A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

A-G Subject Requirement (University of California): To meet minimum admission requirements for the University of California, high school students must complete 15 yearlong high school courses with a letter grade of C or better in the subject areas of history, English, mathematics, science, language other than English, visual and performing arts, and college-preparatory electives. For California high schools, the University of California maintains an online database, where students and parents can see if courses offered at their high school are approved by the university system.

Academic Calendar (High school and College): The schedule of an academic year, outlining important dates such as the start and end of semesters, breaks, and exams. The academic calendar helps students plan their year, and every high school and college has its own academic calendar.

Academic Profile: A summary of a student's academic achievements, including GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. While the academic profile is the most important part of the college application and shows a clear picture of a student's academic strengths, colleges take into consideration the opportunities available to students at their high school when evaluating their academic preparation, as students from different schools may have unequal access to advanced courses.

Academic Preparation: The level of readiness a student has for college-level work, often based on high school coursework. 

Acceptance Letter: A formal notification from a college stating that a student has been admitted. Most colleges notify students of their acceptance to college by email or an online application portal, but some colleges still mail out physical acceptance letters to students. Students may receive multiple acceptance letters, which can make choosing difficult.

Accommodations: Adjustments or modifications provided to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education. Acquiring these accommodations may require navigating bureaucracy, so students should get started early to research the process of applying for accommodations.

Accreditation (High school and College): The process by which a  high school or college is evaluated and certified as meeting certain standards regarding the quality of educational programs and services provided by the high school or college. 

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET): A non-profit organization that accredits programs in engineering, technology, and applied science to ensure that programs meet industry standards. Students looking into engineering and computer science programs should make sure that the college or university is accredited by ABET.

Admission: The process by which a student is accepted into a college or university after meeting specific criteria.  

Admission by Exception (University of California): A policy that allows students who do not meet standard admission criteria to be admitted based on exceptional circumstances or potential.  

Admission Committee: A group of college staff who review and decide on student applications. Some colleges employ a relatively small staff of committee members, but large universities oftentimes employ dozens of full-time committee members as well as scores of part-time readers during the college application season. The Admission Committee is typically headed by an individual called the Admission Director.

Admission Officer: A staff member responsible for recruiting students and reviewing applications. Junior admission officers may be recent college graduates, but senior admission officers will typically have worked for many years in the college admission office at one or more institutions.

Admission Rate (or Admit Rate): The percentage of applicants who are offered admission to a college. Note that the overall admit rate of a college or university may not reflect the admit rate for specific majors or programs.

Admission Tests (also referred to as Standardized Tests): Standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, used in the college admissions process to assess academic readiness. Admission test provides a standardized metric for evaluating a student’s readiness for college-level work and comparing students from different high schools that offer different courses and use different grading systems. Several colleges require standardized tests as a part of the college application, many colleges allow students to choose whether or not they want to send their standardized test scores, and some colleges do not consider standardized tests in the college application review process.

Admitted Student Days or Events: Campus visits or events for students who have been admitted to a college, giving them a chance to explore the campus and community before deciding to enroll. Attending admitted students days helps students make a more informed decision about which college to attend, but travel and scheduling may pose challenges for some students and their families.

Advanced Placement (AP): A program coordinated by the College Board where high schools offer 39 college-level courses and exams in the areas of art, English, history and social science, math and computer science, sciences, and world languages. Participating students have the option of taking an AP exam at the end of the course to demonstrate knowledge and potentially earn college credit. AP exams are three hours long, and most exams include a multiple-choice section and a free-response or essay section. Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 being the highest, and results are released in mid-July.

Alumni, Alumna, Alumnus: Graduates of a college. Alumni is plural; alumna is female singular, and alumnus is male singular. College alumni networks can be valuable for career growth for students who attended the college, and some alumni assist the admission office by conducting interviews with prospective applicants during the college application process.  

AP Capstone Diploma: A two-year program offered by the College Board based on two AP courses—AP Seminar and AP Research–to help students develop academic research, collaboration, and public speaking skills. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students need to earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP exams of their choosing. In 2023, 14,877 high school students in the U.S. received the AP Capstone Diploma.

AP Scholar: An award granted by the College Board to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. A certificate is issued to students in the College Board account. In 2023, 317,426 high school students in the U.S. received the AP Scholar Award.

AP Scholar with Honor: An award granted by the College Board to students who score an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and score 3 or higher on four or more exams. A certificate is issued to students in the College Board account. In 2023, 128,775 high school students in the U.S. received the AP Scholar with Honor Award.

AP Scholar with Distinction: An award granted by the College Board to students who average at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and score 3 or higher on five or more exams. A certificate is issued to students in the College Board account. In 2023, 228,963 high school students in the U.S. received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award.

American College Test (ACT): A standardized test used in college admissions, measuring skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT composite score and each test score range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). Standardized tests like the ACT provide a way for colleges to compare students applying from different high schools. The costs associated with these exams may be prohibitive for some students, but students can apply for fee waivers to take exams.

Appeals (College Application): The process of formally challenging a college's decision to deny an applicant admission. The student typically submits additional materials, like updated academic records, letters of support, or a personal statement, in hopes of reversing the denial decision. As college admission decisions are usually made after considering information submitted by the student initially, the chance of success when appealing the denial of admission is low. Many colleges do not allow students to appeal the denial decision.

Appeals (Financial Aid): The process where a student or family requests a reconsideration of the financial aid package offered by a college. The appeal is usually based on new information or a change in financial circumstances and aims to secure more aid or a revised award.

Articulation Agreement: A formal agreement between two colleges or universities to transfer credits toward a degree program. The articulation agreement is intended to facilitate smooth transfers for students between colleges, typically from a two-year junior or community college to a four-year college or university.

Associate’s Degree, Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS): A two-year degree awarded by community colleges, technical colleges, or other institutions. Obtaining a two-year degree may provide a quicker, more affordable path for students to a degree or career. However, a two-year degree may be limited compared to a bachelor’s degree in terms of job opportunities and earnings. Students have the option of continuing their education by transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Audit: The option to take a college course without receiving a grade or credit. While auditing a course allows students to learn without academic pressure, doing so does not count toward degree requirements.

Bachelor's Degree, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS): A four-year undergraduate degree offered by colleges and universities. Earning a bachelor’s degree usually requires completion of specific coursework in a major as well as general education or breadth requirements.

Blue Light System: A campus safety feature involving strategically placed emergency phones, often with a blue light, that students can use to call for help.

Breadth Requirements (also known as General Education Requirements or Distribution Requirements): Courses outside of a student's major that are required to ensure a well-rounded education rather than an education focused more narrowly on a trade or career. While coursework requirements vary from college to college, breadth requirements typically include courses incorporating college-level writing, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. 

