College Glossary

The percentage of applicants a college admits. A 20% acceptance rate means 20 out of every 100 applicants are offered admission. Lower rates generally indicate more selective schools.

American College Testing — a standardized college admissions exam scored 1-36. Covers English, Math, Reading, and Science (with optional Writing). Accepted by all US colleges that accept the SAT.

The person who reviews your application. Often assigned by geographic region. They advocate for applicants they believe in during committee review. Connecting with your regional officer shows demonstrated interest.

Advanced Placement courses — college-level classes taken in high school. Demonstrate academic rigor on your transcript. Selective colleges look for rigor relative to what your school offers.

College credit awarded for high AP exam scores. Policies vary by school — some require a 3, others a 4 or 5. Can help you skip introductory courses, graduate early, or double major.

Advanced Placement exams scored 1-5. A score of 3+ often earns college credit, saving tuition money and time. Take AP exams in subjects where you've taken the corresponding AP course.

The official document from a college detailing your financial aid offer — grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Compare letters carefully; focus on free money (grants/scholarships) vs. loans.

Your academic standing relative to classmates based on GPA. Expressed as a number (e.g., 15 out of 400) or percentile. Some schools no longer rank; colleges adjust expectations accordingly.

College-Level Examination Program — exams that earn college credit for knowledge you already have. 34 subjects (College Board). College Board's exam fee is $97, plus a test-center fee. Credit can let you skip introductory courses.

An alternative to the Common App, accepted by a smaller group of colleges. Features a "locker" for storing documents throughout high school and is designed to be more accessible for underserved students.

A US Department of Education tool providing data on every college — costs, graduation rates, earnings, and debt. College Decoded integrates Scorecard data to help you compare schools objectively.

The Common Application — a single online application accepted by most selective private and many public colleges. Allows you to apply to multiple schools with one set of essays, activities, and personal information.

The total estimated cost for one year: tuition, fees, room & board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The actual "sticker price" before any aid is applied.

The College Scholarship Service Profile — a supplemental financial aid form required by some colleges (mostly private). More detailed than FAFSA and considers home equity, non-custodial parent income, and other factors.

College Decoded's proprietary 0-100 rating combining academics, outcomes, and affordability. A high Deal Score means you get strong education and career outcomes relative to what you pay.

An Early Action or Early Decision applicant is moved to the Regular Decision pool for reconsideration. Not a rejection — you'll get a final decision with the RD applicants.

Actions showing a college you genuinely want to attend — campus visits, info sessions, opening emails, engaging on social media. Some schools track this and it can influence admissions decisions.

Taking actual college courses while still in high school, usually at a community college. Credits transfer to many four-year schools. Can save significant money and demonstrate college readiness.

An early application deadline (usually November 1 or 15) that gives you an earlier admission decision (by mid-December) without requiring you to commit. You can still apply to other schools and compare offers.

A binding early application — if accepted, you must attend and withdraw all other applications. Some colleges admit a larger share of ED applicants than Regular Decision applicants. Only apply ED to your top-choice school.

Expected Family Contribution (renamed Student Aid Index in 2024). A number calculated from your FAFSA that estimates what your family can pay for college. Schools use it to determine your financial aid package.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form you must complete to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study. It is due to open by October 1 each year for the next school year, but it has opened late in some years, so check StudentAid.gov for the current opening date. Every family should fill it out regardless of income.

The person at a college who manages your financial aid package. You can appeal your aid offer by contacting them with new information (job loss, medical expenses, competing offers).

The combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study a college offers you. Compare packages by looking at the net price (after free money), not the total package size.

A student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. Many colleges actively recruit first-gen students and offer dedicated support programs, mentoring, and scholarships.

Grade Point Average — a numerical summary of your grades on a 4.0 scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0). Weighted GPA gives extra points for AP/Honors courses (up to 5.0). Colleges see both.

The percentage of students who complete their degree within a specific timeframe (usually 4 or 6 years). A key indicator of student satisfaction and institutional support. Compare each school's 6-year rate with similar schools.

Free money for college — like scholarships but typically need-based. Federal grants (Pell, SEOG), state grants, and institutional grants never need to be repaid. Always accept grants in your aid package.

Fraternities and sororities — social organizations with chapters at many colleges. Offer social networks, leadership opportunities, community service, and sometimes housing. Involvement varies widely by campus.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities — institutions established before 1964 with a principal mission of educating Black Americans. HBCUs offer strong communities, mentorship, and cultural connections.

An admissions approach that considers the full applicant — academics, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, background, and personal qualities — not just GPA and test scores.

Hispanic-Serving Institution — a college with 25%+ Hispanic/Latino undergraduate enrollment. Receives federal funding to serve Hispanic students.

An applicant whose parent or close relative attended the same college. Some schools give a slight admissions advantage to legacy applicants. The impact varies by institution.

Letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors attesting to your character, abilities, and potential. Many colleges ask for one to three. Ask recommenders who know you well, not just those who gave you the highest grade.

Your primary field of study in college — typically 30-40 credits of focused coursework. You usually declare by the end of sophomore year. Choose based on interest and career goals, not just salary data.

A college where your academic profile aligns with the school's average admitted student. You have a reasonable chance of acceptance. Aim for 3–4 match schools on your list.

The middle amount of student loan debt for graduates of a college. Compare this to median earnings — ideally, total debt should be less than your expected first-year salary.

The middle salary of graduates 10 years after enrollment (from College Scorecard data). Useful for comparing the earning potential of different schools and programs, but varies greatly by major.

