• Understanding the lingo

    ACT

    The ACT is a college entrance exam.  This test measures educational development in English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning.  An optional writing component has been added and some colleges require this portion of the test.  ACT scores range from 1-36.  The ACT is administered at a variety of test centers around the area on certain Saturdays.  A student must register for this test by going to www.actstudent.org and completing the registration material.  There is a cost to take the ACT and this information may be found on the website or in this packet.  ACT fee waivers are available to students who qualify.  All students in public schools in the state of Alabama will take the ACT during the spring semester of their junior year. This one-time test will be given at Northside High School during the school day and it is free of charge.

     

    Accreditation

    Recognition of a college or university by any of the regional or national accrediting bodies indicating that the institution as a whole has been judged to be meeting its objectives.

     

    ACCUPLACER Placement Test

    Accuplacer tests your knowledge in math, reading, and writing. Over 1500 institutions administer ACCUPLACER tests as part of the enrollment process. These tests help identify strengths and needs in each subject area. Academic advisers and counselors at your college or technical school use your ACCUPLACER test results along with information about your background, goals, and interests to help you take courses that match your skill level and give you the best opportunities for success. You are encouraged to visit a counselor after receiving your results. ACCUPLACER is also used in enrollment if ACT scores on English, Math, or Reading did not meet their requirement.

     

    Advanced Placement (AP)

    Course that helps students develop the content mastery and critical thinking skills expected of college students.  AP courses will help improve writing skills, sharpen problem-solving abilities, and develop time management skills.  Students have the opportunity to earn college credit and to stand out in the college admission process.  There is an AP test associated with this course in addition to a final exam.  The AP test has a cost associated with it and it is given in May.  The AP tests are scored using a scale of 1-5 and each college determines the score that equals college credit.  This course has a weighted GPA credit of 1 point on the high school transcript. 

     

    AID Package

    A combination of aid (scholarships, grant, loan, work-study) determined by a college financial aid office.

     

     

     

    Base Year

    Tax year prior to academic award year for which financial aid is requested. The base year runs from January 1 to December 31 of the prior year.

     

    Candidate Reply Date/National Reply Date

    A policy of the National Association for College Admission Counseling that permits the students to wait until May 1 to choose, without penalty, among offers of admission and financial aid.

     

    Class Rank and Credits

    Class rank is where you rank numerically in your student class.  Credits refer to the number of courses passed in high school.

     

    College Calendar

    Common systems of instruction time:

    Traditional Semester – two approximately equal semesters

    Early Semester – two semesters, the first ending before Christmas

    Quarter – three equal terms of about 12 weeks each

    Trimester – calendar year divided into three equal semesters. The third semester replaces summer school

     

    College Work Study or Federal Work Study

    Self-help aid in the form of a part time job at the college you are attending.

     

    Common Application

    Many colleges work together and utilize the Common Application. Using this form to apply to several schools has many advantages for students and counselors because you only have ONE form to complete.  Copies of your application can then be sent to any participating college.  This is also true for the “School Report” and “Teacher Evaluation” portion of the application.  Common Applications will be available online in July or August at www.commonapp.org

     

    Credit Hour

    A unit of academic credit that often represents one hour of class time per week for a period of study (semester, quarter, etc.)

     

    Deferred Admission

    The practice of colleges allowing accepted students to postpone enrollment for one year.

     

    Early Action

    An application process, which permits students to apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision during their senior year, well in advance of the normal response dates in the spring.  The candidate is not committed to enroll at that particular institution.  Students planning early action decision are usually required to take SAT II Subject Tests in the spring of the junior year.

     

    Early Admission

    Admitting students into college courses and programs before they have completed the standard high school program.

     

    Early Decision Plan

    This is an admission plan used by some colleges.  A student who has excellent grades, test scores, recommendations and activities may apply on an early basis.  By fulfilling the admission requirements, the qualified student may receive some action on his or her application from the college by as early as November 1st of their senior year.  Under this plan, one would have to take admission tests and possibly the SAT II Subject tests during the Junior Year.  Only a student who can make a deliberate and well-reasoned first choice decision should apply under and Early Decision Plan because the institution will require a non-refundable deposit before May 1.

     

    Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    The application required for students to be considered for student financial aid.  It is important to complete the FAFSA even if you do not think you will qualify for federal financial aid because colleges typically will not award their own need-based aid without a FAFSA report.  The FAFSA form is processed free of charge and it is used by most state agencies and colleges.  The FAFSA form may be completed online at FAFSA.gov tarting in October of your senior year.

     

    Grade Point Average

    This is an indicator of the student’s overall scholastic performance.  The GPA is computed 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 credit hours, then dividing the sum by the total number of course credit hours carried.

     

    Grants

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

     

     

    High School Code

    A code assigned to each high school for identification during the college search process.  Northside’s High School’s code is 012365.  This code is needed for ACT and SAT registration, as well as some applications.

