If your high school has recently told you to start using SchooLinks, you may be wondering: What is this? Is it replacing Naviance? Do I request my teacher recommendations there? What happens in Common App? You are not alone. I am seeing more schools move to SchooLinks, and because families are already juggling Common App, transcripts, recommendation letters, school portals, testing, and deadlines, adding one more platform can feel confusing. First: Did SchooLinks Buy Naviance? No, I don’t...

As students begin inviting teachers and counselors to support their college applications, they will encounter an important but often misunderstood question in the Common Application: Do you waive your right to review your recommendations and supporting documents? Before answering, students and families should understand what FERPA means, what rights are being waived, and how that decision affects the recommendation process. What Is FERPA? FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and...

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we are reminded that freedom is more than a moment in history. It is the opportunity to learn, grow, ask questions, explore new possibilities, and create a future filled with purpose. Education plays an essential role in protecting and expanding that freedom. It enables students to think independently, understand different perspectives, discover their strengths, and make informed decisions about their futures. Education opens...