Key Terms to Know
College Application Glossary of Terms listed below
For a printable PDF version Click Here.
For a printable PDF version Click Here.
Terms for Admission decisions
Admit - You're in! You are being offered admission to a college to which you applied. Make sure you pay attention to the date by which you need respond with your acceptance. Typically, merit/financial aid offers arrive after you are admitted.
Deferred - The admissions decision is being moved to a later date.
Deferred Acceptance - You applied during the early admissions time frame, but you were placed on hold to be considered again during the regular admissions time frame and accepted at that point.
Deny - You are not in. The decision is made by the college or university admissions committee.
Wait list - You are not in, but have been placed on a waiting list in case an opening becomes available. If you are wait listed, you should still follow-up with the college to let them know you remain interested (if indeed you are). Talk to your counselor if this happens to you.
Wait list/Accepted - You were placed on the waiting list. An opening became available and you took the spot.
Deferred - The admissions decision is being moved to a later date.
Deferred Acceptance - You applied during the early admissions time frame, but you were placed on hold to be considered again during the regular admissions time frame and accepted at that point.
Deny - You are not in. The decision is made by the college or university admissions committee.
Wait list - You are not in, but have been placed on a waiting list in case an opening becomes available. If you are wait listed, you should still follow-up with the college to let them know you remain interested (if indeed you are). Talk to your counselor if this happens to you.
Wait list/Accepted - You were placed on the waiting list. An opening became available and you took the spot.
Testing and Course Terms
AP Courses (Advanced Placement Courses) - High School courses which may be counted as college credit or allow advanced placement in college courses. For more information, please check the College Board AP link. Important note: Test registration deadlines are often in early November - don't miss out!
ACT (American College Testing) - A national college admissions exam testing English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Most colleges require either the ACT or SAT test scores with your college application. For more information, visit the ACT website.
College Preparatory Subjects - Courses taken in high school that are viewed by colleges and universities as a strong preparation for college work. The specific courses are usually in the core subject areas of English, History, World Languages, Math, and Science. The courses may be regular, honors, AP or IB offerings, and the latter three categories are often weighted when calculated in the GPA.
Concurrent Enrollment - A plan that allows students to take courses at nearby colleges while completing high school. For more information about Concurrent Enrollment at Creek contact your Counselor or the Registrar's Office.
Course Load - The number of course credit hours a student takes in each semester. Twelve credit hours is the minimum to be considered a full-time student. The average course load per semester is 15-16 credit hours.
Credit Hours - The number of hours per week that courses meet are counted as equivalent credits for financial aid and used to determine your status as a full- or part-time student.
Honors Program - Honors programs offer an enriched, top-quality educational experience that often includes small class sizes, custom designed courses, mentoring, enriched individualized learning, hands- on research, and publishing opportunities. A handpicked faculty guides students through the program. Honors programs are a great way to attend a large school that offers enhanced academic, social, and recreational opportunities.
SAT(Scholastic Assessment Test) - A national college admissions exam testing Math, Critical Reading, and Writing. Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT test scores with your college application. For more information, visit www.collegeboard.org.
SAT Subject Tests - These subject-specific exams are given on the same test dates and in the same centers as the SAT. More emphasis has been placed on these tests in recent years, not only because they are used for admission purposes, but also for placement and exemption decisions.
Financial Aid Terms
Award Package - Another term for financial aid package which may include grants, loans, and work study options.
Cost of Attendance - Every institution that wards federal financial aid is required to set a standard Cost of Attendance (COA). This includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. A student's financial aid eligibility is the difference between the cost of education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as computed by the federal government using the FAFSA.
CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service) - When the federal government changed the FAFSA form several years ago, the College Board created this program to assist post-secondary institutions, state scholarship programs, and other organizations in measuring a family's financial strength and analyzing its ability to contribute to college costs. CSS processes the profile financial form that students may use to apply for non-federal aid. This form is submitted to some 300 private colleges and universities along with the FAFSA when seeking financial aid from these institutions. Participating colleges and universities indicate whether they require this form. This is the link the CSS Profile website. Important Note: Some questionable companies charge a fee to help you complete the CSS Profile. This is not necessary.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - The amount of financial support a family is expected to contribute toward a child's college education. This amount is part of the formula used by the federal government to determine financial aid eligibility using the FAFSA form.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - This is the federal government's instrument for calculating need-based aid. It is available from high school guidance departments, college financial aid offices, and the Internet (www.fafsa.gov). The form should be completed and mailed as soon after January 1 as possible.
Federal Pell Grant Program - This is a federally sponsored and administered program that provides grants based on need to undergraduate students. Congress annually sets the appropriation; award amounts vary based on need. This is "FREE" money because it does not need to be repaid.
