they want to go to school in-state or out-of-state. Many students choose to go to school in-state so that they can continue living at home and avoid the costs associated with dorm living and travel.  Most colleges also offer “in-state” tuition, which is less expensive that “out-of-state” tuition.

Knowing whether you want to live in a sprawling metropolis, rural area, or someplace in between will also help you choose a college that will suit your lifestyle and desires. For instance, if you want to attain a more intimate sense of community and build meaningful and strong relationships with your fellow peers or professors, choosing a college in a small town might be ideal. However, if you’re looking forward to getting more exposure and access to various cultural and social activities alongside more internship opportunities with major companies, consider colleges in large cities.

Tuition Costs

Consider schools that offer tuition costs within your budget. Based on the  report, in-state students in a four-year institution spend an average of $9,410 on tuition fees, while out-of-state resident students spend $23,890 on tuition fees. Keep in mind, however, that private colleges don’t consider residency status, charging all their students an average tuition fee of $32,410. Remember that you also need to factor in transportation costs, room and board, books and supplies, and other personal miscellaneous expenses.

At �Ӱ���Ƶ, our team of college counselors help our students make sense of the numbers to help them decide what the best option is for them.

Programs Offered

Do you know what you want to study? It’s important to check that the specific major and any associated specialties/focuses you want to pursue are offered at the college you choose. If you’re not sure of what you want to study, make sure you choose a college that offers a wide range of programs to help you explore before selecting your ideal field without having to transfer to another college.

Additionally, going to a college with various career programs will conveniently allow you to obtain internships and network with more potential employers.

Tips for Choosing the Right College

Before you finalize your research on the best college that suits you, there are a few tips you should to keep in mind.

Choose the Best School Possible

Whether it’s a vocational school, college, or university, ensure that you select the best school for you. Consider the accomplishments, reputation, and success rate because, to some extent, your diploma or degree will also reflect these factors. These factors also come into play when actual employment decisions are made, because employers tend to be more aware of what different schools offer.

Consider Your Specific Field of Study in the School

As much as the overall institution is important, your area of study is more important. Take a deeper look into the school and consider your specific field of study before you make an enrollment decision. Consider finding out about the faculty’s dean, professors, and the number of consultations or research done in the faculty, alongside their accomplishments. Compare your findings with different schools offering the same program and decide which is the best fit for you.

People and Culture

A college is more than just books – it’s people and culture too. Different colleges attract a vast array of people with varying interests, hobbies, and talents. Keep in mind that some of your best experiences, memories, and friendships will come from your school. Campus life, availability of extracurricular/recreational activities, and the school’s location will contribute to your experiences.

College Counseling at �Ӱ���Ƶ

 team is a great resource for all the information you need, including information about the ACT/SAT test preparation, resource books on careers at different colleges, scholarships and financial aid information. For more detailed information on college counseling, college applications, or how to find scholarships, don’t hesitate to reach out.  at �Ӱ���Ƶ to learn more.

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While academics are important, they make up only one part of a student’s resume.  Extracurricular activities also play an important role in the development of a student’s academic career and personal growth. These activities are important for allowing students to develop their talents and skills, and to challenge themselves.  We encourage �Ӱ���Ƶ high school students to consider club participation as a way to not only explore their interests and hobbies and meet like-minded individuals, but also to discover their unlimited potential.  �Ӱ���Ƶ strives to give students many opportunities to grow and learn through extracurricular activities, which is why they can participate and lead clubs during their daily Activity Period.

Why is Club Participation Important?

Participating in clubs has the potential to benefit students in many ways.  According to college admission consultants , extracurricular activities have far more benefits than just rounding out a university application or helping to boost their first resume.  Students who are involved in extracurricular activities see improved academic performance due to increased brain function when they are engaged in activities that interest them.  Joining a club based on a hobby or career interest will introduce them to a variety of unique individuals who share similar interests and goals, thus broadening their social network.  Club participation also gives students the chance to build valuable life skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem solving.  When students take on additional leadership roles, they continue to build on these foundational skills, and prove to themselves just how capable they are of achieving their goals.