Cal Grant (State of California): A need-based financial aid program for California residents that can be used at qualifying California colleges and universities.

Campus Tour: A guided visit to a college campus, allowing prospective students to see facilities and ask questions. Campus tours are typically led by students attending the college currently, and most colleges allow students and parents to register for a campus tour on the Admission Office page of the college website.

Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA): A national agreement that gives students until May 1 to accept or decline offers of admission. Colleges notify students about their admission decision by early April (and many colleges announce admission decisions much earlier) and offer admitted students events both on and off campus. Students usually apply and are accepted to multiple colleges, and they take advantage of the time in the month of April to consider their college acceptance offers.

Chancellor (College): The head or leader of a college or university, typically responsible for overall administration.

Class Rank: A ranking of students in a graduating class based on academic performance. The class rank may be a numerical rank or reported as a percentile, decile, or quartile rank. Some colleges consider an applicant’s class rank in the college application review process.

Club Sports (College): Student-organized athletic teams that compete against other colleges but are not regulated by the NCAA. Club sports offer competitive sports opportunities without the time commitment of varsity sports but may have limited resources compared to varsity teams.

Coalition Application: A college application platform used by many schools that focuses on providing access to underrepresented groups. The Coalition Application offers tools and resources for low-income and underrepresented students but is less widely used than the Common Application.

College Application Essay (Personal Statement): A written essay required by many colleges as part of the application process, where students discuss their goals, experiences, and reasons for applying. The college application essay allows students to express their unique voice and personal story beyond the data points of courses, grades, and test scores.

College Board or College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB): A non-profit organization that administers standardized tests like the SAT and AP exams that are considered by colleges in the college application review process. Standardized tests provide a way for colleges to compare students applying from different high schools. The costs associated with these exams may be prohibitive for some students, but students can apply for fee waivers to take exams.

College Credit: Recognition of coursework that counts toward a college degree. Credits are earned through successful completion of courses. High school students can earn college credit by taking college courses while in high school and earning qualifying scores on AP exams and IB tests. College credits earned while in high school may reduce the time and cost needed to complete a bachelor’s degree in college.

College Fair: An event where representatives from multiple colleges provide information to prospective students. College fairs provide a one-stop opportunity to learn about many schools; however, they can also be overwhelming because of the large number of schools and information. Students attending college fairs should prepare a list of questions to ask college representatives to assess if a college is a good fit for their academic and extracurricular interests. 

College Interview (or Campus Interview or Alumni Interview): A meeting between a prospective student and a college admissions representative, often part of the application process for selective schools. College interviews allow applicants to showcase personality and interest in a conversation with the admission office as well as demonstrate their particular interest in the college, which some colleges take into consideration in the application review process. Interviews may take place on the college campus or in the community. On-campus interviews are often conducted by admissions officers, while off-campus interviews are usually conducted by alumni of the college. Not all colleges offer interviews with potential applicants, and the colleges that offer interviews usually consider the interview an optional part of the application process.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP): A series of exams coordinated by the College Board that allow students to earn college credit for knowledge acquired outside traditional coursework in the areas of history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages. While earning college credits by achieving qualifying scores on CLEP exams can shorten the time needed to earn a bachelor’s degree, not all colleges accept CLEP credit.

College List: A student's curated list of schools they are interested in applying to, usually a mix of "safety," "match," and "reach" schools. Creating a college list helps students organize their application process with the goal of developing the right balance of schools based on the students’ chances of admission.

College Preparatory (CP) Courses: High school courses designed to prepare students for college-level work as opposed to vocational or trade-oriented courses. At most high schools, college preparatory courses are considered “regular” courses and do not include honors and Advanced Placement courses.

College Rankings: Lists that rank colleges and universities based on various factors such as academic quality, student outcomes, and faculty resources. While college rankings help students compare institutions, students should look beyond the rank of a college and research whether a particular college is the right fit for the student academically, socially, and financially. The U.S. News Best Colleges list is the most well-known college rankings. 

College Representative (or Regional Representative): A college staff member responsible for recruiting students from specific geographic areas. Regional representatives often develop specialized knowledge of the high schools in the region they are assigned and serve as the point of contact of the college for students and parents from a particular region.

College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile: A financial aid application offered by the College Board and used by about 250 colleges and scholarship organizations to determine non-federal financial aid eligibility and award institutional aid. The CSS Profile provides more detailed financial information than the FAFSA® (including additional types of assets and information about both parents for students whose parents are divorced or separated), but the CSS Profile requires students to pay a fee and submit additional financial aid documents.

Common Application (also called the Common App): A standardized college application that students can use to apply to multiple colleges and universities. The Common App allows students to write personal statements and provide transcripts and recommendation letters through a single application portal, simplifying the college application process. For the 2024-25 admission cycle, over 1,100 colleges and universities use the Common App.

Community College (also known as Junior College): A two-year institution offering associate degrees, certifications, and a pathway to transfer to a four-year institution. Community colleges provide a more affordable path to a college degree or career-related certification that might be sufficient for certain careers.

Comprehensive Review (University of California): A holistic evaluation process used in the admissions process at the University of California system that considers a wide range of factors beyond academics, including extracurricular involvement and life experiences.

Conditional Admission: Admission offered with the stipulation that the student meets specific requirements, such as maintaining academic performance or completing certain courses in the senior year of high school. Failure by the student to achieve satisfactory performance in their courses may lead a college to rescind the admission offer.

Consortium Colleges: A group of colleges that collaborate, allowing students to take courses or use resources across member institutions. College consortiums expand academic and social opportunities. Well-known college consortiums include the Five College Consortium (Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst ), the Claremont Colleges (Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, Pomona College, and Scripps College), and the Tri-College/Quaker Consortium (Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania).

Cooperative Education (Co-op): An experiential learning program where college students alternate between academic coursework and full-time paid work in their field of study. Co-ops provide valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and evaluate career paths but may extend the time needed to graduate from college. 

Core Curriculum: A set of required courses that all students must complete, regardless of their major, to ensure a well-rounded education. A core curriculum promotes acquiring broad knowledge but may include courses irrelevant to a student’s interests.

Cost of Attendance (COA): The total estimated cost to attend a college, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. Knowing the cost of attendance is the first step in the process for students and their families to evaluate their ability to pay for college and consider applying for financial aid. The cost of attendance varies from college to college.

Course Credit (High School): A measure of the completion of a high school course, typically based on time spent and passing grades.

Course Rigor: The level of difficulty of high school courses, such as honors, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses, that prepare students for college-level work.