Scholarships awarded based on academic achievement, talent, or other qualities — not financial need. Can come from the college itself or external organizations. Some schools offer both need-based and merit aid.

A secondary area of study requiring fewer courses than a major (usually 15-20 credits). Can complement your major (e.g., Computer Science major + Business minor) or explore a personal interest.

May 1 — the deadline for admitted students to commit to one college. You must submit your enrollment deposit by this date (some schools use June 1). Only commit to one school.

A scholarship program based on PSAT/NMSQT scores. Top 1% become Semifinalists, then Finalists. Winners receive $2,500 from NMSC, and many colleges offer additional scholarships (some full-ride) to Finalists.

The competitive level of a college's athletic programs. Division I is the most competitive with the most scholarships. Division II offers some scholarships. Division III focuses on the student-athlete experience with no athletic scholarships.

Financial aid awarded based on your family's demonstrated financial need (from FAFSA/CSS Profile). Includes Pell Grants, institutional grants, subsidized loans, and work-study. Does not need to be "earned" through grades.

What you actually pay after all grants and scholarships are subtracted from Cost of Attendance. This is the number that matters for comparing colleges. Use net price calculators for estimates.

A tool (required on all college websites) that estimates your actual cost based on your financial situation. More accurate than sticker price. College Decoded provides these for 6,500+ schools.

A program for new students before classes begin — typically 1-3 days. Covers registration, campus tours, meeting roommates, and academic advising. Some schools have separate parent orientation events.

A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need. Does not need to be repaid. Maximum award is $7,395/year (2026-27). Determined entirely by FAFSA data.

A federal loan for parents (Parent PLUS) or graduate students (Grad PLUS). Higher interest rates than Direct Loans. Requires a credit check. Consider only after exhausting other options.

Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. A practice test for the SAT taken in 10th or 11th grade. Top scorers qualify for National Merit Scholarships worth up to full tuition.

A college where your academic profile (GPA, test scores) falls below the school's average admitted student. You have a chance but acceptance is not guaranteed. A balanced list should include 2–3 reaches.

The standard application deadline, typically January 1–15. Decisions arrive by late March or April. No commitment required until May 1 (National Decision Day).

Also called Single-Choice Early Action. Like EA but you can only apply early to one private school. Not binding — you can still decline. Used by schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford.

The percentage of first-year students who return for their second year. High retention suggests students are satisfied and well-supported. Low retention is a red flag.

A measure of whether a college degree's cost is justified by its earnings boost. Calculated by comparing total cost of attendance against career earnings. Higher ROI means better financial value.

Schools review applications as they arrive rather than waiting for a deadline. Decisions come within weeks. Apply early for the best chance — spots fill as decisions are made.

The cost of on-campus housing (dorm room) and a meal plan. Varies widely by college; check each school's cost of attendance. Many colleges require it for freshmen. Off-campus living may be cheaper after freshman year.

A college where your academic profile exceeds the school's average admitted student. You're very likely to be accepted. Include 2–3 safeties you'd be happy to attend.

Scholastic Assessment Test — a standardized college admissions exam scored 400-1600. Covers Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (200-800) and Math (200-800). Now administered digitally.

Free money for college that does not need to be repaid. Can be based on academics, athletics, community service, identity, field of study, or other criteria. Apply broadly — small scholarships add up.

Your high school guidance counselor who helps with college planning, writes a counselor recommendation letter, and submits your transcript. Build a relationship early — they advocate for you in the admissions process.

The published tuition and fees before any financial aid. Many students pay less than sticker price after aid. Always look at net price instead.

A federal student loan where the government pays the interest while you're in school at least half-time. Based on financial need. Better terms than unsubsidized — accept these first.

When a college takes your highest section scores across multiple SAT or ACT sittings and combines them into the best possible composite. Reduces pressure on any single test day.

Additional essays required by specific colleges beyond the Common App personal statement. Typically ask "Why us?" or prompt you to discuss a specific topic. Quality matters more than length.

A policy where SAT/ACT scores are not considered at all, even if submitted. The school evaluates applicants entirely on other factors. More restrictive than test-optional.

A policy where submitting SAT/ACT scores is not required for admission. You can choose whether to include scores. If your scores strengthen your application, submit them; otherwise, don't.

College credits earned at one institution that are accepted at another. Includes AP, CLEP, dual enrollment, and credits from previous colleges. Always verify transfer policies before enrolling.

Entering college without choosing a major. Perfectly normal — many students change their major. Use your first year to explore different subjects through general education courses.

A federal student loan where interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed — even while you're in school. Not need-based. Available to all students regardless of income.

Neither accepted nor rejected — you're on a backup list. If enough accepted students decline, waitlisted students may receive offers. Response timelines vary; some schools never pull from the waitlist.

A GPA that gives bonus points for harder courses: commonly, AP classes add 1.0 and Honors add 0.5 to the standard 4.0 scale (schools vary). A weighted GPA above 4.0 signals course rigor to colleges.

A federal program that provides part-time jobs to students with financial need. Earnings help cover education expenses. Jobs are often on-campus and designed to accommodate class schedules.

A program for veterans where participating colleges agree to cover tuition beyond the GI Bill cap. The VA matches the school's contribution dollar-for-dollar, potentially covering full tuition at expensive schools.

The percentage of accepted students who actually enroll. A 50% yield means half of admitted students choose to attend. Schools with high yield rates are confident in their appeal.