English major Danielle Sanzone' 05 is now a reporter for the Troy Record; she was involved in more campus activities than we have room to list!

A College Search Glossary
By Danielle Sanzone ’05

In the long process of the college search, you will encounter many unfamiliar terms and phrases in Web sites and in the brochures and information you get from schools. You can go through your search without trying to find the meanings to these terms, but this is not always a wise choice. The more you know, the easier the search will be and the more certain you will be of your ultimate decision. So, here’s a selected college search vocabulary lesson:

Early Decision: An early admission process if you are absolutely certain one school is the right one for you, because you will be asked to commit to going to that school.

Early Action: an early admission process that does not ask you to commit to attending if you are accepted.

FAFSA: To be considered for need-based financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available in secondary school guidance offices in late fall.

HEOP: Designed by the New York State Education Department, HEOP admits and counsels students who are classified as economically and educationally disadvantaged and who would benefit from additional assistance. HEOP students are required to attend a five-week summer session to strengthen their basic skills.

Merit Scholarships: these are scholarships that are given in recognition of your success in high school; they are not based on financial need.

NCAA: The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which administers college and university athletics throughout the nation. If you are a recruited athlete, try to be sure the school is playing by the rules.

SATs/ACTs: No stranger to most high school students, but most students do not realize that not all colleges require the scores.  Many, including St. Lawrence, make submission of the scores optional.

TAP: The Tuition Assistance Program, a New York State-sponsored need-based grant for college students.

These are just some of the terms you’re likely to come across. Always ask your secondary school counselor or admissions or financial aid personnel at the college(s) you are interested in if you come across a word or phrase you don’t understand.