Cumulative GPA: The overall grade point average across all courses taken by a student during their high school or college career. A cumulative GPA offers a long-term measure of a student’s academic performance, but early poor grades may lower the GPA despite later improvement.

Dean (College): An academic administrator in charge of a specific area, such as a department or college within a university.

Deferral: A decision by a college to delay making a final decision on an applicant until a later time, such as moving an Early Decision application to Regular Decision, providing a second chance for admission.

Deferred Admission or Deferred Enrollment: When a student postpones enrollment in college after being accepted, usually for a gap year or other personal reasons. Deferred admission allows time for personal growth or travel but may require re-adaptation to academic life later as well as delay entering the workforce or career.

Demonstrated Interest: A measure of how much interest an applicant shows in attending a particular college, such as through campus visits, interviews, or communication. Not all colleges and universities track demonstrated interest, but students can boost their chances of admission by engaging actively with colleges that track demonstrated interests.

Demonstrated Need: The difference between a student’s expected family contribution and the cost of attendance, used to determine financial aid. Some but not all colleges and universities meet students’ full demonstrated need.

Denial of Admission Letter (or Rejection Letter): A formal letter informing an applicant that they have not been accepted to a college.

Dependent Student: A student who relies on parental financial support and whose financial aid eligibility is based on parental income.

Direct Admission: A policy where students are admitted directly into their chosen major or program at the time of admission, rather than into a general pool.

Disadvantaged Student: A student who faces social, economic, or academic challenges, often from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. Students identified as disadvantaged students may qualify for additional financial support and educational resources.

Distance Learning: Education in which students take courses online or remotely rather than in person. Distance learning offers flexibility and access to a wide range of programs but may lack the social interaction of on-campus learning.

Distribution Requirements: See Breadth Requirements above 

Diversity: The inclusion of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and more, in the student body. The goals of creating a diverse student body are to enrich the learning environment and promote inclusion, but efforts to achieve diversity may spark debate on admissions practices.

Division I, II, III (also referred to as D1, D2, and D3): The three levels of athletic competition governed by the NCAA, with Division I being the most competitive and Division III prioritizing academics over athletics. While all three divisions offer opportunities for students to compete in college sports, there are important distinctions. Division I schools compete nationally, while Division II and III schools typically compete regionally. Division I schools offer more and larger athletic scholarships, including full-ride scholarships; Division II schools offer fewer and usually partial scholarships; and Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships (but student-athletes may be eligible for academic or need-based scholarships). 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): The highest academic degree awarded by universities, typically requiring original research and a dissertation. PhD programs are typically offered at larger research universities but not at liberal arts colleges that focus on undergraduate education.

Dormitory (or Dorms): On-campus housing for students, usually shared with roommates, providing convenient access to campus resources and a sense of community for students (many of whom are leaving their homes for the first time in their lives).

Double Major: When a student completes two sets of major requirements, earning one degree in two academic fields usually within a standard four-year college timeline. Pursuing a double major may broaden academic and career options but requires more coursework and careful planning of coursework in college. 

Dual Credit: Courses that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Students completing dual credit courses may save time and money by earning college credits early, but the college credits earned may not transfer to all universities.

Dual Degree: A program where a student earns two degrees, often in different fields, from the same or different institutions. Some dual degree programs lead to two bachelor’s degrees, while other programs lead to a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. While dual degree programs are typically completed in a shortened time frame compared to earning the two degrees sequentially, these programs may require more time to complete, possibly extending graduation timeline.

Dual Enrollment: A program allowing high school students to enroll in college courses while still in high school. Dual enrollment courses offer early exposure to college-level work and the opportunity to earn college credit while students are in high school.

Early Action (EA): A non-binding application process where students apply early (typically by November 1 or 15) and receive an admission decision earlier than the regular decision process. The early action application process provides an early answer to high school students applying to college without commitment to attend but may not give students an increased chance of admission especially to highly selective colleges and universities. Early action is not offered by all colleges, and some colleges have two rounds of early action applications.

Early Admission: Allows students to apply to college before completing high school, typically during their junior year. Early admission offers high school students a head start on college education and may be a good fit for students who are ready for the challenge of college-level coursework.

Early Decision (ED): A binding application process where students apply early (typically by November 1 or 15) and agree to attend the college if accepted. The early decision application process offers an early admission decision and may increase chances of acceptance but requires a firm commitment before financial aid packages are ready and does not allow students to compare admission offers from other colleges and universities. Early decision is not offered by all colleges, and some colleges have two rounds of early decision applications.

Early Decision II (ED II): A second round of binding Early Decision applications with a later deadline, offering a similar commitment to Early Decision but with more time to apply. Early Decision II provides another chance to apply under binding conditions later in the cycle for students who were denied acceptance under the Early Decision application process at another college or need time to prepare a strong college application.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): A program offered by colleges and universities to provide academic and financial assistance to low-income and educationally disadvantaged students.

Educational Testing Service (ETS): A nonprofit organization that administers standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, and TOEFL.

Elective (High School): A course that students choose to take in high school outside of the core subjects of history, English, math, science, and foreign language. Elective courses allow students to explore a variety of subjects but may not contribute to high school graduation and college admission requirements.

Elective (College): A course that students choose to take outside of their major requirements, often to explore or focus on their interests within the broader subject area.

Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) (University of California): A University of California program that guarantees admission to the top 9% of students from participating high schools in California. Eligibility in the Local Context is one of the pathways for admission to the University of California for California students, but admission to a particular UC campus is not guaranteed.

Eligibility in the Statewide Context (University of California): A University of California program that guarantees admission to the top 9% of California high school graduates using a formula called the Statewide Index, which considers the students’ total number of qualifying courses and GPA. Eligibility in the Statewide Context is one of the pathways for admission to the University of California for California students, but admission to a particular UC campus is not guaranteed.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC): A measure of a family’s financial strength used to determine financial aid eligibility prior to the redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in the fall of 2023. The federal government replaced the Expected Family Contribution concept with the Student Aid Index (SAI).

Externship: A short-term job shadowing or work experience program, often without pay, that provides students with insight into a specific career field. Externships offer students practical exposure to a career field but are usually unpaid and of shorter duration than internships.

Extracurricular Activities (also referred to as Extracurriculars or ECA): Non-academic activities, such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, or hobbies, that students participate in outside of school. Extracurricular activities help develop well-rounded individuals and allow high school students to demonstrate certain skills, interests, and personal qualities to colleges. Many but not all colleges consider applicants’ extracurricular activities as a part of the college application review process, and students should be aware that some extracurricular activities can be time-consuming and may distract from academics.

Fee Waiver: A waiver that allows students to apply to colleges or take standardized tests without paying the usual fees, typically granted based on financial need.

