Below are a few terms and phrases that you will need to know in order to ease the process.
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401(k) - A popular type of retirement fund.
A
A.A. - This stands for an "associate of arts" degree, which can be earned at most two-year colleges.
A.S. - This refers to an "associate of science" degree, which can be earned at some two-year colleges.
Academic Scholarships - Academic scholarships are based upon academic efforts as shown in your college application.
Acceptance - Being allowed to attend a college.
Accreditation - The recognition by an outside agency that a school maintains a high standards that enable students to qualify for admission to other accredited institutions.
Active Duty - Continuous military duty on a daily basis. Comparable to "full time" as used in reference to a civilian job.
American College Test (ACT) - A standardized (or regulated) college admission test. It features four main sections: English, math, reading and science — and an optional essay section.
Admission Requirements - A set of rules established by each college for a student to be accepted.
Advanced Placement - The placement of a student in a high school course that offers college credit if successfully completed.
Advanced Standing - Admission status when a student has completed more than 12 college credits.
Alumni -This is a group of people who have graduated from a college or university.
Applicant - A person who applies.. An applicant for a job or a college is someone who makes a formal written request to be considered for it.
Application Deadline - A date or time before which an application must be done and submitted. After this date an application will not accepted.
Art School (Arts College, Art Institute, Conservatory) - A school where the primary focus is on the visual arts, including fine art, especially illustration, painting, photography, sculpture, and graphic design.
Associate Degree - Two-year college degree from a community college, university, college, or career school. Associate degrees are normally earned with about sixty college credits, including general education courses, electives, and courses required toward a specific college major. The recipient of an associate degree can then transfer the credits toward a four year, bachelor degree program.
Athletic Scholarships - These scholarships are based upon athletic ability and the prospective college’s department needs. Division I, II, and III college athletic scholarships are very difficult to receive because of strong competition.
Audit - To attend a class without receiving credit for the class.
B
B.A. or B.S. - B.A. stands for "bachelor of arts," and B.S. stands for "bachelor of science." Both degrees can be earned at four-year colleges.
Base - A location of an installation on which a military force relies for supplies or from where it initiates operations.
Blue Collar - Refers to people who do physical work and who usually do not work in an office.
Business Sector - A part of the economy including companies and excluding the general government, private households, and nonprofit organizations serving individuals.
C
Campus Tour - A campus tour is a visit of a college or university's campus. Prospective students, their family members and other visitors take campus tours to learn about the college or university's facilities, as well as student life, culture on campus, academics, and programs offered by the institution.
Career Fair - An event that gives students and employers a chance to come together at a school, community-gathering or large convention center. The purpose is to meet one another, establish professional relationships, and discuss potential internship or employment opportunities.
Charter School - A public school that operates under a performance contract, or a “charter” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results. The charter contract between the charter school governing board and the sponsor details the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment and ways to measure success. The length of time for which charters are granted varies but most are granted for five years.
Civilian - Anyone not serving on active duty in the military.
Class Rank - A measurement of how a students academic achievement compares with that of other students in your grade. This number is usually determined by using a weighted GPA that takes into account both your grades and the difficulty of the courses you’ve taken.
College - an institution for vocational, technical, or professional instruction, often a department of a university.
Course Catalog - A book published by the college describing requirements for admission, degrees, services and course descriptions.
College Credit - What you get when you successfully complete a college-level course or a credit-earning high school course or exam. You need a certain number of credits to graduate with a degree.
College Essay - An essay that a college requires students to write and submit as part of their application. Some colleges offer applicants specific questions to answer, while others simply ask applicants to write about themselves. Colleges may refer to this as a “personal statement”.
College Fair - An event in which college admissions representatives come together at a school, community-gathering or large convention center to meet one-on-one with high school students (and parents) to talk about their respective colleges and answer questions.
College Search - The act of researching colleges and universities, what they have to offer and your ability to attend.
Commissioned Officer - A member of the military with the rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above. This role in the military is similar to that of a manager or executive.
