College Process: Glossary of Terms

Glossary of terms 

Social Security Number (SSN): A nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanentresidents, and temporary workers for identification and record-keeping purposes. 

Transcripts: An official academic record listing the courses taken and the grades received. 

Common App (Common Application): A standardized online application used by manyU.S. colleges and universities. Students fill it out once and can submit it to multiple schoolswithout re-entering information. 

Coalition for College: Another online platform similar to the Common App that helpsstudents, especially those from low-income or underserved backgrounds, apply to colleges. 

Reach Schools: Colleges where a student's academic qualifications (like grades and test scores) are below the average admitted students. Admission is less likely but possible. 

Match Schools: Colleges where a student's qualifications match the average admittedstudent. Admission is more likely but not guaranteed. 

Safety Schools: Colleges where a student’s qualifications are above the average admittedstudent, meaning admission is highly likely. 

Extracurricular Activities: Activities students do outside of regular schoolwork, such assports, clubs, volunteering, or part-time jobs. 

Awards and Honors: Recognition or accolades for achievements in academics, sports, arts,or community service. 

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): A standardized test in the U.S. that measures astudent's readiness for college. It includes sections on math, reading, and writing, and isscored out of 1600. 

ACT (American College Testing): Another standardized test used for college admissions inthe U.S. It tests students in English, math, reading, science, and has an optional writingsection. Scores range from 1 to 36. 

Recommendation Letters: Letters written by teachers or counselors that describe astudent’s strengths, character, and academic abilities. 

Supplemental Essays: Additional essays that some colleges require beyond the maincollege application. Supplemental Essays usually ask specific questions about why thestudent wants to attend that college. 

Merit-based Scholarships: Financial aid given to students based on their academicachievements, talents, or other abilities, rather than their financial need. 

Work-Study: A federal program that allows students to work part-time while attendingcollege to help pay for their education. 

Test-Optional: A policy that allows students to apply to a college without submitting SAT orACT scores. 

Fee Waiver: A form that allows students to apply to colleges without paying the usualapplication fee. 

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): A form filled out by students in the U.S.to apply for financial aid, such as grants and loans, for college. It is based on the family'sincome and helps determine the amount of financial assistance available. 

CSS Profile: A financial aid form used by some colleges to determine a student's eligibilityfor non-government financial aid. Requires more detailed financial information than FAFSA.