     

    Honors Program

    An honors program is any program that offers the opportunity for students to enrich their educational experience through independent, advanced, or accelerated study.  Additional benefits are special housing and early registration or mentoring.

     

    Major

    The subject of study in which a student chooses to specialize.  This includes a series of related courses that are primarily taken during the junior and senior years of college.

     

    Merit Scholarships

    Scholarships based on factors such as academic performance, special talents, leadership ability and /or volunteer activities.  Scholarships do not have to be repaid.

     

    Need-Based Financial Aid

    Need is determined by examining the total cost of attending a specific college, minus the family’s expected contribution.  The FAFSA is used to determine the expected contribution.

     

    Official Transcript

    A transcript that has been signed by a school official and is stamped with the school’s official seal.  The transcript is placed in a sealed envelope.  For the transcript to remain official the envelope must not be opened by someone other than the intended recipient.

     

    Open Admissions/Enrollment

    The policy of some colleges of admitting virtually all high school graduates regardless of academic qualifications such as high school grades and admission test scores.

     

    Regular Decision

    An application process where a student submits an application to an institution by a specified date and receives a decision within a reasonable and clearly state period of time, but no later than April 15.

     

     

     

    Rolling Admission

    The admission policy of schools that accept students on a continual basis, as applications are received.

     

    SAT I (General SAT Test)

    The SAT I is a college entrance exam.  This test measures verbal, mathematical, and writing abilities.  The SAT Subject Tests are sometimes required in addition to the SAT score.  SAT I scores range from 400-1600.  The SAT I is administered at a variety of test centers around the area on certain Saturdays.  A student must register for this test by going to www.collegeboard.com  and completing the registration material.  There is a cost to take the SAT I and this information may be found on the website or in this packet.  SAT I fee waivers are available to students who qualify.

     

    SAT Subject Tests

    The SAT Subject Test is a college entrance exam.  This test assessed knowledge of specific subjects from high school.  There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics, and science.  The student chooses the subjects that best showcase their strengths and interests.  SAT Subject Test scores range from 200-800.  The SAT Subject Test is administered at a variety of test centers around the area on certain Saturdays.  A student must register for this test by going to www.collegeboard.org  and completing the registration material.  There is a cost to take the SAT Subject Tests and this information may be found on the website or in this packet.  SAT Subject Test fee waivers are available to students who qualify.

     

    Scholarships

    Financial awards to students based on merit or merit plus need that do not need to be repaid.

     

    Student Aid Report (SAR)

    SAR is the information you will receive approximately 2 weeks after your FAFSA has been processed.  It will report the information from your application and, if there are not questions or problems with your application, your SAR will report your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to colleges of your choice.

     

    Transcript

    A transcript is a report of your grades from your freshman to senior year.  Transcripts may be requested through your Parchment account for students who are currently enrolled.  Beginning August 1st after May graduation, transcripts can be mailed for students who graduated one year prior.  All other transcript requests will go through needmytranscript.com.  Following graduation, final transcripts can be sent free of charge to the college that you choose up until August 1st after you graduate in May.

     

    Unofficial Transcript

    A transcript that is not signed by a school official or stamped with the school’s seal. 

     

    Wait List

    A college’s list of applicants who narrowly missed being admitted and who may be offered admission, depending on the actual number of students who accept its offers of admission by May 1.

     

    PAYING FOR COLLEGE

    With the right planning, a college education is within reach for every student.  Below are answers to common questions about paying for college.

    How much does college actually cost?

    The cost of a college education varies, depending on the college you select and whether you live at home, in an apartment, or on campus.  In Alabama, the average price for a college degree (tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, and other expenses) ranges from a low of $6,000 (one year at a public community college) to a high of $32,000 (one year at a private college or university).  Some colleges cost much less than the average; others will be higher.

    How will you pay for college?

    Many students receive financial aid to help pay for college.  Families are expected to contribute to their student’s education, even if the contribution is a small one.  Most families use a combination of resources to help pay for college.  These include:

    • Money they have saved over time
    • A portion of their current income
    • The student’s part-time or summer earnings
    • Financial aid, including educational loans or pell grants
    • Scholarship money

    What is financial aid?

    Student financial aid is money used to help pay for college expenses.  It is available from many sources and in many forms: grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, loans, and other programs.  Grants and scholarships are “free money”, while loans must be paid back.  Financial aid can be used to pay for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and the living expenses associated with attending college.

    Am I eligible to apply for financial aid?

    You might be surprised to find out how much assistance you can receive, regardless of your family’s income level.  You won’t know unless you apply.

    To apply for federal financial aid (grants, loans, work-study), you must meet the following requirements:

    • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Have a valid Social Security number
    • Have a high school diploma or GED
    • Be accepted for admission by the university and enrolled in a degree or certification program
    • Not be in default on any Title IV loan (Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Stafford Loan) or owe a refund or repayment on educational funds received at any institution
    • Be registered with the Selective Service, if required
    • Enroll in and maintain at least a half-time class load at and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress