Academy of Sacred Heart

COLLEGE GLOSSARY TERMS

Standarized Testing:

Achievement Tests (SAT II)--Many colleges require three (3) achievements. We expect students to take the Writing section and two others of their strengths. To maximize your results, tests are best taken soon after the subject is completed at the end of your junior year. Science and math achievements are required for certain majors such as engineering, biology, pre-med etc.

American College Testing (ACT)--Another standardized test that measures, English, Math, Natural Science, and Social Science. It has similarities to the Achievement tests, and some colleges may take the ACT score in place of Achievement tests. Many mid-western and western colleges have used this test, but all colleges will accept the SAT or the ACT.

Educational Testing Service (ETS)--An organization that produces and administers standardized tests.

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude (PSAT)--When taken as a junior it is a "practice" test for the SAT and the results determine your eligibility in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Selection Index designated by the Scholarship Program, usually falls in the area of 220 or above for our area.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)--A three-hour test required by most colleges. Colleges will take the highest verbal and the highest math, regardless of the number of times taken. The recentering of the SAT means that the colleges are also adjusting their scores.

Student Search--Colleges buy names from the above testing programs, and use this as a tool to recruit students. That is the reason you will see your mailbox filled with brochures an materials you have not requested.

Financial Aid:

College Scholarship Service--The organization that processes financial aid information and distributes this to the colleges.

Federal Stafford Loan Program--Loans that are adjusted every year. No repayment while a student is in school.

Financial Aid Form (FAFSA)--A standardized form from the Department of Education that determines eligibility for state and federal grants. Forms arrive in November in the College Guidance Office. This form should be filed as soon as possible and in conjunction with the Profile.

Financial Aid Package--The final package of money for a student who has demonstrated need. It usually consists of leans, grants, campus jobs, etc. This package fills the gap between parent's contribution and the total cost of college.

Grant Money--Institutional money. This can vary from college to college.

Merit Scholarships--Institutional money given to help recruit students to a college even though that student may not need financial help. The "Ivies", and some other select schools, generally do not participate in this program. Check in the college guidance office for schools that are listed with merit money. Many other selective colleges have moneys available.

P.L.U.S. Loans--Limited to the cost of education. Parents do not need to demonstrate need. Interest rate can vary.

Pell Grants--This is only awarded to students with high need. It is not money that needs to be repaid.

Profile--A second financial aid form that the colleges use to determine eligibility for the distribution of their own institutional money. Filed early, you may receive early information regarding your status for financial aid.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans--You do not have to show need for this loan. Interest on the loan must be paid while a student is in college. Repayment of the principal begins after graduation.

Work Study--The campus job that requires 15-20 hours of week on campus. This is part of your Financial Aid package.

College Admission Deadlines:

Candidate Reply Date--May 1st is the day you submitt your deposit that holds your place in the class. You may send your deposit in sooner if you know this is the school you plan to attend.

Deferred--If a student is not accepted early, she is reviewed in the regular process.

Early Action--A non-binding program that allows you to submit your application in November , without committing to attend that school, should you be accepted. The "Ivies" require that you submit only one application to them if you are applying early. This applies even though Brown's, Harvard's, and MIT's applications are non-binding. Decisions usually arrive around December 15.

Early Decision--A first choice school in which a student agrees to enroll, if accepted. Information on financial aid will not be available this early.

Rolling Admissions--Colleges admit students as the applications come in. Usually there is a four to six week turn around with the student notified immediately. Many large state universities use this procedure.

Wait List--This is a list of candidates that the college would like to have taken, but alumni, special interest, athletes, musicians etc. had to be admitted first. If you want to wait and see if you are pulled off this list, you will still need to deposit at another school, and risk losing that deposit. You may not deposit at more than one school.

Updated: 04/30/02