--- title: "College Admissions Glossary (Categories) | Elite Prep" description: "258 college admissions terms grouped by theme: high school, admissions and applications, testing, financial aid, and college life." url: "https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-categories/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-469685892-glossary-hero-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" source: "eliteprep build" --- ![Gothic stone university building with an archway and tower, framed by large trees and a green lawn under a blue sky.](https://eliteprep.com/media/iStock-469685892-glossary-hero-webp-w1600.webp) # College Admissions Glossary (Categories) This glossary includes definitions for common terms to colleges and universities as well as the college application and admissions process. [Browse every term A to Z →](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/) ## High School (34) - [AP Capstone Diploma](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-ap-capstone-diploma) A two-year program offered by the College Board based on two AP courses… - [AP Scholar](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-ap-scholar) An award granted by the College Board to students who receive scores of 3 or higher… - [AP Scholar with Distinction](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-ap-scholar-with-distinction) An award granted by the College Board to students who average at least 3.5 on all AP… - [AP Scholar with Honor](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-ap-scholar-with-honor) An award granted by the College Board to students who score an average of at least 3.25… - [Academic Calendar (High school and College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-academic-calendar) The schedule of an academic year, outlining important dates such as the start and end… - [Accreditation (High school and College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-accreditation) The process by which a high school or college is evaluated and certified as meeting… - [Advanced Placement](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-advanced-placement) A program coordinated by the College Board where high schools offer 39 college-level… - [College Credit](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-credit) Recognition of coursework that counts toward a college degree. Credits are earned… - [College Preparatory (CP) Courses](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-preparatory-cp-courses) High school courses designed to prepare students for college-level work as opposed… - [Course Credit (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-course-credit) A measure of the completion of a high school course… - [Course Rigor](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-course-rigor) The level of difficulty of high school courses, such as honors, Advanced Placement… - [Cumulative GPA](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-cumulative-gpa) The overall grade point average across all courses taken by a student during their high… - [Dual Credit](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-dual-credit) Courses that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit… - [Dual Enrollment](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-dual-enrollment) A program allowing high school students to enroll in college courses while still in high… - [Elective (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-elective-college) A course that students choose to take outside of their major requirements… - [Elective (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-elective-high-school) A course that students choose to take in high school outside of the core subjects… - [Extracurricular Activities (also referred to as Extracurriculars or ECA)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-extracurricular-activities) Non-academic activities, such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, or hobbies… - [Frosh (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-frosh) Informal term for a student in the freshman and sophomore year of high school. - [GED (Tests Of General Educational Development)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-ged) A high school equivalency test for those who did not complete high school… - [Grade Point Average (GPA) (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-grade-point-average-gpa-college) The average of a student’s grades used to measure overall academic performance… - [Grade Point Average (GPA) (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-grade-point-average-gpa-high-school) The average of a student’s grades, calculated on a 4.0 scale in the U.S… - [High School Counselor (also called College Counselor, Guidance Counselor, or College Advisor)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-high-school-counselor) A professional who assists students with academic, career… - [Honors Courses](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-honors-courses) Advanced high school classes designed to provide more challenging material and often… - [International Baccalaureate](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-international-baccalaureate) A rigorous pre-university program that offers a globally recognized diploma… - [International Baccalaureate Certificate Programme](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-international-baccalaureate-certificate-programme) A more focused version of the IB program where students complete fewer courses… - [International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-international-baccalaureate-diploma-programme) A two-year, comprehensive pre-university program that includes six subjects, an extended… - [Junior Varsity Sports (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-junior-varsity-sports) The secondary level of high school sports, typically for underclassmen or those not yet… - [Salutatorian (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-salutatorian) The student who ranks second highest in a graduating class and delivers the salutatory… - [Unweighted Grade Point Average (Unweighted GPA)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-unweighted-grade-point-average) A GPA calculated without considering the difficulty of courses, using only the actual… - [Unweighted Grades](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-unweighted-grades) Grades that are not adjusted for the difficulty of the course, meaning an A in an honors… - [Valedictorian](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-valedictorian) An academic title for the highest-performing student of a graduating class… - [Varsity Sport (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-varsity-sport-college) A sport at the college level in which students compete for their college or university… - [Varsity Sport (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-varsity-sport-high-school) A sport at the high school level in which students compete for their high school… - [Weighted Grade Point Average (Weighted GPA)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-weighted-grade-point-average) A GPA that takes into account the difficulty of courses by giving extra weight… ## Admission & Applications (101) - [A-G Subject Requirement (University of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-a-g-subject-requirement) To meet minimum admission requirements for the University of California, high school… - [Academic Preparation](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-academic-preparation) The level of readiness a student has for college-level work, often based on high school… - [Academic Profile](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-academic-profile) A summary of a student's academic achievements, including GPA, class rank… - [Acceptance Letter](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-acceptance-letter) A formal notification from a college stating that a student has been admitted… - [Accreditation (High school and College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-accreditation) The process by which a high school or college is evaluated and certified as meeting… - [Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-accreditation-board-for-engineering-and-technology) A non-profit organization that accredits programs in engineering, technology… - [Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admission) The process by which a student is accepted into a college or university after meeting… - [Admission Committee](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admission-committee) A group of college staff who review and decide on student applications. Some colleges… - [Admission Officer](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admission-officer) A staff member responsible for recruiting students and reviewing applications. Junior… - [Admission Rate (or Admit Rate)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admission-rate) The percentage of applicants who are offered admission to a college. Note… - [Admission by Exception (University of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admission-by-exception) A policy that allows students who do not meet standard admission criteria to be admitted… - [Admitted Student Days or Events](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admitted-student-days-or-events) Campus visits or events for students who have been admitted to a college… - [Alumni, Alumna, Alumnus](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-alumni-alumna-alumnus) Graduates of a college. Alumni is plural; alumna is female singular, and alumnus is male… - [Appeals (College Application)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-appeals-college-application) The process of formally challenging a college's decision to deny an applicant admission… - [Appeals (Financial Aid)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-appeals-financial-aid) The process where a student or family requests a reconsideration of the financial aid… - [Campus Tour](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-campus-tour) A guided visit to a college campus, allowing prospective students to see facilities… - [Candidates Reply Date Agreement](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-candidates-reply-date-agreement) A national agreement that gives students until May 1 to accept or decline offers… - [Class Rank](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-class-rank) A ranking of students in a graduating class based on academic performance. The class… - [Coalition Application](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-coalition-application) A college application platform used by many schools that focuses on providing access… - [College Application Essay (Personal Statement)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-application-essay) A written essay required by many colleges as part of the application process… - [College Fair](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-fair) An event where representatives from multiple colleges provide information to prospective… - [College Interview (or Campus Interview or Alumni Interview)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-interview) A meeting between a prospective student and a college admissions representative, often… - [College List](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-list) A student's curated list of schools they are interested in applying… - [College Rankings](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-rankings) Lists that rank colleges and universities based on various factors such as academic… - [College Representative (or Regional Representative)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-representative) A college staff member responsible for recruiting students from specific geographic… - [Common Application](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-common-application) (also called the Common App): A standardized college application that students can use… - [Community College (also known as Junior College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-community-college) A two-year institution offering associate degrees, certifications… - [Comprehensive Review (University of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-comprehensive-review) A holistic evaluation process used in the admissions process at the University… - [Conditional Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-conditional-admission) Admission offered with the stipulation that the student meets specific requirements… - [Consortium Colleges](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-consortium-colleges) A group of colleges that collaborate, allowing students to take courses or use resources… - [Deferral](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-deferral) A decision by a college to delay making a final decision on an applicant until a later… - [Deferred Admission or Deferred Enrollment](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-deferred-admission-or-deferred-enrollment) When a student postpones enrollment in college after being accepted, usually for a gap… - [Demonstrated Interest](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-demonstrated-interest) A measure of how much interest an applicant shows in attending a particular college… - [Denial of Admission Letter (or Rejection Letter)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-denial-of-admission-letter) A formal letter informing an applicant that they have not been accepted to a college. - [Direct Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-direct-admission) A policy where students are admitted directly into their chosen major or program… - [Disadvantaged Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-disadvantaged-student) A student who faces social, economic, or academic challenges… - [Diversity](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-diversity) The inclusion of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including race… - [Early Action](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-early-action) A non-binding application process where students apply early… - [Early Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-early-admission) Allows students to apply to college before completing high school… - [Early Decision](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-early-decision) A binding application process where students apply early (typically by November 1 or 15)… - [Early Decision II](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-early-decision-ii) A second round of binding Early Decision applications with a later deadline… - [Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) (University of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-eligibility-in-the-local-context-elc) A University of California program that guarantees admission to the top 9% of students… - [Eligibility in the Statewide Context (University of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-eligibility-in-the-statewide-context) A University of California program that guarantees admission to the top 9% of California… - [First-Generation College Student (or First-Gen)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-first-generation-college-student) A student whose parents did not attend or graduate from a four-year college… - [Fly-In Program](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-fly-in-program) A program where colleges pay for high-achieving or underrepresented students to visit… - [Gap Year](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-gap-year) A year taken off between high school and college to travel, work, or pursue personal… - [Holistic Review](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-holistic-review) An admissions process that considers the whole student, including grades, test scores… - [Honors College](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-honors-college) A program at a university that provides a more challenging and in-depth learning… - [Impacted Major or Program](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-impacted-major-or-program) A major or program with more applicants than available spaces, often requiring higher… - [Instant Decision](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-instant-decision) An admissions event where students meet with college representatives… - [Institutional Priorities](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-institutional-priorities) Institutional priorities refer to the goals, preferences… - [International Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-international-student) A student attending a college or university in a country other than their own… - [Ivy League (or the Ivies)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-ivy-league) A group of eight private, prestigious universities in the northeastern U.S… - [Junior Colleges](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-junior-colleges) See Community Colleges above. - [Legacy Applicant](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-legacy-applicant) A student whose parent(s) or grandparent(s) attended the college… - [Letters of Recommendation (also referred to as Rec Letters)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-letters-of-recommendation) Written endorsements from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know a student well… - [Liberal Arts College](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-liberal-arts-college) A college focused on undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences… - [Median](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-median) The middle value in a list of numbers, where half the values are higher and half… - [Median 25th–75th SAT/ACT Scores for a College](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-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… - [Minority](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-minority) A student from a racial, ethnic, or cultural group that is underrepresented in higher… - [National Association for College Admission Counseling](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-national-association-for-college-admission-counseling) A professional organization dedicated to supporting college admissions and counseling… - [Non-traditional Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-non-traditional-student) A student who does not follow the traditional path of enrolling in college right… - [Numeric Review](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-numeric-review) An admissions process that focuses primarily on quantitative measures like GPA and test… - [Open Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-open-admission) An admissions policy where colleges accept any applicant with a high school diploma… - [Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) (University of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-personal-insight-questions-piqs) A set of short-answer questions that University of California applicants must respond… - [Personal Statement (Personal Essay or College Essay)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-personal-statement) A narrative essay that applicants submit as part of their college application, offering… - [Portfolio](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-portfolio) A collection of work that demonstrates a student’s skills… - [Priority Date or Deadline](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-priority-date-or-deadline) The date by which a college must receive an application in order to be considered… - [Private College or University](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-private-college-or-university) A higher education institution not operated by the government and typically funded… - [Public University](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-public-university) A college or university funded primarily by the state government, offering reduced… - [QuestBridge](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-questbridge) A national nonprofit that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top… - [Recruited Athlete](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-recruited-athlete) A student who is actively pursued by college coaches to join their sports teams, often… - [Regional Officer or Representative](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-regional-officer-or-representative) An admissions officer responsible for a specific geographic area… - [Regular Decision](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-regular-decision) The standard college application process with a set deadline, typically in January… - [Research University](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-research-university) A university that places a strong emphasis on research… - [Restricted Early Action (also known as Single-Choice Early Action)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-restricted-early-action) A type of early application where students apply to one school early, without committing… - [Resume](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-resume) A summary of a student’s academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular… - [Retention Rate](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-retention-rate) The percentage of students who return to the same college after their first year, often… - [Rolling Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-rolling-admission) A college admission policy in which applications are reviewed as they are received… - [School Profile](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-school-profile) A