College comes with a lot of new terminology, and it can sometimes feel like learning a whole new language. Use this guide to explore common higher education terms and better understand the admissions process, academics, campus life, financial aid, and more.
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Admission Terms
Admissions/Enrollment Counselor
A member of Heidelberg's Office of Admission who helps students through each step of the college search and application process. Some schools may also use the terms admissions representative or admissions advisor.
Admissions Process
The full process of getting into college, including research, campus visits, applications, letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and admission decisions.
Application
The form and required information submitted for admission consideration at Heidelberg, which include personal information and a high school transcript. Essays and letters of recommendation are optional but recommended. Heidelberg accepts applications through the Common App and Heidelberg's online application.
Admit
The decision by an admissions officer or committee to offer a student a place to enroll at Heidelberg University. An admit letter or email explains any next steps.
Cancel/Withdraw Application
The choice not to attend a college or university after being admitted. Students admitted to Heidelberg who decide not to enroll should notify the Office of Admission.
Enrollment Fee Payment
The action of choosing to attend a college or university after being admitted. Heidelberg asks new students to submit an enrollment fee, often referred to as a deposit, to confirm enrollment plans.
College Fair
An event where colleges, universities, and other organizations share information about programs with interested students. Heidelberg participates in regional college fairs and hosts on-campus visit days.
College Search
The early planning steps used to identify and explore college-level programs that meet student interests and needs. This can include exploring Heidelberg's majors, visiting campus, talking with counselors, and using online tools.
College Representative Visit
An event where a college or university admissions representative visits a high school or community site to meet with interested students. Heidelberg counselors often visit high schools across Ohio.
Deferred Admission or Gap Year
Permission from a college that has accepted a student to postpone enrollment for up to one year. Students admitted to Heidelberg can contact the Office of Admission to discuss a gap year or delayed start.
Deny
The decision by an admissions officer or committee not to offer admission to a particular institution. If Heidelberg is not able to offer admission, counselors can help students consider other pathways, such as future transfer.
First-Generation College Student
A student whose parents have not completed a four-year bachelor's degree. Heidelberg supports first-generation students through academic resources, advising, and financial aid counseling.
First-Year Student
A student who is enrolling in college for the first time, regardless of credits earned through College Credit Plus or high school college credits. Often, first-year students are simply referred to as "freshman". At Heidelberg, first-year students participate in new student orientation and first-year seminar experiences.
In-State Student
A student whose permanent residence is in the same state as the college or university attended. Heidelberg is located in Ohio, so an in-state student lives in Ohio.
Out-of-State Student
A student whose permanent residence is in a different state than the college or university attended. Heidelberg welcomes out-of-state students and offers grant opportunities for students from outside Ohio.
Prospective Student
A potential applicant for admission, especially a student who has shown interest by visiting campus, joining a tour, or communicating with admissions.
Transfer Student
A student who has completed coursework at another college after high school and plans to enroll at a new institution. Heidelberg accepts transfer students on a rolling basis with transfer-specific advising and credit evaluation.
Rolling Admission
An admission policy that considers each application as soon as it is complete instead of waiting for one specific deadline. Heidelberg uses rolling admission with no application fee for first-year and transfer students.
Academic Terms
Associate's Degree
A college degree that usually takes about two years of full-time study beyond high school. Students sometimes complete an associate's degree at a community college and later transfer to Heidelberg.
Bachelor's Degree
A four-year college degree awarded after completing required credit hours and major coursework.
Master's Degree
A one-to-three year program completed after a bachelor's degree. At Heidelberg, our master's programs in Counseling, Athletic Training, and Business Administration help students hone their skills and become more specialized in their field.
College Credit
Credit earned when a student successfully completes a college-level course.
Major
A student's main area of study in college. Heidelberg offers many majors, including education, business, health sciences, and more.
Minor
A secondary area of study that complements a student's major. Students often select minors that connect to career goals or personal interests.
Course Load
The number of credit hours a student takes in a semester.
Credit Hour
A unit of measurement that indicates how often and how long a class meets each week.
Full-Time Student
A student who enrolls in 12+ credit hours per semester. Full-time students typically enroll in 12-18 credit hours, or enough credits per semester to stay on track for a four-year graduation.
Part-Time Student
A student who enrolls in less than 12 credit hours per semester.
Class Standing
Class standing depends on the number of completed credits and is sorted by freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.
