Glossary and Terms About College

Academic Credits

Unit of measurement of a college or university gives to the student who fulfills course or subject requirements. Amount of credits is usually determined by amount of hours spent in class each week

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Three types of financial aid?

Scholarship - form of financial assistance given to students who demonstrate current or potential distinction in academic/athletic performance (football scholarship)

Loan - money given to student to pay for college expenses that must be repaid over time (Perkins loan)

Grant - federal grant program for undergraduates who demonstrate financial need (Pell Grant)

Difference Between Scholarship, Grant, and Loan?Scholarship - you don’t have to pay it back

but you could lose it if you lose your academic/athletic standing

Grant -don’t have to pay back but need to demonstrate the need

Loan - money lent and you have to pay a fee (interest) back on top of the original amount

3 test you need to qualify for college

SAT ISAT IIACT

What is the dropout rate in U.S. colleges?

50%

Why might it be better for a high school graduate not to go to college immediately?

It needs to be something YOU want to do (not just because someone else wants you to do it.)

You need to be dedicated when you go - maybe you aren’t there yet

How many college freshmen who declare a major actually graduate in that major?

What do I need to consider?

What is the size of the college? Is it small? That might be the place to develop

leadership skills or get top parts in school shows

Is it big? Lots of excitement and lots of competition.

Would you rather be at the top of an honors program in a less rigorous program or in the bottom quintile at a top-rate institution?

Finding a College That Fits

What are Historically Black Colleges and Universities? (HBCUs)

Created when African Americans were systematically denied access to other colleges and universities.

Consider these for a variety of reasons…

What is the difference between a Liberal Arts College and a University?

Liberal arts colleges focus on education of undergraduate students classes tend to be smaller. exposure to broad basis of courses in the humanities: social and

physical sciences Most employers like this type of degree as it shows a well-rounded

education Universities

Larger Usually include liberal arts college as well as graduate programs Greater academic resources (courses/options) Many professors are involved in research which often means they

may not be teaching the lower level courses (often taught by graduate students) but offers more cutting edge curriculum

What is a Woman’s College?

Larger number of female faculty and administrators, offer confidence-building role models, greater opportunities in leadership positions.

What is a private career school or technical institute?

These schools enroll students who have made clear decisions about what they want to study, and emphasize specific careers.

Advantages of Two Year College and a Four Year CollegeTwo Year convenient to home? Flexible class scheduling

(night, weekends) Also called a

“community college” Offer Associate of Arts

or Associate of Science degrees

Cheaper Can lead to transferring

to 4 year college

Four Year Usually larger Not quite as flexible on

scheduling BUT don’t discount the increasing popularity of long-distance learning.

Offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees

More expensive