College Terms

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E

Early action plan

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll; the student may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted and enroll full time in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision plan

A plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three possible decisions for early decision applicants: admitted, denied, or not admitted but forwarded for consideration with the regular application pool, without prejudice.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

A course of study designed specifically for students whose native language is not English.

Exchange student program-domestic

Any arrangement between a student and a college that permits study for a term or more at another college in the United States without extending the amount of time required for a degree. See also Study abroad.

Extracurricular activities (as admission factor)

Special consideration in the admissions process given for participation in both school and nonschool-related activities of interest to the college, such as clubs, hobbies, student government, athletics, performing arts, etc.