Common App
This platform allows students to apply to multiple colleges using one main application.
What is the Common Application?
This free government form determines eligibility for federal financial aid.
What is the FAFSA?
A school that is very likely to accept you based on your grades and test scores.
What is a safety school?
A letter written by a teacher or counselor supporting your application.
What is a letter of recommendation?
The building or community where most first-year students live.
What is a dorm (residence hall)?
This section of the Common App includes clubs, sports, jobs, and leadership roles.
What is the Activities section?
Money for college that does not need to be paid back.
What are scholarships?
A school where your academic stats closely match the typical admitted student.
What is a target school?
Short additional essays some colleges require beyond the main Common App essay.
What are supplemental essays?
Academic subjects students choose to specialize in during college.
What is a major?
Students usually write a 650-word essay in this part of the application.
What is a "personal essay"?
Money borrowed for college that must be paid back with interest.
What are student loans?
A school where admission is less likely because the standards are very competitive.
What is a reach school?
The person who reviews and evaluates your application.
Who is an admissions officer?
A smaller area of study students can add alongside their major.
What is a minor?
This feature allows students to apply to a college earlier than regular decision but is not binding.
What is Early Action?
Financial aid based primarily on a family's financial situation.
What is need-based aid?
Visiting a college campus or attending a virtual event helps students learn about this important factor.
What is campus culture?
A summary of your grades, GPA, and courses sent from your high school.
What is a transcript?
Clubs, sports, and activities students join outside of classes.
What are extracurriculars?
This type of early application requires students to attend the school if accepted.
What is Early Decision?
A job offered to students as part of their financial aid package.
What is Work-Study?
The total price of attending a college before financial aid is applied.
What is tuition?
The optional tests many colleges used to require for admission.
What are standardized tests?
Programs where students study in another country while earning college credit.
What is study abroad?