Common Application - A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are members of the common application association. You can fill out this application once and submit it to any one — or several of the nearly 700 colleges that accept it.
Community College - Community colleges, sometimes called state colleges, technical colleges, or city colleges, are primarily two-year public institutions providing higher education and lower-level courses, granting certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees. Many also offer continuing and adult education. After graduating from a community college, some students transfer to a four-year liberal arts college or university for two to three years to complete a bachelor's degree.
Commuter Student - A student who lives at home and travels to school every day.
Compensation - The money received by an employee, from an employer, for work performed.
Cost-of-living - The amount of money needed to keep a certain level of living including basic needs such as housing, food, taxes and health care.
Credit History - A credit history is a record of all events connected with payment of a set of debts, such as on-time payments, late payments, nonpayment, default, liens and bankruptcy discharge.
Credit (or Semester) Hour - Credit given for attending one lecture hour of class each week for 15 weeks or equivalent. Most college classes are three credit hours, meaning their total meeting time for a week is three hours.
Credit Score - Also referred to as a credit rating, a credit score is a measure of the likelihood of a borrower paying back a debt according to the agreement. It is based on the borrower's credit history. Credit bureaus and credit reporting agencies provide this information to banks and businesses to help them decide whether to issue a loan or extend credit.
D
Dual Enrollment - A program that allows middle and high school students to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation.
Deadline - The date by which your application, whether it’s for college admission, student housing or financial aid, must be received to be given the strongest consideration.
Default - A loan is in default when the borrower fails to pay several regular installments on time or otherwise fails to meet the terms and conditions of the loan.
Deferment - Occurs when a borrower is allowed to postpone repaying the loan.
Deferred Admission/ Enrollment - Permission from a college that has accepted you to postpone attending at the college. The postponement is usually for up to one year.
Delayed Entry Program - Allows an applicant to delay entry into active duty for up to one year for such things as finishing school.
Delinquent - If the borrower fails to make a payment on time, the borrower is considered delinquent and late fees may be charged.
Demonstrated Need - This is the difference between the cost of attending a college and your expected family contribution.
Denial- The decision by an admissions officer or committee to not offer a student entry to a particular institution.
Dependent - For a child or other person to be considered your dependent, they must live with you and you must provide more than half of their support.
Disbursement - Disbursement is the release of loan funds to the school on behalf of the borrower.
Drill - To train or exercise in military operations.
Duty - Assigned task or occupation.
E
Early Decision - An option to submit an application to your first-choice college before the regular deadline. When you apply early decision, you get an admission decision earlier than usual. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to enroll in the college immediately if admitted and offered a financial aid package that meets your needs.
Early Admission - Through this program, qualifying high school juniors with outstanding academic records may skip their senior year in high school and enroll in a college or university.
Earnings - Money obtained in return for labor or services.
Emancipated - To release a child from the control of a parent or guardian.
Enlisted Member - Military personnel below the rank of commissioned officers. This role is similar to that of a company employee or supervisor.
Enlistee - A service member, not a commissioned officer, who has been accepted by the military and has taken the Oath of Enlistment.
Enlistment Agreement/Contract - A legal contract between the military and an enlistment applicant. Includes information on enlistment date, term of enlistment, and other options such as a training program guarantee or a cash bonus.
Enrollment - The action of gaining entry or being enrolled. The number of people enrolled, typically at a school or college.
Establishment - A place of business or residence with its furnishings and staff; a public or private institution.
Equity - The dollar value of your ownership in a piece of property.
Extracurricular - not part of one's regular work, routine, or academic courses.
F
FAFSA - To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. Many schools, scholarship platforms, and banks use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
Fees - These are charges that cover costs not associated with the student's course load, such as the cost of some athletic activities, clubs, uniforms, and special events.
Federal Pell Grant - This grant is a form of financial aid provided by the Federal government to students whose FAFSA indicates a high level of financial need.
Fellowship - A form of financial aid given to graduate students in exchange for work.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program - This program provides scholarships based on high school academic achievement. The program has different award levels, each with its own eligibility criteria and award amounts.
