Navigating the college admissions process can be complex, especially with the myriad of acronyms used throughout. From application types to financial aid, and from standardized tests to specialized programs, we provide a comprehensive overview of the terms and their meanings. Familiarity with these acronyms will empower students and their families to make informed decisions and approach the college admissions journey with confidence.
General Admission Terms
GPA (Grade Point Average)
The average of a student’s academic scores, typically on a 4.0 scale, which is a crucial factor in college admissions.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
A standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States.
ACT (American College Testing)
Another standardized test used for college admissions, covering English, math, reading, and science reasoning.
AP (Advanced Placement)
College-level courses and exams offered in high school that can potentially earn students college credit.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
A rigorous educational program that includes international curriculum and assessments.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A test measuring English language proficiency for non-native speakers.
Types of Admissions
EA (Early Action)
A non-binding early application option where students receive an early response but are not required to commit until the regular decision deadline.
ED (Early Decision)
A binding early application process where students commit to attending the college if accepted.
RD (Regular Decision)
The standard college application process with a typical deadline in January or February.
SCEA (Single-Choice Early Action)
An early application process where students can apply early to only one private college but are not bound to attend if accepted.
REA (Restrictive Early Action)
Similar to SCEA, it restricts students from applying early to other private colleges but is non-binding.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
A form completed by current and prospective college students to determine eligibility for financial aid.
CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile)
A financial aid application used by some colleges and universities to award institutional aid.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
An estimate of a family’s ability to contribute to college costs, calculated from information on the FAFSA.
COA (Cost of Attendance)
The total amount it will cost to attend a college, including tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses.
SAR (Student Aid Report)
A summary of the information provided on the FAFSA, used by colleges to determine financial aid packages.
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
A grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
Pell Grant
A federal grant provided to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need.
Application Components
LOR (Letter of Recommendation)
A letter written by a teacher, counselor, or other individual endorsing a student’s application.
PS (Personal Statement)
An essay required by many colleges as part of the application process, reflecting the student’s achievements, experiences, and goals.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A detailed document outlining a student’s academic and extracurricular achievements.
ECs (Extracurricular Activities)
Non-academic activities such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, and hobbies that are considered in the admissions process.
CA (Common Application)
A standardized undergraduate college application used by many colleges and universities.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The application system for students applying to undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom.
Admissions Tests
SAT Subject Tests
Subject-specific standardized tests offered by the College Board that some colleges require or recommend.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
GRE, which stands for Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate programs.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
A standardized test for admission to business school graduate programs.
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
A standardized test for admission to law schools.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
A standardized test for admission to medical schools.
MAT (Miller Analogies Test)
A standardized test used for admission to some graduate programs.
Specialized Programs and Pathways
ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps)
A college program offering training and scholarships for students committing to serve in the military after graduation.
EOP (Educational Opportunity Program)
Programs providing support and resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program)
A New York State program providing academic and financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
A federal grant program for students with exceptional financial need.
AA (Associate of Arts)
A two-year degree offered by community colleges.
AS (Associate of Science)
A two-year degree focusing on science and technical fields, offered by community colleges.
Miscellaneous
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
A federal law protecting the privacy of student education records.
NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT/NMSQT serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
Programs designed to help non-native English speakers achieve language proficiency.
DE (Dual Enrollment)
Programs allowing high school students to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation.
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
Tests that allow students to earn college credit for introductory-level courses.
GAP Year
A year taken off between high school and college for personal growth, work, travel, or other pursuits.
OOS (Out-of-State)
Refers to students attending a college outside of their home state, often facing higher tuition fees.
TTP (Transfer Admission Guarantee)
Agreements guaranteeing transfer admission from community colleges to four-year universities under certain conditions.
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course)
Free or low-cost online courses available to a large number of participants.
CUNY (City University of New York)
A public university system in New York City comprising several senior and community colleges.
SUNY (State University of New York)
A public university system in New York State comprising numerous campuses offering a range of degree programs.
College Application Systems
Coalition Application
A college application platform offering a free application process and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds.
ApplyTexas
A unified college application process for students applying to public universities in Texas.
UC Application
The application system used for the University of California system.
Rankings and Accreditation
USNWR (U.S. News & World Report)
A media company known for its annual college rankings.
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
An accreditation body for business schools.
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
An accreditation body for applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology programs.
NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design)
An accreditation body for art and design programs.
WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
An accrediting agency for schools, colleges, and universities in the western United States.
Admissions Offices and Roles
AO (Admissions Officer)
An individual responsible for evaluating applications and making admission decisions.
FAO (Financial Aid Officer)
An individual who assists students with the financial aid process and helps determine eligibility for various types of aid.
RD (Regional Director)
A representative responsible for a specific geographic area, often used in the context of admissions or alumni relations.
AOI (Area of Interest)
A specific field or subject a student is interested in pursuing in college.
Special Admission Categories
Legacy Admission
A preference in college admissions given to applicants who are relatives of alumni.
First-Gen (First-Generation Student)
A student who is the first in their family to attend college.
URM (Underrepresented Minority)
Refers to racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in higher education.
HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
Institutions of higher education established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community.
TCU (Tribal Colleges and Universities)
Institutions of higher education that serve Native American tribes.
MSI (Minority-Serving Institution)
Colleges and universities that serve a high percentage of minority students.
Programs and Initiatives
FYE (First-Year Experience)
Programs designed to help freshmen adjust to college life.
LLC (Living-Learning Community)
Residential programs that group students with similar academic interests.
SSS (Student Support Services)
Programs offering academic, financial, and personal support to students.
TRIO Programs
Federal outreach programs designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Fields of study and career paths focused on these disciplines.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
Similar to STEM but includes the arts as a crucial component.
PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options)
Programs allowing high school students to take college courses for credit.
LAC (Liberal Arts College)
A college focused on undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences.
REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
Programs offering research opportunities to undergraduate students, often funded by the National Science Foundation.
International Students
I-20 Form
A document issued by a U.S. school to certify that an international student has been admitted to a full-time program.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
A system used by the U.S. government to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors, and their dependents.
DS-160 Form
An online application for a non-immigrant visa for international students.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
A period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status can work for up to one year on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their education.
Campus Life and Housing
RA (Resident Assistant)
A student leader responsible for supervising and assisting students in a residence hall.
RD (Resident Director)
A professional staff member responsible for managing a residence hall.
FYSA (First-Year Student Advisor)
An advisor who assists first-year students with academic and personal adjustment to college.
GSI (Graduate Student Instructor)
A graduate student who teaches undergraduate courses.
TA (Teaching Assistant)
A graduate student who assists a professor with instructional responsibilities.
RHA (Residence Hall Association)
An organization representing students living in residence halls, focusing on enhancing the living experience.
LLC (Living-Learning Community)
A residential community where students with similar academic or extracurricular interests live together.
Academic and Support Services
OSA (Office of Student Affairs)
An office providing support services related to student life, including housing, health, and counseling.
ODS (Office of Disability Services)
An office providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
ARC (Academic Resource Center)
A center offering tutoring, writing support, and other academic services.
CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
A campus service offering mental health support and counseling.
CD (Career Development)
A service offering career counseling, job search support, and internship placement.
SSS (Student Support Services)
Programs offering academic, financial, and personal support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.