UNIVERSITY & APPLICATIONS
The formal conditions you have to meet before a university will even consider your application.
application requirements
To reject an offer, request or application — the polite version of saying “Nope.”
turn down
To keep telling someone what they should do, especially in an annoying repeated way. Parents are particularly talented at this.
nag
A feeling of being annoyed or angry because something is bothering you. You might feel this when someone keeps interrupting you.
irritated
People or organisations that officially govern a country, city or institution and have the power to make and enforce rules.
authorities
The money you have to pay for your education — because apparently knowledge doesn't always come for free.
tuition fee
To reach the same level of understanding as someone else after falling behind. Also what you desperately need to do after missing three lectures.
catch up with sb/smth
To remind someone repeatedly of a mistake they made, especially in a way that makes them feel embarrassed. Basically: “Remember when you messed this up?”
rub it in
Describes someone who gets annoyed very easily — even when absolutely nothing dramatic has happened.
irritable
The influence you feel from people your own age to behave in a certain way, even when you don't really want to.
peer pressure
A person who applies for a place at a university, job or programme and is hoping someone says “Congratulations!”
candidate
To have the same understanding, expectations or opinion about something. No secret plans, no “Wait, I thought you meant something else!”
be on the same page
To respect and admire someone so much that you see them as an example to follow.
look up to sb
A general word meaning “angry”; the emotional state that makes “I’m perfectly calm” sound highly suspicious.
angry
To have a habit of doing something because it has become normal and familiar to you. Grammar warning: this expression is followed by a gerund.
be used to doing sth
A student who is studying for their first university degree, usually a Bachelor's degree.
undergraduate
If a university charges so much that your bank account starts writing its own suicide note, the prices are…
prohibitively high prices
A person whose behaviour, achievements or character you admire and would like to imitate. Basically, “I want to be like them when I grow up.”
role model
Describes someone who is easily affected by criticism, emotions or other people's behaviour. Handle with care.
sensitive
Describes someone who makes sensible decisions based on good judgement rather than emotions or unrealistic ideas.
sensible
A student who has already completed a first degree and is now studying at Master's or PhD level.
postgraduate
This adverb means “exactly” or “with great accuracy”. It is often used when you want to make it clear that something is not approximate.
precisely
A word describing someone who is honest, genuine and means what they say — not someone who says “I’m fine” while clearly being furious.
sincere
Describes a person who is aggressive or deliberately causes suffering to others. Definitely not the person you want as your roommate.
cruel
Much stronger than simply “bad”: this word describes someone or something morally wicked and deliberately harmful.
evil