ACT - Acronym for American College Test, the ACT is a standardized test to determine a high school graduate’s preparation for college-level work.
ADMISSIONS TEST- An entry test used to determine a student’s competency level in a specific content area.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENT - An agreement between two more colleges, usually referring to transferring credits between different academic institutions.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE - A degree that is given to a student who has completed two years of study at a junior college, college or university.
BACHELOR DEGREE - A degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after four years of study.
CLASS RANK - Ranking of students based on academic performance or Grade Point Average.
COALITION APPLICATION - A standard application used to apply to select colleges, specifically colleges in the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success.
COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY - A personal statement written by the applicant to a college or university as part of the application process.
COLLEGE CREDIT - The credit a student receives when they successfully complete a college-level course.
COMMON APPLICATION - A standard application accepted by colleges that are members of the Common Application association.
DEFERRED ADMISSION - Referring to a student who decides to postpone enrollment in a college.
EARLY ACTION - A non-binding agreement where the student receives an early response to their application.
EARLY DECISION - A binding option where students submit an application to their top-choice school before the regular deadline in order to get a decision earlier.
FINANCIAL AID/FAFSA - Money loaned to students to help fund college.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE - A representation of the average value of accumulated grades earned in courses over time.
NAVIANCE - A college and career readiness software that guides students with four-year and post-secondary planning.
NCAA - An acronym for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, an organization that administers intercollegiate athletes.
OPEN ADMISSION - Refers to an admissions process that is non-competitive, in which the only criteria is a high school diploma or GED certificate.
PLACEMENT TESTS - A test given to a student to determine proficiency in a particular content area.
PRIORITY DATE OR DEADLINE - The date your application must be received in order to be considered.
PRIVATE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY - A privately funded school, one that does not receive state funding.
RECIPROCITY - A program that allows students to attend colleges in a different state than the one in which they live for in-state or reduced tuition.
REGULAR ADMISSION - A set deadline for applying to colleges (usually around January 1st).
ROLLING ADMISSION - A process where colleges evaluate applications as they are received.
SAT - An entrance exam used by colleges to make admissions decisions. The exam also measures students’ college readiness.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS - College admissions exams on specific subjects. Students choose the tests that best showcase their strengths and interests. These exams may be used to place students into the appropriate courses at the college level.
SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORTS - A report also referred to as a Counselor Recommendation. This report may be required as part of a student’s application to a university.
TRANSCRIPT - An academic record of the courses a student has taken and the credit and grade earned in each course.
UNDERGRADUATE - A student at a college or university who has not yet earned a bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
WAITING LIST - Students who are not officially admitted to a college or university are put on a waiting list to determine future admission or housing.