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What is the name of the official record of your course work that most colleges require as part of the application?
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What is Early Action (EA) and how does it differ from Early Decision (ED) in terms of obligation?
EA: non‑binding early application option; ED: binding early application requiring enrollment if admitted.
What federal form must most students complete to apply for need‑based financial aid?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Name the standardized application that allows a student to apply to many colleges with a single submission.
Common Application (Common App)
What term is used in the glossary to indicate that a student has been accepted to a college?
What degree is described as being earned at four‑year colleges?
Bachelor's Degree
What admission policy reviews each application as soon as all materials arrive rather than by a single deadline?
Rolling Admission
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI) and how is it related to FAFSA?
SAI: amount government believes family can pay; calculated from FAFSA data.
What is a Net Price Calculator and why are students encouraged to use it?
Net Price Calculator: college‑provided tool to estimate likely aid and total cost; helps families assess affordability.
If a college cannot make an immediate offer for an early applicant but plans to review the application again in a later round, what status would the student receive?
Defer
Define "Major" as used in college admissions language.
Major: a student's concentrated field of study.
Describe "Regular Decision" and the typical deadline by which applicants receive admission decisions.
Regular Decision: apply by published deadlines and receive decisions (commonly by April 1).
Write the formula described for "Demonstrated Need" using the terms Cost of Attendance and Expected Family Contribution. (Use the terms exactly as in the glossary.)
Demonstrated Need = Cost of Attendance − Expected Family Contribution
What is the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and when might a student need to complete it?
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: College Board form required by some (often selective) private universities for institutional aid.
What is a "Waiting List" and when might an applicant on the waitlist be offered admission?
Waiting List: offered admission if space becomes available after accepted students decide not to enroll
Why is it important to request an official transcript rather than a copy when applying to colleges that require one?
Official transcripts verify authenticity, include official seals/records, and meet college documentation requirements (copies may be unofficial). Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
What is QuestBridge (QB), who does it serve, and what is a key limitation students should know about the match process?
QuestBridge: for first‑generation/low‑income students; binding match process that may not place a student at their top choice (students should consult their advisor)
What is a Pell Grant and how does it differ from a federal loan?
Pell Grant: federal gift aid that does not need to be repaid; loans must be repaid and may accrue interest.
Describe what information is typically provided in a Financial Aid Award Letter.
Financial Aid Award Letter lists types and amounts of aid (grants, scholarships, loans, work‑study) the school will provide if the student enrolls full time.
Define "Need‑Blind Admission" and give one important limitation of this policy noted in the glossary.
Need‑Blind Admission: admissions decisions made without considering financial circumstances; limitation—colleges may still not meet full financial need.
Explain how senior year grades on your transcript might affect an admission decision if you applied Early Action and were deferred.
If deferred, colleges may request updates including first‑term senior grades; strong senior grades can improve chances during the next review.
A student is accepted via Early Decision but discovers the college price seems unaffordable. According to the glossary advice, what step should the student have completed before applying ED, and why?
Complete a Net Price Calculator before applying ED to ensure affordability.
Explain what "Gap / Unmet Need" means and name one consequence for a student if their unmet need cannot be covered.
Gap / Unmet Need = when financial aid offered does not meet Demonstrated Need; consequence: school may be unaffordable unless additional scholarships cover the gap.
Explain why colleges provide Net Price Calculators anonymously and why saving a snapshot of the result is recommended.
They are anonymous to protect privacy; saving a snapshot preserves the estimate because results are not stored by the college.
Compare and contrast "Subsidized" and "Unsubsidized" federal loans as described in the glossary.
Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled; unsubsidized loans accrue interest during enrollment. Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.