College Process
This application platform allows students to apply to multiple colleges with one standardized application.
What is the Common App?
This factor refers to whether classes are large lectures or small discussion-based settings.
What is class size (or student-to-faculty ratio)?
This type of aid does not need to be repaid and is often based on financial need.
What is a grant?
This practice helps students explore careers by following or observing a professional during their typical workday.
What is job shadowing?
This section of a LinkedIn profile summarizes your professional identity.
What is the headline?
This admissions plan is binding and typically has earlier deadlines than Regular Decision.
What is Early Decision?
These three categories are commonly used to structure a balanced college list.
What are safety, target, and reach schools?
This form of aid must be repaid, usually with interest.
What is a student loan?
This alternative path involves taking time off before college for work, travel, or volunteering.
What is gap year?
This feature allows others to validate skills listed on your profile.
What are endorsements?
These two components are often weighed most heavily by colleges when evaluating applicants.
What are GPA and extracurriculars?
This term refers to whether a college’s academic expectations are challenging enough for a student compared to their current high school performance.
What is academic rigor fit (or challenge level)?
This federal program allows students to earn money through part-time campus jobs.
What is a work-study?
This type of college mentor often lives in the same residence hall and helps new students adjust to dorm life and campus routines.
What is a resident assistant (RA) mentor?
This action on a professional networking platform involves adding someone to your network so you can view their updates, message them more easily, and expand your professional reach.
What is making a connection (or sending a connection request)?
This common application component is a personal narrative where students reflect on their identity, experiences, or growth.
What is the personal statement (or college essay)?
This type of college characteristic refers to the overall atmosphere created by student behavior, traditions, and values.
What is campus culture?
This document determines eligibility for federal financial aid and opens every October.
What is FAFSA?
This type of guidance helps students choose college courses strategically based on major requirements and long-term goals.
What is academic advising?
This aspect of a professional networking profile refers to how polished, clear, and appropriate your profile and posts appear to employers and recruiters.
What is professionalism (or professional presence)?
This test, sometimes waived, allows colleges to evaluate a student’s writing ability under timed conditions.
What is a standardized test (SAT/ACT)?
This tool estimates the actual cost a student will pay after financial aid is applied.
What is a net price calculator?
This type of financial aid is awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements rather than financial need.
What is merit-based aid (or a merit scholarship)?
When students enroll at a university in another country for a semester or year while earning credit toward their home degree, this program allows them to live, study, and take courses internationally.
What is study abroad?
This long-term strategy focuses on maintaining professional relationships over time rather than one-time connections.
What is relationship building (networking)?