College Vocabulary RPHS c/o 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A natural ability or talent.

An indicator of the student’s overall scholastic performance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opportunities that are available after graduation from high school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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