College Lingo

The highest level of academic degree or post graduate work

Two year college at which one can earn an Associate's degree; these are public schools

Gov't funded institutions of higher learning. Campus & degree offerings range from small to large.

Students take the test as preparation for the SAT, but also to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition

Nation's most popular college entrance exam; similar in purpose to the SAT, but this test includes SCIENCE

Businesses offering a variety of degrees to prepare for a specific career. High cost & credits don't always transfer

Application completed by students who are looking for financial assistance for college

Four year degree awarded to an undergraduate student upon graduation

A demanding yet accessible curriculum that promotes critical-thinking skills as well as content knowledge

Four year school where the majority of the students on campus are studying to earn a Bachelor's degree

Degree awarded after completion of the first level of graduate work; usually geared toward a specific career field

Standardized test to provide insight into how well the student compares in math and reading to students across country

Offer specialized training in a particular industry or career (ex: dental hygiene, firefighting) to earn certificate

Focus on a specific interest or student population for example Arts, Single-Sex, or Religious Affiliation colleges

Calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that figure by the number of grades awarded.

HBCUs or HSIs~ colleges that offer programs & activities targeted to the underrepresented students they serve.

Two year degree bestowed upon a graduate of a community or junior college

Two year college at which one can earn an Associate's degree; usually a private school

Usu. smaller, more expensive w/ fewer degree options, not gov't funded, rely on donations & endowments to operate.

Offer broad base of classes in lit, language, science, history, and math. Most are private & 4 year programs