Financial Aid: Assistance provided to students to help pay for college, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.

Financial Aid Award (or Financial Aid Package): The total amount of financial assistance offered to a student by a college or the government, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study.

Financial Aid Officer: A college staff member responsible for helping students understand and apply for financial aid.

Financial Need: The amount of money a student needs to attend college after subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Cost of Attendance (COA) using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The amount of a student’s financial need may not be what a college or university provides in the financial aid package, as some colleges may not meet full financial need.

First-Generation College Student (or First-Gen): A student whose parents did not attend or graduate from a four-year college or university. First-generation college students may qualify for additional support and resources, and many colleges and universities actively recruit first-generation college students.

Fly-In Program: A program where colleges pay for high-achieving or underrepresented students to visit their campus. Fly-in programs allow students to visit schools they may not have otherwise considered. Students apply or are nominated by high school counselors, but fly-in programs may be limited to specific types of applicants.

Fraternity: A social organization for male college students that promotes brotherhood, philanthropy, and social activities. Joining a fraternity may help students build a strong sense of community and leadership while they are in college and create a network of alumni after college.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): The primary form used by U.S. students to apply for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. Completing and submitting the FAFSA® is required to receive need-based aid from the federal government.

Frosh (High School): Informal term for a student in the freshman and sophomore year of high school.

FSA ID: The FSA ID is a username and password combination used by students and their parents to access federal student aid websites, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). It serves as a legal electronic signature for completing and submitting financial aid documents.

Gap Year: A year taken off between high school and college to travel, work, or pursue personal interests. Taking a gap year offers students time for personal growth and exploration but delays the start of college and may require re-adaptation to academics.

Gapping: Gapping occurs when a college or university offers a student financial aid that does not fully cover the difference between the cost of attendance and the student’s expected family contribution. This results in an unmet need, meaning the student must find additional funding to cover the gap.

General Education Requirements: See Breadth Requirements above. 

GED (Tests Of General Educational Development): A high school equivalency test for those who did not complete high school, offering a credential equivalent to a high school diploma. A GED provides an alternative path to a high school diploma but may not be seen as equivalent to a traditional diploma by some colleges and universities.

Grade Point Average (GPA) (High School): The average of a student’s grades, calculated on a 4.0 scale in the U.S., used to measure overall academic performance in high school. The GPA provides a standardized measure of academic achievement in the context of the student’s school, but the GPA may not fully reflect a student’s capabilities or growth because the GPA does not show the trend in a student’s grades over time. In addition, colleges might find it difficult to compare the academic achievement of students from different high schools during the college application review process.

Grade Point Average (GPA) (College): The average of a student’s grades used to measure overall academic performance in college. Unlike the high school GPA which may be weighted for advanced-level courses, the GPA students achieve in college is not weighted and is calculated on a 4.0 scale.

Graduate Student: A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctorate. Pursuing an advanced degree offers specialized education and career advancement but requires additional time and financial investment beyond a bachelor’s degree. At many colleges and universities, graduate students help professors teach undergraduate or master's level classes.

Grant: A type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid, usually awarded based on financial need.

Greek System: The system of fraternities and sororities on college campuses, often focused on social, academic, or philanthropic activities. Fraternities and sororities foster strong social networks and leadership skills but are sometimes linked to incidences of hazing.

High School Counselor (also called College Counselor, Guidance Counselor, or College Advisor): A professional who assists students with academic, career, and college planning. While one of the roles of a high school counselor is to provide personalized guidance through the college application process, counselors at large public high schools may have limited time to assist students because of large student caseloads.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Colleges and universities established primarily to serve African American students, though they are open to students of all races. HBCUs offer a culturally rich educational experience with a focus on diversity and inclusion but are limited to specific geographic locations.

Holistic Review: An admissions process that considers the whole student, including grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and more, rather than just academic achievements.

Honors Courses: Advanced high school classes designed to provide more challenging material and often weighted more heavily in GPA calculations. As a result, students are encouraged by both high school counselors and college admission officers to take honors courses to prepare themselves for college.

Honors College: A program at a university that provides a more challenging and in-depth learning experience for high-achieving students. Honors colleges are often highly selective and may require submitting an additional application to the college application. Honors colleges may offer a variety of benefits, including smaller class sizes, priority registration for classes, special opportunities in research and internships, separate housing communities for honors students, and scholarships. 

Hook: A unique attribute or qualification that makes a student stand out in the admissions process, such as being a recruited athlete, legacy, or having a special talent. Having a “hook” increases a student’s chances of acceptance, but not all students have a clear “hook.”

Humanities: Academic disciplines focused on human culture, such as literature, philosophy, history, and languages. One of the learning objectives of humanities courses is to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and humanities courses are typically required as a part of the general education or breadth requirements to graduate from college.

“HYPS”: An acronym referring to a group of four prestigious universities–Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford–with highly competitive admissions processes and very low acceptance rates.

Impacted Major or Program: A major or program with more applicants than available spaces, often requiring higher admissions standards. Being designated as an impacted major signals the popularity and quality of the program, and an impacted major may be harder to get accepted into or transfer into later.

Income Protection Allowance: The amount of a family's income that is shielded from consideration when determining eligibility for financial aid. It reflects basic living expenses that are not expected to go toward college costs.

Independent Student: A student who is not financially dependent on their parents or guardians, often used in determining financial aid eligibility. Independent students may receive more financial aid due to their independent status but must provide more documentation to prove independence.

Instant Decision: An admissions event where students meet with college representatives, receive an immediate evaluation of their application, and often learn of their acceptance on the spot. While Instant Decision Days offer immediate feedback and decision, they are limited to specific schools or events and may not allow for thoughtful application review.

Institutional Priorities: Institutional priorities refer to the goals, preferences, and needs that a college or university seeks to address through its admissions process. These priorities vary between institutions and may change from year to year. An institutional priority may be broad (for example, promoting geographic and socioeconomic diversity of the student body) or specific (for example, recruiting a French horn player for the college orchestra).

Interdisciplinary Major: A major that combines two or more academic disciplines, allowing students to study across fields and explore how multiple areas of study intersect with one another.

International Baccalaureate (IB): A rigorous pre-university program that offers a globally recognized diploma and emphasizes critical thinking and intercultural understanding. The International Baccalaureate program is highly regarded by colleges for its challenging curriculum but requires significant commitment and may not be available at all schools. 