Federal Perkins Loan Program - This is a federally run program based on need and administered by a college's financial aid office. This program offers low-interest loans for undergraduate study. Repayment does not begin until 9 months after the borrower drops to less than halftime enrollment status.
Federal Stafford Loan - This federal program provides low-interest loans for undergraduate and graduate students. The maximum annual loan amount depends on the student's grade level. Fixed interest rates will not exceed 6.8%. Repayment does not begin until 6 months after the borrower drops to less than halftime enrollment status. Several repayment options are available.
Federal Work- Study Program (FSW) - A federally financed program that arranges for students to combine employment and college study; the employment may be an integral part of the academic program ( as in cooperative education or internships) or simply a means of paying for college.
Gap - The difference between the amount of a financial aid package and the cost of attending a college or university. The student and his/her family are expected to fill the gap.
Grants/Scholarships - These are financial awards that are usually dispensed by the financial aid offices of colleges and universities. The awards may be need- or merit- based. Most are need-based. Merit- based awards may be awarded on the basis of excellence in academics, leadership, volunteerism, athletic ability, or special talent.
Merit- based Scholarships/Awards - More "FREE" money, these awards are based on excellence in academics, leadership, volunteerism, athletic ability, and other areas determined by the granting organization, which can be a college or university, an organization, or an individual. They are NOT based on financial need.
Need Blind - Admissions decisions made without reference to a students financial aid request, that is, an applicant's financial need is not known to the committee at the time of decision.
ROTC (Reserve Officer's Training Corps) - Each branch of the military sponsors an ROTC program, in exchange for a certain number of years on active duty, students can have their college education paid for up to a certain amount by the armed forces.
SAR (Student Aid Report) - Report of the government's review of a students FAFSA. The SAR is sent to the student and released electronically to the schools that the student listed. The SAR does not supply a real money figure for aid, but indicates whether the student is eligible for aid.
Cost of Attendance - Every institution that wards federal financial aid is required to set a standard Cost of Attendance (COA). This includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. A student's financial aid eligibility is the difference between the cost of education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as computed by the federal government using the FAFSA.
CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service) - When the federal government changed the FAFSA form several years ago, the College Board created this program to assist post-secondary institutions, state scholarship programs, and other organizations in measuring a family's financial strength and analyzing its ability to contribute to college costs. CSS processes the profile financial form that students may use to apply for non-federal aid. This form is submitted to some 300 private colleges and universities along with the FAFSA when seeking financial aid from these institutions. Participating colleges and universities indicate whether they require this form. This is the link the CSS Profile website. Important Note: Some questionable companies charge a fee to help you complete the CSS Profile. This is not necessary.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - The amount of financial support a family is expected to contribute toward a child's college education. This amount is part of the formula used by the federal government to determine financial aid eligibility using the FAFSA form.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - This is the federal government's instrument for calculating need-based aid. It is available from high school guidance departments, college financial aid offices, and the Internet (www.fafsa.gov). The form should be completed and mailed as soon after January 1 as possible.
Federal Pell Grant Program - This is a federally sponsored and administered program that provides grants based on need to undergraduate students. Congress annually sets the appropriation; award amounts vary based on need. This is "FREE" money because it does not need to be repaid.
Federal Perkins Loan Program - This is a federally run program based on need and administered by a college's financial aid office. This program offers low-interest loans for undergraduate study. Repayment does not begin until 9 months after the borrower drops to less than halftime enrollment status.
Federal Stafford Loan - This federal program provides low-interest loans for undergraduate and graduate students. The maximum annual loan amount depends on the student's grade level. Fixed interest rates will not exceed 6.8%. Repayment does not begin until 6 months after the borrower drops to less than halftime enrollment status. Several repayment options are available.
Federal Work- Study Program (FSW) - A federally financed program that arranges for students to combine employment and college study; the employment may be an integral part of the academic program ( as in cooperative education or internships) or simply a means of paying for college.
Gap - The difference between the amount of a financial aid package and the cost of attending a college or university. The student and his/her family are expected to fill the gap.
Grants/Scholarships - These are financial awards that are usually dispensed by the financial aid offices of colleges and universities. The awards may be need- or merit- based. Most are need-based. Merit- based awards may be awarded on the basis of excellence in academics, leadership, volunteerism, athletic ability, or special talent.
Merit- based Scholarships/Awards - More "FREE" money, these awards are based on excellence in academics, leadership, volunteerism, athletic ability, and other areas determined by the granting organization, which can be a college or university, an organization, or an individual. They are NOT based on financial need.
Need Blind - Admissions decisions made without reference to a students financial aid request, that is, an applicant's financial need is not known to the committee at the time of decision.
