Our Glossary of College Terms

As you begin researching universities, you may encounter some terms you are not familiar with. To help with that, we put together a glossary of terms to remember.

ACT – A standardized test that measures your knowledge from secondary school and can indicate your readiness for university. 

Admissions Counselor/Representative/Territory Manager – A person who works in the admissions office and is there to guide you through the university application process.

Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir – A standardized application for applying to colleges and universities within the Coalition's network of schools. Drexel accepts both the Coalition Application and the Common Application for those who want to apply for first-year admission.

College/School – Most universities are made up of smaller colleges and schools of each discipline, such as Drexel's School of Public Health and College of Arts and Sciences. When you choose a major, it will fall under a college or school. 

Common Application – A standardized application for applying to several universities at once. Drexel accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application for those who want to apply for first-year admission.

CSS Profile – An important financial aid application used by some universities to determine eligibility for institutional need-based aid, such as grants. Drexel requires the CSS Profile to evaluate students for Drexel need-based grant funding.

Duolingo English Test – For international students whose first language is not English, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an alternative to standardized English proficiency exams. This exam is available on demand and questions are adapted to the responses provided by the student.

Early Action – A non-binding admission application deadline that takes place during the fall. Early Action enables you to receive an admission decision early but still have until May 1 to confirm which school you would like to attend. Applying as an Early Action candidate often provides benefits such as priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid, registration, and housing. Drexel's Early Action deadline is November 1.

Early Decision – A binding admission application deadline that takes place during the fall. This is a good option if you have a top choice school you really want to attend and often provides advanced benefits such as maximum scholarship and financial aid consideration, first-choice registration, and first-choice housing. Drexel's Early Decision deadline is November 1.

FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Drexel asks domestic applicants to complete the FAFSA (and CSS Profile) to ensure students are reviewed for the most aid possible.

IELTS – For international students whose first language is not English, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures language proficiency and is specifically used for students who would like to study in a place where English is the standard language of communication.

PTE – For international students whose first language is not English, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) assesses students' abilities to communicate in an English classroom. It evaluates students' ability in reading, speaking, writing, and listening.

Regular Decision – A non-binding admission application deadline that takes place during the winter or spring. You have until May 1 to confirm which school you'd like to attend. The Drexel Regular Decision deadline is January 15.

SAT – A standardized test that measures your knowledge from high school to determine your academic readiness for college.

Standardized Test Scores – If you take a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT, your scores can be sent to the university (or universities) where you're applying for admission.

Test-Optional – A test-optional admission policy means that a student is not required to submit SAT or ACT test scores as part of the application process. At Drexel, we have a No Harm Test-Optional policy.

TOEFL – For international students whose first language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability to use and understand English at the university level. It also evaluates how a student combines listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

Transcript – This document contains all of your academic history. Your school will send official copies of your transcript to the colleges where you are applying. You will also need a transcript for any college courses you have taken.

We have many resources available to help you through the college admission process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at enroll@drexel.edu or 215.895.2400.