Important Definitions Used in the College Admissions Process
Perhaps it would be helpful for students and parents new to the college or university search process to clarify some of the terms used in the United States when a student applies to a college/university. Please see the frequently used terms defined below.
Terminology Used in College/University Applications
Institution:
This is defined in the admissions process as an educational level provided by universities, community colleges, technology institutes, along with other collegiate establishments, including vocational schools and trade schools, which grant academic degrees and/or other professional certifications.
School:
Under the direction of educators, such as teachers and professors, a school refers to an educational institution that provides a learning environment in the interest of teaching students. The word “school” in the U.S. describes wherever people learn; including colleges and universities. The term can be used for any English speaking institute: undergraduate or graduate program, secondary school, primary school, etc. Particular schools dedicate themselves to one specific field, that can vary from music to economics.
College/University Admissions:
In the United States, this refers to the practice of applying for entry to one of the nation’s accredited schools of higher learning for undergraduate or graduate education.
Score Choice:
This is a complimentary program established by the College Board to aid the reduction of stress created by the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests. Score Choice enables students to submit only the single best score to potential schools if the SAT is taken numerous times.
Superscore:
Superscoring is a system through which colleges/universities recognize the topmost section scores across the dates you took the SAT or ACT. The schools will take your highest section scores rather than confining your scores to a particular date, formulating the optimal overall score.
Transcript:
A transcript records academic achievements of a student, including courses taken, along with grades, honors, and degrees received. It can be referred to by several names: academic transcript, school transcript or academic record.
GPA:
Your GPA (grade point average) is a computed average of the grades you earn in school on a scale of 0 to 4.0 or 0 to 5.0, determined by all the grades you earn in all of your classes that semester or trimester. There is also a cumulative GPA kept on record, created by a continuous average of all your semester GPAs, starting in freshman year. Your GPA can decide if you are qualified for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in your high school career. When applying to schools, the greater your GPA, the better your likelihood is to be admitted into your targeted school. In the admission process, potential colleges/universities consider both your GPA and the rank of your GPA attributed class. Your GPA also plays a role in your ability to obtain both educational and athletic college/university scholarships and financial support from the school.
Class Ranking:
This is a numerical overview of the academic achievements of a student relative to other participants in the class. The rankings factor in the grade obtained and the difficulty level of the class (AP, honors, college-preparation). Schools typically combine both of these to calculate the grade point average (GPA). This is then placed in relation to other student’s GPAs, and ranked.
Holistic College Admissions:
The term refers to emphasis on a whole person, rather than select parts that define the entire individual. Colleges/universities that use holistic admissions regard the applicant as a whole, on top of test scores (SAT/ACT) and GPA results. The admissions process formed the concept that a test score or GPA does not fully reflect who a student is and what he or she can achieve, or contribute to the school.
Legacy:
Having a “legacy status” implies that the prospective student has or had a relative study at the college/university they are applying to for admission. For some colleges/universities, this status does have some influence on whether a specified applicant is enrolled or not. Most colleges will define their use of “legacy” as marginal, a way for otherwise comparable candidates to adjudicate choices.
Demonstrated Interest:
Evidence of interest shows a college/university that you really plan to attend their institution, or are highly willing to attend. They regard more than just who is the most eligible when schools decide on candidates. Through your application, admission officers aim to distinguish which learners will actually participate because they need a sufficient amount of new students. Campus tours are offered by most colleges/universities, some of which monitor your attendance. Colleges/universities often ask you to put your name on a list when attending, to show admissions officers. Visiting the college/university tends to indicate that a candidate is considering attending heavily. Likewise, attending a “college fair” at your high school can inform you about the prospective school, if you are unable to visit in person. Another way to show your interest in a school is through applying as an Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) candidate. However, Early Decision requires a “1st Choice” commitment and/or tuition deposit, so the applicant should be certain of his/her attendance to the school. Students applying to colleges/universities that offer optional interviews, will most likely take advantage of this offer to show their interest and to highlight their enthusiasm about the school, both of which can assist admission opportunities at some schools.