International Baccalaureate Certificate Programme (IBCP): A more focused version of the IB program where students complete fewer courses than the full diploma program, often combined with career-related studies. While the International Baccalaureate Certificate Programme offers flexibility and targeted study, it may not carry the same recognition as the full IB Diploma.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP): A two-year, comprehensive pre-university program that includes six subjects, an extended essay, theory of knowledge course, and community service. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a well-rounded, globally recognized program that prepares students for university-level work.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A standardized test measuring the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, often required for international students applying to U.S. colleges. Most colleges set a minimum score international students must achieve to be eligible for admission, but the minimum score varies between colleges. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

International Student: A student attending a college or university in a country other than their own. In the college admission process, international students attending high schools in the United States are usually compared to domestic U.S. students but often face higher tuition and more complex admissions processes when they apply to college.

Internship: A temporary work experience, often related to a student’s field of study, that can be paid or unpaid. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Intramural Sports: Recreational sports leagues or activities organized within a school, often allowing students to compete in a fun and less competitive environment.

Ivy League (or the Ivies): A group of eight private, prestigious universities in the northeastern U.S., known for academic excellence, selective admissions, and history. The eight Ivy League universities are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

January Term (or J-Term): A short academic term, often lasting a few weeks in January, where students can take intensive courses, internships, or study abroad. J-Term programs offer a unique opportunity for students to focus on a single course or experience but may require additional tuition, and not all schools offer J-Term programs.

Junior Colleges: See Community Colleges above.

Junior Varsity Sports (High School): The secondary level of high school sports, typically for underclassmen or those not yet ready for varsity competition.

Learning Disability: A condition that affects a student’s ability to learn in a typical manner, often requiring special education services or accommodations. Colleges offer support services to help students succeed, but high school students should research the support services available at the college to which they are interested in applying during the college search process.

Legacy Applicant: A student whose parent(s) or grandparent(s) attended the college to which they are applying, sometimes giving them an admissions advantage. Being a legacy applicant may increase chances of admission, and legacy admissions has come under criticism for giving advantages unrelated to merit, with some states banning legacy admissions at public universities or both public and private colleges and universities.

Letters of Recommendation (also referred to as Rec Letters): Written endorsements from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know a student well, often required for college applications. Recommendation letters provide the admission office with insight into a student’s character and abilities, but the quality of recommendations may vary based on the student’s relationship with the recommender. Many but not all colleges require recommendation letters, and the number of recommendation letters required varies from college to college.

Liberal Arts College: A college focused on undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, emphasizing critical thinking and broad knowledge. With total student enrollment under 3,000 typically, liberal arts colleges offer small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions, but these colleges may offer fewer majors and research opportunities than larger universities.

Liberal Arts Education: An education that emphasizes a broad-based curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills. The intent of a liberal arts education is to prepare students for a wide range of careers and lifelong learning, but some people may view a liberal arts education as less career-focused compared to technical or professional programs.

Lower Division Courses: Courses taken in the first two years of undergraduate study. Lower division courses focus on foundational knowledge in various subjects and may feel less specialized for students eager to dive into their major.

Lower Division Student: A student who is in their first or second year of college, typically working on completing lower-division requirements.

Major: The primary field of study a student focuses on during their undergraduate education.
A major allows students to pursue in-depth knowledge and specialization in a particular subject area spanning the four-year college experience. Students typically complete a set of required foundational courses at the beginning of the program before choosing a focus or emphasis in the subject area based on their interest or career goals in the second half of the program.

Master's Degree: A graduate-level degree that typically follows a bachelor's degree and involves specialized study in a particular field. Completing a Master's Degree enhances career opportunities and specialization but requires additional time and financial investment beyond a bachelor's degree.

“Match Schools”: Colleges where a student's academic qualifications closely align with the institution's typical admissions profile, making acceptance likely but not guaranteed.

Median: The middle value in a list of numbers, where half the values are higher and half are lower. In college admissions, median scores or GPAs give an idea of the typical student profile. The median value offers a realistic snapshot of an applicant pool but does not account for the full range of accepted students.

Median 25th–75th SAT/ACT Scores for a College: The range of SAT and ACT scores in which the middle 50% of admitted students fall. While the median value helps students assess their competitiveness for admission, it doesn’t reflect students who fall outside this range but are still admitted.

Meet Full Need: This refers to a college's policy of providing enough financial aid to cover the full cost of attendance after the expected family contribution has been accounted for. Colleges that meet full need ensure that the student does not face an unmet need after their financial aid is awarded.

Merit Scholarship: Financial aid awarded based on academic, athletic, or other achievements, rather than financial need. Merit scholarships are awarded to top-performing students, and the number of merit scholarships awarded and scholarship amount vary from college to college. At many colleges, all students who submit an application for admission are considered for available merit scholarships. At some colleges, students have to submit a scholarship application in addition to the college admission application.

Minor: A secondary field of study outside of a student’s major, usually requiring fewer courses. Pursuing a minor adds breadth to a student’s education in college but may extend the time needed to complete a degree if not planned carefully.

Minority: A student from a racial, ethnic, or cultural group that is underrepresented in higher education.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): The primary governing body for collegiate athletics in the U.S., setting rules for eligibility, recruitment, and competition. The NCAA provides a structured environment for student-athletes, and students must maintain certain academic and athletic standards to participate.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA): An association that governs small colleges and universities, providing student-athletes opportunities to compete in collegiate athletics. The NAIA colleges offer athletic opportunities at smaller institutions and have less visibility compared to NCAA colleges and universities.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): A professional organization dedicated to supporting college admissions and counseling professionals. NACAC sets ethical standards for college admissions, provides resources for counselors, and hosts both live and virtual college fairs and events for students to learn about colleges at various times throughout the year.

National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP): A College Board program that recognizes academically talented Hispanic/Latino high school students based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. Being recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program can lead to scholarship opportunities and recognition by colleges.

National Merit Scholarship: A prestigious scholarship program that awards students based on their PSAT/NMSQT performance, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities. The National Merit Scholarship offers significant financial aid and recognition, but is extremely competitive, with only a small percentage of students advancing through the stages.

Need-Aware Admission: An admissions policy in which a student's financial need is considered as part of the decision-making process. Not all colleges adopt a need-aware admission policy, but some colleges adopt a need-aware admission policy to better manage their financial aid resources. As a result, students who require financial aid may be disadvantaged if they apply to colleges with a need-aware admission policy.

Need-Based Scholarship: Financial aid awarded based on a student's financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or other financial forms. Need-based scholarships help reduce the cost of college for students with limited financial resources, but aid amounts may vary depending on the institution’s budget and resources, and not all colleges are able to meet the full amount of a student’s financial need.

Need-Blind Admission: An admissions policy in which a student's financial situation is not considered when making admissions decisions. Need-blind admission ensures that financial need doesn’t impact admission decisions, but not all schools have the financial resources to meet the needs of all admitted students.

