By CampusESP | Estimated Reading Time: 2-3 minutes
Navigating the world of higher education can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a barrage of unfamiliar terms and jargon. As your student embarks on their college journey, it's essential to comprehend the various terms and phrases commonly used in the college landscape. This guide aims to decode some of the frequently encountered college terminology, empowering you to support your student more effectively:
Admissions Terms:
- Early Decision (ED)/Early Action (EA): Early application options allowing students to apply to colleges before regular deadlines, typically receiving an early decision.
- Common Application: A standardized undergraduate college application used by many colleges, allowing students to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously.
- Rolling Admissions: Colleges accept applications within a wide window rather than having a specific deadline.
Financial Aid and Tuition:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The primary form used to apply for federal financial aid for college.
- SAI (Student Aid Index): An eligibility index number that a college or career school's financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid the student would receive if the student attended the school. SAI replaces EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) used in the past.
- Merit Aid: Financial aid awarded based on a student's academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements, not tied to financial need.
- Cost of Attendance (COA): The total estimated cost of attending a college for a year, including tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses.
Academic Terms:
- Credit Hours: The value assigned to each course indicating the amount of time spent in class per week.
- GPA (Grade Point Average): A numerical representation of a student's average grades.
- Major vs. Minor: A major is the primary area of study, while a minor is a secondary field of interest.
- Core Curriculum/General Education: Mandatory courses covering various subjects to provide a well-rounded education.
Campus Life and Resources:
- Residence Hall/Dormitory: On-campus housing for students.
- Student Services: Resources provided by colleges, including counseling, career services, health services, and academic support.
- Extracurricular Activities: Activities outside of academics, such as clubs, sports, or organizations.
Terms Related to Graduation:
- Degree Requirements: Specific criteria students must fulfill to graduate.
- Graduate/Undergraduate: Graduate students pursue advanced degrees after earning a bachelor's, while undergraduates work toward their bachelor's degree.
- Commencement: The formal ceremony celebrating a student's graduation.
Advising and Support Services:
- Academic Advisor: A faculty member who assists students in planning their academic journey.
- Registrar: The office responsible for maintaining student records, transcripts, and course registration.
Understanding these terms can aid in better communication with your student about their college experience. Encourage them to seek guidance from college advisors or resources when facing uncertainty about college-related terminology.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be better equipped to support and guide your student through their college years, ensuring a smoother transition into higher education.