Early Decision:
Students apply early (generally between November 1st and 15th) under this program and will receive their admission decision, normally by December 15th. This program is commonly called “ED.” The student, parents, and the school counselor sign a commitment if accepted by the college/university, indicating they will attend and reject all other admission opportunities. Under Early Decision, you may only apply to one college. That college/university may either deny your application or defer you to be reconsidered during regular admissions. Candidates are able to apply to other colleges after being deferred or denied.
Early Decision II:
Due in January, this application must be submitted by January, as the decision will be sent out by February. Similar to Early Decision, the student’s application is restricted to one college; and if the student applies during Early Decision, he/she may not reapply to the previous school. Applications are due at the same time as regular decision to ensure you are still devoted to that one school. Both Early Decision options only allow you to dedicate yourself to that one particular school, and requires the student to accept, unless there are financial restrictions. Despite previously applying in the first Early Decision pool, you are still eligible to apply in Early Decision II, and other regular decisions, as long as you did not apply to the same school as Early Decision.
*Binding: When used in the admissions process, it refers to when a student is accepted into a school, and are required to attend and refuse any other school’s acceptances. This is typically used in the Early Decision applications, since the program “binds” them to that particular school.
Early Action:
There are two forms of the Early Action process, non-restrictive and restrictive. This process is typically called “EA.” Unlike Early Decision, prospective students are not bound to one school. If the student chooses to apply under Early Action, they will get an earlier admissions decision than regular decision, but can choose not to attend that school. Under this program, you can apply to multiple schools during the regular decision process. The decision must be made by May 1st, and the deadline for this application is the same time as regular decision applications. The apparent benefit of applying under Early Action rather than Early Decision is the chance it provides you to apply, and eventually compare multi-school financial aid packages. If an Early Decision is approved, you have the possibility of missing other schools’ admission while waiting for your acceptance or rejection. There are two forms of Early Action: non-restrictive and restrictive. Non-restrictive does not bind the student to one school, and they are free to apply to other schools through their Early Decision or Early Action programs. The restrictive program does not allow the student to apply to other school’s Early Decision or Early Action programs.
Regular Decision:
Referred to as “RD,” this is the typical admissions process, where students apply by the released deadlines, undertaking to receive a decision on admissions by April 1st of their senior year at the latest. Some colleges/universities will issue recruitment choices prior to April 1st, however there is no requirement for the student to decide on whether to attend until May 1st—the National Decision Day in the U.S.
Rolling Admission:
Accepting students to undergraduate programs is a practice of many schools, and is called “RA.” Applicants are encouraged to apply to the college/university during the typical six month or longer window of application acceptance. Some colleges/universities do not have a previously defined end date, and close their applications when all the places are filled. After submission, the college/university will evaluate the student’s application file and contact the applicant after conducting their review and making their decision. Rolling Admissions benefits include possibly being less stressful for students, and for college admission officers, as not all requests flow in simultaneously. This also ensures they will spend more time on each application, since there is not an immense amount coming in the same time. Applicants can submit them between the summer prior to their senior year up till halfway through their senior year. However, this process comes with some disadvantages. The students submit their applications after regular admissions schools begin to take applications, and schools sometimes prefer students who submit applications earlier. Additionally, schools may be overwhelmed with the amount of applications, if they misjudge the number of applications they receive. This leads to the school having to deny the more-qualified applicants if they apply later. Even if accepted, they may have less financial aid or housing options, if any at all, as the school will provide them chronologically.
Reach/Dream School:
Your dream school is a college/university where your academic credentials lie on the lower end, or even below, the spectrum of the school. It is essential to be realistic when identifying a reach college/university. Being granted admission to an elite college/university with a poor GPA is rather unlikely. But even if your SATs may be a few hundred points short of the average score for that school, or your GPA falls shorts, your dream school gives you an opportunity to try your luck if you really like that college. The admissions officer might see something about you that will benefit the school’s community. Even if the tuition is slightly out of reach, the willingness of the school for your involvement will enable them to assist you with financial need and make the price more affordable.
Target/Match School:
This is a school that is more likely to accept you as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular participation is similar to a majority of the students currently attending. However, this does not ensure admission, you can apply with assurance that you have a better shot.
