Common App and Schoolinks

Step 1: Log into SchooLinks

1. Go to your school’s SchooLinks. Schoolinks- Login thru Mount Vernon School District Clever
   
   

2. Click “Login with Student.”
   
   

3. You will land on your Dashboard.
   
   

Step 2: Find the College Application Manager

1. On the left menu, select “Colleges.”
   
   

2. Click “College Applications.”
   
   

3. This is your College Application Manager – your hub for deadlines, application types, and submissions.
   
   

Step 3: Choose Your Pathway

Pathway A: You Already Have a Common App Account

1. Log in to your Common App account and complete the FERPA Release Authorization waiver.
   
   

2. In Common App, go to the Education section and make sure your high school is added and listed correctly.
   
   

3. Open SchooLinks and go to your Application Manager. Click “Link Common App.”
   
   

4. Enter your Common App email and password to log in.
   
   

5. Once linked, your colleges from Common App will automatically appear in SchooLinks. Deadlines and application types will sync into your Application Manager.
   
   

6. For any colleges that are not on Common App, add them separately in SchooLinks by selecting “+ Add College Application,” searching for the school, choosing the application type, and entering the correct deadline.
   
   

Pathway B: You Don’t Have a Common App Account Yet

1. In SchooLinks, click “+ Add College Application.”
   
   

2. Search for the college you are applying to.
   
   

3. Select the application type (Common App, Coalition, school-specific, etc.).
   
   

4. Enter the application deadline (Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular).
   
   

5. Save it – your college will now appear in your Application Manager.
   
   

6. Later, when you create your Common App account:
   
   

   • Complete the FERPA waiver
     
     

   • Link your Common App in SchooLinks
     
     

   • Your lists will sync automatically
     
     

Step 4: Confirm the Link and Track Progress

• Once linked, your college list will sync.
  
  

• Teacher and counselor recommendations will connect automatically.
  
  

• Green checkmarks indicate completed steps and linked accounts.

1. Log in to SchooLinks

• Use your school credentials to access your account.
  
  

2. Go to the Colleges Tab

• On the left side, click Colleges → College Applications.
  
  

• Make sure the college you’re applying to is listed under “My Applications.”
  
  

  • If not, click + Add Application and enter the school first.
    
    

3. Open the Application Details Page

• Click on the college name to view details.
  
  

• Scroll to the Recommendations section.
  
  

4. Add a Recommender

• Click + Request Recommendation.
  
  

• Choose the recommender type:
  
  

  • Teacher – if a college requires academic recommendations.
    
    

  • Counselor – for counselor forms and school reports.
    
    

• Select the specific teacher/counselor from the dropdown menu.
  
  

• Add a short personal note (optional but recommended).
  
  

5. Send the Request

• Click Send Request.
  
  

• Your recommender will get an email notification and a SchooLinks alert.
  
  

6. Track the Status

• Return to the Application Details Page anytime.
  
  

• The status will show as Requested, In Progress, or Completed.
  
  

✅ Important Reminders for Students

• Ask in person first! Always talk to your teacher or counselor before submitting an online request.
  
  

• Be early. Give at least 3–4 weeks’ notice before your first deadline.
  
  

• Check requirements. Not all colleges require teacher recommendations. Common App schools usually do; some direct-apply colleges may not.
  
  

• Say thank you. Follow up with a thank-you note once your recommender submits.