College Basics
This is an institution that offers higher education after high school and can grant degrees like associate's, bachelor's, and more.
What is a college ?
This type of college is usually funded by the government and often offers lower tuition to in-state students.
What is a public college?
This common standardized test originally named the Scholastic Aptitude Test was historically required by many colleges but is now optional at many schools.
What is the SAT?
This term describes the total estimated cost of attending a college for one year, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses.
What is cost of attendance ?
This is the process of submitting your application to multiple colleges and then deciding which one to attend after receiving all your acceptance letters.
What is making a college-decision?
This is the first level of college degree, usually taking about 4 years to complete.
This type of college is usually smaller, relies on tuition and donations for funding, and may have a religious or historical affiliation.
What is a private college?
This type of letter, often written by a teacher or counselor, supports a student’s application by describing their skills and character.
What is a recommendation letter?
This financial form helps colleges determine how much financial aid a student qualifies for.
What is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
This office helps you register for classes and tracks your academic progress toward your degree.
What is the registrar’s office?
In college, a student’s primary field of study is called this.
What is a major ?
Colleges that are highly specialized in areas like art, music, or engineering are often referred to as this type of institution.
What is a specialty school?
This essay is a key part of many college applications, allowing students to share their story, goals, and personality.
What is a personal statement ?
This federal program allows students to earn money for college expenses through part-time campus jobs.
What is work-study?
This system allows you to access your college email, register for classes, and check grades online.
What is the student portal ?
This type of college typically offers 2-year degrees and certificates and is often local and more affordable.
What is a community college?
This term refers to how many students are enrolled in a college. This can can impact class size, resources, and campus culture.
What is school size ?
Many colleges require this official document from your high school showing your grades and courses completed.
What is a transcript?
This is the money you borrow to pay for college that must be repaid with interest.
What is a student loan?
This office or department helps students with academic advising, course selection, and career planning.
What is the academic advising office ?
These two main types of bachelor's degrees are usually awarded based on whether a student's academic focus is in the arts or sciences.
What are a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)?
This term refers to the mix of students by race, ethnicity, gender, and background on campus, helping to measure diversity, reported by the college.
What is student demographics?
This term describes when a student is put on hold by a college and may be admitted later if spots open up.
What is being waitlisted?
This common financial aid term refers to your family’s financial situation and is used to help determine your aid eligibility.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)- formerly Expected Family Contribution (EFC) ?
This one-day or multi-day event helps incoming students learn about campus, meet peers, and register for classes.
What is orientation?