College Awareness
College Terminology
A-G REQUIREMENTS
This term refers to the list of courses that are necessary for eligibility for admission to the University of California (UC) and many California State University (CSU) campuses. Each high school should have a list of UC Eligible courses available to students.
UNDERGRADUATE If you are in college but don't have a degree yet, you are an undergraduate
GRADUATE You have received your degree.
DEGREE An award received upon graduation from college. It means you have completed a particular course of study.
AA Associate of Arts - A degree or certificate awarded upon satisfactory completion of a two-year course of study at a community college.
BA Bachelor of Arts - A degree awarded by a college or university upon satisfactory completion of a four-year course of study in the humanities, social sciences, and related studies.
BS Bachelor of Science - A degree awarded by a college or university upon satisfactory completion of a four-year course of study in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, etc.
CERTIFICATE
You can get one of these if you go to vocational or technical school to prepare for a job that doesn't require a degree. Most programs last 6 to 12 months.
EOP
Educational Opportunity Program - A program designed to assist low income and/or educationally disadvantaged students with admissions, academic support services, and financial aid at the University of California, California State University, and Community Colleges (EOPS). Eligibility criteria differs between campuses. Contact the campus of your choice for specific information.
GPA
Grade Point Average - an average of all letter grades earned in high school subjects, except physical education and ROTC.
IMPACTED PROGRAMS
The term applies to a degree program which, because of heavy enrollment may be temporarily closed to new students or may require supplementary screening or earlier application filing deadlines, i.e. Engineering.
POSTSECONDARY
"After high school." You can get postsecondary education at all kinds of schools, such as a college or university, a community college, a techinical college, trade school or other off-campus courses.
MAJOR
Field of study in which a student pursues specialized study.
MINOR
This is the second couse of study you choose for college. Most programs require that you choose a major and a minor in college, but you can change your mind. (You'll just have to make sure you take the right classes to get a degree in the field you want)
TRANSCRIPT
A complete record of the student's high school grades in all subjects taken from grades 9 through 12.
TUITION
Colleges charge tuition for teaching you. Tuition also can cover the cost of school facilities, such as libraries.
Testing Programs
ACT
American College Testing Program - The ACT is an examination measuring the level of accomplishment in four subject areas: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Natural Sciences. These tests average 40 minutes a piece and are intended to test you on how well you do the kinds of academic work colleges expect you to do.
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/currentdates.html
ETS
Educational Testing Service - This is an organization that administers the SAT I and SAT II tests provided by CEEB. Although ETS is a separate organization, most of the high school work is carried out under contract with CEEB. ETS is responsible for the production of test materials, the security of all test questions, the organization of test centers, and the proper reporting of scores.
NMSQT
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - This test is offered to juniors and is used as the basis for some scholarships from a wide range of sources. Some private colleges use it as an additional item of information in considering admissions. NMSQT semifinalists must take the SAT I by the following October to compete for the finalist eligibility.
PSAT
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test - The PSAT may be taken by sophomores and juniors who are interested in preparing for the SAT I. The PSAT is given just once a year in October on a Saturday. The test results are officially sent to colleges and are NOT used in the final admissions process. The PSAT also determines NMSQT finalists.
SAT I
Scholastic Assessment Test I: Reasoning Test - The SAT I is one of the two most widely used tests in the college admissions field. It is a three hour test, primarily multiple-choice, that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. The SAT I is given several times a year. The SAT I is a measure that allows admission officers to compare applicants and help make predictions about a student's performance in college.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html
SAT II
The Scholastic Assessment Test II: Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge. Some colleges require one or more of these tests for admission or placement purposes. Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering applying to before deciding which test to take. UC requires three SAT II Subject Tests, including the Writing Test, the Mathematics Level I or IIC, and one test in one of the following areas: English literature, foreign language, science or social studies. On one test date a maximum of three SAT II subject tests may be taken.
Financial Aid
FINANCIAL AID
It's money that will help you pay for college. it includes scholarships, grants, student loans and work-study programs. You have to appy for financial aid. Some financial aid, like student loans, must be paid back.
EFC (EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION)
This is the amount you and your family are expected to pay toward your college education. The amount of your financial aid award depends on whether:
* You're a full-time or part-time student
* You attend school for a full academic year or less
* You believe you have special circumstances such as unusual medical or dental expenses
Federal Student Aid will be paid to you through your school. The school will notify you by sending you a SAR followed by an award letter.
SAR (STUDENT AID REPORT)
Have you already filled out the FAFSA and received your Student Aid Report (SAR)? The SAR contains the information you reported on your FAFSA. Here's a description of the SAR and how it's used. Your SAR must be complete and correct before you can receive federal student aid. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/what005.htm
AWARD LETTER
A letter that reflect financial aid offers. For a sample use link below. https://studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/pay_for_college/award.html
CAL GRANT A, B, C
Each Cal Grant has different criteria. To apply, follow the instructions and complete the appropriate sections on the FAFSA, including "yes" to question 33 and completing section I: State Information. See your counselor for additional information and materials you will need. File the FAFSA form between 1/1 and March 2.
FAF
Financial Aid Form - The financial aid application required by most out-of-state schools. Check the schools you are applying to regarding the type of form required.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid- The financial aid form required by California schools. Complete between January 1 and March 2. The FAFSA is then processed and your financial need is determined in the form of an eligibility index. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN
(Administered by the California Student Aid Commission) These loans are for students who demonstrate financial need. Interest rate for new borrowers is variable, with a current cap of 8.25%.
PELL GRANT
Money for college, given to qualified applicants by the federal government. To apply, complete a FAFSA or FAF between January 1 and March 2.
FEDERAL PLUS LOANS (PARENT LOANS)
Parents can borrow a PLUS Loan to help pay your education expenses if you are a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school. PLUS Loans are available through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Your parents can get either loan, but not both, for you during the same enrollment period.
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/parentloans.jsp?tab=funding
FSEDG
(FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS)
PIN# (PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
Your FAFSA PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records. You should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place. You can use the same PIN in the future to apply electronically for student aid and to access your U.S. Department of Education records. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2005-2006/english/general-pin.htm
SUBSIDIZED LOANS
UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS
SCHOLARSHIPS
If you make excellent grades, achieve something special or have a special or particular skill you may be able to get this kind of financial aid for college. Scholarships usually don't have to be paid back.
WORK-STUDY
You may be able to get a job on your college campus to earn money to help pay for college.
RA (RESIDENT ADVISOR OR RESIDENT ASSISTANT)
CPA (COLLEGE PEER ADVISOR)
TPA (TUTOR/PEER ADVISOR)
