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529 plan

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A tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. Legally known as qualified tuition plans, 529 plans are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

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ACT composite score

answer

The average of the four subject test scores (English, math, reading, and science) for the EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT tests rounded to the nearest whole number.

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admission application

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The application students complete to attend a specific postsecondary institution.

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advanced or honors course

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A course that is taught in a more rigorous fashion than typical high school courses. Students' learning may be assessed in a more comprehensive manner.

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Advanced Placement (AP) course

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An advanced high school course that covers college-level material. Colleges may award AP credit for the course depending on the score a student receives on the corresponding AP exam.

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apprenticeship

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A training program where you earn wages while you learn a skilled profession in a specific field, such as construction, health care, or culinary arts.

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associate's degree

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The degree received after completing a two-year program.

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award package

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The total financial aid offered to a student by a school. This may include grants, loans, and work-study awards.

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Bachelor of Science

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A bachelor's degree awarded for the completion of an undergraduate program in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences.

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bachelor's degree

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The degree received after completing a four-year program. It is also known as an undergraduate degree or a baccalaureate.

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career assessment

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A tool that helps match personal skills, qualities, interests, talents, or academic strength to careers.

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career cluster

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A group of similar careers.

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career cluster

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A group of similar careers.

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certificate

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An official document issued by a school certifying that the individual named has completed all requirements and graduated.

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certificate

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A credential awarded by a college or university to recognize the completion of a curriculum that does not lead to a degree or diploma.

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certification program

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A curriculum leading to a certificate rather than a degree or a diploma.

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class rank

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A measure of how a student's performance compares to other students in his or her class.

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club adviser

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A teacher or staff member who oversees a club or organization to ensure it is following the school's rules of conduct and staying close to the group's objectives.

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college entrance requirement

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A piece of information that a college uses to make admissions decisions. Requirements can include personal information, courses taken, performance scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, community service, participation in extracurricular activities, and an interview.

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college graduate

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An individual who completes all college requirements and earns a college diploma.

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college interview

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A meeting between a representative of a college and an applicant so that the school can learn more about him or her.

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college savings plan

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A plan in which a student's family saves money for college by investing funds in the stock market. It offers several investment options, and the value goes up or down based on the market performance of the option selected.

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community college

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A two-year school with programs for associate's degrees.

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community service

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An activity or service done by volunteers free of charge, for the benefit of a person, a group, or the public.

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competition

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A contest for an honor or award.

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competitive admission

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Admission for which applications are reviewed based on academic performance, completion of rigorous coursework, and extracurricular activities. Those accepted either meet thresholds for these criteria or stand out from fellow applicants in one or more of these criteria. Competitive admission is usually used by four-year colleges.

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concentration

answer

The act of focusing on an activity, concept, or task.

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confidence

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Belief in oneself and one's abilities.

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cost of attendance

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The total cost of attending college, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board.

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Coverdell Education Savings Account

answer

An education savings account for K through 12 and college expenses. There is a yearly maximum contribution limit. Contributions are taxed up front, but the account is not taxed as it grows, and withdrawals are tax-free.

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cumulative grade point average

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The average GPA including all semesters up to the most recent semester.

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Direct PLUS Loan

answer

A loan that graduate students, professional degree students, and the parents of undergraduate students may take out to pay for college education expenses. It is available through the federal Direct Loan Program.

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Direct Stafford Loan

answer

A student loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. government and has a fixed interest rate lower than private loans. The loan can be either subsidized or unsubsidized, and there are strict eligibility requirements and borrowing limits. Repayment begins at the end of the six-month grace period after the student leaves school.

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dual enrollment

answer

Enrollment in an institution of higher learning (e.g., a community college) while still in high school. Credits may be used toward a high school degree, college credit, or both.

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EXPLORE test

answer

A multiple-choice, pre-ACT standardized test taken by eighth- and ninth-graders. It tests students in English, math, reading, and science.

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extracurricular activity

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An activity that is not part of a school's academic curriculum and usually takes place after school hours.

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Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

answer

A federally funded program that helps college students earn aid through part-time work. Students find jobs through their college. The money goes toward paying college expenses.

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financial stability

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A situation in which a person's monthly income is greater than his or her monthly costs, making it possible to save for large purchases, emergencies, and retirement.