document provided by high schools that offers information about the school’s academic… - [School-Specific Applications](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-school-specific-applications) Applications required by individual colleges, in addition to or instead of the Common… - [Selectivity](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-selectivity) The percentage of applicants a college admits… - [Self-Reported Academic Record](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-self-reported-academic-record) A system where students report their own high school grades and coursework… - [Senior Profile (or Brag Sheet)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-senior-profile) A document where high school students summarize their achievements, activities… - [Single-Choice Early Action](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-single-choice-early-action) See Restrictive Early Action above. - [Sophomore Standing](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-sophomore-standing) A designation for students who enter college with enough transfer credits… - [Spring Admit](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-spring-admit) A student who is admitted to college in the spring semester instead of the fall… - [Supplement](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-supplement) Additional information or materials required by some colleges as part… - [Supplement Essay](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-supplement-essay) An additional essay that some colleges require in the college application… - [Transcript](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-transcript) An official record of a student's academic performance in high school and college… - [Transfer Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-transfer-student) A student who moves from one college or university to another to complete their degree… - [Undergraduate](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-undergraduate) A student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing one. - [Universities and Colleges Admissions Service](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-universities-and-colleges-admissions-service) The centralized application service used for applying to undergraduate programs in the UK. - [Waitlist](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-waitlist) A list of applicants who may be offered admission if space becomes available… - [Yield Rate](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-yield-rate) The percentage of admitted students who ultimately choose to enroll at a particular… - [“HYPS”](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-hyps) An acronym referring to a group of four prestigious universities–Harvard, Yale… - [“Match Schools”](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-match-schools) Colleges where a student's academic qualifications closely align with the institution's… - [“Public Ivies”](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-public-ivies) A name given to public universities in the U.S. known for providing an Ivy… - [“Reach Schools”](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-reach-schools) Colleges where a student’s academic qualifications… - [“Safety Schools”](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-safety-schools) Colleges where a student’s academic qualifications exceed the institution’s average… - [“Summer Melt”](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-summer-melt) The phenomenon where high school graduates who plan to attend college fail to enroll due… ## Testing (20) - [Accommodations](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-accommodations) Adjustments or modifications provided to students with disabilities to ensure equal… - [Admission Tests (also referred to as Standardized Tests)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-admission-tests) Standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, used in the college admissions process… - [American College Test](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-american-college-test) A standardized test used in college admissions, measuring skills in English… - [College Board or College Entrance Examination Board](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-board-or-college-entrance-examination-board) A non-profit organization that administers standardized tests like the SAT and AP exams… - [College Level Examination Program](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-level-examination-program) A series of exams coordinated by the College Board that allow students to earn college… - [Educational Testing Service](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-educational-testing-service) A nonprofit organization that administers standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, and TOEFL. - [International English Language Testing System](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-international-english-language-testing-system) A standardized test measuring the English language proficiency of non-native speakers… - [National Hispanic Recognition Program](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-national-hispanic-recognition-program) A College Board program that recognizes academically talented Hispanic/Latino high… - [National Merit Scholarship](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-national-merit-scholarship) A prestigious scholarship program that awards students based on their PSAT/NMSQT… - [Official Scores (or Score Reports)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-official-scores) Test scores sent directly from testing agencies (such as the College Board for the SAT)… - [PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-psat-nmsqt-psat-10-and-psat-8-9) The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)… - [PreACT and PreACT 8/9](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-preact-and-preact-8-9) Standardized tests administered to students as a precursor to the ACT, providing… - [SAT](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-sat) A standardized test used in college admissions, focusing on math, reading, and writing… - [SAT Subject Tests](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-sat-subject-tests) Subject-specific standardized tests previously offered by the College Board… - [Score Choice](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-score-choice) A College Board policy that allows students to choose which SAT scores to send… - [Superscore](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-superscore) A practice used by many colleges and universities where applicants’ best section-level… - [Test of English as a Foreign Language](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-test-of-english-as-a-foreign-language) A standardized test measuring the English language proficiency of non-native speakers… - [Test-Blind / Test-Free](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-test-blind-test-free) A college admissions policy where standardized test scores from the SAT and ACT… - [Test-Flexible](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-test-flexible) A college