Net Price: The actual cost a student will pay to attend a college, after accounting for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.

Net Price Calculator: An online tool provided by colleges that helps students estimate the cost of attendance after financial aid is applied. Using the Net Price Calculator provides a personalized estimate of college costs, but the actual cost will be determined after the student receives a financial aid award or package from the college.

No-Loan Policy: A financial aid policy where a college provides aid packages without requiring students to take out loans, usually substituting grants and scholarships. No-loan policies are typically available only at wealthy institutions with substantial financial aid resources.

Non-traditional Student: A student who does not follow the traditional path of enrolling in college right after high school. This can include older students, part-time students, or those with work or family commitments.

Numeric Review: An admissions process that focuses primarily on quantitative measures like GPA and test scores, often used for large applicant pools. An admission policy based on numeric review can provide objectivity in admissions decisions but lack consideration of qualitative factors like extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendation letters.

Official Scores (or Score Reports): Test scores sent directly from testing agencies (such as the College Board for the SAT) to colleges, typically required for admissions. Some colleges require official scores at the time students submit their application for admission, but many colleges allow students to self-report their test scores and provide official score reports after they are admitted to college.

Open Admission: An admissions policy where colleges accept any applicant with a high school diploma or equivalent, regardless of academic performance. Open admission is typically offered by community colleges or less selective institutions.

Open Curriculum: A curriculum that allows students to take courses of their choosing with few or no core requirements, giving them significant freedom in designing their education. An open curriculum encourages exploration and customization of education but may lack structure for students who need guidance.

Pass-Fail: A grading option where students receive a "pass" or "fail" instead of a traditional letter grade. Some colleges allow students to take a limited number of courses on a pass-fail basis, which can reduce academic pressure in difficult courses but may not reflect true academic performance.

Parent PLUS Loan (or Direct PLUS Loan): Federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for college costs. While Parent PLUS loans offer financial support for families, parents, not students, are responsible for repaying the loan.

Pell Grant: A need-based federal grant awarded to low-income undergraduate students to help pay for college. A Pell Grant does not need to be repaid, but there is a maximum award amount each year, which may not cover the full cost of attendance. For example, the maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024-25 academic year is $7,395. 

Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) (University of California): A set of short-answer questions that University of California applicants must respond to as part of the application process to showcase their unique qualities and experiences. The Personal Insight Questions ask students to discuss their leadership experiences, creativity, talents and skills, academic interests, community service, personal hardships, and educational barriers they may have faced. Students choose four out of eight prompts to respond to, and each response is limited to 350 words. 

Personal Statement (Personal Essay or College Essay): A narrative essay that applicants submit as part of their college application, offering insight into their personal experiences, values, and aspirations. The personal statement provides an opportunity for students to highlight personal strengths and stories beyond grades and test scores. Most but not all colleges require a personal statement.

Placement Tests: Exams taken by students, usually before beginning college, to determine the appropriate level of coursework, particularly in subjects like math or language. Placement tests help place students in the right course level for their skill set. Poor performance could place students in remedial courses, prolonging their academic timeline.

PreACT and PreACT 8/9: Standardized tests administered to students as a precursor to the ACT, providing practice and helping guide college planning. The PreACT 8/9 is administered to students in grades 8 and 9. The PreACT is administered to students in grade 10.

Portfolio: A collection of work that demonstrates a student’s skills, often required for applications to programs in the arts, architecture, design, and film. At colleges where portfolios are required, the portfolio is a very important part of the college application. Some colleges also allow applicants to submit an optional portfolio to showcase their talent and abilities regardless of major.

Prerequisites: Courses or requirements that a student must complete before enrolling in a higher-level course or program. Prerequisite courses ensure students have the necessary foundation for advanced courses but can slow academic progress if not completed in time.

President (College): The highest-ranking administrative officer at a college or university, responsible for overall management, strategic planning, and decision-making. The President oversees key aspects of the institution’s vision and governance but may have limited direct interaction with students.

Priority Date or Deadline: The date by which a college must receive an application in order to be considered for priority admission, financial aid, or scholarships. A priority deadline usually falls on a date months before the regular application deadline, but not all colleges and universities have a priority deadline.

Private College or University: A higher education institution not operated by the government and typically funded through tuition, donations, and endowments. While private colleges and universities often enroll fewer students than large public universities, and thus offer smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, private colleges are generally more expensive than public institutions.

Professional judgment (Financial Aid): The process by which a college financial aid administrator can adjust a student's financial aid package due to special or extenuating circumstances, such as loss of income or high medical expenses, that are not reflected on the FAFSA®.

Provost (College): The senior academic officer of a college or university, responsible for overseeing academic policies, curriculum, and faculty matters. A provost ensures the quality of education and academic standards at the institution and is typically less visible or accessible to students compared to other administrators.

PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9: The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test taken by high school students in grade 11, serving as practice for the SAT and as the qualifier for National Merit Scholarships. The PSAT/NMSQT is offered only once per year, limiting the chances of qualifying for scholarships. Some schools offer the PSAT 8/9 to students in grades 8 and 9 and the PSAT 10 to students in grade 10, but neither the PSAT 8/9 nor the PSAT 10 is used as a test to qualify for the National Merit Scholarships. Unlike the SAT, which students can register to take independently or as a part of a School Day test at their high school, the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 must be taken at the student’s school.

Public University: A college or university funded primarily by the state government, offering reduced tuition for in-state residents. Public universities are more affordable for residents of the state (and more expensive for students coming from out-of-state and compared to private colleges and universities), but public universities usually have larger class sizes and provide less personalized attention than private institutions.

“Public Ivies”: A name given to public universities in the U.S. known for providing an Ivy League-caliber education at a lower cost, such as the University of California, the University of Michigan, and the University of Virginia. While so-called Public Ivies offer a prestigious education with more affordable tuition compared to private colleges and universities, these institutions are still highly selective and competitive to get into.

Quadrangle (or Quad): An open, grassy area surrounded by buildings, typically at the center of a college campus. Quads provide a space for socializing and relaxation and are typically a beloved campus feature.

Quarter system: An academic calendar where the school year is divided into four 10-week terms, including summer, instead of the traditional semester system. The quarter system offers more flexibility and opportunities to take diverse courses, but courses are faster-paced courses and feature more frequent exams.

QuestBridge: A national nonprofit that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges, offering full scholarships and other support. QuestBridge provides significant financial aid and college access for underserved students but is a highly competitive program with limited spots.

“Reach Schools”: Colleges where a student’s academic qualifications (GPA, test scores) are below the institution's typical admissions profile, making acceptance less likely. Students are advised to create a well-balanced list of colleges by including a few reach, match, and safety schools.

