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College Conversations: Breaking Down College Jargon 

Guidance & Support
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As you embark on your college search, you’re going to be introduced to a lot of jargon institutions use every day that may be completely new to you. We’re here to break down what all of it means so that you can make the most out of your college visits and feel at ease submitting applications.  

Undergraduate Versus Graduate 

When starting your search, focus on undergraduate programs (associate or bachelor’s degrees), which are the first steps after high school. Graduate programs are for those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Until you cross the stage to receive your college diploma, you should always look for undergraduate programs. 

Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions 

There are multiple different types of admissions decisions and applications. Let’s break down what they all mean.  

  • Early decision: Most restrictive; binding commitment to attend if accepted. You typically cannot apply early decision to multiple schools and usually have an earlier deadline to enter your application. 
  • Early action: Non-binding. You apply and receive a decision earlier than the general timeline, but you have until May 1 to decide. 
  • Regular decision: The most common, non-binding process. Follows a typical timeline with applications opening in August and decisions released before the New Year. 
  • Rolling admissions: Non-binding. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until May 1, with decisions released as applications are reviewed. 

Associates, Bachelors and Masters 

All three of these terms reference different degrees.  

  • Associates degree: A two-year program typically offered at community colleges; requires a high school diploma for enrollment. 
  • Bachelor’s degree: A four-year program. Previous AP or dual enrollment credits may shorten this timeline. You don’t need an associate’s degree to apply, but it often fulfills the first two years of bachelor’s requirements if you do have one. 
  • Masters degree: A graduate-level degree requiring a bachelor’s degree for admission. Typically involves two or more additional years of study. 

SAT and ACT testing 

The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests that institutions will use to evaluate your readiness for college. Some institutions are test-optional, which means they do not require scores from either of these. However, some institutions do require one of these standardized tests and your score will play a factor in your admission decision.  

Merit-Based Scholarships 

Every school you look at will have different types of scholarships they offer. If a school offers merit-based scholarships, they are typically automatically awarded based on your GPA or SAT and/or ACT scores. You do not need to apply for these until your admissions counselor explicitly tells you otherwise.  

Additional Internal Aid  

Additional internal aid refers to internal scholarships or grants the institution offers. These scholarships or grants usually require a separate application than your application to the school. Institutions will have a page on their website listing out what additional aid they offer, how to apply and the requirements for application.  

Admissions Portal 

Most institutions will have something called an admissions portal. This is a portal on their website that will have any and all information relating to your application, admission, scholarships and more that you may need. You can typically find your decision letter there, links to apply for additional internal aid, any scholarships you have received and a checklist of next steps you need to complete to confirm your space in their program, along with any deadlines for any of those next steps.  

Free Application for Federal Student Aid™ (FAFSA™) 

Most institutions will require you to fill out the FAFSA™ to receive any aid besides a merit-based scholarship. FAFSA™ typically offers loans, grants or work study positions to students depending on their Student Aid Index (SAI). Filing the FAFSA™ does not automatically mean you are accepting loans, you will get to make the decision whether to accept or decline anything FAFSA™ offers you when you receive your official financial aid offer from the institution you decide to enroll in.  

Enrollment Deposit 

Sometimes this will be called something a little different, but an enrollment deposit is what secures your place in a program. Most schools require you to pay a fee once you’ve made your decision so that you can both secure your seat in the program, and have access to additional resources you’ll need before the first day of school.  

Remember that at MOVA, you have college and career resources at your fingertips, visit the career and college prep page to learn more. 

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