Navigating the college admission process can feel overwhelming, especially with all the jargon that gets thrown around. If you’re a high school senior applying to colleges, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the key terms used in the process. Here’s a guide to some of the most common college admission terms and their definitions to help you as you apply to college.
Application deadline
The final date by which your college application, along with all required materials (like essays and transcripts), must be submitted. There are different types of deadlines, such as Regular Decision, Early Action and Early Decision.
Bachelor’s degree
An undergraduate degree awarded by a college or university upon completion of a specific course of study, usually lasting four years. Examples include Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees.
Direct admission
Under direct admission, a college might offer you a spot before you even apply—if you meet certain academic or sometimes demographic criteria. Plus, in some cases, they’ll even waive the application fee.
Early Action (EA)
A non-binding application process that allows you to apply early (usually by November) and receive a decision earlier than Regular Decision applicants. Since it’s non-binding, you can still apply to other schools and are not required to attend the school if admitted. Pacific’s Early Action application deadline is November 15.
Early Decision (ED)
A binding application process similar to Early Action but with a significant difference: if you’re accepted under Early Decision, you are committed to attending that college and must withdraw any other college applications. This option is for students who are absolutely sure about their first-choice school. Pacific does not have an Early Decision deadline.
Regular Decision
The standard application process with a deadline usually between January and February. Pacific’s Regular Decision deadline is January 15. Unlike Early Decision, you’re not bound to attend the school if admitted, and you can take your time to weigh multiple offers before making a final decision.
Common Application (Common App)
A single online application that can be used to apply to multiple colleges and universities. It streamlines the application process by allowing you to submit the same application to several schools, though some schools may have additional, school-specific supplements. You can apply to Pacific through the Common App or the Pacific Application. Pacific also offers direct admission to first-generation, low- and middle-income students through the Common App.
Test-optional
A policy where submitting standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT) is not required for admission. Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to give students more flexibility. Pacific is a test-optional school.
Test-blind
A policy where colleges do not consider standardized test scores in the admission process, even if submitted. This is different from test-optional, where scores can still be included if you think they will strengthen your application.
Waitlist
A list of applicants who are neither accepted nor rejected during the regular admission cycle. If space becomes available in the incoming class, students on the waitlist may be offered admission. However, being on a waitlist does not guarantee acceptance.
Deferred
If you apply Early Action or Early Decision and receive a deferral, it means your application will be reconsidered during the Regular Decision period. It’s not a rejection, but rather a decision to review your application later with the regular applicant pool.
Gap year
A year-long break taken between high school and college. Some students choose to take a gap year to travel, work, or engage in other activities before starting their college education. Many colleges allow students to defer their admission for a year if they choose to take a gap year.
Financial aid
Assistance provided to students to help cover the cost of college. This can include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid packages are typically based on your financial need, as determined by your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission.
Merit-based aid
Financial aid awarded based on a student’s achievements, such as academic excellence, athletic skill, or artistic talent, rather than financial need. This aid can come from the college itself or from outside organizations.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The form used to apply for financial aid from the federal government, state governments, and most colleges. The FAFSA collects information about your family’s financial situation to determine your eligibility for need-based aid.
CSS profile
A financial aid application used by some colleges (mainly private institutions) to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid. The CSS Profile requires more detailed financial information than the FAFSA and may include questions about non-custodial parent income, home equity, and other assets.
Personal statement
A required essay in which you can tell the admissions committee more about yourself. This is your chance to highlight your personality, experiences, goals and what makes you a good fit for the college.
Supplemental essays
Additional essays required by some colleges that focus on specific topics or questions. These essays provide another opportunity to show your fit for a particular school and can be crucial in highly selective admissions processes.
Recommendation letter
A letter written by a teacher, counselor, or another adult who knows you well and can speak to your abilities, character, and potential. Colleges use these letters to gain insight into how you interact with others and what you’ll contribute to their campus community. Pacific does not require recommendation letters for most majors, but you may need them to apply for some scholarships.
Major
The specific area of study you choose to focus on in college. Your major determines the core courses you will take, and it usually requires a certain number of credits in that field. Examples of majors include Biology, Business, Psychology, and Computer Science.
Grade-point average (GPA)
A numerical representation of your academic performance in high school, usually on a scale of 4.0. It’s calculated by averaging the grades you’ve earned in your courses, with each grade corresponding to a point value (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0).
Weighted grade-point average (GPA)
A GPA that considers the difficulty of the courses you’ve taken. For example, honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are often given extra weight (e.g., an A in an AP class might be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0). This can result in a GPA higher than 4.0.
Official transcripts
A document issued by your high school that lists all the courses you’ve taken and the grades you’ve earned. Colleges require official transcripts as part of your application to verify your academic record. These transcripts must be sent directly from your high school to the college to be considered official.
Understanding these terms is just one step in the college admission process, but it’s an important one. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the application season with confidence. Good luck!
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