Financial Aid - Money given or loaned to you to help pay for college. Financial aid can come from federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations. Learn more about financial aid.
Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) - A college or university employee who is involved in the administration of financial aid. Some schools call FAAs "Financial Aid Advisors" or "Financial Aid Counselors".
Financial Aid Office (FAO) - The college or university office that is responsible for the determination of financial need and the awarding of financial aid.
First Generation - The first person in a family to become a citizen in a new country, graduate high school, attend or complete college.
First-Time Borrower - A first-year undergraduate student who has no unpaid loan balances outstanding on the date he or she signs for an educational loan.
Fiscal Year - The federal government's fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.
Fixed Rate - A fixed rate is an interest rate that does not change and remains the same for the life of the loan.
Forgiveness - Loan forgiveness releases the borrower from his or her obligation to repay the loan, usually due to circumstances within the borrower's control.
Full-time Employees - An employee employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week, or 130 hours of service per month.
G
GI Bill Benefits - A program of education benefits for individuals entering the military. Allows service persons to set aside money to be used later for educational purposes.
Gap-Year - A period, typically an academic year, taken by a student as an exploration opportunity between high school and higher education.
Gift Aid - Financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, which does not need to be repaid.
Grace Period - A short time period after graduation during which the borrower is not required to begin repaying his or her student loans.
Grade Point Average (GPA) - A number that shows overall academic performance. It’s computed by assigning a point value to each grade you earn. This average is converted to a 4.0 scale (4.0 is an A, 3.0 is a B, and 2.0 is a C). Some schools use a 5.0 scale for the GPA. See also Weighted Grade Point Average.
Graduate Assistantship - A graduate assistant is a student employee of a college or university who performs specialized duties related to their course of study. This is one way to begin building a resume of related work experience.
Graduate Degrees - These degrees are earned beyond the bachelor's degree when the student completes graduate school curriculum requirements. Common examples include the MA (master’s degree), PhD (doctoral degree) MBA (master’s degree in business administration), MD (medical doctor).
Graduate School - A school or division of a university or college devoted entirely to students who have already completed their undergraduate studies.
Grant - An amount of money that is given to someone to be used for a particular purpose. Grants do not have to be repaid.
Gross Income - Income before taxes, deductions and allowances have been subtracted.
Guidance Counselor - A person whose job is to offer advice on problems, help troubled students and assist students in making career or college plans.
H
Health Insurance - A type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses.
Hire - To obtain services of for a set amount of money; to take employment.
Historically Black College or University (HBCU) - The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents.
Honors Classes - Higher-level classes that proceed at a faster pace and cover more material than regular classes. Most high schools assign an additional 0.5 points to grades earned in honors courses. For example, an A in an honors class may be calculated as 4.5 instead of the standard 4.0.
Hourly Rate - The amount of money that is charged, paid, or earned for every hour worked.
I
Inactive Reserve Duty - Affiliation with the military in a non-training, non-paying status after completing minimum obligation of active duty service.
Income - The amount of money received from employment (salary, wages, tips), profit from financial instruments (interest, dividends, capital gains), or other sources (welfare, disability, child support, Social Security and pensions).
Income-Based Repayment - Under an income-based repayment schedule, the size of the monthly payments depends on the income earned by the borrower. As the borrower's income increases, so do the payments.
Income Tax - Tax levied by a government directly on income, especially an annual tax on personal income.
Indeed - Indeed.com is one of the top job sites on the internet with over 200 million visitors each month. Indeed sweeps the internet and creates listings from job boards and company websites for you to search from.
Independent - For financial aid purposes, an independent student is one of the following:
at least 24 years old
married
a graduate or professional student
a veteran
a member of the armed forces
an orphan
a ward of the court
or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse
an emancipated minor
someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Industry - A department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacturer.
Infantry - Units of men trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot.
Interview - a formal meeting in which one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate another person.
In-State (Resident) Student - Student that has at least one parent who is a state resident for at least one full year before the student begins school at that college.