Safety/Back-Up School:
A safety school is one in which your educational qualifications exceed recognized average students through exam scores, rank within your class, and grades, i.e. our standardized exam scores, class rank and high school grades are well above the average for the admitted student. There will also be comparatively elevated acceptances compared to other schools. Although there is a high likelihood of you being accepted, therefore, but this is not certain.
“Best Fit”/”Good Fit” School:
One of these terms that is used throughout the college counseling world. It will be a regular term students hear during their college/university search. This refers to when a college/university appeals to the student’s academic, social and financial needs.
The Various Types of Tests
PSAT 8/9:
Typically, this assessment is held in eighth grade or ninth grade at the very start of high school. In spite of size, the PSAT 8/9 is very comparable to the PSAT / NMSQT, with the large distinctions being that PSAT 8/9 is shorter and highlights educational ideas that are more suitable for the age group. especially in the math segments. This acts as a good measuring point for the future standardized test you are going to take.
PSAT 10:
Like the PSAT 8/9, this exam further prepares the student for the future PSAT/NMSQT. This test is much more similar to the PSAT/NMSQT in terms of the number of questions and format. This also may contribute to your decision for what Advanced Placement courses you want to take or are qualified to take. Every tenth grader who takes this test will take it during the spring of the academic year.
PSAT:
The Preliminary SAT is a practical variant of the SAT exam, also referred as the PSAT / NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). You can only take the test once annually, and in both 10th and/or 11th grade, many students take the exam. However, only the test you take in junior year counts toward the possibility of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship. The test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, comprising of three sections: reading, writing and mathematics. Unlike the SAT, a 1520 is the greatest viable result.
SAT:
The SAT(Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized test, administered by College Board, targeted towards students who aspire to attend undergraduate programs at different schools around the US. This exam will measure a candidate’s ability to perform in mathematics, reading and writing. The test is scored on a scale between 400 to 1600, compiled of two 800-point parts: math and english. The test is targeted to take a total of 3 hours and 50 minutes, and it’s score can be used for up to 5 years. The SAT also offers a writing section which is taken and graded separately.
ACT:
The ACT is a standard test which measures the abilities of a student in five key fields: reading, writing, English, math and science. Typically, students will take the ACT in their junior and senior years. They take this test, as most college/university applications require this. Colleges/universities use this to have a source of data on each applicant, and to be able to compare all of the prospective students. This test is slightly shorter than the SAT, taking 3 hours and 35 minutes. Like the SAT, each section is scored separately on a scale of 1 to 36, and then averaged. Unlike the SAT, this test has three sections: math, english and science rather than just math and science. If you choose to take the writing portion of the test, that will be graded separately, and not part of your overall average.
SAT Subject Tests:
This test is submitted to colleges/universities, only testing particular subjects that demonstrate a student’s interests and strong subjects. These subject tests will assess the student’s proficiency in five subjects: math, science, english, history and languages. There are a total of 20 subject tests, and each lasts for an hour. Unlike the SAT, this test is graded on a 200 to 800 point scale. You are able to take these tests at the same centers that administer the SAT, but not every one of the 20 tests are available to take on every test date the SAT is given. The Language test is only offered during November. You can take up to three Subject Tests on one day, but you cannot take both the SAT and it’s Subject Tests in one day.
AP:
Also known as the Advanced Placement test, this test is administered by the College Board, and are given in early May. All students across the nation taking a particular class take the test on the same day. This test is cumulative of that year’s materials, and typically consists of a short written answers section along with a multiple choice section. Some AP classes don’t take tests: AP Studio Art has it’s students present their portfolio, or AP Computer Science students perform several “Create and Explore” tasks in place of their AP test.
IB:
The IB program, meaning International Baccalaureate program, allows students to submerge themselves in a program that could help them earn a diploma acknowledged globally. In order to obtain this certificate, a student must attend a school approved by the IB program, take classes in six diverse areas, pass all of the exams and meet the three other requirements. After obtaining the diploma, the student stands a better chance of getting into a school.
