College Terminology Glossary

Standardized test widely used for college admissions, administered by the College Board. Tests reading, writing, and math.

Standardized test for college admissions, covering English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing section.

Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Taken in 10th–11th grade as practice for the SAT and to qualify for National Merit scholarships.

A version of the PSAT designed for 8th and 9th graders as an early checkpoint and practice for the SAT.

Advanced Placement course — college-level curriculum offered in high school. Scoring well on the AP exam can earn college credit.

International Baccalaureate — a rigorous international curriculum program. Like AP, IB courses demonstrate academic rigor to colleges.

Grade Point Average — a numerical representation of academic performance, typically on a 4.0 scale. Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors/AP courses.

A standardized college application accepted by 1,000+ colleges. Fill it out once and send to multiple schools.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form required to receive federal, state, and most institutional financial aid. Opens December 1 each year.

College Scholarship Service Profile — an additional financial aid application required by ~200 selective private colleges. More detailed than FAFSA.

A binding application plan. If accepted ED, you must attend that school and withdraw all other applications. Typically deadlines in November.

A non-binding early application plan. You apply early and hear back early, but are not committed to attend.

The standard application timeline. Deadlines typically January 1–15, decisions released March–April.

Applications are reviewed as they are received. Applying earlier generally improves chances. No fixed deadline.

A pool of qualified applicants who may be offered admission if spots open after May 1. Not a guarantee of admission.

When an early applicant is moved to the regular decision pool. Not a rejection — the application will be reviewed again.

Actions showing genuine interest in a school — campus visits, contacting admissions, attending info sessions. Some colleges track this as a factor.

A college where your academic credentials are below the average for admitted students. Admission is uncertain.

A college where your credentials match the profile of recently admitted students. Admission is plausible.

A college where your credentials exceed the average for admitted students. Admission is very likely.

A tool on each college's website that estimates your actual cost to attend after grants and scholarships. Essential for comparing affordability.

The actual amount you pay to attend after subtracting grants and scholarships from the total cost of attendance. The number that matters most.

A tax-advantaged savings plan designed for education expenses. Contributions grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free.

A federal program providing part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. In the college context, waiving FERPA rights on recommendation letters allows teachers to write confidentially.

On the Common App, you can waive your right to see recommendation letters. Colleges prefer waived letters as they trust the recommender is honest.

School-specific essays required by individual colleges, in addition to the main personal statement. Topics vary by school.

The main college essay — a personal narrative submitted through the Common App. Your chance to show who you are beyond grades and scores.

The unit of measurement for course work. A typical class is 3–4 credit hours. Full-time enrollment is usually 12+ credits per semester.

A test taken before college enrollment to determine appropriate course level in subjects like math, writing, or foreign language.