How does Naviance simplify the college application process?

We just started using Naviance for our college applications at school, and I'm curious about how it can help make the process smoother. Does anyone have tips on using it effectively, or things I should look out for?

Naviance holds a wealth of information that can help streamline the college application process. Here are a few ways it can help:

1. College Search: Naviance allows you to search for colleges based on preferences such as size, location, majors offered, and even potential career paths. This can be particularly helpful if you're not sure where to start, or if you're looking to add a few more colleges to your list.

2. Scattergrams: One concrete way Naviance simplifies the college application process is with scattergrams. These visual graphs plot information from students from your high school who applied to the same college in previous years. The x-axis represents SAT scores (if applicable) and the y-axis represents GPA. This can help you see how your academic profile stacks up against past applicants from your school, giving you a rough sense of your chances.

3. Career Interest Profiler: If you are unsure about which college major to pursue, Naviance offers a tool that can help. As the name suggests, the Career Interest Profiler is essentially a questionnaire that filters careers based on your aptitude and interest. This information could guide you towards a college or university strong in those programs.

4. College Application Tracking: Naviance's application tracking system is helpful for keeping tasks, deadlines, and materials organized during application season.

5. Task Assignments: Your counselor can assign tasks to you through Naviance, such as asking for your resume or reminding you of upcoming application deadlines. This is a good way to make sure you're staying on top of all of your responsibilities.

6. Naviance resume: This tool can assist you in creating a comprehensive record of all your accomplishments and activities in one place. Having this at a glance summary could greatly aid in filling out college applications or for a potential college interview.

Remember, while Naviance is a fantastic tool, it's important to combine it with other research methods and tools. It's always beneficial to visit college sites directly, attend virtual or on-campus info sessions, and discuss options with your high school counselor or a trusted teacher. Also, remember that scattergrams should not be the only tool used to assess admission odds, as they don’t account for factors like extracurriculars, essays, letters of recommendation, or recent changes in a college's acceptance rate. It's still important to apply to a range of match, reach, and safety schools.