Advanced Placement courses are considered college-level courses given in high school for possible college credit. National exams given in May are graded on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Bachelor of Arts is the traditional degree awarded by a liberal arts college or university following the completion of a degree program. You may receive a B.A. in the humanities or the social and natural sciences.

Bachelor of Science is usually awarded at the completion of a vocationally-oriented program like business, nursing, or education.

May 1 is the date by which a student must give all accepting colleges a definite "yes" or "no," and send a deposit to the final-choice college.

A universal application accepted by over 100 private colleges in lieu of their own applications. An applicant fills out one Common Application and then may mail photocopies to any of the colleges which subscribe to the service.

A clearing house for the Financial Aid Form. CSS evaluates each FAF, determines the family contribution, and forwards that analysis to the college Financial Aid Offices and scholarship programs designated by the applicant.

CWSP is a federal program, which allows students to pay some of their college expenses by working part time on campus. Eligibility is determined by FAFSA.

An admission plan, which allows an accepted student to postpone entrance to college for a year while retaining a guarantee of enrollment. During that year the student may work or travel but may not enroll at another college.

There are three basic degrees: Associates Degree awarded by two-year colleges; Bachelors Degree awarded by four-year colleges and universities; Masters and other graduate degrees offered by universities.

An admission plan offered by some highly selective colleges which allows the most qualified students the comfort of a letter of acceptances in December. The student does not have to withdraw other applications and does not have to accept or refuse the EA offer of admission until May 1.