AVID Resources

Advanced Classes

Refers to Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available to students at many high schools. Advanced classes are more challenging than regular classes and better prepare students for the rigor of college-level academics. Most AP, Honors, and IB courses strengthen your GPA because they are worth more GPA points than regular classes. Colleges encourage enrollment in advanced courses. Visit College Board for more information about the AP program, or ibo.org for more information about the IB program. However, you should also talk with your high school counselor to learn what your specific school offers. Also see Advanced Placement (AP) Course, Honors Course, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Brag Sheet

Refers to a document that lists your achievements, much like a resume does. Brag sheets normally highlight your awards, honors, leadership activities, volunteer activities, etc. Also see Resume.

Direct Subsidized Loans

• You must have financial need based on your FAFSA.

• The U.S. Department of Education will pay the interest for you:

  • As long as you’re enrolled in college at least half-time.

  • During your grace period of six months after you graduate.

  • When you postpone repaying your loan for a good reason.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

• You don’t have to have financial need based on your FAFSA.

• You have to pay all of the interest.

  • You can choose to pay the interest while you’re enrolled in college, during your grace period, or while your payments are postponed.

  • If you don’t pay the interest during these times, it’ll be added to your total balance when you start making payments.

Extracurricular Activities

Refers to activities you participate in outside of the classroom. Extracurricular activities include after-school activities like sports, clubs, student government, community service, religious groups, social organizations, etc. Schools value participation in extracurricular activities—it is important to demonstrate meaningful, long-term commitment to your extracurricular activities.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Refers to the amount of money your family can reasonably contribute to your college education, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Officially, FAFSA states the EFC is “a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year.” In reality, your EFC may not reflect how much your family can reasonably afford. If your family has experienced substantial changes to their financial situation, you may wish to inquire with financial aid offices about the possibility of opening a “Professional Judgment” or “Special Circumstances” case. You can use the Financial Aid Eligibility Tool to calculate your EFC. Also see FAFSA and California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Refers to the free application you must complete to apply for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. In California, the FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for state financial aid, such as Cal Grants. The information you provide is used to evaluate your family’s financial strength and determine how much your family can reasonably pay for you to attend college (Expected Family Contribution). You can submit the FAFSA online beginning October 1 the year before you plan to attend college. To be considered for state financial aid, it is STRONGLY recommended that you submit your FAFSA by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline. You must submit the FAFSA every year you attend college. See FAFSA for more information, including how to launch your application from your CaliforniaColleges.edu account. Also see Expected Family Contribution.

Fee Waiver

Refers to an application you can submit to colleges, College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP), and ACT if you cannot reasonably pay application and/or registration fees because of your family's financial situation. There are specific conditions you must meet to be eligible for a fee waiver, and there is a limit to the number of fee waivers you can receive. For California Community College enrollment fee waivers, see California College Promise Grant. For information about other fee waivers, talk with your counselor.

Financial Aid

Refers to grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study assistance to help you pay for college. The federal government, state government, colleges, and private organizations distribute financial aid. You may be awarded financial aid based on financial need or merit. Visit Learn About Financial Aid for more information. Also see Need-Based Financial Aid and Merit-Based Financial Aid.

Grant (also called Gift Aid)

Refers to a type of financial aid that is a gift. Grants are usually awarded by public sources, like the federal or state government. You do not have to pay back any of the grant money you receive.

Loan

Refers to financial aid you will have to pay back after you finish school. There are many types of loans, and they may be administered by the government or private institutions. All loans accrue interest, which you are responsible for paying. However, federal loans usually have lower interest rates, more benefits, and more flexible repayment terms than private loans. See Student Loans for more information.

Resume

Refers to a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments that you use to apply for jobs. It is one of the most important pieces of any job application. Resumes are usually a one-page document listing your work history, education background, and personal skills. An effective resume lays out a summary of qualifications that will push the employer to move forward toward an interview. You may also include optional sections, such as an objective, summary statement, or career highlights. For resume writing tips, see Job Preparation: Resumes and Interviews. Also see Brag Sheet.

Scholarship (also called Gift Aid)

Refers to a type of financial aid that is a gift. Scholarships are usually awarded by private sources, like corporations or non-profit organizations. You do not have to pay back any of the money you receive.

School Counselor

Refers to someone at your high school who is specifically trained to support you in choosing high school courses, applying to college, and reviewing the requirements for your chosen career.

Transcript

Refers to a list of all the courses you have taken in high school or college. Your transcript includes your grades, GPA, and credits received for each completed course. Colleges review your high school transcript when evaluating your application for freshman admission. Colleges request a final transcript that includes all course grades for high school and the date of graduation.