Recruited Athlete: A student who is actively pursued by college coaches to join their sports teams, often providing advantages in the admissions process. Being identified as a recruited athlete increases the likelihood of admission and potential for athletic scholarships.

Regent (College): A member of the governing board of a college or university, responsible for making high-level decisions regarding policies, budgets, and the institution's direction. The Board of Regents ensures oversight and accountability for the institution but has limited direct influence on day-to-day student life.

Regional Officer or Representative: An admissions officer responsible for a specific geographic area, often serving as the primary contact for students applying from that region.

Registrar (College): The college official responsible for maintaining student academic records, including course registrations, grades, and transcripts. The Registrar ensures accuracy and confidentiality of academic records.

Regular Decision: The standard college application process with a set deadline, typically in January, with decisions released in March or April. At colleges with an early decision application plan, students applying by the regular decision deadline typically face more competition because most students apply during this period.

Research (Faculty-led): Research projects directed by faculty members, often involving students as assistants or contributors. Faculty-led research projects provide valuable academic and professional experience but may be competitive to get involved, particularly in high-demand fields.

Research (Independent): Research projects designed and conducted by students, sometimes with minimal faculty oversight. Independent research can provide unique opportunities for students to research topics and issues in which they have a personal interest.

Research University: A university that places a strong emphasis on research, often offering a wide range of graduate programs and conducting significant research activity. Research universities provide extensive resources and opportunities for research involvement, often on cutting-edge topics and ideas.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC): A college program that prepares students for military service as officers, often providing scholarships in exchange for a commitment to serve after graduation. ROTC programs offer significant financial aid and leadership training but require a post-graduation service commitment of eight years on active duty or in the National Guard or Army Reserve.

Resident Advisor or Assistant (RA): A student leader who lives in a residence hall and is responsible for supporting and mentoring fellow students, as well as maintaining order and organizing events. Working as an RA offers leadership experience and often provides free or reduced housing.

Residence Halls: On-campus housing provided by the college or university, typically offering shared rooms and common living spaces for students. Living in residence halls makes finding living arrangements more convenient and provides a strong sense of community.

Residential College: A housing arrangement that combines living and learning, with students and faculty members residing in the same area to promote academic and social interaction. Residential colleges foster close-knit communities and mentorship opportunities.

Restricted Early Action (also known as Single-Choice Early Action): A type of early application where students apply to one school early, without committing to attend if accepted, but may be restricted from applying early to other private colleges.

Resume: A summary of a student’s academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and other qualifications, often submitted as part of a college or job application.

Retention Rate: The percentage of students who return to the same college after their first year, often used as a measure of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. The retention rate indicates how well a college supports and engages its students overall but may not reflect individual student experiences.

Rolling Admission: A college admission policy in which applications are reviewed as they are received, with decisions made throughout the application period rather than after a set deadline. Rolling admission provides flexibility in application timing and early notifications and is often offered at less selective colleges and universities.

Room and Board: The cost of living in a college residence hall (room) and the meals provided by the college (board). While living on campus and paying for room and board may be more convenient and help students feel more integrated into campus life, doing so can be more expensive compared to off-campus housing and meal options.

SAT: A standardized test used in college admissions, focusing on math, reading, and writing skills. Standardized tests like the SAT provide a way for colleges to compare students applying from different high schools. The costs associated with these exams may be prohibitive for some students, but students can apply for fee waivers to take exams.

SAT Subject Tests: Subject-specific standardized tests previously offered by the College Board to demonstrate proficiency in specific academic areas. SAT Subject Tests allowed students to highlight strengths in particular subjects, including English, math, sciences, history and social science, foreign language, and art. The College Board discontinued Subject Tests in 2021.

“Safety Schools”: Colleges where a student’s academic qualifications exceed the institution’s average admitted student profile, making acceptance highly likely. Having a few safety schools on the college list provides a backup plan for students.

Salutatorian (High School): The student who ranks second highest in a graduating class and delivers the salutatory speech at the high school graduation ceremony.

School Profile: A document provided by high schools that offers information about the school’s academic programs, grading policies, and student demographics, used by colleges to better understand an applicant’s academic background. A school profile helps colleges assess a student’s achievements in the context of their school during the application review process.

School-Specific Applications: Applications required by individual colleges, in addition to or instead of the Common Application or Coalition Application, usually to gather more detailed or specific information. While school-specific applications allow colleges to ask unique questions that align with their values or requirements, such applications add extra work and complexity for students applying to multiple colleges.

Score Choice: A College Board policy that allows students to choose which SAT scores to send to colleges, rather than sending all test scores. Score Choice enables students to submit only their best test performances, but some colleges may still require all test scores to be submitted.

Scholarship: Financial aid awarded to students based on merit, need, or special qualifications, which does not need to be repaid. Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of college but are often competitive and may require maintaining certain academic or performance standards.

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR): A system where students report their own high school grades and coursework, which some colleges use instead of requiring an official transcript during the college application process. Self-Reported Academic Record adds another layer of work for students in the application process, and mistakes in self-reporting can lead to complications or even withdrawal of an offer of admission.

Selectivity: The percentage of applicants a college admits, with highly selective schools accepting a smaller proportion of students. While attending a highly selective school can indicate academic prestige, more selective schools are harder to get into by definition, and students should create a well-balanced list of colleges that includes a few reach, match, and safety schools.

Semester System: An academic calendar divided into two main terms (semesters), usually lasting about 15–16 weeks each. Courses taught on a semester system provide a more extended period to delve deeply into the subject matter compared to courses taught on a quarter system.

Senior Profile (or Brag Sheet): A document where high school students summarize their achievements, activities, and personal interests to help teachers and counselors write recommendation letters for college applications. At large public high schools, the senior profile helps teachers and counselors understand the student’s strengths and highlight them in the recommendation letter. Students should take the time to prepare the senior profile thoughtfully.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD): College services that provide accommodations and support to students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access to academic and campus life.

Single-Choice Early Action: See Restrictive Early Action above.

Social Sciences: A broad field of study that explores human society and social relationships, including subjects like sociology, psychology, political science, and economics.

Sophomore Standing: A designation for students who enter college with enough transfer credits (usually from AP or IB exams or dual-enrollment courses) to be considered a second-year (sophomore) student upon entry with the potential to graduate early.

Sororities: Social organizations for female college students, often focused on community service, leadership, and social activities. Sororities can provide strong networks and support systems, but membership fees and time commitments can be burdensome.

