Academic Terms
Half of an academic year, usually 14-16 weeks
Semester
An average of all the grades a student has received on a four-point scale
GPA
A fee payable within a specified date of acceptance for admission verifying their intention to enroll
Deposit
Cost to take classes at a college or university
Tuition
Type of studying in which you engage with the material being learned.
Active Studying
The person at a college or university who is engaged in teaching, research, service or related administrative responsibilities
Faculty
The official record of high school or college courses and grades, generally required as part of the college application
Transcript
A professional staff member in the admissions or enrollment services office who provides information about college admissions, financial aid and other college services for prospective applicants, parents, counselors and others
Admissions Officer/Counselor/Representative
Non-repayable awards to students based on merit or merit plus need.
Scholarship
The process of recording information in a written, typed, or visual format for later review.
Note Taking
The beginning course in a series of courses. It must be taken and passed before enrolling in the next class
Prerequisite
Events planned by the college to help students adjust to college life
Orientation
Permits eligible low-income students to submit college applications or test registration forms without the fee. This may be granted by a high school or college
Fee Waiver
A type of financial aid that consists of free money given to the student by the federal or state government, a company, school or charity
Grant
A small card typically used to study vocabulary and other concepts.
Flash cards/Index cards
Academic studies on subjects in the humanities, social sciences and sciences with a focus on general knowledge.
Liberal Arts
Cost to live in on-campus housing and meal plan for on-campus dining facilities
Room and Board
An application whereby you apply early, receive early notification, but you do not need to accept the admission offer prior to May 1.
Early Entry Application
Provides part time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay for educational expenses.
Federal Work Study
A knowledgeable person or coach who instructs, guides, or trains students who need help with course work.
Tutor
Recognition of a college or university by any of the regional or national accrediting bodies, indicating the institution has been judged to be meeting its objectives
Accreditation
A group of tests required or recommended by most colleges as part of the admission process. The tests measure educational development in English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning
ACT (American College Test)
If referring to admission, it permits an accepted student to postpone enrollment for a certain length of time. If referring to financial aid, it is a postponement or delay of payment obligation on a student loan.
Deferment
The primary form used to apply for financial aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
A small group of people who meet to study and discuss a particular topic.
Study Group