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first-generation student

answer

A student who will be the first from his or her family (including grandparents, parents, and siblings) to graduate from a college.

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first-time freshman

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A student enrolling at his or her first college after graduation from high school.

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four-year college

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An institution of higher learning that grants bachelor's degrees and sometimes master's degrees and doctorates. Four-year colleges typically offer a larger array of programs and have more campus activities than two-year colleges, as well as offering opportunities to live on campus. They typically cost more than two-year colleges. They are also known as colleges or universities.

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

answer

The application required by the federal government for calculating need-based college financial aid. It can be obtained from high school guidance offices, college financial aid offices, and the Internet.

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grade point average (GPA)

answer

The calculated average of letter grades earned in school. The formula to calculate a GPA is the addition of all grade points from all completed courses divided by the number of classes completed.

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grant

answer

A financial award that is usually dispensed by the financial aid office of a college or university. Most grants are need-based, but some are merit-based.

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high school diploma

answer

Certification of successful completion of high school.

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high school dropout

answer

An individual who does not complete all high school requirements and does not earn a high school diploma.

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high school transcript

answer

An official report supplied by a high school of the academic record of an individual student.

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homework

answer

A take-home assignment.

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homework routine

answer

A schedule designed by you that includes a start time, break times, an end time, a designated study space free of distractions, and study materials.

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independent

answer

Being capable of accomplishing day-to-day tasks on one's own. An independent person may still seek advice from, collaborate with, or love learning from others.

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International Baccalaureate (IB) course

answer

One of a rigorous, interdisciplinary group of courses that are accepted by universities worldwide.

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internship

answer

A program in which a student acquires on-the-job experience related to his or her major.

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job shadow

answer

A time in which a student observes an expert in the workplace to learn more about a particular career.

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liberal arts college

answer

A four-year college focused on broad student learning in writing and thinking, with faculty devoted to teaching. Liberal arts colleges usually have smaller enrollments (500 - 2,500).

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license

answer

A document issued by the government or an authority that gives official permission to do something.

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loan default

answer

Failure to repay a loan on which borrower has made no loan payments for 270 to 360 days and has not made any arrangements to defer.

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major requirement

answer

A course requirement specific to the field of study that a student chooses at a four-year college. Colleges typically expect students to complete 66 credit hours, or 22 courses, specific to their major.

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meal plan

answer

A plan in which a student pays up front to eat a specific number of meals in the college dining halls. Each college has its own way of regulating the meal plans.

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merit-based aid

answer

Awards through grants or scholarships 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. The awards are not based on financial need.

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minor

answer

A secondary focus of study in a specific subject or career field.

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mnemonic

answer

A tool used to aid in remembering information.

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music mnemonic

answer

The use of music to learn and retain information.

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need-based aid

answer

Awards through grants, scholarships, or loans based on a student's or parent's level of income. Those with lower income levels are offered more money to make college more affordable.

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networking

answer

The practice of making contact and exchanging information with other people, groups, or institutions. The goal of the networking relationship may be to further one's personal employment opportunities, to cultivate new clients, or to expand business relationships.

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on-the-job training

answer

Training at a place of work while an employee is doing the actual job. Either a professional trainer or an experienced employee serves as the instructor.

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open college

answer

A postsecondary school that does not have a set of admission requirements such as a minimum GPA or test scores.

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paraphrase

answer

To rephrase using different words, sometimes to make shorter.

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Pell Grant

answer

A federal grant provided to students who demonstrate financial need. It is known as the foundation of federal financial aid.

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percentile rank

answer

Class rank shown in the form of a percentage.

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perception

answer

A person's understanding based on what is observed or thought.

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performance score

answer

For selective colleges, an admissions review of a student's GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores to determine if the student is eligible to attend the college.

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Perkins Loan (federal)

answer

A loan for high-need students that offers up to $5,500 a year for undergraduates and up to $8,000 a year for graduate students. The loan may be forgiven for public service under some circumstances.

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personal quality

answer

A characteristic or trait.

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personal skill

answer

An ability to do something.

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personal statement

answer

An essay submitted to an admissions office that explains why a student should be admitted to the college.

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plagiarizing

answer

Using someone else's ideas, words, or creative work without giving credit to that person.

