Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Challenging high school courses that lead up to an examination that can, depending on a student's score, result in college credit.

Early Decision: This is an option when applying to college where the student can apply early in senior year.  However, the student makes a commitment to attend this college if accepted.   The application deadline is generally between October and November.  This is only for students who are absolutely sure that this is where they want to go to school.  Do not apply “early” anywhere before you have seen the campus.

Early Action: This is an option when applying to college where the student can apply early in senior year, similar to Early Decision, but there is no commitment to attend this college if accepted.

Lab Sciences: High school science courses that supplement textbook study with hands-on experimentation.  Examples include biology, chemistry, and physics.  Consult your guidance counselor or your prospective college's admissions office for further details.

National Merit Scholarship: A distinction awarded upon the basis of a high school junior's score on the NMSQT/PSAT (National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test/Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test).  Those scoring at or above a certain level are eligible to apply for a limited number of National Merit Scholarships.  NOTE: The PSAT may be administered for practice during the student's sophomore year, but only the junior year score counts.

Transcript: Your high school academic record.  Your school registrar compiles this listing of all your courses, grades, and standardized test scores. Your college will likely ask for official copies of your transcript.  Official copies are usually signed across the seal by the appropriate school official and shouldn't be opened.  You can request a copy of your Guilderland High School transcript by clicking here.

Weighted GPA: Some high schools add 0.5 grade points to grades earned in AP and other advanced/college level courses to reflect their unusual level of difficulty.  Weighted grade point average (GPAs) are often converted standard GPAs by colleges.  Guilderland High School uses standard/unweighted GPAs.

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College: Though the term "college" is commonly used to describe many types of post-secondary education, it is also used to describe a particular kind of educational institution.  "College" can be used to distinguish solely undergraduate institutions from those that also maintain graduate programs (universities).  Within a given school, its "colleges" may be its areas of study, like the "College of Arts and Sciences" or the "College of Architecture." 

Community College: Also known as "junior" or "two-year" college.  These schools provide college courses for recent high school graduates and adults in their communities.  Community colleges generally have fewer admissions requirements than four-year institutions and courses typically cost less than comparable courses at four-year schools. Most community colleges award two-year associates degrees, though some are now awarding bachelors. Many students use community college as a springboard to a four-year college or university.

Graduate Program: A graduate program is also known as a "Master's" program.  Graduate programs are typically entered after the completion of an undergraduate program.   Some graduate degrees available are Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Ivy League: The athletic conference that boasts academic powerhouses Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Pennsylvania State, Princeton, and Yale.  Acceptance to an Ivy League school is considered highly competitive.

Undergraduate Institution: Undergraduate institutions are those where Bachelor of Science (BS) and/or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees are offered.  These are often termed "four-year" degrees.

Online applications: Online applications are a specific type of electronic application. When you use an online application, you will submit your personal and academic information to the school over a secure Internet site.  You will, however, be required to mail the school hard copies of your transcript, letters or recommendation, etc.  Click here for important tips on applying online.

PSAT: The Preliminary Standard Aptitude Test (PSAT) is administered by the College Board.  The PSAT will familiarize you with the kinds of questions you'll encounter on the SAT I.  The PSAT is also used as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholar competition.  This test is usually taken during the junior year of high school, but a practice PSAT may be taken during the sophomore year.  Like the SAT I, the PSAT uses multiple-choice questions to test verbal and mathematical reasoning ability.

SAT I: The Standard Aptitude Test  I (SAT I), administered by the College Board, uses multiple-choice questions to assess verbal and mathematical reasoning ability.  College-bound high school students take the SAT I during their junior and/or senior years.

SAT II: The SAT II assesses knowledge in various high school subject areas.  Most competitive colleges require at least three SAT IIs.  If the test is linked to a specific subject like Chemistry, it's best to take the Chemistry SAT II as soon as possible upon the completion of the course.

Test Prep: There are books, videos, CD-ROMs, and classroom courses designed to help you do your best on college admissions tests.  It is wise to do some sort of preparation to familiarize yourself with the number and type of questions you'll be expected to answer.

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Commercial loans: Commercial loans, also known as private or alternative loans, are available through several financial services providers.  To qualify, you must pass a credit check, and the interest rate will be higher than federal loan programs.  It is wise to investigate low-interest federally sponsored options before applying for a commercial loan.  In addition, beware of scholarship scams that are simply commercial loans in disguise.  For more on scholarship scams, click here.

Co-op: Cooperative education (co-op) integrates classroom study with paid, supervised work experiences.  These jobs are part- or full-time and may lead to academic credit.

Direct Loans: Direct Stafford Loans are low-interest education loans made by the federal government to students and parents. These loans may be either subsidized or unsubsidized and several repayment plans are available.

EFC: The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the total amount of collective assets and income that a student and her/his family are expected to contribute towards the cost of college.  The federal government determines the amount of the EFC based on the information you supply on the FAFSA and the total cost of attendance for the college of your choice.

FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for federal student financial aid.  In addition, it is used by most states and schools to award non-federal student financial aid.  The form is a snapshot of your family's financial situation including income, debt, assets, etc., for both the parents and the student.  You will have to fill out the FAFSA every year that you are in college.  Click here for more information on filling out the FAFSA.

FFEL: Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Stafford Loans are low-interest education loans made by private lenders to students and parents. These loans may be either subsidized or unsubsidized and there are several repayments plans available.

Financial aid: The term "financial aid" is used to describe the combination of loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study that will help you pay for college. 

FSEOG: Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are government-sponsored, college-administered loans awarded to exceptionally needy students.  The federal government determines eligibility for FSEOGs and the program gives priority to students receiving federal Pell Grants.  FSEOGs are awarded by each school from available federal funds. There is no guarantee that each school will have enough funding to award an FSEOG to every eligible student.

Grant aid: The most sought after type of financial aid, grant aid does not have to be paid back.  You may receive grant aid on the basis of either need or merit, and it may come from your school or the federal government.  Federal grants include the need-based Pell and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity (FSEOG) grants.

Hope credit: A nonrefundable federal income tax credit equal to a portion of "out-of-pocket" payments for qualified tuition and related expenses.  The Hope credit applies to the first two years of post-secondary education.  You may not claim both the Hope Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit (see below) for the same student.  Click here for further information.

Lifetime Learning Credit: The Lifetime Learning Credit may be claimed for qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in the taxpayer’s family who are enrolled in eligible educational institutions.  Click here for further information.

Merit-based aid: In general terms, merit-based aid is any form of financial aid not based on demonstrated financial need.  Each school and/or its alumni associations and wealthy benefactors generally grant merit-based aid, which can take the form of grants, scholarships, or loans on favorable terms.

Need-based aid: If the Cost of Attendance (COA) for your college exceeds your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), you will be eligible for need-based aid to cover the difference.  You may be awarded a financial aid package that consists of a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.  The total amount of your package will be determined by a combination of demonstrated financial need, federal award maximums, and your school's available funds.

Pell grants: Given by the federal government, these grants are awarded to those students demonstrating exceptional financial need.  Pell grants do not need to be paid back.

Perkins Loans: Awarded by the student's school, these low-interest loans are given to students that demonstrate exceptional financial need.  Repayment of this loan begins 9 months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops to less than half-time student status.

Plus Loans: This is an unsubsidized federal loan for parents or legal guardians of dependent undergraduate students.  This loan allows parents to borrow all or some of the difference between financial aid received and the cost of attending the school, including room, board, and other charges.  The PLUS is not based on need, so the FAFSA is not required.  Click here for more information.

PROFILE: The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is a customized financial aid application form required at certain colleges.  The PROFILE collects additional financial information to determine eligibility for institutional aid.  Click here for more information.

Scholarships: A type of financial aid which does not require repayment or employment and is usually awarded to students who demonstrate or show potential for achievement - usually academic - at that institution.  Scholarships may be offered from organizations or from the college.  Beware of scholarship scams - click here for more information.

Stafford loans: These loans, both subsidized (need based) and unsubsidized (non-need based), are guaranteed by the federal government and available to students to fund education.  Federal Stafford Loans are the most common source of education loan funds.  See also Direct Loans and FFEL.

Student Aid Report (SAR): The official notification sent to the student four to six weeks after filing the FAFSA.  This report explains your EFC in relation to your school's expected cost of attendance.  Students may be required to submit this document to the financial aid office at the college they decide to attend.

Subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans: Subsidized loans are based upon financial need.  With these loans, the interest is paid by the federal government until the repayment period begins and during authorized periods of deferment afterwards.  Unsubsidized loans are not need-based; so all students are eligible to receive them. Interest payments begin immediately on unsubsidized loans, although you can waive the payments and the interest will be capitalized.

Work-study: An institutionally or federally-funded employment program that provides students with part-time jobs–generally 10 to 15 hours per week–for students who are in need of earnings to help meet a part of their educational cost.

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Step Five: Begin College on the Right Foot

Career office: This is one of the offices you should get to know early on in your college career.  With help ranging from resume tips to interview techniques to finding an internship, it's the place to go for anything related to finding a job.

Greek system: The common governing body for fraternities and sororities.  These organizations vary in their role, size, mission, and traditions from college to college.  First and foremost, they act as a social outlet from the rigors of intensive study.  These organizations have espoused high ideals of friendship and service since the founding of Phi Beta Kappa in 1776.

Internships: These are part-time or full-time opportunities to gain professional work experience while in college.  Some interns are paid, while others receive college credit.  Either way, the experience is invaluable to anyone looking for employment after college.

Orientation: Most schools offer orientation for incoming students to help ease the tradition from high school to college.  During orientation (which can last a couple of days to over a week) students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and information sessions that allow them to experience a small taste of what their undergraduate years will be like.

Study abroad: While in college, many students choose to spend time studying in a foreign country.  During their stay there, students are immersed in the culture, history, and academic-life of their chosen destination.