Admissions Glossary

The vast number of terms and acronyms can make applying to college a daunting task. Below are some articles briefly describing the most important terms in the college admission process, and why they are important to students. Click on the term to learn more.

ACT

AP Exams

BA/MD Programs

Coalition App

Common App

Community College

Cost of Attendance

Counselor Recommendation

Demonstrated Interest

Duolingo English Test

Early Action and Early Decision

Extracurricular Essay

FAFSA

Financial Aid

Gap Year

GPA

Guaranteed Transfer Admission

Honors College

IELTS

International Baccalaureate

Ivy League

Liberal Arts College

Major

Mid-Year Report

Passion Project

Personal Statement

Portfolio Application

Private University

PSAT and National Merit Scholarship

Public University

Regular Decision

SAT

School Profile

Supplemental Statements

Test-Optional and Test-Blind

TOEFL

Transcript

Visa Interview

Waitlist

What American Universities Look For

Why This College Essay