admissions policy where students are not limited to submitting test scores… - [Test-Optional](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-test-optional) A college admissions policy where students are not required to submit standardized test… ## Financial Aid (40) - [Appeals (College Application)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-appeals-college-application) The process of formally challenging a college's decision to deny an applicant admission… - [Appeals (Financial Aid)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-appeals-financial-aid) The process where a student or family requests a reconsideration of the financial aid… - [Cal Grant (State of California)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-cal-grant) A need-based financial aid program for California residents that can be used… - [College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-college-scholarship-service-css-profile) A financial aid application offered by the College Board and used by about 250 colleges… - [Cost of Attendance](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-cost-of-attendance) The total estimated cost to attend a college, including tuition, fees, room and board… - [Demonstrated Need](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-demonstrated-need) The difference between a student’s expected family contribution and the cost… - [Dependent Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-dependent-student) A student who relies on parental financial support and whose financial aid eligibility… - [Expected Family Contribution](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-expected-family-contribution) A measure of a family’s financial strength used to determine financial aid eligibility… - [FSA ID](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-fsa-id) The FSA ID is a username and password combination used by students and their parents… - [Fee Waiver](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-fee-waiver) A waiver that allows students to apply to colleges or take standardized tests… - [Financial Aid](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-financial-aid) Assistance provided to students to help pay for college, including grants, scholarships… - [Financial Aid Award (or Financial Aid Package)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-financial-aid-award) The total amount of financial assistance offered to a student by a college… - [Financial Aid Officer](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-financial-aid-officer) A college staff member responsible for helping students understand and apply… - [Financial Need](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-financial-need) The amount of money a student needs to attend college after subtracting the Student Aid… - [Free Application for Federal Student Aid](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-free-application-for-federal-student-aid) (FAFSA®): The primary form used by U.S. students to apply for federal financial aid… - [Gapping](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-gapping) Gapping occurs when a college or university offers a student financial aid… - [Grant](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-grant) A type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid… - [Income Protection Allowance](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-income-protection-allowance) The amount of a family's income that is shielded from consideration when determining… - [Independent Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-independent-student) A student who is not financially dependent on their parents or guardians… - [Meet Full Need](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-meet-full-need) This refers to a college's policy of providing enough financial aid to cover the full… - [Merit Scholarship](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-merit-scholarship) Financial aid awarded based on academic, athletic, or other achievements… - [Need-Aware Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-need-aware-admission) An admissions policy in which a student's financial need is considered as part… - [Need-Based Scholarship](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-need-based-scholarship) Financial aid awarded based on a student's financial need, as determined by the Free… - [Need-Blind Admission](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-need-blind-admission) An admissions policy in which a student's financial situation is not considered… - [Net Price](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-net-price) The actual cost a student will pay to attend a college… - [Net Price Calculator](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-net-price-calculator) An online tool provided by colleges that helps students estimate the cost of attendance… - [No-Loan Policy](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-no-loan-policy) A financial aid policy where a college provides aid packages without requiring students… - [Parent PLUS Loan (or Direct PLUS Loan)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-parent-plus-loan) Federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay… - [Pell Grant](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-pell-grant) A need-based federal grant awarded to low-income undergraduate students to help pay… - [Professional judgment (Financial Aid)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-professional-judgment) The process by which a college financial aid administrator can adjust a student's… - [Room and Board](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-room-and-board) The cost of living in a college residence hall (room) and the meals provided… - [Scholarship](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-scholarship) Financial aid awarded to students based on merit, need, or special qualifications… - [Student Aid Index](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-student-aid-index) The number used by colleges to determine how much financial aid a student is eligible… - [Student Aid Report](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-student-aid-report) A summary of the information submitted on the FAFSA®, used by colleges to determine… - [Student Amenities Fee](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-student-amenities-fee) A mandatory fee that helps fund non-academic services and facilities… - [Student Loans](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-student-loans) Money borrowed by students to pay for college… - [Subsidized Loans](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-subsidized-loans) Federal student loans where the government pays the interest while the student… - [Tuition](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-tuition) The cost of instruction at a college or university… - [Unsubsidized Loans](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-unsubsidized-loans) Federal student loans where interest accrues while the student is in school… - [Work-study](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-work-study) A federal program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial need… ## College Life & Academics (72) - [Academic Calendar (High school and College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-academic-calendar) The schedule of an academic year, outlining important dates such as the start and end… - [Articulation Agreement](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-articulation-agreement) A formal agreement between two colleges or universities to transfer credits… - [Associate’s Degree, Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-associates-degree-associate-of-arts-aa-associate-of-science-as-associate-of-applied-science) A two-year degree awarded by community colleges, technical colleges, or other… - [Audit](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-audit) The option to take a college course without receiving a grade or credit. While auditing… - [Bachelor's Degree, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-bachelors-degree-bachelor-of-arts-ba-bachelor-of-science) A four-year undergraduate degree offered by colleges and universities. Earning… - [Blue Light System](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-blue-light-system) A campus safety feature involving strategically placed emergency phones… - [Breadth Requirements (also known as General Education Requirements or Distribution Requirements)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-breadth-requirements) Courses outside of a student's major that are required to ensure a well-rounded… - [Chancellor (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-chancellor) The head or leader of a college or university, typically responsible for overall… - [Club Sports (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-club-sports) Student-organized athletic teams that compete against other colleges… - [Cooperative Education (Co-op)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-cooperative-education) An experiential learning program where college students alternate between academic… - [Core Curriculum](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-core-curriculum) A set of required courses that all students must complete, regardless of their major… - [Dean (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-dean) An academic administrator in charge of a specific area, such as a department or college… - [Distance Learning](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-distance-learning) Education in which students take courses online or remotely rather than in person… - [Distribution Requirements](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-distribution-requirements) See Breadth Requirements above - [Division I, II, III (also referred to as D1, D2, and D3)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-division-i-ii-iii) The three levels of athletic competition governed by the NCAA… - [Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-doctor-of-philosophy) The highest academic degree awarded by universities, typically requiring original… - [Dormitory (or Dorms)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-dormitory) On-campus housing for students, usually shared with roommates, providing convenient… - [Double Major](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-double-major) When a student completes two sets of major requirements, earning one degree in two… - [Dual Degree](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-dual-degree) A program where a student earns two degrees, often in different fields… - [Educational Opportunity Program](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-educational-opportunity-program) A program offered by colleges and universities to provide academic and financial… - [Elective (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-elective-college) A course that students choose to take outside of their major requirements… - [Elective (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-elective-high-school) A course that students choose to take in high school outside of the core subjects… - [Externship](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-externship) A short-term job shadowing or work experience program, often without pay, that provides… - [Fraternity](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-fraternity) A social organization for male college students that promotes brotherhood, philanthropy… - [General Education Requirements](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-general-education-requirements) See Breadth Requirements above. - [Grade Point Average (GPA) (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-grade-point-average-gpa-college) The average of a student’s grades used to measure overall academic performance… - [Grade Point Average (GPA) (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-grade-point-average-gpa-high-school) The average of a student’s grades, calculated on a 4.0 scale in the U.S… - [Graduate Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-graduate-student) A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing an advanced degree… - [Greek System](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-greek-system) The system of fraternities and sororities on college campuses, often focused on social… - [Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-historically-black-colleges-and-universities) Colleges and universities established primarily to serve African American students… - [Humanities](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-humanities) Academic disciplines focused on human culture, such as literature, philosophy, history… - [Interdisciplinary Major](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-interdisciplinary-major) A major that combines two or more academic disciplines, allowing students to study… - [Internship](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-internship) A temporary work experience, often related to a student’s field of study… - [Intramural Sports](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-intramural-sports) Recreational sports leagues or activities organized within a school, often allowing… - [January Term (or J-Term)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-january-term) A short academic term, often lasting a few weeks in January, where students can take… - [Learning Disability](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-learning-disability) A condition that affects a student’s ability to learn in a typical manner, often… - [Liberal Arts Education](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-liberal-arts-education) An education that emphasizes a broad-based curriculum in the humanities, social… - [Lower Division Courses](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-lower-division-courses) Courses taken in the first two years of undergraduate study. Lower division courses… - [Lower Division Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-lower-division-student) A student who is in their first or second year of college… - [Major](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-major) The primary field of study a student focuses on during their undergraduate education… - [Master's Degree](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-masters-degree) A graduate-level degree that typically follows a bachelor's degree and