Institutional Grant - This is a need-based grant provided by an institution and offered to students whose families are unable to pay the full cost of college. Grants do not have to be repaid.
Interest - The interest on a loan is a fee charged periodically in exchange for the use of a lender's money. It is paid in addition to repaying the amount borrowed.
Internship - Part-time job during the academic year or the summer months in which a student receives supervised practical training in a their field. Internships are often very closely related to the student's academic and career goals, and may serve as a precursor to professional employment. Some internships provide very close supervision by a mentor in an apprenticeship-like relationship. Some internships provide the student with income, some don't.
Issuer - The issuer of a loan is the lender that made (funded) the loan.
J
Job opening - A specific position that needs to be filled at an establishment.
L
Labor Force - The number of individuals in an economy who either are employed or are seeking employment.
Lender - A bank, credit union, savings & loan association, or other financial institution that provides funds to the student or parent for an educational loan.
Legacy Applicant - A college applicant with a relative (usually a parent or grandparent) who graduated from that college. Some colleges give preference to legacy applicants (also called “legacies”).
Liberal Arts College - A college with an emphasis on undergraduate study in the liberal arts (literature, philosophy, mathematics, and social and physical sciences).
LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com is a social media platform geared to professionals. It enables you to network, build your professional portfolio, and look for a new job. It is also used by employers and recruiters who are looking for job candidates.
Loan - Borrowed money that is expected to be paid back with interest.
M
Magnet School - An elementary, middle, or high school that offers to all students enrolled a special curriculum that attracts a variety of students of different social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
Major - A student's concentrated field of study.
Matriculate - A student matriculates in college when he or she enrolls in college for the first time.
Merit-Based Grant - A form of gift aid (does not require repayment) based upon your grade point average, academic excellence and extracurricular involvement with some consideration of your financial need.
Minor - A student's secondary field of study.
Monster - Monster.com is a global online employment solution for people seeking jobs and the employers who need great people.
N
National Guard - Part-time military service that may be called on to assist in community support, disaster relief, and other local emergencies. During national emergencies, national guard units are called on to support their active counterparts in the Army and Air Force.
NCO - Non-commissioned Officer. An enlisted member of the military in pay grades E-4 or higher.
Need-Based Grant - This grant is offered, as a part of the financial aid package, when a student and his or her family are unable to pay the full cost of attending an institution. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Need-Blind Applicant - A policy of making admission decisions without considering the financial circumstances of applicants. Colleges that use this policy may not offer enough financial aid to meet a student’s full need.
Net Income - This is income after taxes, deductions and allowances have been subtracted.
O
Occupation - A job or profession.
Open Admission - A policy of accepting any high school graduate, no matter what his or her grades are, until all spaces in the incoming class are filled. Almost all two-year community colleges have an open-admission policy. However, a college with a general open-admission policy may have admission requirements for certain programs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost - Out-of-Pocket cost is the difference between the cost of attendance and the grants, scholarships and other gift aid in the need-based financial aid package. It reflects the bottom line cost to the family: the amount the family will need to pay out of current and future resources, such as savings, income and loans.
Out-of-State (Non-Resident) Student - Student that does not have at least one parent who is a state resident for at least one full year before the student begins school at that college.
P
Part-time Workers - Employees that typically work fewer hours in a day or during a work week than full-time employees (full time workers usually work 30 hours a week or more). Part-time workers may also be those who only work during certain parts of the year (seasonal).
Pell Grant - A federal grant that provides college funds based on the student's financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Post-secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) - The PERT is Florida's customized common placement test. It is specifically designed for students in Florida to assess their readiness for college-level courses. While many high school students may take the PERT, especially those planning to attend a Florida College System institution, it is not mandatory for all students. Instead, it is often used for those who need to demonstrate readiness for courses like Intermediate Algebra and Freshman Composition.
Personal Statement- Most applications require one major essay, usually between 500 and 650 words. This should be roughly one solid page of your best writing, written in a narrative style and with a personal focus.
Placement Test - Colleges use placement tests in subjects like math and English to check the academic skill levels of entering students. Colleges then can place each student in classes at the right level.
