Mixed Deck — All Colleges Topics Flashcards

What is a concordance table used for in college admissions testing?

Answer: To compare SAT and ACT scores on an equivalent scale

Concordance tables, published by College Board and ACT, allow colleges to compare an applicant's SAT score to an equivalent ACT score or vice versa.

What does 'unmet need' mean in college financial aid?

Answer: The gap between financial need and the aid package offered

Unmet need is the difference between a student's demonstrated financial need and the total aid the college actually provides.

What is a minority-serving institution (MSI)?

Answer: A college that receives federal support for serving high proportions of minority students

MSIs include HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges that qualify for special federal funding based on the demographics of their enrolled students.

What is the maximum annual Pell Grant award for 2024–25?

Answer: $7,395

For the 2024–25 academic year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 per year.

What is Greek life in US colleges?

Answer: Fraternities and sororities that provide social, academic, and service opportunities

Greek life refers to fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) named with Greek letters that offer brotherhood/sisterhood, networking, and community service.

What is a merit scholarship?

Answer: Financial aid awarded based on academic or extracurricular achievement

Merit scholarships reward students for academic excellence, athletic ability, artistic talent, or other achievements regardless of financial need.

What is a good SAT score for admission to a highly selective college?

Answer: 1500 or above out of 1600

Most Ivy League and highly selective colleges admit students whose SAT scores are typically 1500 or above, with medians often ranging from 1510 to 1580.

What is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?

Answer: A college where at least 25% of full-time undergraduate enrollment is Hispanic

HSIs are federally designated institutions where Hispanic students make up at least 25% of full-time undergraduate enrollment, qualifying for federal HSI grant programs.

What does Early Action (EA) mean in college admissions?

Answer: Applying early with a non-binding decision

Early Action allows students to apply early and receive a decision sooner without being required to enroll if admitted.

What distinguishes a research university from a liberal arts college?

Answer: Research universities prioritize faculty research and graduate programs; liberal arts colleges emphasize undergraduate teaching

Research universities are large institutions where faculty balance research with teaching and offer extensive graduate programs, while liberal arts colleges focus on undergraduate education.

What is the College Football Playoff (CFP)?

Answer: A postseason system to determine the national champion in FBS college football

The College Football Playoff is the postseason system that determines the NCAA Division I FBS national champion through a bracket playoff format.

What is the role of a Resident Advisor (RA)?

Answer: A trained upperclass student who supports and manages residents in a dormitory

RAs are student leaders hired by the college to foster community, enforce housing policies, and connect residents with campus resources.

What is an AP exam score of 3 generally considered?

Answer: Qualifying, as many colleges grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5

College Board scores AP exams on a 1–5 scale; a 3 is considered 'qualified' and many colleges grant credit or placement for scores of 3 or higher.

What is verification in the FAFSA process?

Answer: A process where the college confirms the accuracy of FAFSA information

Verification is a federally required process in which selected students must provide documentation to confirm the information reported on their FAFSA.

What is the PSAT/NMSQT primarily used for?

Answer: Qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program and SAT practice

The PSAT/NMSQT serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program and as practice for the SAT.

What is a college waitlist?

Answer: A pool of qualified applicants who may be admitted if space opens

A waitlist holds qualified applicants who were not initially admitted but may receive an offer if enrolled students decline.

Which university has won the most national championships in the modern era of college football?

Answer: University of Alabama

The University of Alabama has won the most national championships in the modern era of college football, largely under head coach Nick Saban.

What is a superscore in college admissions testing?

Answer: The best section scores combined across multiple test dates

Superscoring allows colleges to take the highest score from each section across all test dates a student has taken, creating a composite best score.

What does the acronym FAFSA stand for?

Answer: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid.

What constitutes 'athletic academic fraud' in college sports?

Answer: When universities provide athletes with unearned academic credit or grades to maintain eligibility

Athletic academic fraud occurs when schools provide student-athletes with unearned grades or credits to maintain eligibility, violating NCAA rules and academic integrity.