involves… - [Minor](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-minor) A secondary field of study outside of a student’s major, usually requiring fewer… - [National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-national-association-of-intercollegiate-athletics) An association that governs small colleges and universities, providing student-athletes… - [National Collegiate Athletic Association](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-national-collegiate-athletic-association) The primary governing body for collegiate athletics in the U.S… - [Open Curriculum](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-open-curriculum) A curriculum that allows students to take courses of their choosing with few or no core… - [Pass-Fail](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-pass-fail) A grading option where students receive a "pass" or "fail" instead of a traditional… - [Placement Tests](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-placement-tests) Exams taken by students, usually before beginning college, to determine the appropriate… - [Prerequisites](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-prerequisites) Courses or requirements that a student must complete before enrolling in a higher-level… - [President (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-president) The highest-ranking administrative officer at a college or university… - [Provost (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-provost) The senior academic officer of a college or university, responsible for overseeing… - [Quadrangle (or Quad)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-quadrangle) An open, grassy area surrounded by buildings, typically at the center of a college… - [Quarter system](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-quarter-system) An academic calendar where the school year is divided into four 10-week terms… - [Regent (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-regent) A member of the governing board of a college or university, responsible for making… - [Registrar (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-registrar) The college official responsible for maintaining student academic records… - [Research (Faculty-led)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-research-faculty-led) Research projects directed by faculty members… - [Research (Independent)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-research-independent) Research projects designed and conducted by students, sometimes with minimal faculty… - [Reserve Officers' Training Corps](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-reserve-officers-training-corps) A college program that prepares students for military service as officers, often… - [Residence Halls](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-residence-halls) On-campus housing provided by the college or university, typically offering shared rooms… - [Resident Advisor or Assistant](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-resident-advisor-or-assistant) A student leader who lives in a residence hall and is responsible for supporting… - [Residential College](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-residential-college) A housing arrangement that combines living and learning, with students and faculty… - [Semester System](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-semester-system) An academic calendar divided into two main terms (semesters)… - [Services for Students with Disabilities](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-services-for-students-with-disabilities) College services that provide accommodations and support to students with documented… - [Social Sciences](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-social-sciences) A broad field of study that explores human society and social relationships… - [Sororities](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-sororities) Social organizations for female college students, often focused on community service… - [Study Abroad](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-study-abroad) A program allowing students to study in a foreign country for a semester, year… - [Study Away](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-study-away) Similar to study abroad, but takes place within the same country… - [Teaching Assistant](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-teaching-assistant) A graduate or upper-class undergraduate student who assists a professor in teaching… - [Trimester](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-trimester) An academic calendar divided into three terms, usually lasting around 10–12 weeks each. - [Upper Division Courses](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-upper-division-courses) Advanced courses typically taken by students who have completed lower-division… - [Upper Division Student](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-upper-division-student) A student who is in their third or fourth year of college, usually focused on advanced… - [Varsity Sport (College)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-varsity-sport-college) A sport at the college level in which students compete for their college or university… - [Varsity Sport (High School)](https://eliteprep.com/college-admissions-glossary-alphabetical/#term-varsity-sport-high-school) A sport at the high school level in which students compete for their high school… ## From the Blog [All posts →](https://eliteprep.com/blog/) ![Group of diverse classmates engaged in a collaborative learning discussion around a table in a modern classroom setting](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-2175699597-jpg-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Why Undergraduate Co-Op Programs Are Becoming More Popular](https://eliteprep.com/blog/undergraduate-co-op-programs-becoming-more-popular/) Many applicants focus on majors, rankings, and campus life when choosing a college. November 4, 2026 Julian Chou ![Engineering students in safety glasses working at a machine in a university workshop](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash-image-omrpeqLz6Po-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Engineering + Business: Combined Programs at Top U.S. Colleges](https://eliteprep.com/blog/engineering-business-combined-programs-at-top-us-colleges/) Combined engineering and business programs at seven US colleges, from Penn’s M&T to UC Berkeley’s M.E.T., and what sets each one apart. September 2, 2026 Julian Chou ![Student holding textbooks](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-813019744-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [How Your Major Choice Affects College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-your-major-choice-affects-college-admissions/) One of the most misunderstood aspects of the college admission process is the role of a student’s intended academic major. August 27, 2026 Julian Chou ## You Do Not Have to Navigate College Admissions Alone Whether your student is just beginning the journey or preparing applications now, Elite Prep provides the guidance, accountability and support to move forward with confidence. [Find a center near you](https://eliteprep.com/locations/)