Common Acronyms
Every class you take earns a letter grade, and colleges average them all into one number, usually on a 4.0 scale.
What does GPA stand for?
Grade Point Average
In 1965, doctors at the University of Florida mixed up a drink to keep their football players from getting worn out in the heat. They named it after the team.
What famous sports drink was invented there?
Gatorade
...because of the Florida Gators
Before you dive into your major, most colleges require a set of classes in writing, math, science, and the arts that every student takes.
What are these required classes commonly called?
General education (gen ed) or Core Curriculum or Prereqs
STEM groups science, technology, engineering, and math. Some schools add one more letter to include creative fields.
What is the new acronym, and what does the added letter stand for?
STEAM / Art
In big college lectures, a graduate student often leads discussion sections, grades papers, and answers questions for the professor.
What does TA stand for?
Teachers Assistant / Teaching Assistant
Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this school is the oldest college in the United States.
Which college is it?
Harvard University
Community colleges offer a two-year degree you can use to start a career or transfer to a four-year school.
What is the two-year degree called?
Associates Degree
A four-year degree in English or history is often a B.A., while one in biology or engineering is often a B.S.
What do B.A. and B.S. stand for?
B. A - Bachelor of Arts
B.S - Bachelor's of Science
Each dorm floor usually has an older student trained to help residents, plan events, and keep things running smoothly.
What does RA stand for?
Resident Assistant (or Resident Advisor)
Eight private schools in the Northeast, including Yale, Princeton, and Brown, share an athletic conference named after a climbing plant.
What is this group of schools called?
The Ivy League
Your major is your main field of study, but many students add a second subject with fewer required courses.
What is that second field of study called?
A Minor
Professors set aside time each week when any student can stop by with questions, no appointment needed.
What is this time called?
Office Hours
To be considered for federal grants, loans, some private scholarships and work-study, students fill out one free government form each year.
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
In 2004, a Harvard student built a website in his dorm room so classmates could find each other online. It went on to become one of the biggest social networks in the world.
What website was it?
A college entrance exam scored on a scale from 1 to 36.
What is the name of that test?
ACT
On the first day of class, the professor hands out a document listing the readings, due dates, and how you'll be graded.
What is this document called?
Syllabus
March Madness, college football bowl games, and athlete eligibility rules are all run by this organization.
What does NCAA stand for?
National Collegiate Athletic Association
After World War II, a 1944 law paid college tuition for returning soldiers, and millions of veterans enrolled.
What is this law commonly called?
G.I Bill
Greek letters on houses, jerseys, and sweatshirts mark these social and service organizations.
What are these organizations called?
Greek Life / Sororities & Fraternities
A.A, PhD, MA, BA
are four different degrees.
Put them in order from the one you would earn first to the one earned last.
A.A, BA, MA, PhD