Red Hook High School

Recognition by an accrediting organization that a college meets an acceptable standard in its education programs, student services and facilities.  There are many Regional and National Accrediting Associations.  A recommended Regional web site is MSACHE and a National web site is Office of College and University Evaluation

A formal agreement between two colleges, which enables the transfer student to continue their education from one institution to the next without duplication or non-recognition of coursework. 

College degree awarded after satisfactory completion of a two-year program.  Many Associate of Arts Degrees (AA) and Associate of Science Degrees (AS) are designed to apply to the first two years of a four-year college curriculum.

College degree awarded after the satisfactory completion of a four or five-year full time study program.  The most common degrees are the Bachelor of Art (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS).

The system that the college divides its instructional periods into.  They include:

• Quarter – academic year is divided into four parts.
• Semester – academic year is divided into two parts.
• Trimester – academic year is divided into three parts.
• 4-1-4 – two four month terms and a one month “inter-session.”

May 1st is the date that accepted applicants must commit, by deposit, their intention to enroll.  This common reply date gives all students the opportunity to consider each acceptance and financial aid package.

A standard application form accepted by over 250 colleges.  The form can be filed on-line at Common App

A two-year college typically established by the state government.  When state operated, the tuition tends to be lower then privately run colleges.

This allows an accepted student to postpone enrollment usually for one year.

Student applies and is notified early of acceptance but need not commit to admissions prior to May 1^st.

Student applies to a first choice school.  If accepted, the student must withdraw all applications from other schools and is ethically bound to attend this school.

The amount of money your family is expected to contribute to your college education.  This amount varies with different college tuition costs.

Allow eligible students to register for tests and apply to colleges without cost.

A combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work study that the college is able to offer the applicant in order to meet your eligibility for financial aid.

The primary form used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

An interview including several or many applicants with a representative from the college admission office.  During these interviews, students hear about a school and ask questions.

A degree program consisting of study in the areas of arts, natural sciences and humanities.

Students and adults with GED or high school diplomas are admitted without regard to traditional qualifications.  Class and program placements are done per the results of educational assessments.

Students applying to a college under regular admissions often have deadlines of January, February, or March.  Generally, the more competitive schools require that application materials be submitted earlier.  Students need to be aware of each schools deadline.

The student’s application is considered upon receipt in the admission office.  Although there are no specific deadlines, students are encouraged to apply in a timely a manner in order to avoid being closed out of a program.  The SUNY System operates on a rolling admissions basis.

The form produced as a result of the filing of the FAFSA.  It reports your aid eligibility information.

A list of qualified applicants who could be admitted if space becomes available after the May 1st confirmation deadline.