Glossary of Common Terms Used in the College Admissions Process

Resources to help you understand terms and phrases used by students, guidance counselors, and others involved in the college admissions process.

ACT (American College Test)
Definition of "ACT"

AP Tests
Definition of "AP Tests"

College Board
Definition of "College Board"

Common Application
Definition of "Common Application"

Early Action
Definition of "Early Action"

Early Decision
Definition of "Early Decision"

Ivy League
Definition of "Ivy League"

Need Blind
Definition of "Need Blind

Open Admissions
Definition of "Open Admissions"

Rolling Admissions
Definition of "Rolling Admissions"

SAT
Definition of "SAT"

SAT Subject Tests
Definition of "SAT Subject Tests"

TOEFL
Definition of "TOEFL"

Waitlist
Definition of "Waitlist"

Yield
Definition of "Yield"