GETTING INTO COLLEGE WITH GRADES
This number, often measured on a 4.0 scale, represents the average of all the grades a student earns in their classes.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
Introductory courses designed to help new students learn about campus resources, study strategies, and college expectations.
Orientation Classes
A unit used to measure how much time a student spends in class; most college classes are worth about three of these.
Credit / Class Hours
The form students complete to apply for admission to a college or university.
College Application
A policy where a college accepts most or all students who apply if they meet basic requirements like having a high school diploma.
Open Admission
DOUBLE POINTS
This shows how a student’s academic performance compares to the rest of their graduating class.
Rank
Small, discussion-based courses for freshmen that focus on critical thinking, writing, and exploring academic topics.
First Year Seminars
A student who typically takes 12 or more credit hours in a semester.
Full-Time Student
Written responses required by many colleges that allow students to share their experiences, goals, and personality.
College Essays
An option that allows students to apply earlier than the regular deadline and receive a decision sooner without committing to attend.
Early Action
DOUBLE POINTS
Students whose grades place them within this highest portion of their class may qualify for special recognition or automatic admission at some universities.
Top 10%
Required courses in subjects such as math, science, history, and writing that all college students must complete.
General Education Classes / Core Classes
A student who takes fewer than the number of credit hours required for full-time status.
Part-Time Student
Many colleges charge a fee to apply, but students with financial need may qualify to have this cost removed.
Registration / Application Fees & Fee Waivers
TRIPLE POINTS
An early application option where students agree to attend that college if they are accepted.
Early Decision
DOUBLE POINTS (Unless you're in Emerion's group)
Advanced courses in high school that end with national exams which may earn college credit if students score high enough.
AP Classes and AP Tests
Double Points
Classes that focus on the primary subject a student chooses to study in college.
Major Courses
College credits that can move from one college or university to another and still count toward a degree.
Transferable Credits
Double POINTS
The standard college application deadline where students apply and receive decisions several months later.
Regular Admission
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing advanced degrees like a master’s or doctorate.
Graduate Students
DOUBLE POINTS
A program that allows students to earn college credit by passing an exam instead of taking the full course.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
TRIPLE POINTS
Classes taken in a secondary area of study that complements a student’s major.
Minor Courses
DOUBLE POINTS
Employment opportunities offered by universities, such as working in the library, student center, or dining hall.
Jobs on Campus
An admissions process where colleges review applications and make decisions as they receive them.
Rolling Admission
A course where a student researches or studies a topic individually with guidance from a professor.
Independent Study
DOUBLE POINTS