Glossary of Higher Education Terms

Understanding Higher Education: Key Concepts

Navigating the College Application Process

Higher education in the United States involves a complex system with its own unique terminology. For students planning to study at U.S. colleges and universities, grasping these terms is crucial for a smooth application process and academic journey.

The first step in pursuing higher education is often the application process. Students typically submit applications to multiple institutions, which may include both colleges and universities. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they can have slightly different meanings:

• College: Usually refers to smaller institutions focusing primarily on undergraduate education
• University: Generally larger institutions offering both undergraduate and graduate programs

Many schools accept the Common Application, a standardized form used by over 750 institutions. This simplifies the process for students, allowing them to submit one application to multiple schools. However, international students may need to provide additional materials specific to each institution.

When applying, students often need to submit standardized test scores. Two common exams are:

1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
2. ACT (American College Test)

These tests assess various academic skills and help colleges evaluate applicants. Some schools may not require these tests for international students, so it's important to check each institution's requirements.

For international students, language proficiency is a key consideration. Many U.S. schools require proof of English language skills, often through tests like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Some institutions offer conditional admission, where acceptance is contingent upon meeting certain language requirements before enrollment.

Financial considerations are also crucial. International students typically need to provide an Affidavit of Support, demonstrating they have sufficient funds to cover their education and living expenses. Additionally, understanding financial aid options is important:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Work-study programs

For graduate students, assistantships can be a valuable form of financial support. These positions often involve teaching or research duties in exchange for tuition assistance and a stipend.

The academic structure in U.S. higher education is based on credits. Each course is assigned a certain number of credits, and students must earn a specified total to graduate. The academic year is typically divided into semesters, trimesters, or quarters, with most schools following a two-semester system.

Students should also familiarize themselves with key academic terms:

Term	Definition
Major	Primary field of study
Minor	Secondary field of study
Electives	Optional courses outside the major
GPA	Grade Point Average

Understanding the various degree levels is essential:

1. Associate's degree (2 years)
2. Bachelor's degree (4 years)
3. Master's degree (1-2 years post-bachelor's)
4. Doctoral degree (3+ years post-master's)

Community colleges offer two-year associate's degrees and can be a cost-effective starting point. Many students begin at a community college and later transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree.

Campus life is an integral part of the U.S. college experience. Most schools offer various housing options, including dormitories or residence halls. These living arrangements provide opportunities for cultural exchange and integration into campus life.

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in U.S. higher education. Students can join clubs, sports teams, and other organizations to enhance their college experience and develop leadership skills.

Career services offices at U.S. institutions provide valuable resources for students. They offer guidance on:

• Resume writing
• Job search strategies
• Interview preparation
• Internship opportunities

For international students, these offices often provide specialized support regarding work authorization options like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing a U.S. institution. Accredited schools meet specific standards of quality, and degrees from these institutions are more widely recognized by employers and other educational institutions worldwide.

Adapting to a new educational system and culture can be challenging. Many international students experience culture shock upon arrival in the U.S. This can manifest as feelings of confusion, anxiety, or homesickness. Most institutions offer support services to help international students adjust, including orientation programs and ongoing cultural support.

As students progress through their academic programs, they'll encounter various academic policies and procedures. These may include:

• Add/drop periods for courses
• Academic probation policies
• Degree audit processes

Understanding these policies helps students navigate their academic journey successfully.

Upon completion of their studies, students participate in a commencement ceremony. This celebratory event marks the official conferral of degrees and is typically held at the end of the academic year.

By familiarizing themselves with these key concepts and terms, international students can better prepare for their U.S. higher education experience. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, from the application process through graduation and beyond.

Common Questions About Higher Education Terms

What are the main stages of college education?

Higher education typically consists of four main levels:

1. Associate's degree (2 years)
2. Bachelor's degree (4 years)
3. Master's degree (1-2 years after bachelor's)
4. Doctoral degree (3-7 years after master's)

Each level builds on the previous one and offers more specialized knowledge.

