APPLICATION COMPONENTS
This single online application allows students to apply to more than 1,000 colleges using one main form instead of filling out separate applications for each school.
Common Application
This allows eligible students to apply to colleges without paying the application fee.
Fee Waiver
This is the main subject a student chooses to study in college, such as biology, business, or psychology.
Major
This is the cost students pay to attend classes at a college, not including things like housing or meal plans.
Tuition
This program allows students to take college classes while living in another country.
Study Abroad
These standardized exam results are sometimes required for admission and are used by colleges to help measure a student’s academic readiness.
Test Scores
This binding application option means that if a student is accepted, they are committed to attending that college and must withdraw other applications.
Early Decision (ED)
This official school record shows a student’s classes, grades, and GPA, and is sent to colleges as part of the application.
Transcript
This free federal form students complete to determine their eligibility for financial aid like grants, loans, and work-study.
FAFSA
This is the percentage of students at a college who successfully complete their degree within a certain number of years.
Graduation Rate
These are written by teachers to support a student’s college application and describe their character, work ethic, and strengths.
Letters of Recommendation
This is when colleges evaluate a student based on many factors—like grades, activities, essays, and character—instead of just numbers like GPA or test scores.
Holistic Review
This number represents a student’s average grades in their classes and is usually measured on a 4.0 scale.
GPA
This type of financial aid is usually based on financial need and does not have to be paid back.
Grant
This is the community of former students from a college who can help current students with connections, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Alumni Network
This essay is written by the student and gives colleges a chance to learn about their story, personality, and experiences in their own voice.
Personal Statement
This decision means you weren’t accepted yet, but your application will be reviewed again later.
Deferred
This unit measures how much a college class is worth and how much it counts toward graduation.
Credit Hour
This financial aid form, required by some colleges, collects more detailed information than the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
CSS Profile
This is a short-term work experience that helps students gain real-world skills and explore a career field while still in school.
Internship
These additional essays are required by some colleges and often ask students why they want to attend that specific school or about their specific interests.
Supplemental Essays
This refers to the ways a student shows a college they are genuinely interested, such as visiting campus, attending events, or emailing admissions.
Demonstrated Interest
This exam is taken after a student enrolls in college to determine the appropriate level of courses, such as math or English.
Placement Test
This federal financial aid program allows students to earn money through part-time jobs, often on campus, to help pay for college expenses.
Work-Study
This is the percentage of first-year college students who return to the same school for their second year.
Retention Rate