College Vocab
What does “GPA” stand for?
Answer: What is Grade Point Average?
What is the name of the main application used by many colleges across the U.S.?
What is the Common Application (Common App)?
What type of section lets you list sports, clubs, jobs, or volunteering?
Answer: The Activities section.
What is the purpose of the personal statement?
Answer: To tell your story and show who you are beyond grades and numbers.
What does FAFSA stand for?
Answer: Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
What does “recommendation letter” mean in the context of applications?
Answer: A letter written by a teacher, counselor, or mentor highlighting your strengths.
What is the difference between “Early Decision” and “Early Action”?
Early Decision is binding, Early Action is not.
What does “leadership experience” mean on an application?
Answer: Roles where you guided or influenced others (e.g., team captain, club president).
True or False: You should start your essay with “Hello, my name is…”
False. Essays should be engaging and personal, not like a formal introduction.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a grant?
Answer: Both are money you don’t repay, but scholarships are often merit-based; grants are need-based.
What does “rolling admissions” mean?
Answer: Colleges review applications as they are received and make decisions continuously.
What is the document that shows your grades and classes throughout high school?
Answer: What is a transcript?
True or False: Colleges only care about academic clubs and sports.
Answer: False. They value a variety of interests, including arts, work, and community service.
What is one strategy to make your essay stand out?
Answer: Using personal stories, specific details, and authentic voice.
What is “work-study”?
Answer: A federal program allowing students to earn money through campus jobs.
Define “holistic review.”
Answer: Admissions process where schools consider the whole student, not just grades/test scores.
What does “test-optional” mean in college admissions?
Students may choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores.
: What is the maximum number of activities you can list on the Common App?
Answer: 10 activities.
What should you avoid in a college essay? (Name one)
Answer: Clichés, repetition of résumé, or being too generic.
What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
Answer: Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest while you’re in school; unsubsidized loans do.
What is a “supplemental essay”?
Answer: An extra essay required by some colleges in addition to the personal statement.
What is the term for the list of schools you apply to, including safety, target, and reach schools?
What is an application list?
Why do colleges ask about how many hours per week or weeks per year you participate in activities?
Answer: To understand your commitment and time management.
How long is the Common App personal statement?
Answer: Up to 650 words.
Wat is a “net price calculator” on a college’s website used for?
Answer: To estimate how much you will actually pay after aid and scholarships.