Where can I find a full list of college-related words?

Several reputable organizations offer comprehensive glossaries of higher education terminology. These include:

• U.S. News & World Report
• Educational Advisory Board (EAB)
• College and university websites

These resources explain terms related to admissions, academics, financial aid, and campus life.

Are there free resources for learning college lingo?

Yes, many free resources exist for learning higher education terms:

• University websites often have free glossaries
• Education-focused government websites
• Online education forums and communities
• Public library resources

These options provide no-cost access to explanations of common college terms.

What are some key words teachers use in schools?

Teachers often use specific terms in educational settings:

• Curriculum
• Pedagogy
• Assessment
• Differentiation
• Rubric
• Scaffolding

Understanding these words can help students and parents better grasp teaching methods and expectations.

Which academic terms should students know?

Students should familiarize themselves with these key academic terms:

Term	Definition
Syllabus	Course outline and expectations
Office hours	Time for student-teacher meetings
Prerequisites	Required prior courses
GPA	Grade Point Average
Plagiarism	Using others' work without credit
Citation	Crediting sources in academic work

How do college phrases differ from general school terms?

College terminology often differs from general education terms:

• More specialized subject-specific vocabulary
• Focus on independent learning concepts
• Terms related to research and academic publishing
• Words describing advanced degree programs
• Phrases about campus life and student services

College terms reflect the more complex and self-directed nature of higher education.

This glossary provides definitions for specialized terms used in the U.S. higher education system.

A

Academic Adviser (AA): A faculty member who advises students on academic matters.

Academic Year: The period of formal instruction, typically September to May, is divided into terms (semesters, trimesters, or quarters).

Accreditation: Approval of educational institutions by recognized professional associations or regional accrediting bodies.

ACT: A standardized test for college admissions, assessing reading, English, mathematics, and science skills.

Add/Drop: A process allowing students to change their course schedule at the beginning of a term.

Advance Registration: Selecting classes before the general registration period.

Affidavit of Support: An official document proving a promise of funding for a student.

Assistantship: Financial aid for graduate students in exchange for teaching or research services.

Associate's Degree: A two-year degree that can be terminal or transferable to a bachelor's program.

Attestation: Official confirmation of a degree or transcript's authenticity.

Audit: Taking a class without receiving credit.

Authentication: Verifying the genuineness of academic documents.

B

Bachelor's Degree: A degree awarded after approximately four years of full-time study.

C

Campus: The grounds and buildings of an educational institution.

CGFNS: Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

Class Rank: A student's academic standing relative to their peers.

Coed: Referring to institutions or dormitories that accommodate both men and women.

College: A postsecondary institution offering undergraduate and sometimes graduate degrees.

College Catalog: An official publication detailing an institution's academic offerings and policies.

Community College: A two-year institution offering associate degrees and vocational programs.

Core Course: A foundational course required for a degree program.

Course: Regularly scheduled class sessions in a specific subject.

Credits: Units used to measure academic progress.

D

Day Student: A student who commutes to campus for classes.

Degree: An academic title conferred upon completion of a program of study.

Department: An administrative division of a school focusing on a specific field of study.

Designated School Official (DSO): A campus official who assists international students with visa-related matters.

Dissertation: An extensive research paper required for a doctoral degree.

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): The highest academic degree, requiring advanced study and original research.

Dormitories: On-campus student housing facilities.

E

ECFMG: Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.

ECFVG: Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates.

Electives: Optional courses chosen by students to explore areas of interest.

ERAS: Electronic Residency Application System for medical residencies.

Extracurricular Activities: Non-academic activities pursued outside of regular coursework.

F

Faculty: Teaching staff at colleges and universities.

Fees: Additional charges beyond tuition for institutional services.

Fellowship: Financial assistance for graduate students, typically without work requirements.

Final Exam: A comprehensive test covering all material from a course.

Financial Aid: Monetary assistance to help students pay for education expenses.

Fraternities: Male social and academic organizations on college campuses.