Spring Admit: A student who is admitted to college in the spring semester instead of the fall semester. Some colleges offer the opportunity for high school students to apply for admission in the spring term, while other colleges offer admission to certain students for the spring semester specifically. The reasons for admitting students for the spring semester vary between colleges. Some colleges may have room for students in the spring because they have college students graduating or are studying abroad in the fall, and other colleges may offer delayed admission to students who need more academic preparation before starting college.

Student Aid Index (SAI): The number used by colleges to determine how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive, replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting in 2024.

Student Aid Report (SAR): A summary of the information submitted on the FAFSA®, used by colleges to determine financial aid eligibility.

Student Amenities Fee: A mandatory fee that helps fund non-academic services and facilities, such as recreational centers, health services, and student unions. Student amenities fees support campus life and student well-being but add to the overall cost of attending college.

Student Loans: Money borrowed by students to pay for college, which must be repaid with interest after graduation or leaving school. Student loans are available from the federal government and private financial institutions. While student loans make college more accessible, they can lead to long-term debt, so students and their families should carefully consider the loan debt they are able to bear as they consider their college options.

Study Abroad: A program allowing students to study in a foreign country for a semester, year, or summer term, typically earning academic credit. Study abroad experiences offer cultural immersion and global perspective but can be expensive and may require adjusting to different academic systems. Courses in study abroad programs may be conducted in English or the language of the country where the program is offered. Study abroad programs are an optional component of the college experience, but some colleges actively encourage students to study abroad and boast about their student study abroad participation rate.

Study Away: Similar to study abroad, but takes place within the same country, allowing students to study at another institution or through a specific program. Study away programs provide a new academic and cultural environment without the complexities of international travel but can still involve significant logistical and financial planning involving travel and housing.

Subsidized Loans: Federal student loans where the government pays the interest while the student is in school.

“Summer Melt”: The phenomenon where high school graduates who plan to attend college fail to enroll due to financial, logistical, or personal challenges during the summer before starting.

Superscore: A practice used by many colleges and universities where applicants’ best section-level scores are used in the college application review process, even if the scores are from different tests.

Supplement: Additional information or materials required by some colleges as part of the application, often including extra essays or portfolios. Supplements allow students to provide more detailed insight into their abilities and interests but add to the workload of the application process.

Supplement Essay: An additional essay that some colleges require in the college application, focusing on specific topics related to the institution or program. Supplemental essays provide an opportunity to demonstrate fit with the college, and many colleges consider an applicant’s supplement essay to be just as important if not more important than the main personal statement.

Teaching Assistant (TA): A graduate or upper-class undergraduate student who assists a professor in teaching lower-level courses, often leading discussion groups or grading assignments.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A standardized test measuring the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, often required for international students applying to U.S. colleges. Most colleges set a minimum score international students must achieve to be eligible for admission, but the minimum score varies between colleges. Some colleges waive the TOEFL requirement for international students who attended high school in the U.S. or submit qualifying scores from other standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, but other colleges require the TOEFL for all international students without making any exceptions.

Test-Blind / Test-Free: A college admissions policy where standardized test scores from the SAT and ACT are not considered, even if submitted. A test-blind policy eliminates testing as a barrier to admissions and emphasizes other factors, such as grades and coursework, but may disadvantage students who excel in standardized tests.

Test-Flexible: A college admissions policy where students are not limited to submitting test scores from the SAT and ACT but can choose to submit scores from other standardized tests like the AP exam and IB tests.

Test-Optional: A college admissions policy where students are not required to submit standardized test scores but may do so if they have strong test scores that could enhance their academic profile.

Transcript: An official record of a student's academic performance in high school and college, including courses taken, grades received, and credits earned. Some colleges require that applicants submit official high school transcripts with their college application, and all colleges require admitted students to submit a final transcript after graduation from high school.

Transfer Student: A student who moves from one college or university to another to complete their degree. Some transfer students may face challenges with credit transfer and adjusting to a new environment.

Trimester: An academic calendar divided into three terms, usually lasting around 10–12 weeks each.

Tuition: The cost of instruction at a college or university, usually charged per credit hour or per term. Public universities typically charge different tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, giving in-state students a “discount” on tuition, but private colleges and universities charge the same tuition regardless of the student’s state of residence.

Undergraduate: A student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing one.

Unsubsidized Loans: Federal student loans where interest accrues while the student is in school and the borrower is responsible for paying the interest. Unsubsidized loans are available to a wider range of students, including those who do not demonstrate financial need, but interest accrues during school, increasing the total amount owed by the time students graduate.

Unweighted Grades: Grades that are not adjusted for the difficulty of the course, meaning an A in an honors class is the same as an A in a standard class. 

Unweighted Grade Point Average (Unweighted GPA): A GPA calculated without considering the difficulty of courses, using only the actual grades earned. While an unweighted GPA simplifies GPA calculations, it does not account for the increased rigor of advanced courses.

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): The centralized application service used for applying to undergraduate programs in the UK.

Upper Division Courses: Advanced courses typically taken by students who have completed lower-division requirements and are focusing on their major.

Upper Division Student: A student who is in their third or fourth year of college, usually focused on advanced coursework and specialization in their major.

Valedictorian: An academic title for the highest-performing student of a graduating class of an academic institution in high school.

Varsity Sport (College): A sport at the college level in which students compete for their college or university as part of the official athletic program against other varsity students from other colleges and universities. Varsity sports offer competitive opportunities and potential scholarships but may require a significant time commitment and impact academic balance.

Varsity Sport (High School): A sport at the high school level in which students compete for their high school against varsity athletes from other high schools. Varsity sports is the highest level of participation in high school and is generally considered favorably by colleges that consider extracurricular involvement in the college application process, participating in varsity sports may require a significant time commitment and impact performance in academic classes.

Waitlist: A list of applicants who may be offered admission if space becomes available after the initial round of acceptances. The waitlist provides a potential opportunity for admission if other students decline their offers but does not guarantee admission and can leave students in a state of uncertainty. 

Weighted Grade Point Average (Weighted GPA): A GPA that takes into account the difficulty of courses by giving extra weight to advanced or honors courses. A weighted GPA reflects both performance and course difficulty and is often used by colleges to assess a student’s academic rigor, but the weighted GPA can be complex to calculate and compare when high schools offer a variety of advanced-level courses.

Work-study: A federal program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for college expenses. Work-study programs help reduce the cost of college while providing work experience but can add to a student's workload and time management challenges.

Yield Rate: The percentage of admitted students who ultimately choose to enroll at a particular college. A college with a high yield rate indicates that the college is a top choice school for applicants. Conversely, a college with a low yield rate indicates that the college is not the top choice school of applicants who decide to enroll elsewhere despite being admitted.