College Admission Terms 101: What to Know Before You Apply

Applying to college can feel like you’ve landed in a new world; one full of terms, deadlines, and decisions that don’t always make sense at first. What’s the Common App again? Do I need to apply Early Action or Early Decision? Do I have to decide on my major before I apply?

Here’s the good news: no one expects you to know all of this upfront. Most students are figuring it out as they go, and the more you learn, the easier it becomes. Once you get the hang of the language, the college admission process starts to feel a lot less intimidating.

Getting familiar with some key college admission terms can give you a serious head start. You’ll feel more confident, avoid unnecessary stress, and be able to focus on finding the colleges that actually feel right for you.

College Visit Terms to Know Before You Apply

Before you even fill out an application, you might explore a few schools through events like campus tours or open houses. These are great ways to get a feel for a school’s vibe and culture and figure out whether you can picture yourself there.

Campus Tour 

A campus tour is a student-led walk around campus where you can explore classrooms, dorms, dining halls, and common hangout spots. It offers a real-life look at college life and helps you get a feel for the environment beyond what you see in a brochure. A campus tour is also a great time to ask questions about the school and learn more about what it is like to be a student there.

Open House

An open house is a more structured event that often includes information sessions, faculty panels, and opportunities to talk with admission staff or current students. Some schools also offer virtual open houses, which are a great option if you can’t visit in person. Check with each college to see how to schedule a visit or find out when their next open house is.

At St. John’s University, you can choose the college visit style that works best for you, whether that’s joining a group tour, attending an open house, or talking one-on-one with someone who’s been through the process through our chat feature.

Understanding College Application Types and Deadlines

When it comes to applying, schools don’t all follow the same rules. Knowing the different college application terms and options can help you figure out your timeline and strategy. Be sure to look out for each school’s individual deadlines as they are not universal. 

Early Action (EA)

You apply early and get your answer early, but you don’t have to commit. It’s nice if you want to hear back sooner without locking in a decision.

Early Decision (ED)

You apply early and commit early. If you’re accepted, you’re expected to attend. Only choose this route if you’re 100 percent sure about a school.

Rolling Admission

There’s no hard deadline; schools review applications as they come in. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting in (and snagging financial aid).

Common Application (Common App)

One college application, multiple schools. You fill it out once and send it to several colleges (with a few school-specific extras). St. John’s University accepts the Common App, or you can apply directly through the St. John’s application, whichever is easier for you.

Key College Application Requirements and Documents

Here’s what most schools expect you to include when applying. These college application requirements make up the backbone of your submission.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is where the financial aid process begins. Filling out the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Some scholarships also require it, so don’t skip it.

GPA (Grade Point Average)

Your overall academic performance is calculated on a scale (usually 4.0). Many schools also look at course difficulty and trends over time.

Transcript

The official record of your high school classes and grades. Ask your school counselor how to send it directly.

Personal Statement

A short essay (usually around 500–650 words) where you share who you are, what matters to you, or how you’ve grown. This personal statement is an opportunity to go beyond numbers and tell your story.

Recommendation Letter

A letter to highlight who you are beyond grades. A teacher, coach, or counselor typically provides these. Ask early and choose someone who really knows you.

Undeclared vs. Declaring a Major

If you’re undeclared/undecided, it means you haven’t picked a major yet. This is totally normal. Many students take a year or two before deciding.

Remember, most schools are not just looking at test scores (some may even be test-optional, like St. John’s University) but are using the application to get to know you and determine whether you’d make a good addition to the school’s student body. 

What Happens After You Apply

Once you hit submit, you might be in limbo for a bit. But here’s what could come next:

Admitted

You got in, congrats! Time to start thinking about what comes next.

Wait-list

You’re not in, but you’re not out either. You’ll get in if a spot opens up later. Stay in touch with the school if you want to remain on the list.

Deferral

If you applied Early Action or Early Decision, the school may move your application to the regular decision pool. It’s a “not yet,” not a “no.”

Enrollment Deposit

Once you decide where to go, you’ll usually need to put down a deposit to secure your spot.

Registrar

This office keeps track of your courses, records, and credits once you’re enrolled. You probably won’t deal with them much during the college admission process, but they’ll become more relevant once classes start.