Freshman: A first-year student.

Full-Time Student: A student enrolled in a full course load as defined by the institution.

G

GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test, used for business school admissions.

Grade Point Average (GPA): A numerical representation of a student's overall academic performance.

Graduate: A student who has completed a course of study or degree program.

GRE: Graduate Record Examination, used for graduate school admissions.

H

High School: The U.S. term for secondary school.

Higher Education: Postsecondary education at colleges, universities, and other institutions.

Honors Program: A rigorous academic program for high-achieving students.

I

Institute: A postsecondary institution specializing in a specific group of related subjects.

International Student Adviser (ISA): A university official who assists international students with various aspects of their stay.

J

Junior: A third-year student.

L

Language Requirement: Proficiency in a foreign language required by some graduate programs.

LSAT: Law School Admission Test.

Lecture: A common teaching method involving an instructor presenting to a class.

Liberal Arts and Sciences: A broad course of academic study developing verbal, written, and reasoning skills.

Living Expenses: Costs associated with daily life while attending school.

M

Maintenance: Expenses related to attending a university, including room, board, and incidentals.

Major: A student's primary field of study.

Major Professor/Thesis Adviser: A faculty member guiding a student's research project or thesis.

Master's Degree: An advanced degree typically requiring one to two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.

MCAT: Medical College Admission Test.

Midterm Exam: An exam given halfway through an academic term.

Minor: A secondary field of study.

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs): Colleges and universities serving minority populations.

MOOC: Massive Open Online Course, offering web-based learning to large numbers of students.

N

Notarization: Official certification of a document's authenticity.

NRMP: National Resident Matching Program.

O

Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work authorization for international students to gain experience in their field of study.

P

Placement Test: An exam to determine appropriate course placement for a student.

Plan of Study: A detailed outline of a student's intended academic program.

Postdoctorate: Studies or research conducted after earning a doctoral degree.

Postgraduate: Referring to studies beyond a bachelor's degree.

Prerequisites: Courses or knowledge required before taking more advanced studies.

Q

Qualifying Examination: A comprehensive test for doctoral candidates before beginning dissertation work.

R

Registration: The process of enrolling in courses for an academic term.

Residency: Clinical training in a medical specialty.

Resident Assistant (RA): A student who assists in managing campus dormitories.

Responsible Officer (RO): A staff member who manages information for exchange visitors in the SEVIS system.

Rolling Deadline: An admissions process where applications are evaluated as they are received.

S

Sabbatical: Paid leave for faculty members to focus on research or study.

SAT: A standardized test for college admissions, measuring critical reading, writing, and math skills.

Scholarship: Financial aid awarded to students based on academic or other achievements.

School: A general term for any educational institution.

Semester: An academic term lasting about 15-16 weeks.

Seminar: A small, discussion-based class combining independent research and group learning.

Senior: A fourth-year student.

Social Security Number (SSN): A unique identifier issued by the U.S. government, often used for student identification.

Sophomore: A second-year student.

Sororities: Female social and academic organizations on college campuses.

Special Student: A non-degree seeking student taking classes.

SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, tracking information on international students and exchange visitors.

Subject: A specific area of study within an academic discipline.

Syllabus: An outline of topics to be covered in an academic course.

T

Teaching Assistant (TA): A graduate student who assists in teaching undergraduate courses.

Tenure: Job security granted to established faculty members.

Terminal Program: An associate degree program designed to lead directly to employment.

Thesis: A research paper required for some bachelor's or master's degrees.

Transcript: An official record of a student's academic work.

Transfer: Moving from one institution to another to complete a degree.

Transfer Program: An associate degree program designed for students planning to continue to a four-year degree.

Tuition: The basic charge for instruction at an educational institution.

U

University: A postsecondary institution offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

USMLE: United States Medical Licensing Examination.

W

Withdrawal: The process of formally leaving a course or institution.

Z

Zip Code: A numerical code used in mailing addresses to designate postal delivery areas in the United States.