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PLAN test

answer

A multiple-choice, pre-ACT standardized test taken by tenth-graders. It tests students in English, math, reading, and science.

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prepaid tuition plan

answer

Also known as a guaranteed tuition plan. This plan allows a family to prepay all or part of the costs of an in-state public university education. The plan may also be converted for use at private and out-of-state colleges.

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private loan

answer

Money borrowed from a private financial institution, such as a bank.

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PSAT/NMSQT

answer

A test that is similar in format to the SAT and is taken during a student's junior year. The test is shorter and less time-consuming; it serves as a qualifying instrument for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can be helpful for early college guidance.

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residence hall

answer

Also known as a dormitory or dorm. Students who attend a four-year college and some two-year colleges can live with fellow students in a residence hall owned and run by the college. A residence hall often has cafeterias, activities, and sometimes even exercise facilities.

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reward

answer

Something given in return for what someone has done or earned.

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rigorous coursework

answer

Courses that are more challenging than regular high school courses, including advanced or honors courses, dual enrollment courses, IB options, and AP courses.

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role

answer

The actions and activities assigned to, or expected of, a person or group.

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SAT

answer

A standardized test developed by the College Board for college admittance in the United States. It consists of three sections: math, critical reading, and writing.

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scholarship

answer

A sum of money that is used to pay educational expenses and is awarded to a student on the basis of academic merit. The student is not required to repay the money.

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school-to-work system

answer

An education and career-focused opportunity that exposes students to potential careers by combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

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secondary school

answer

Another term for high school.

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selective college

answer

A postsecondary school that has a set of requirements for a student to be admitted. These may include high school graduation, meeting test score and GPA requirements, participation in community service programs, and completion of specific classes.

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self-evaluation

answer

A way to identify personal skills, qualities, interests, and talents.

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senioritis

answer

The lack of motivation high school and college seniors often feel toward their studies.

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service-learning

answer

Opportunities that allow students to give back to their community. These opportunities always have learning objectives and are often tied to a class in which the students are enrolled.

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spelling mnemonic

answer

The use of different techniques as reminders of how to spell a word.

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standardized test

answer

One of several national tests that colleges use to evaluate an applicant's academic background and understanding of specific areas of knowledge.

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standardized tests

answer

National tests that colleges use to evaluate an applicant's academic background and understanding of specific areas of knowledge.

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state tax

answer

Tax paid to the state for funding schools as well as a variety of public programs administered at the state level.

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student loan

answer

A sum of money to pay educational expenses that must be repaid. Loans to college students are often obtained through the government.

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student record

answer

An individual record created and updated by a college that tabulates all information about a student. A student record can include financial aid information, payment information, disciplinary issues, course information, and many other types of information that the college may collect.

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study group

answer

A group of people who meet to discuss and study a particular subject or topic.

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subject area

answer

A specific area of learning. Subject areas may include English, mathematics, languages, and social studies.

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technical or vocational education

answer

The preparation of trainees for jobs that are related to a specific trade or occupation. Students of vocational or trade schools can often earn certificates or licenses in fewer than two years.

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test anxiety

answer

A psychological condition in which students experience extreme anguish and anxiety before and during test taking, thus impairing performance. Symptoms may include insomnia, headaches, vomiting, fainting, depression, panic, and inability to concentrate.

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trade association

answer

An organization founded by businesses in a specific industry to facilitate collaboration between companies, standardize procedures within the industry, and advocate for workers.

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transfer student

answer

A student who moves from one college or university to another.

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two-year college

answer

A regional higher education institution offering certificates and two-year degrees for professional subjects. Two-year colleges usually cost less than four-year colleges, are open enrollment schools that don't consider past grades for admission, and specialize in serving live-at-home students and part-time students. They are also known as community colleges or junior colleges.

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university

answer

A four-year college that offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

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unweighted GPA

answer

A grade point average that does not factor in additional grade points for more challenging courses.

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volunteering

answer

Time spent helping others.

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weighted GPA

answer

A grade point average that includes the additional grade points given to a student for completing advanced, honors, dual enrollment, AP, or IB courses.

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word mnemonic

answer

The use of the first letter of each word in a phrase as an aid to remember information. Also known as an expression mnemonic

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