PLUS Loan - Federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for college or career school. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.
Polk Education Foundation - The Polk Education Foundation was created in 1988, as a 501(C)(3) direct-support organization for the Polk County School Board. The Foundation serves as the fiscal agent and manager of many educational programs for Polk County Public Schools, including college scholarships for students.
PreACT™ - Administered in the 10th grade year, the PreACT empowers students with a unique ACT® test practice experience. Scores provide valuable insights into students' predicted performance on the ACT and help inform important high school course decisions.
Prepaid Tuition Plan - A college savings plan that is guaranteed to rise in value at the same rate as college tuition.
Prerequisite - A course that must be taken prior to enrollment in another course.
Private For-Profit Institution - A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.
Private Institution - An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency, usually supported primarily by non-public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.
Private Not-For Profit Institution - A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.
Productivity - The state, quality, or time it takes to produce something.
Professional Student - A student pursuing advanced study in law or medicine.
Proprietary Institution - A proprietary college or university is one which operates as a private, profit-seeking business.
Public Institution - An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.
Prospective Student - A person who is considering attending a particular college or university but has not yet officially enrolled.
R
Reach School - A long-shot for students because their academic credentials “fall below the school’s range for the average freshman.” A reach school is one that you shouldn't expect to be admitted to.
Recommendation Letter - A letter written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality.
Registrar - The college official who registers students. The registrar may also be responsible for keeping permanent records and maintaining your student file.
Registration - Enrollment (or enlistment) in classes.
Religion Based School - A school or institution supported, funded, or operated by a religious organization.
Renewable Scholarships - A scholarship that is awarded for more than one year. Usually the student must maintain certain academic standards to be eligible for subsequent years of the award. Some renewable scholarships will require the student to reapply for the scholarship each year; others will just require a report on the student's progress to their degree goals.
Research Assistantship (RA) - A form of financial aid awarded to graduate students to help support their education.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) - Training given to undergraduate college students who plan to become military officers. Often they receive scholarships for tuition, books, fees, uniforms, and a monthly allowance.
Resume - A document created and used by an individual to present their background, skills, and accomplishments. Résumés are most often used to apply for a job. A resume may also list relevant professional relationships or volunteer work and may include a statement that shares your professional/academic goals.
Residence Halls - Dormitories, apartments, houses, and other living quarters provided for students by the college or university in which they are enrolled.
Retirement Plans - An arrangement to provide people with an income during retirement when they're no longer earning money from work.
Rolling Admission - An admission policy of considering each application as soon as all required information (such as high school records and test scores) has been received, rather than setting an application deadline and reviewing applications in a batch. Colleges that use a rolling admission policy usually notify applicants of admission decisions quickly.
S
Safety School - A school you are certain will admit you and which is inexpensive enough that you can afford to attend even if you get no (or very little) financial aid. Your GPA should be well above the average student's at that school and your SAT or ACT score should be above the 75th percentile for that school.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) / PSAT - The College Board’s standardized college admission test. It features three main sections: math, reading and writing, which includes a written essay. Learn more about the SAT. the Preliminary SAT is a standardized test targeting 10th and 11th graders across the United States.
Salary - Fixed compensation paid regularly for services. (Compare to hourly rate.)
Sallie Mae - Originally the Student Loan Marketing Association (SLM), Sallie Mae is a publicly traded U.S. corporation that provides consumer banking. The company's primary business is creating, servicing, and collecting private education loans. The company also provides online tools and resources for college planning.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) - A student must make this in order to continue receiving federal aid. If a student fails to maintain an academic standing consistent with the school's SAP policy, they are unlikely to meet the school's graduation requirements.
Scholarship - A form of financial aid that does not have to be paid back, given to undergraduate students to help pay for their education.
Self-employed - Working for oneself as a freelancer or the owner of a business rather than for an employer.
Service Academy - The US Air Force Academy, US Coast Guard Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy, US Military Academy and US Naval Academy. These institutions provide a unique educational experience focused on leadership, discipline, and military training, preparing students for careers as military officers.
Student Aid Index (SAI) - The Student Aid Index (SAI) is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. It is calculated based on financial information provided in the FAFSA and helps colleges assess how much financial support a student may need. Many scholarship platforms and other private funders also rely on the SAI to inform their financial gift decisions.
Student Retention - This is the degree to which students remain enrolled as members of the college or university community and persist toward graduation.
T
Tax Return - A form submitted to a tax authority (IRS) that reports an individual's income, expenses, and other relevant financial information for a specific tax year. This document is essential for determining tax liability and potential refunds or payments owed to the government
Teaching Assistantship (TA) - A form of financial aid awarded to graduate students to help support their education.
Test Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Most colleges and universities require international students to take the TOEFL as part of their application for admission. The TOEFL evaluates a student's ability to communicate in and understand English.
Tour of Duty - Refers to a specific period of active service in the military. Typically lasting 12 months or more, it involves fulfilling assigned duties, which may include combat roles. Members of the armed forces are often deployed or stationed outside the U.S. during this time
Trade/Technical School - A specialized school that focuses on skill-based careers.
Transcript - The official record of your course work at a school or college. Your high school transcript is usually required for college admission and for some financial aid packages.
Transfer Courses - College courses giving credit which may be transferred to another college.
Transfer Student - A student who enrolls in a college after having attended another college.
Tuition - This is the amount of money that colleges charge for classroom and other instruction and use of some facilities such as libraries.
Turnover Rate - The ratio of the number of workers or students that were replaced in a given time period to the average total number of workers or students.
U
US Department of Education - ED is America's education agency that administers several federal student financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Work-Study Program and the Federal PLUS Loans.
Undergraduate School - Refers to institutions that offer the first level of higher education following high school. This typically includes programs leading to an undergraduate degree, such as an Associate's degree (usually 2 years) or a Bachelor's degree (typically 3 to 5 years). Undergraduate education focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in a chosen field, preparing students for either entry-level careers or further studies in graduate programs. These programs are offered by various types of institutions, including universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges.
Unemployment rate - The percentage of the labor force that is not working at a job.
Unofficial Transcript - A student's academic record without signature, seal, date, or sealed envelope.
University - An institution of higher education that provides undergraduate studies leading to the baccalaureate degree in a broad range of academic disciplines, as well as graduate studies leading to advanced degrees in at least three academic and/or professional fields.
V
Virtual Tour - a simulation of a real location made with media, including still photography, 360-degree panoramas, video, text, narration, and more. Virtual tours allow viewers to see a location (like a college campus or place of employment) and experience it without having to actually go there.
Vocational School - Option for students interested in practical education and job training after graduating from high school. Vocational schools typically offer relatively short, career-focused programs that quickly prepare graduates for the workforce.
Volunteer / Volunteer Hours - A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. The hours a person spends performing a service willingly, without pay, and within the community.
W
W2 Form - The form listing an employee's wages and tax withheld. Employers are required by the IRS to issue a W2 form for each employee on or before January 31 each year. The employee uses the W2 to file a tax return.
Wages - A fixed regular payment, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis, made by an employer to an employee, especially to a manual or unskilled worker. (See hourly rate and salary.)
Waiting List - The list of applicants who may be admitted to a college if space becomes available. Colleges wait to hear if all the students they accepted decide to attend. If students don’t enroll and there are empty spots, a college may fill them with students who are on the waiting list. Learn more about waiting lists.
Warrant Officer - A member of the Army, Navy, or Marines who is a technical specialist or pilot. These members are generally appointed from the enlisted, non-commissioned officer ranks
Weighted GPA - A grade point average that’s calculated using a system that assigns a higher point value to grades in more-difficult classes. For example, some high schools assign the value of 5.0 (instead of the standard 4.0) for an A earned in an AP class. See how to convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale.
Work-study - A way for students to earn money to pay for school by working for the school they attend. Through your FAFSA profile, Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses It is administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program. Check with your school's financial aid office in advance to find out if your school participates.