Admissions Glossary
The following are some key terms you’ll encounter as you work through the college admissions process.
Common Application
An application platform which allows you to apply to multiple colleges and universities through one portal.
Coalition application
Another application platform through which you can apply to multiples colleges and universities through one portal
Early decision
Early decision is one of two ways to apply early to colleges. Early decision is a binding decision, meaning if you apply to a college early decision and are admitted, you are committed to attending that school. This option is reserved for a student’s first choice. Deadlines are usually in early November or December.
Early Action
Early action is one of two ways to apply early to colleges. Unlike Early Decision, Early action is non-binding, meaning you can apply to as many schools early action as you would like with no commitment. This is simply a way for applicants to receive their decisions early. Deadlines are usually in early November or December.
Rolling Admission
Some colleges employ rolling admissions practices where students are not beholden to specific deadlines to submit their applications. Schools review applications as they come in and release decisions as they are made.
regular decision
Regular decision applicants typically apply close to January 1st and will receive decisions in or around April.
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is typically taken during 10th and 11th grade. Only a students’ 11th grade scores are considered for the National Merit Scholarship program.
SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test measures two aptitudes: critical reading and mathematical. Students can score between 200-800 on each section for a total of 1600 possible points
SAT II
These exams are subject tests that measure a student’s knowledge in particular areas of study such as sciences, history or languages. They are typically required for admission to more selective universities.
ACT
The American College Test is another standardized testing option that many universities will accept in lieu of the SAT. It is divided into four sections: English, Math, Social Science Reading and Science Reasoning with a total of 36 possible points.
Defer Decision
This term refers to when a student is admitted to a college and decides to postpone for up to a year while reserving their seat in the class. Students are not permitted to enroll in another college during this year.
AP
Advanced Placement courses are commonly considered college-level courses where students can earn college credit if they receive high marks on AP exams. You do not have to take an AP course to sit for the AP Exams. Exams are administered in May with a grading scale of 1 to 5.
IB
International Baccalaureate courses are internationally recognized college-level courses. Students in the IB Diploma program can earn up to a full year of college credit upon completion with acceptable marks. IB exams are administered in May on a grading scale of 1-7.
Demonstrated Interest
These are ways schools track how interested you are in them. Examples range from campus visits to e-mail correspondence with admissions counselors.
Merit-Based & Need-Based Aid
There are two categories of financial assistance students can qualify for. Merit based aid is money awarded to students based on their academic record. Need-based aid is money award by the school and the government according to a families need for assistance, determined by the FAFSA or CSS Profile.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the way schools determine which loans and grants a family is eligible for when applying for financial assistance.
CSS Profile
College Scholarship Services profile is another group of documents some schools will require in order to evaluate your financial needs.
Need-Blind Admissions
Some admissions offices are categorized as “need-blind” meaning their admissions process is based entirely on the merits of the application, regardless of the students ability to pay.
Need-Aware/ Sensitive
Financial need is likely to be considered as a factor in your admission decision.
