Admissions Glossary

A non-binding early application deadline, typically November 1. Students receive decisions earlier (usually by mid-December) but are not required to attend if accepted.

A binding early application deadline. If accepted, the student must attend and withdraw all other applications. Shows strong demonstrated interest.

The standard application deadline, typically January 1-15. Decisions are released in March-April.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, with no fixed deadline. Earlier applicants may have an advantage.

A standardized application platform accepted by 1,000+ colleges. Allows students to apply to multiple schools with one application.

An alternative to Common App, accepted by 150+ colleges. Features a digital locker for saving work over time.

Grade Point Average. Unweighted GPA is on a 4.0 scale; weighted GPA accounts for AP/IB/Honors courses and can exceed 4.0.

Standardized test scored 400-1600, consisting of Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (200-800) and Math (200-800).

Standardized test scored 1-36, consisting of English, Math, Reading, and Science sections. Optional writing section.

Policy where submitting SAT/ACT scores is not required. Many Florida universities adopted this. Students with strong scores should still submit.

Admissions process that considers the whole student: academics, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, background, and character — not just GPA/scores.

Florida's merit-based scholarship program. Three tiers: Florida Academic Scholars (FAS - 100% tuition), Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS - 75% tuition), and Gold Seal Vocational (GSV).

Top tier of Bright Futures. Requires weighted GPA of 3.5+, SAT 1330+ or ACT 29+, and 100 community service hours. Covers 100% of tuition + $300/semester for books.

Second tier of Bright Futures. Requires weighted GPA of 3.0+, SAT 1210+ or ACT 25+, and 75 community service hours. Covers 75% of tuition.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Required to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Opens October 1 each year.

Amount the family is expected to pay based on FAFSA results. Recently renamed to Student Aid Index (SAI).

A letter sent to a university after being waitlisted or deferred, expressing continued interest and providing updates on achievements.

Actions showing genuine interest in a university: campus visits, attending info sessions, communicating with admissions, applying EA/ED. Some schools track this.

Neither accepted nor rejected. Students may be offered admission later if spots open up. LOCI is important for waitlisted students.

A letter from a teacher, counselor, or mentor supporting a student's application. Most selective schools require 1-3 LORs.

Additional essays required by individual universities beyond the main personal statement. Often ask "Why us?" or about specific interests.

The main essay (typically 650 words on Common App) where students share their story, values, and growth.

A university where the student's academic profile is well above the average admitted student. High probability of acceptance.

A university where the student's profile matches the average admitted student. Reasonable probability of acceptance.

A university where the student's profile is below the average admitted student. Lower probability but still possible.