College Terminology 101

ACT: Test required or recommended by most colleges.  The test measures educational development in English/Writing, mathematics, reading and science.  It is given at test centers nationwide throughout the year. ACT scores range from 1-36.  Taking the optional ACT Plus Writing provides students with two additional scores.  They receive a Writing Test subscore and a combined English/Writing score.

Admissions Requirements: Academic courses, examinations, essays, letter of recommendation, etc., that may be required for admission by a school.  These vary at different institutions.

Challenging Courses: classes you can take during high school that have a higher difficulty level and will better prepare you for college.

Classes for College Credit: classes you can take during high school that will earn you high school and college credits.  These classes are offered in high schools and on college campuses.

Early Admission:admitting student of superior ability into college courses and programs before they have completed high school

EFC (Expected Family Contribution):an amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education.  It is used in determining your eligibility for federal financial aid.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):  The FAFSA is used to apply for federal student aid such as grants, work-study and loans.  You may also use the FAFSA to apply for most state and some private aid.

Financial Aid: A combination of aid (possibly including scholarships, grants, loans and work) determined by a college financial aid office.

GPA (Grade Point Average): An indicator of the students overall academic performance.  The GPA is calculated by multiplying the number of grade points earned in each course (generally A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) times the number of course hours/credit hours then dividing the sum by the total number of course hours/credit hours carried.

Graduation Requirements:  English, science, math, foreign language, social studies, fine arts, technology, physical education and internship classes that you must take to graduate from high school.  See chart for specific courses needed and total amount of credit hours required.

Grants: Awards based on financial aid that does not have to be repaid.  Grants are available through the federal government, state agencies and educational institutions.

 IDA (Individual Development Accounts):Special savings accounts designed to assist low-income people on their path toward asset ownership through matched savings and financial education.  IDAs reward the monthly savings of people who are trying to buy their first home, pay for college or start/expand a small business.

I Know I Can (IKIC): College access program that provides Columbus City School students the advice, counsel and financial support they need to earn a college degree.  I Know I Can motivates students to stay in schools, offers college awareness programs, advises students on college selection and financial aid processes, provides I Know I Can grants to qualified students, and helps students stay in college.

I Know I Can Grant: Once you garner funds from federal, state and institutional sources, I Know I Can provides up to $1,200 annually to cover the gap that exists between your resources and the cost of your college education.

Loans: A type of financial aid that requires repayment of the amount, with interest, to the lender.  Many student loan programs do not require repayment until after a student's graduation and have low interest rates.

Major:The subject of study in which the student chooses to specialize; a series of related coureses, taken primarily in the junior and senior years.

OAT (Ohio Achievement Test):  Required assessments that measure students on what they know and are able to do in mathematics, reading, science, social studies and writing, with administration to students spread out from third to eighth grade.

OGT (Ohio Graduation Test):  Assessments aligned to Ohio's Academic Content Standards in reading, mathematics, science, social studies and writing that students in high school must take to demonstrate proficiency before graduation from high school.

PIN: A personal identification number that can be used each year by students and parents to electronically "sign" the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and access federal aid information.

PLAN: A tenth-grade "pre-ACT" assessment program designed to help students improve their planning and preparation for college.  PLAN contains academic tests, and interest inventory, study skills assessment, and student information section, and is complementary in content and format to the ACT.  PLAN scores range from 1-32.

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Apltitude Test):  The PSAT is an exam that is usually taken during the 10th or 11th grade as preparation for the SAT, a college entrance examination.  The PSAT has two categories, verbal and mathematical, and scores that range from 20 (low) to 80 (high).

PSEO (Post-Secondary Education Options):  A program whereby Ohio's high school students may opt to take college courses for both high school and college credit.

Resume: A written document that lists your work experience, skills and educational background. 

SAR (Student Aid Report):  The information you will receive approximately two to four weeks after your FAFSA has been processed.  It will report the information from your application and, if there are no questions or problems with your application, you SAR will report your Expected Family Contribution.

SAT: A test of verbal, written and mathematical abilities given by the College Entrance Examination Board throughout the year at specified test centers and required or recommended by many colleges as part of the admission process.

Scholarship: A type of financial aid that does not have to be paid back.  It is usually awarded due to a student's excellent academic record.

Summer Enrichment Program: Classes about a particular topic or subject that you can take over the summer, sometimes to earn credits for high school or college.  These programs are usually hosted on college campuses or at other schools, and are a way to expand your academic experience.

529 Plan: A tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs.  529 plans, legally known as "qualified tuition plans," are sponsored states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.