COLLEGE
A student who is taking 12 or more credit hours during the spring or fall semester at a college or university.
Full-Time Student Status
This award is a need-based form of financial aid. This award allows you to find a job, usually on campus, and work to earn your award. Just like any other job, you are paid for the number of hours you work, but you are restricted from working more than 19 hours per week or earning more than your award amount.
Work Study
Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses.
Scholarship
A college entrance exam that determines college readiness.
ACT or SAT
Something required as a prior condition for something else to happen. (A lower level class must be taken to take higher level class….example: Biology 1 before Biology 2)
Prerequisite
Money you borrow and pay back with interest. There’s usually a six-month grace period after graduation before payment begins
Loan
Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).
Grants
An official report given by a college/school which contains official records of an individual student. It will list time attended, subjects studied, grades received, and special awards/recognition.
Transcript
Admissions process that allows you to apply to multiple schools earlier than the regular deadline. You learn of your acceptance early, but are not bound to enroll at the school once you’re accepted.
Early Action
What form do students need to fill out before college to obtain federal student aid?
FAFSA
An essay that you write about yourself. It normally includes background information as well as personal goals.
Personal Essay
A person with exceptional knowledge of a certain subject whom one can go to for extra help.
Tutor
Admissions process that allows you to apply to your first college choice, with the understanding that you’ll enroll in that school if you’re accepted. You’re often notified of your admission by mid-December, rather than March/April.
Early Decision
The cost of your classes. Some schools charge based on how many units you are taking, while others charge a base rate per semester as long as you stay within a certain range of units.
Tuition
Online application from the College Board that’s used to apply for non-federal financial aid and scholarships for college, university and professional schools.
CSS Profile
A letter written by someone who can recommend an individual's work or academic performance.
Recommendation Letter
Each residence hall floor has an older student living there to oversee the students, enforce community standards, and run social programs, among other duties. What is this persons title?
Resident Assistant (RA)
This refers to the types of financial aid a college is willing to offer you. Your package may include a combination of loans, grants, work study, and scholarships.
Award Package
Scholarships that are based on your family’s financial need. Cost of Attendance (COA) minus Expected Family Contribution (EFC) equals need.
Need-Based Scholarship
When a college meets a student’s needs and wants academically, socially, and financially.
Best College Fit