Basic College Vocab

Hey! It's Seth (again), this time talking about vocabulary for college. As someone who grew up with almost no exposure to higher education, I did not realize how little I knew. As I began the college process, I learned a different vocabulary. While words might not seem novel, becoming familiar with these is important. Familiarity is the first step in success. If you’re struggling to understand something someone says about college, this list is intended to help!

1. Basic Admissions Vocabulary:

• Admissions Officer (AO): An individual responsible for reviewing college applications and making admissions decisions.

• Holistic Admissions: A process that considers factors beyond grades and test scores, such as essays, extracurriculars, and personal background.

2. Financial Aid Vocabulary:

• Financial Aid: Assistance to help pay for education, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A form to apply for federal financial aid in the U.S.

• Student Aid Index (SAI): A metric used to assess a family’s ability to contribute to a student’s education, replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

• Scholarship: Financial assistance awarded for academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements; not repaid.

• Grant: Need-based financial aid that does not require repayment.

• Federal Student Loan: A government-provided loan with lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

• Work-Study: A program allowing students to work part-time to help cover education costs.

• Endowment: Financial assets held by a college to fund scholarships, faculty positions, and institutional needs.

• Federal Pell Grant: Based on financial need, awarded by the federal government.

• Institutional Grant: Offered by institutions to students with financial need.

• Merit-Based Grant: Awarded for academic excellence or extracurricular involvement, sometimes with consideration of financial need.

• Need-Based Grant: Given when a family cannot cover the full cost of college.

3. Application Process Vocabulary:

• Early Action (EA): Non-binding early application process with decisions typically released in December.

• Early Decision (ED): Binding early application process where admitted students must attend.

• Rolling Admissions: Applications are reviewed and decisions made continuously without a fixed deadline.

• Common Application (Common App): A standardized application for applying to multiple colleges.

• Waitlist: A list of applicants who may be offered admission if spaces become available.

• Deferral: A decision to reconsider an applicant during the regular admissions cycle.

• Interviews: Optional or required sessions for schools to assess applicants’ fit, personality, and interests.

• Transfer Application: A process for students transferring from one college to another, requiring transcripts and other documents.

• Application Fee: A fee charged when submitting a college application, often waivable for financial need.

• Application Deadline: The final date colleges accept applications for admission.

4. Application Content Vocabulary:

• Supplemental Essays: Additional essays required by some colleges to assess fit beyond the Common App essay.

• College Essay: A personal composition often required for college admission.

• Demonstrated Interest: Actions that show a student’s desire to attend a specific college, like campus visits and communication with admissions.

• Recommendations: Endorsements written by others on a student’s behalf during the application process.

• Transcript: The official record of a student’s academic performance and test scores.

5. Academic and Performance Vocabulary:

• GPA (Grade Point Average): A measure of academic performance, typically on a 0-4.0 scale.

• Class Rank: Academic standing in comparison to other students, expressed as a percentile or rank.

• Legacy: Applicants with family members who attended the same college, sometimes given admissions preference.

• Co-curricular Activities: Non-academic activities such as clubs, sports, and volunteer work that complement the curriculum.

• Honors Classes: High school courses offering more in-depth study at a faster pace than standard classes.

6. Specialized Program Vocabulary:

• AP (Advanced Placement): College-level high school courses with the potential for earning college credit via exams.

• IB (International Baccalaureate): An internationally recognized rigorous program with potential for college credit.

• Capstone Project: A final project showcasing a student’s cumulative knowledge in a degree program.

• PLAN Test: A preparatory test for the ACT, typically taken in sophomore year.

• PSAT Test: Prepares students for the SAT and qualifies them for National Merit Scholarships.

• ACT: A 2-hour-55-minute test covering English, math, reading, and science reasoning, scored on a 1–36 scale. An optional writing section is available.

• SAT: A widely used college entrance exam assessing verbal, math, and writing skills, scored up to 1600.

• Advanced Placement (AP): College-level high school classes following The College Board’s guidelines to prepare students for AP exams.

7. College Visit and Enrollment Vocabulary:

• Admitted Student Day: An event for admitted students to explore campus and connect with peers and faculty.

• Campus Interview: A face-to-face meeting between an applicant and an admissions representative. Rarely required.

• Campus Visit/Tour: An opportunity for prospective students to explore campus life, facilities, and meet staff.

• Virtual Tour: An online feature allowing students to explore campus life without visiting in person.

8. Transfer and International Vocabulary:

• Transfer Credits: Credits from one institution accepted by another when transferring.

• International Student: A student applying from outside the U.S., often required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• In-State (Resident) Student: A student whose permanent residence is within the same state as the college, often qualifying for lower tuition.

• Out-of-State (Non-Resident) Student: Students residing outside the state of the college and usually paying higher tuition.

• Prospective Student: A student showing interest in or being recruited by a college.

• College Rep Visit: Admissions representatives visit high schools or community sites to recruit students.

9. Financial and Administrative Vocabulary:

• Institutional Loan: A loan provided by the college using its own funds.

• PLUS Loan: A federal loan that allows parents to borrow up to the total cost of education.

• Stafford Loan: A federal student loan, which may be subsidized (government pays interest while in school) or unsubsidized (interest accrues).

• William Ford Direct Loan Program: Loans administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

10. Miscellaneous:

• “Best Fit”: The college that best suits a student’s needs, interests, and goals—not necessarily the most prestigious.

• School Profile: An overview of a high school’s program and grading system sent to colleges with student transcripts.

• “Reach School”: A school where admission is uncertain due to the applicant’s test scores or GPA being slightly below the school’s profile.

• “Safety School”: A college where a student exceeds the admission requirements and would be happy attending.

• Selectivity: How a college evaluates applicants, ranging from highly selective (admitting 25% or fewer) to open admission.

• College Goal Sunday: Helps with filling out the FAFSA.

• FastWeb: A scholarship search tool.

• The Student Guide: A comprehensive resource on financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

• Mentor: Experienced individuals who provide guidance, advice, and support to someone less experienced (a mentee).

• Internship: Short-term professional experiences where students or recent graduates work at a company or organization to gain practical skills and hands-on experience in a specific field.

• Alumni: Individuals who have graduated from a school, college, or university.

• Vocational/Technical School: Provides career-oriented programs lasting a few months to a few years.

Hopefully this list helps a little. Also, if there's anything you feel should be added, message me at info@accesspointfoundation.org and I'll be sure to update it. Thanks!

- Seth