What Clubs are Offered at �Ӱ���Ƶ High School?

At �Ӱ���Ƶ High School, students will find approximately thirty different clubs that are student-led, and sponsored or supervised by our dedicated staff.  Our teachers invest many hours outside of the traditional classroom, supporting and motivating students by helping them build quality clubs that represent the diverse needs, interests, and goals of our student body.

Students can explore the fine arts through the Jazz Band, musicals, and plays.  They will find clubs that support diversity, such as Allies (LGBTQ+) and the Multi-Cultural Club.  Bibliophiles may be interested in the Book Club, while students who are passionate about environmental education will thrive in the HOPE (recycling) Club.  Language enthusiasts will find Spanish, German, and Latin clubs.  �Ӱ���Ƶ High School club list also includes a variety of clubs suited to unique hobbies, such as the popular Card, Dungeons and Dragons, Pop Culture, Trivia, and Star Wars clubs.  Students who want to pursue potential career paths will appreciate the Student Government, Science Club, Service/Leadership Club, or the Future Healthcare Professionals Club.

One of the best features of our club programming is not just the extensive variety of clubs we offer, but that students are always welcome to submit new club proposals, so there is always an opportunity for expansion.

�Ӱ���Ƶ Club Spotlight: Future Healthcare Professionals 

One of the newest clubs to benefit students at �Ӱ���Ƶ High School is the Future Healthcare Professionals Club, which was created in August of 2021.

Why was the Future Healthcare Professionals Club Introduced?

The club’s sponsor (Jimenez) has extensive experience in healthcare, and felt that an organized club could bring that experience to high schoolers who are interested in healthcare as a potential career.  The club gives students the opportunity to learn about different career paths, diseases, and other topics relevant to the healthcare profession as a whole.  The club’s official mission is:

“To better the future of medicine through preemptive education and awareness, and to instill a lifelong passion for care and cooperation.” 

What Does a Typical Club Meeting Look Like?

Weekly club meetings allow for interesting and engaging discussions and activities that cover a wide variety of healthcare-related topics.  Students have the opportunity to examine various case studies, as well as debate school-appropriate medical topics.  Club members also learn about and discuss the steps necessary to enter the field of medicine and healthcare, with respect to all career paths – including physicians (M.D. and D.O), nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other careers as well.

What are Students Gaining From Club Participation? 

The Future Healthcare Professionals Club gives club members the opportunity to develop a better understanding of healthcare through active engagement with like-minded peers and by asking questions to learn as much as possible.  Students are learning that medicine is more than just being a medical practioner, and that healthcare and medicine go far beyond the scope of what they imagined.

Who Should Join the Future Healthcare Professionals Club? 

The Future Healthcare Professionals Club is open to students who are interested in all aspects of medicine and healthcare.  Beyond students who want to be nurses or doctors, there are many potential future career paths that can benefit from this club.  Students interested in medical research, pharmacology, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, midwifery, or even dentistry or psychology can learn so much from this club.  The relationship between physical health, mental health and healthcare practices can be nuanced, and club participation can broaden a student’s understanding of healthcare as a whole, and the impact it has on the quality of life.

Join a Club at �Ӱ���Ƶ Today

Club participation is an opportunity for growth.  Students are not just learning facts and exploring hobbies, they are developing important life skills, building relationships with peers, and discovering their own talents, skills, and strengths.  We encourage students who are interested in The Future Healthcare Professionals Club, or any other approved club at , to become involved.  �Ӱ���Ƶ believes that all students should be active participants and leaders in their education, so if there is not a club that meets their specific interests and goals, we encourage them to develop a proposal for a new club.  If you have questions about clubs or other extracurricular activities at �Ӱ���Ƶ, please  today for more information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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