TOEFL:
An acronym for the Test of English as a Foreign Student, assesses the skills of non-native speakers who want to study in an English-speaking institution. This exam can be waived at certain schools, depending on the conditions.
Understanding The Institutional Types
University:
A vast and varied establishment, a university is dedicated to students who seek to pursue greater education and be awarded degrees for their future career. This is a place for post-secondary level studies. They strive to give complete programs for both undergraduates and graduates, indicating various institutions are in their structure. There is typically a humanities and science department, along with an architectural college. One or more of these schools will provide lessons that a student needs to obtain his/her Bachelor’s degree. The other college facilities are “graduate” colleges in which participants obtain specialized diplomas: Master’s (M.A.), Doctorate (Ph.D.), etc. Despite the fact that students refer to universities under the word “college,” when speaking of their undergraduate schooling, they can possibly be referring to universities or college in its literal sense.
College:
Although both college and university can provide you with an undergraduate and graduate program, this typically is defined as a part of a university that specializes in one area of study. Typically, the words are used in the same context.
Public Institutions:
They are mainly state-funded schools or universities, that are typically larger than private schools (population wise) and have bigger class sizes. In both liberal arts courses and specific programs, you’ll probably have a bigger range of studies, compared to the range offered in a private school.
Private Institutions:
These are schools that often function as non-profit academic institutions, that do not obtain their financing from the government. The population is usually smaller than public colleges. But some of these schools may be associated with religion, and may have a less diverse option of majors.
Public Flagship University:
A flagship university appears to be the state’s most prevalent school, normally the first public institution ever established and the one that gets the most government assistance. Most individuals prefer to aim for this school due to their decent reputation for a doctoral program. These schools have graduated many NCAA Division I athletes, and are affiliated with the Association of American Universities. The association with the two makes it possible for the college to portray itself as respectable and with excellent governance. The Association is dedicated to providing a good education and recognizes only those universities that are leading in scholarly studies. The organization includes sixty-two universities in total; sixty in the U.S. and two in Canada.
*National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): This organization is divided into three Divisions: I, II, and III. It’s goal is to help student athletes finish their education while still being able to participate in their sport. If their school is in Division I or II, they may qualify for certain scholarships towards particular university and college tuition. To be affiliated with this organization is beneficial, since only schools with very talented athletes are part of this organization.
Research Universities:
This type of university is a school that a key aspect of its task is dedicated to resarch, whether it is a public or private school. These universities concentrate heavily on producing research across all departments and have recognized affiliates.
Technical Institutes:
Sometimes referred to as technical colleges, these schools customize the student’s learning in a particular career including digital technology, company administration, food science, technology, medical services, legal representation, automotive engineering, and fashion design.
Community Colleges:
Community colleges generally offer associate degrees, but some issue diploma programs as well. They provide two-year programs, that are affordable and it’s credits can be reassigned to different schools. These colleges have a smaller population than universities, and a majority of them accept applications from anyone who has graduated from high school or has a GED. They provide a broad range of choices in education, including preparation for the transition to a four year university, training, and human resources for post-secondary students. They also offer many programs that won’t give you a credit, but will benefit your resume, such as a english as a second language, social events, and society enhancement.
Liberal Arts Colleges:
These colleges offer four-year programs, typically undergraduate. Research programs are not a primary objective of the college due to the absence of graduate programs, so they tend to focus on more generic education, and accentuate their student’s abilities on problem solving. Literature, geography, languages, arithmetics and life sciences are the primary fields of research at a Liberal Arts School. They appear to offer fewer course ranges than universities and generally do not provide specialized programs such as pharmaceuticals or computer science. Although some are independent, others are a part of a college. These colleges typically enroll a smaller population of students which allows for stronger relationships between students and teachers.
Knowing Your Financial Terms
Financial Aid:
Along with the immense number of forms you need to submit to attend a college/university, there is also the responsibility of paying the demanding tuition. Through the help of FAFSA, you and your family can be relieved of some of the burden by applying for financial assistance through FAFSA.
AGI:
Short for Adjusted Gross Income, most financial assistance methods require families and students to report their taxable AGI depending on revenue.
