2 minute read
College Terms
Explore The Language College Terms
Below are some words that you may hear used in your Saturday@SAM sessions and as you start your college journey.
Academic Advisor
A staff member who will help students choose majors/minors and help determine which classes are needed.
ApplyTexas
College application used for all public universities in Texas.
Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year undergraduate degree.
Credits/Credit Hour
Measure of class time/# of hours a student spends in a class
Degree Program
The combination of any major/minor that a student chooses and what is required to graduate
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid An application used by students to apply to receive federal funding/financial assistance for college.
First-generation Student
A student whose parents did not complete college.
GPA
Grade Point Average The average of a student’s final grades in all courses.
Higher Education
Refers to any formal schooling after high school.
Major
Focus area of study for a degree program.
Minor
Secondary area of study, requires less credits than a major.
TASFA
Texas Application for State Financial Aid An application for students who are Texas Residents but do not qualify for federal aid (ex. DACA).
Transfer
To earn credits at one college or university and move them to another.
Tuition
Cost of college classes, usually paid per credit hour.
Undergraduate
A student who has not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree.
