Admissions & Application Process
The standard deadline process, typically due in January with decisions by spring.
What is Regular Decision (RD)?
Binding early option—apply mid‑October, hear by mid‑December, must commit if accepted.
What is Early Decision (ED)?
Official record of courses, grades, and GPA.
What is High School Transcript?
Platform used by 1,000+ colleges for one-stop applications.
What is the Common Application?
Estimated annual amount your family is expected to contribute.
What is Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
?
Early application that is binding—you must attend if accepted (usually deadlines in mid‑October to early November)
What is Early Decision (ED)?
Non-binding early option—apply early and hear early, but no commitment.
What is Early Action (EA)?
Main personal narrative written for your college application.
What is Personal Statement?
Extra writing or materials beyond the main essay required by some colleges.
What is Supplemental Essays / Materials?
Total cost for one year of college—tuition, housing, food, etc
What is Cost of Attendance (COA)
?
Early, non-binding application—hear early but no commitment required.
What is the Early Action (EA)?
Continuous review—apps considered as received, decisions released throughout the cycle.
What is Rolling Admission?
Endorsements from teachers/counselors supporting your strengths.
What is Letters of Recommendation?
Reporting your own GPA or test scores initially, with official ones sent later.
What are Self‑Reported Test Scores (SRAR)
?
Aid allocated based on financial need.
What is Need‑Based Financial Aid ?
If your early application isn’t accepted or rejected outright, it may be shifted into this category.
When is Deferred Admission?
Special consideration given to applicants with family alumni ties.
What is Legacy Applicant?
Official exam results (e.g., SAT, ACT).
What is Standardized Test Scores?
Online dashboard to track your application status and required items.
What is Application Portal?
Gift aid (monetary award) that does not require repayment.
What is a Grant / Scholarship?
Schools categorized based on your fit: ambitious (reach), realistic (target), and safe options.
What is Reach/Target/Safety School?
Admission policy where financial need isn’t considered in admissions decisions.
What is Need-Blind Admission?
Fee paid to submit your application—waivers sometimes help.
What is Application Fee?
Essays that are specific to certain colleges and are in addition to the Common App essay.
What is Supplemental Essay
Provides funding for part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Unlike grants and loans, it's paid to students as they earn the funds by working.
What is Federal Work Study