Alternative Loans:
To sign up for these financial assistance programs, students must enroll in school, since many independent student loans are not backed by the federal government from schools.
Capitalized Interest:
Capitalized interest is the interest added to the loan’s initial amount and increases the amount of debt.
COA:
Also referred to as the Cost of Attendance, this is the full expense of studying at a college/university: tuition, room and board, laboratory charges, travel, and other fundamental living costs.
CSS Profile:
The College Scholarship Service Profile is a type of financial assistance that is used by many schools to assess how much non-federal financial aid a candidate can qualify for.
Credit Hour:
These are a class’s worth in terms of credits. Certain courses might only award you two credits, while others can reward up to four, just for one class. Each class has different values, depending on your school and the difficulty level of the class. These credit hours often impact your tuition expenses.
Deferment:
This is a granted postponed repayment of your student loan, that is authorized by the loaner.
Department of Education:
This federal department regulates the economic assistance to it’s national students.
Direct Loan:
The loan program controlled by the Department of Education, that is available to students who require financial assistance in paying their tuition.
EFC:
Standing for the Expected Family Contribution, this amount is calculated to assess your suitability for financial help as a domestic student. It is determined by the financial statements you submit with your FAFSA applications, which is how you apply for financial support. In your Student Aid Report (SAR), your EFC will be disclosed to you.
FAA:
Also known as the Financial Aid Administrator, a FAA is a college/university staff member engaged in the administration of financial aid, sometimes recognized as a financial aid advisor, officer or counselor.
FAFSA:
Short for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, this application is the first phase in the procedure of applying for federal financial aid assistance. This application is required in order to qualify for governmental funded financial help.
Federal School Code (Title IV Institution Code):
There is a six character institution code associated to each university, or college program. When filling out a FAFSA, you must incorporate the code correlated with every one of your college applications. These numbers are accessible by getting in touch with the college/university or retrieving it on the internet.
FFEL Program:
This stands for the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
FSEOG:
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a federal government program, that not all colleges/universities engage in, that offers need-based grants to low-income college students and is managed through the financial assistance department of the school.
Federal Work-Study Program:
This program is government funded, and is another need-based program granted by each school that gives students the opportunity to work on campus to subsidies the cost of their overall tuition.
Grant:
Unlike a loan, a grant does not have to be repaid. A grant is a monetary sum awarded to a student, typically funded by a national or state program, or an independent charity, etc.
GSL:
A Guaranteed Student Loan, more commonly referred to as the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
Independent Student:
These students are non reliant on their family for financial support.
MPN:
The Master Promissory Note is a form that guarantees your reimbursement of the loaned money, written by the student or their family.
National Merit Scholarship Program:
Decided when taking the PSAT/NMSQT, in their high school junior year students who surpass a certain score on the test qualify for certain scholarships that are not openly available to other students.
Need-Based:
This financial assistance is requested by students who have a financial need, determined by the revenue of a student and their family which is available to fund college/university costs. Typically, it is awarded and not a loan requiring repayment.
NSLDS:
Short for the National Student Loan Data System, this financial assistance is requested by students who have a financial need, determined by income status. It is a loan and must be repaid with low-interest rates.
Pell Grant:
The Federal Pell Grant program offers grants, that are not repaid to students from low income families.
PLUS:
These are government funded loans offered to undergraduate and graduate students to assist with educational expenditures. The Department of Education directly makes the loans through the colleges/universities involved in the program to it’s qualified borrowers.
ROTC:
The abbreviation for Reserve Officers Training Corps is the military program that assists with a student’s school tuition in exchange for their commitment to their summer training and several years of service after the completion of their education.
SAR:
Also known as the Student Aid Report, this document outlines the data recorded on your FAFSA file and displays the sum of assumed financial contribution from your family.
Scholarships:
Scholarships provide relief for some of the financial burden on a student. There are countless forms of scholarships, both government and independent, some on the basis of necessity, value and ability, or they have particular provisions.
Work Study:
By seeking employment on the school’s campus, a student can earn income to relieve part of the financial burden of their tuition and college costs.