The College Application Glossary

Preparing for the college application process means getting to know new terms and definitions. Reference this glossary to expand your knowledge.

Application
The application serves the purpose of identifying the student to the college (name, address, high school, etc.), as well as letting the college know something about the student’s personality (personal statement). It is highly recommended that students type their applications although careful printing or neat script is just as presentable. Applying online is recommended and may be required at some colleges.

SAT, ACT, and/or Advanced Placement Scores
These scores are sent directly to colleges at the student’s request. Colleges only accept scores reported to them through the testing agency.

Official High School Transcript
Courses taken and grades received in grades nine through twelve are listed on the high school transcript. In addition, the transcript shows the student’s rank in class, and grade point average. Testing scores (SAT, ACT) will no longer be seen on the transcript. The student’s school counselor has the responsibility of sending the transcript to colleges. In general, colleges will not accept an official transcript unless it is sent directly from the high school.

School Profile
A high school profile describes the community, curriculum, and grading system. The school counselor will electronically send or insert this document into the packet prior to mailing it.

School Counselor Recommendation
The counselor’s recommendation letter differs from the classroom teacher’s letter both in length and intention. The teacher’s report is generally content-oriented, deals with the student’s academic qualities, and is written by a teacher whom the student has chosen. The school counselor presents the school’s view of the student, giving the relative strength of the student’s performance in all academic subjects over a period of years, and assessing the intensity of involvement in co-curricular activities.

Letters of Recommendation
Some colleges request that classroom teachers assess an applicant’s ability.
Students are expected to use courtesy and consideration when requesting letters of recommendation. How you handle yourself in this process says a lot about the kind of person you are. Be sure to give the teachers a completed student activity sheet and allow at least three weeks to write the recommendation.