A.A. degree: This stands for “associate of arts” degree, which can be earned at most 2-year colleges.
A.A.S. degree: This refers to an “associate of applied science” degree, which can be earned at some 2-year colleges. These are usually programs of study that are more technical in nature, but also involve courses in general eds, such as English 9, Social Sciences, etc.
ACT: This is a college admissions test published by American College Testing which measures a student’s achievement in English skills, mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. Most 4-year colleges in the South and Midwest require scores from this test for admission. It is usually taken in the spring of the Junior year.
B.A. or B.S. degree: B.A. stands for “bachelor of arts,” and B.S. stands for “bachelor of science” degree. Both degrees are 4-year college degrees. It depends on what major you are in as to what degree you earn. Ex. Teaching degrees are B.S. degrees, while a degree in English Literature would be a B.A. degree.
CEEB Number: The individual code that has been assigned to your high school. The CEEB Number for Stamford High School is ______________.
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: This is an additional financial aid profile that select schools use in determining a total financial aid package.
Early Action: An admission plan used primarily in highly selective colleges. Under Early Action, you follow an accelerated process and usually apply by November 1. You will be notified of a decision by mid-December, but, if you are accepted, you do not have to let the school know your decision until May 1.
Early Decision: An admission plan offered to well-qualified applicants who are definitely committed to their choice of college. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or refusal in December. Acceptance under Early Decision requires you to withdraw applications at other colleges.
E.F.C: Expected Family Contribution: An amount given on your FAFSA results, determined by a formula that is specified by law, that indicates how much of a family’s financial resources should be available to help pay for college.
FAFSA: (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This is a form to fill out and send in after taxes are figured in January for the previous year, for both parents and student. The information on this form is used to figure out how much, if any, financial aid you are entitled to for your education.
Fees: These are charges that cover costs associated with the student’s course load, such as costs of some athletic activities, clubs, special events, computer lab, etc.
Financial Aid: Refers to money available from various sources to help pay for college.
Financial Aid Package: The total amount of financial aid a student receives. Federal and non-Federal aid such as grants, loans, or work-study are combined in a “package” to help meet the student’s need.
Financial Need: Equal to the cost of education at your chosen college minus the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). Example: Your EFC for Southern State is $7,500. It costs $13,400 for tuition, fees, room and board. Your financial Need is $5,900 (13,400 minus $7,500)
Grant: A sum of money given for college expenses that does not need to be repaid.
Loan: A type of financial aid available to students and parents that must be repaid, but in many cases not until after the education is complete.
Official Transcript: A certified copy of your transcript sent directly to the institution of your choice from Faribault High School. This document is NOT hand carried by the student or parent. It includes your classes and class grades, cumulative grade point average, class rank, ACT or SAT scores (if taken), and immunization records. Colleges require official transcripts with applications for admission.
Open Admissions: Means slightly different things at different schools, but generally means that a college will admit most or all students who apply to the school. This can mean anyone with a H.S. diploma, GED, or is over 18.
Post-secondary: This term means “after high school” and refers to all programs for high school graduates, including two and four year colleges, vocational and technical schools.
Proprietary: Term used to describe post-secondary schools that are private and are legally permitted to make a profit. Most offer technical and vocational courses.
Private Colleges/Universities: Schools are not publicly funded with taxpayer dollars. Costs are usually much higher than public colleges and universities.
Public Colleges/Universities: These schools are partially funded by taxpayer money, which keeps the cost down for students.
Regular Admissions: Most applications fall in this category. Applications are typically due in late fall or winter. Admission under this plan is not binding. This plan is best used for students who apply to several schools or who want to review several financial aid offers before making a final decision.
SAT: (Scholastic Aptitude Test) This college entrance test measures a student’s aptitude in math, critical reading and writing. Most colleges on the East and West coasts require SAT test results for college admission.
Scholarship: A sum of money given to a student for the purpose of paying for at least part of college. Scholarships can be awarded to students based on the student’s academic achievements, athletic achievements, volunteer experiences or on many other factors.
Selective College: Colleges that are more restrictive in their acceptance of students. This usually means they are difficult to get into. GPA, class rank and ACT or SAT scores must be high.
Subsidized Stafford Loan: Available to students who demonstrate financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while the student is in school.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: Students are not required to demonstrate financial need. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on unsubsidized loans.
Tuition: This is the amount of money that colleges charge for classroom and other instruction and use of facilities, such as libraries. Tuition can range from a few hundred dollars per year to more than $44,000. It all depends on the school and the state.
Work-Study Programs: Many colleges offer these programs. They allow students to work part-time during the school year as part of their financial aid package. The jobs are usually on campus and the money earned is used to pay for tuition or other college expenses.