College Vocabulary RPHS c/o 2025

A standardized undergraduate application used by more than 400 colleges for admission.

The decision to allow a student to enter a college or university.

A college reviews an application when theapplication is completed & makes a decision within a few weeks.

Any financial award to a student (e.g., grant, scholarship, work study, or loan).

An assessment of a student’s aptitudes, abilities, & interests, written by a teacher or counselor for college admissions

Money earned in a job obtained through the help of the college’s financial aid office.

Opportunities that are available after graduation from high school.

The rank or title given by a college or university to a student who has met certain academic requirements.

Allows an admitted/accepted student to postpone enrollment for one year.

Tests such as the ACT & SAT® that provide college admission officers with acomparative standard for evaluating students

An amount the student & student’s family are expected to contribute toward college.

Financial aid based on merit or criteria set by the donor. This award money does not haveto repaid.

The policy of some colleges of admitting virtually all high school graduates, regardless of academic qualifications.

This degree usually requires two additional years of full-time study after completion of a Bachelor’s Degree.

A financial aid letter or document indicating the amount and type of financial support the school is able to provide.

A two-year degree that prepares a student for further study at a four-year college or training for a career.

The application process in which a student submits an application by a specified date and receives a decision.

Tests after completing college-level work in HS; given in subject areas to determine if a student gets college hours.

University programs for superior students to enrich their educational experience through independent, advanced courses.

The information received after FAFSA has been processed. Summarizes the data & reports the Expected Family Contribution

credit-by-examination program enablingstudents to demonstrate college-level achievement in 34 different subjects.

A four-year degree from a college or university for a prescribed course of study.

A college entrance exam that measures English, math, reading and science. Scores range from 1–36.

A student’s approximate standing in her/his graduating class, based on grade point average

The subject of study in which the student chooses to specialize; a series of related courses

A form required by the government for any federal education aid program. Determines the specific federal student aid.

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Enables students to practice for the SAT®

Awards usually based on financial need and do not require repayment.

The actual certificate issued by a school, college or university to a student who has met graduation requirements.

Any school activity, such as athletics, drama or music, that offers the student an outlet to shine.

One of the highest levels of an academic degree. Typically requires a Master’s Degree plus advanced graduate courses.

Awarded upon successful completion of a short-term vocational or career training program

A formal request for admission to a college or university; requires the submission of forms and other materials.

A plan under which a student applies early in the fall and often receives an admission decision prior to January.

The official record of high school or college courses and grades; generally required as part of the college application.

A natural ability or talent.

Standardized exam used in the admission process to predict the likelihood of a student’s success in college.

An indicator of the student’s overall scholastic performance.

A plan where a student applies to the first-choice college early & signs a contract to enter that college if accepted.

When a student’s early application is postponed, and will be considered with the regular applicant pool.

Unit of value given to college classes that denotes the amount of time a student will invest in formal instruction.