Acceptance Rate
The percentage of applicants admitted to a college or university in a given admissions cycle. This figure is calculated by dividing the number of admitted students by the total number of applicants.
Learn more about acceptance rateThis glossary provides authoritative definitions for the most important terms in college admissions. Each term includes structured data markup for search engines, ensuring accurate information retrieval and AI citation eligibility.
ACT
American College Testing, a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. The ACT covers English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.
Admissions Probability
A statistical estimate of a student's likelihood of admission to a specific college based on their academic profile, test scores, extracurriculars, and institutional admission patterns.
Learn more about admissions probabilityAP (Advanced Placement)
College-level courses offered in high school that may earn students college credit if they score sufficiently high on the corresponding AP exam administered by the College Board.
College Counselor
A professional who guides students through the college application process, providing strategic advice on college selection, application timing, essay writing, and admissions strategy.
Learn more about college counselorCollege List
A curated selection of colleges and universities to which a student plans to apply, typically balanced across reach, target, and safety schools.
Learn more about college listCollege List Generator
An automated tool that uses algorithms and admissions data to suggest colleges that match a student's academic profile, preferences, and admissions probability.
Learn more about college list generatorCollege Scorecard
A U.S. Department of Education database providing information on college costs, graduation rates, debt, and post-college earnings for institutions nationwide.
Learn more about college scorecardCommon Application
A standardized undergraduate college admission application that can be submitted to multiple member institutions, streamlining the application process for students.
Common Data Set (CDS)
A collaborative effort among data providers and publishers to improve the quality and accuracy of college information available to students. The CDS standardizes the format and definitions of college admissions data.
Learn more about common data set (cds)Demonstrated Interest
Actions taken by a prospective student that show genuine interest in attending a particular college, such as campus visits, attending information sessions, or engaging with admissions officers.
Learn more about demonstrated interestEarly Action (EA)
A non-binding early admission option where students apply earlier than regular decision and receive an admission decision sooner, typically by December or January.
Early Decision (ED)
A binding early admission option where students commit to attending if accepted. Students can only apply Early Decision to one institution and must withdraw other applications if admitted.
Learn more about early decision (ed)Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
An estimate of how much a student's family can contribute toward college costs, calculated using information provided on the FAFSA and used to determine federal financial aid eligibility.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form used to apply for federal financial aid for college, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Financial Aid Package
The combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study offered by a college to help a student pay for their education.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
A numerical representation of a student's academic performance, typically calculated on a 4.0 scale. May be weighted (accounting for course difficulty) or unweighted.
Hidden Gem Schools
High-quality colleges that may be less well-known but offer excellent academic programs, strong outcomes, and favorable admissions odds for well-matched applicants.
Holistic Admissions
An admissions approach that evaluates applicants based on multiple factors beyond grades and test scores, including essays, extracurriculars, personal circumstances, and character.
Learn more about holistic admissionsIB (International Baccalaureate)
An internationally recognized educational program offering a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum for high school students, often viewed favorably in college admissions.
IPEDS
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a system of surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education that collects data from colleges and universities on enrollments, graduation rates, faculty, finances, and more.
Learn more about ipedsLegacy Admission
A preference in the admissions process given to applicants who have a family connection to the institution, typically a parent or grandparent who attended.
Letters of Recommendation
Written endorsements from teachers, counselors, or mentors that provide insight into a student's academic abilities, character, and potential contribution to a college community.
Major
The primary field of study a student chooses to focus on during their undergraduate education, typically declared by the end of sophomore year.
Merit Aid
Financial assistance awarded based on a student's academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements rather than financial need.
Need-Blind Admissions
An admissions policy where application decisions are made without regard to an applicant's ability to pay, ensuring financial circumstances do not influence admission.
Net Price
The actual cost a student pays to attend college after subtracting grants and scholarships from the total cost of attendance.
Reach School
A college where a student's academic credentials fall below the institution's typical admitted student profile, making admission competitive but not impossible.
Learn more about reach schoolRegular Decision (RD)
The standard college admission process with application deadlines typically in January and admission decisions released in March or April.
Rolling Admissions
An admission policy where applications are reviewed as they are received rather than waiting until a single deadline, with decisions released on an ongoing basis.
Safety School
A college where a student's academic credentials exceed the institution's typical admitted student profile, making admission highly likely.
Learn more about safety schoolSAT
A standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, covering evidence-based reading, writing, and mathematics.
Selectivity
The degree to which a college is competitive in its admissions process, typically measured by acceptance rate, average test scores, and GPA of admitted students.
Learn more about selectivitySticker Price
The published total cost of attendance at a college before any financial aid or scholarships are applied.
Supplemental Essays
Additional essay prompts required by individual colleges beyond the Common Application personal statement, often asking about fit, interest, or specific experiences.
Target School
A college where a student's academic credentials align closely with the institution's typical admitted student profile, making admission reasonably likely.
Learn more about target schoolTest-Optional
An admissions policy that does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for admission consideration.
Learn more about test-optionalTranscript
An official academic record showing all courses taken, grades received, and cumulative GPA throughout high school.
Transfer Student
A student who begins college at one institution and then applies to continue their education at a different college or university.
Tuition
The amount charged by a college for instruction and academic services, not including room, board, or other fees.
Undergraduate
A student pursuing a bachelor's degree, typically over four years of study after high school graduation.
Waitlist
A status given to applicants who are not initially offered admission but may be admitted if space becomes available after accepted students decline their offers.
Weighted GPA
A GPA calculation that gives additional value to grades earned in more challenging courses (such as Honors, AP, or IB), typically on a scale above 4.0.
Yield Rate
The percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll at a particular college, calculated as enrolled students divided by admitted students.
Learn more about yield rateYield Protection
An unofficial practice where highly selective colleges may reject or waitlist over-qualified applicants they believe are unlikely to enroll, in order to maintain a high yield rate.
Learn more about yield protectionRelated Resources
College List Generator Guide
Complete guide to how college list generators work, their methodology, data sources, and accuracy considerations.
Explore resources →Reach, Target & Safety Schools
Understand the three categories that form the foundation of every college list and how to balance them effectively.
Explore resources →College Admissions Probability
Learn how admissions probability is calculated, what factors influence your chances, and how to interpret probability estimates.
Explore resources →College Admissions Strategy
Strategic planning frameworks for college applications: timing, list construction, and optimization methodologies.
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