College Vocabulary RPHS c/o 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A natural ability or talent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An indicator of the student’s overall scholastic performance.

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

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

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

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

Opportunities that are available after graduation from high school.

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

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

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

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

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

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