Figuring out the American education system as international applicants can be a daunting task even for the best prepared. It’s filled with unfamiliar terms and processes, from middle school to graduate school, the terminology of the U.S. education system can be such a headache for those who aren’t already familiar with it.
So, whether you’re considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree or aiming for advanced studies through international admissions, it’s important that you spend time familiarizing yourself with the key terms and concepts that shape the educational system in the United States.
This blog is here to define the 30 essential terms we think that international applicants should know when applying to schools in the United States. By the end of this article, we hope you’re feeling better prepared to start this process with confidence and clarity; but if you’re still running into trouble, the dedicated counseling team at Marks Education would be happy to help!
Middle School: The level of education between elementary school and high school, usually grades 6-8.
High school: Secondary education level for students aged 14-18, divided into four grade levels: freshman (9th grade), sophomore (10th grade), junior (11th grade), and senior years (12th grade).
Freshman year: The first year of high school or college.
Sophomore Year: The second year of high school or college.
Junior: The third year of high school or college.
Senior: The fourth and final year of high school or college.
Early Decision (ED): A college application process where students can apply early to their preferred college, typically by November 1st. It’s important to note that within this process, they’re committing to attending if accepted.
Early Action (EA): A college application process similar to ED (but with important distinctions) that allows students to apply early, typically by November 1st, and receive an admission decision without being committed to attend if accepted.
Regular Decision: The standard college application deadline, usually in January, with decisions released in the spring. Students are not committed to attending if accepted.
Rolling Admission: A college admission process where applications are reviewed and decisions made as they are received, rather than on a fixed deadline.
Common Application (Common App): A standardized college application system used by many U.S. colleges and universities, allowing students to conveniently apply to multiple schools with one application.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): A standardized test used for college admissions that assesses math, evidence-based reading, and writing skills.
ACT® (American College Testing):Another standardized test used for college admissions that assess English, math, reading, and science skills.
GPA (grade point average): A numerical representation of a student’s academic performance based on their grades.
Transcript: An official document that lists a student’s courses, grades, and academic history.
FSA or FAFSA (Free application for federal student aid): A form used to apply for federal financial aid for college, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Scholarship: Financial aid or merit aid awarded to students based on academic achievement, talent, or other criteria.
Financial aid package: The combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities offered to a student to help cover college expenses.
Major: A student’s primary field of study in college, leading to a specific degree.
Minor: A secondary field of study in college that complements the major but requires fewer courses.
Electives: Optional courses that students can choose to take based on their interests.
Core Curriculum: A set of required courses in various subjects that all students must complete as part of their education.
Undergraduate: A student pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
Graduate School: Advanced education beyond a bachelor’s degree, leading to master’s or doctoral degrees.
Thesis: A long research paper or project required for some graduate degrees.
Internship: A temporary work experience related to a student’s field of study, often for academic credit.
Academic Advisor: A faculty or staff member who assists students in planning their academic and career goals.
Campus Housing (Dorms): On-campus residential facilities where students can live while attending college.
Semester: A portion of the academic year, typically 15-18 weeks, during which courses are offered.
Trimester/Quarter: Alternative academic calendar systems in which the year is divided into three or tour terms, respectively, instead of two semesters.
Conclusion
We hope this primer gave you something to think about in terms of helping students better understand the common terms and concepts within the U.S. college system.
Still, the process of applying to college in the U.S. can be very complex and worth considering the help of professionals. Please reach out to Marks Educationto schedule a consultation! We’d love to meet and discuss your application!
