Glossary

A.A. (Associate in Arts) A two-year degree program that is offered at many community colleges and some four-year colleges. It offers students a strong foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and writing. Because of the general nature of the degree, the credits students earn while completing their A.A. transfer well to four-year degree programs and many students who earn an A.A. decide to go on to obtain their B.A.

A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science) A two-year degree program offered by many community colleges and some four-year colleges. It is designed for students who do not want to transfer to a four-year degree program and who want to enter the workforce directly after earning their A.A.S. Students will take classes in their field as soon as they start their degree program, and can choose from majors such as automotive technology, mechanical technology, and agricultural production.

Academic Advisor An individual who consults with students in order to help them plan a course of academic study that is best suited to their interests, goals, and needs. Students can talk to this individual about topics including which classes to take, concerns about their grades or academic performance, and research/enrichment opportunities.

Accelerated Study Special tracks designed for students who want to take less time than conventional programs to attain university credits, certificates, or degrees. Students cover the same curriculum as their four-year counterparts in a concentrated format. Many of these programs allow students to set their own study schedules and often cater to working adults. The programs may also offer credit for previous professional and life experiences of students.

Accommodations Alterations of environment, equipment, or curriculum format that allow students with disabilities to gain equal access to learning materials and opportunities. Examples of accommodations include verbal, visual, or technology aids; adjusted class schedule or grading; extended times on tests and assignments; and preferential seating.

ACT An entrance exam used by colleges and universities to evaluate students and help make admissions decisions. The ACT is offered 7 times per year and is broken into five sections English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (Optional). The ACT is scored out of a 36-point scale.

Admission Requirements Requirements set forth by post-secondary institutions that students must meet before gaining acceptance. Requirements often include the completion of certain high school courses, the completion of a certain number of credit hours in each subject, and standardized test scores that exceed a specified benchmark. Requirements vary by institution.

Admission Tests Used by post-secondary educations programs to evaluate students for admission. The most common admission tests are the ACT and SAT. However, there are some lesser-known alternatives such as the Classic Learning Test (CLT), and some schools have gone altogether “Test Optional” and do not require admissions tests.

Admit To be offered a place as a student in a particular institution (to be allowed to matriculate a particular institution).

All-Men/Boys or All-Women/Girls School – see “Single-sex Schools” An institution that only instructs people of one biological sex (an all-female school or an all-male school).

Alternative Admission A program that allows colleges and universities to admit students who do not meet admission requirements for a particular institution but demonstrate other qualities or proficiencies that make them good candidates for admission. Not all states offer alternative admission and for those that do, the requirements differ vastly. Criteria for alternate admission eligibility includes but is not limited to students who have not completed required high school coursework but who have scored within a certain percentile on their standardized tests, students with alternative proficiency-based diplomas, English language learners, students with special talents, minority students, or others who demonstrate special needs.

Alumni Individuals that have completed the requirements for an established program of study at a particular institution.

AP (Advanced Placement) Exams Standardized exams designed to measure how well students have mastered the content of an Advanced Placement course. They are administered yearly in May and scored on a 5-point scale. The scores students receive often determine if these courses will grant a student transferable college credit at many institutions.

Applicant A student who has submitted an application to a post-secondary institution.

Application A package that students put together in order to be evaluated for acceptance to a post-secondary institution. Applications requirements vary by institution but may include essays, standardized test scores, resumes, and interviews.

Art School A post-secondary institution that specializes in instructing students on the fine arts, with a particular emphasis on the visual arts. Many larger institutions offer students the opportunity to major in art while also taking other courses, but art schools are unique in that they only offer programs of study related to the arts.

Art Supplement A portfolio that showcases a student’s skills/accomplishments in the audio/visual/performing/literary arts. The supplement could include photos, audio recordings, video recordings, and writing samples. Not all colleges and universities accept art supplements, and for those that do, it is almost always optional.

Articulation Agreement Formal agreements between two or more universities documenting policies regarding the transfer of credits for a specific academic program or degree from one university to another. These agreements are important for transfer students and students who are studying abroad for the semester to take into consideration.

Audit To enroll in a course but not receive credit or a grade for enrollment. Students who audit a course still have to pay for the course but are not obligated to turn in assignments, participate in assessments, or attend class. They do not receive grades or credit for their participation.

Audition Students applying to musical conservatories or theater programs may have to do an online or in-person audition as part of their application showcasing their abilities.