Breaking the Acceptance Letter Code
You have received the golden ticket that every high school senior covets: the college acceptance letter. The message inside is an acceptance, yes. However, it is laced with terms known only to Admissions Officers.
It is important to understand every part of the acceptance letter. There are many glossaries of terms for acceptance letters on the web. This one, however, outlines some of the most common terms used in acceptance letters.
Academic profile: A fancy way of saying GPA and test scores.
Academic probation: Given to students who have had problems with their GPA or test scores. They usually have a semester to improve their grades.
Admissions officer: The person who reviewed your application. His judgment is one of many that determine acceptance or denial.
Advisor: A member of the faculty who is there to answer your questions, and to give advice on easing your transition into college-level coursework. You may have both an academic and a financial aid advisor.
Applicant: You—the person who completed the application.
Center of learning: Another way of saying, “institution” or “college”.
Conditional acceptance: Given to students who failed to meet one or another of the academic admissions criteria. Colleges use this as a way of accepting students who missed the academic mark, and/or may be exceptional in other areas.
Confirmation: Verifies that you have received your acceptance letter, and would like to attend.
Contingent upon continued success: Means that you are accepted to the school only if you maintain the academic and non-academic work through graduation. Early decision students may see this phrase more often than most other applicants.
Deadline: The last date that certain items or requests will be considered. Your letter may accompany a list of deadlines for housing, financial aid, programs, activities, and so on.
Deposit: Often non-refundable payments for housing, programs, or activities. Deposits are your way of telling the university that you are serious about renting that dorm room, or taking that specialized class.
Enroll: Simply signing up; putting your name in the college’s record books. This is often done on the same day that you register for classes, meet your advisor, and get your student ID.
Final Transcript: A record of all grades that you received throughout your high school career. Colleges request an official final transcript which you have to get from your school. It must be stamped and sealed when delivered to the college. Don’t try to open the envelope and take a peak. There may be a fee for each transcript.
Financial aid award letter: It is separate from the acceptance letter. The award letter will have an estimate of the amount of financial aid you will receive.
Freshmen orientation: Often held before the first day of class, this is an opportunity for you and other incoming freshmen to become accustomed to the school. Upperclassmen and faculty are usually available to answer any questions, as well as give you other valuable information. You may also register and meet with your advisor during this time.
Housing: The dorms, apartments, and other living quarters the school maintains.
Offer of admission: Another way to say, “we want you to come to our college”.
Program: The schedule of classes that eventually leads to a degree.
Registration: Signing up for a class. Registration is similar to enrollment. However, enrollment is signing up for the college, and registration is signing up for the class.
Verification of Graduation: Your final transcript, or in some cases a copy of your diploma.