ROTC (Reserve Officer's Training Corps) - Each branch of the military sponsors an ROTC program, in exchange for a certain number of years on active duty, students can have their college education paid for up to a certain amount by the armed forces.
SAR (Student Aid Report) - Report of the government's review of a students FAFSA. The SAR is sent to the student and released electronically to the schools that the student listed. The SAR does not supply a real money figure for aid, but indicates whether the student is eligible for aid.
College Application Terms
Candidates Reply Date Agreement - If admitted to a college, a student does not have to reply until May 1st. This allows time to hear from all colleges to which the student applied before having to make a commitment to any of them. This is especially important because financial aid packages vary from one school to another. Not applicable for early decision applicants (ED).
Common Application - This application form can save students hours of work. The Common Application is presently accepted by close to 500 colleges. The colleges and universities that accept these standardized forms give them equal weight with their own application forms. Students complete the information on the standardized form and then submit it to any of the schools listed as accepting it. Some colleges require a supplementary form to be completed by the applicant- these are also part of the Common Application website.
Early Action (EA) - A student applies to a school early in Fall of their the senior year and requests an early application review and notification of admission. Be sure to check individual school's deadlines for Early Action. The answer usually takes 3-4 weeks after application. If accepted, the student is not obligated to attend that institution, but can bank this admission and still apply to other colleges during the regular admission cycle.
Early Decision (ED) - Sometimes confused with Early Action, the Early Decision plan allows students to apply to an institution early in the Fall of their senior year and request an early notification of admission. Check individual college for ED deadlines. The student and Counselor will sign a contract with the school at the time of application that indicates that if accepted, the student is obligated to attend that institution. Some colleges and universities offer both ED and EA options.
Gap Year - Typically this refers to taking a year off after graduating from high school and before beginning college. Students who want to take a gap year should apply to college and be accepted, then request a deferred enrollment. Talk to your counselor for details.
Residency Requirement - The term has more than one meaning. It can refer to the fact that a college may require a specific number of courses to be taken on campus to receive a degree from the school, or the phrase can mean the time, by law, that is required for a person to reside in the state to be considered eligible for in-state tuition at one of its public colleges or universities.
Rolling Admissions - There is no deadline for filing a college application. This concept is used most often by state universities. Responses are received within 3-4 weeks. If admitted, a student is not required to confirm, in most cases, until May 1st. Out-of-state residents applying to state universities should apply as early as possible.
FERPA Authorization Waiver - The form many high schools ask their students to sign by which they agree not to review their teacher and counselor letters of recommendation letters before they are sent to colleges.
Universal College Application - Like the Common Application, the Universal College Application provides a common online application accepted by member institutions. Over 40 colleges accept the Universal College Application.
Common Application - This application form can save students hours of work. The Common Application is presently accepted by close to 500 colleges. The colleges and universities that accept these standardized forms give them equal weight with their own application forms. Students complete the information on the standardized form and then submit it to any of the schools listed as accepting it. Some colleges require a supplementary form to be completed by the applicant- these are also part of the Common Application website.
Early Action (EA) - A student applies to a school early in Fall of their the senior year and requests an early application review and notification of admission. Be sure to check individual school's deadlines for Early Action. The answer usually takes 3-4 weeks after application. If accepted, the student is not obligated to attend that institution, but can bank this admission and still apply to other colleges during the regular admission cycle.
Early Decision (ED) - Sometimes confused with Early Action, the Early Decision plan allows students to apply to an institution early in the Fall of their senior year and request an early notification of admission. Check individual college for ED deadlines. The student and Counselor will sign a contract with the school at the time of application that indicates that if accepted, the student is obligated to attend that institution. Some colleges and universities offer both ED and EA options.
Gap Year - Typically this refers to taking a year off after graduating from high school and before beginning college. Students who want to take a gap year should apply to college and be accepted, then request a deferred enrollment. Talk to your counselor for details.
Residency Requirement - The term has more than one meaning. It can refer to the fact that a college may require a specific number of courses to be taken on campus to receive a degree from the school, or the phrase can mean the time, by law, that is required for a person to reside in the state to be considered eligible for in-state tuition at one of its public colleges or universities.
Rolling Admissions - There is no deadline for filing a college application. This concept is used most often by state universities. Responses are received within 3-4 weeks. If admitted, a student is not required to confirm, in most cases, until May 1st. Out-of-state residents applying to state universities should apply as early as possible.
FERPA Authorization Waiver - The form many high schools ask their students to sign by which they agree not to review their teacher and counselor letters of recommendation letters before they are sent to colleges.
Universal College Application - Like the Common Application, the Universal College Application provides a common online application accepted by member institutions. Over 40 colleges accept the Universal College Application.
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