General Education
Required courses that all students must complete to build a foundation of knowledge and skills.
Undergraduate Student
A student enrolled in a program leading to an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Graduate Student
A student enrolled in a program leading to a master's degree.
Campus Life Terms
Academic Advisor
A faculty or professional staff member who assists students with course selection, academic planning, majors, and graduation requirements. Many Heidelberg students connect regularly with advisors through the Owen Center and academic departments.
Owen Center for Teaching and Learning
Heidelberg's central hub for academic support, tutoring, advising, and accessibility services. Heidelberg students often find the Owen Center helpful for connecting with mentors and managing coursework.
Commuter Student
A student who does not live on campus and travels to campus for classes and activities. Heidelberg provides resources and parking options for commuter students.
Convocation
A formal gathering of new and returning students to officially welcome them and kick off the academic year.
Faculty
Instructors or professors who teach college courses. Heidelberg faculty are recognized for personal attention and mentoring.
Meal Plan
An option students purchase that covers certain meals or food during the semester. Plans may include set numbers of meals or flexible dollars (Berg Bucks) to use at dining locations on campus.
Move-In
The scheduled time when residential students move into campus housing for the year. Heidelberg's New Student Checklist includes move-in information, room assignments, and arrival instructions.
Residence Halls
Dormitories, apartments, or other living spaces provided by the college or university for enrolled students. Heidelberg offers several residence hall options, and students typically apply for campus housing after admission.
Room & Board
The combined charges for housing and meals on campus. These costs appear on the student bill and are part of the total cost of attending college.
Student Identification Card
An official card that provides a student ID number and is used to access campus buildings, meal plans, and some events. Heidelberg issues student ID cards during orientation and move-in.
Welcome Weekend / Orientation
Programs that introduce new students to campus, academics, and student life. Heidelberg's orientation and welcome activities help first-year students build community and learn key resources.
Financial Aid Terms
Cost of Attending College
The total cost of going to college, including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, fees, and personal expenses. This includes both direct and indirect costs.
Direct Costs
Charges that appear on the billing statement from the college, such as tuition, fees, room, and meal plan. These amounts are paid directly to Heidelberg.
Indirect Costs
Estimated expenses that do not appear on the bill but are part of the total cost of attending college. Examples include books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The main federal form students complete to apply for financial aid. Heidelberg uses FAFSA information to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Financial Aid Offer
The official statement of monetary assistance a college offers to help pay for college. Heidelberg sends financial aid offers detailing scholarships, grants, loans, and work options.
Fees
Charges related to services and facilities that are not part of tuition, such as technology fees, facility fees, or specific course fees. Fees vary by institution and program.
Grants
Financial aid, usually based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid. Heidelberg offers grants through federal and state programs as well as institutional opportunities.
Loans
Borrowed money that helps pay for college and must be repaid, usually with interest. Students and families should understand loan terms and repayment responsibilities.
Scholarships
Money given to a student to pay part of the cost of college that does not need to be repaid.
Tuition
The amount a college charges for classroom instruction. Tuition is a major part of the direct costs on a student's bill.
Four-Year Tuition & Graduation Guarantees
Heidelberg provides guarantees that help students understand tuition expectations over four years and support on-time graduation. These guarantees are part of the university's commitment to student success and financial planning.
Application-Specific Terms
College Essay
An essay that colleges may request as part of an application. Heidelberg is test-optional and uses holistic review, so an essay can help share more of a student's story.
Holistic Review
An admission application review process that looks at a student's whole picture beyond grades. Heidelberg uses this process to consider optional items like essays and letters of recommendation when awarding merit scholarship amounts.
School Profile
An overview of a high school's program, grading system, course offerings, and other features. Colleges use school profiles to better understand a student's academic context.
Test-Optional
A student's option not to submit standardized test scores, like from the ACT or SAT, for admission consideration. Heidelberg is test-optional, which means test scores are encouraged but not required.
Transcript
The official record of a student's high school or college coursework, grades, and sometimes test scores. Heidelberg requires official high school transcripts for all students.
Cumulative GPA
A grade point average that combines all completed courses into one number on a scale, often 0.0 to 4.0. Colleges use cumulative GPA as one measure of academic performance.
Weighted GPA
A GPA calculated using a system that assigns higher point values to more challenging courses such as honors, Advanced Placement, or college-level classes. Weighted GPAs are often used by high schools to reflect course rigor.
Letter of Recommendation
A written statement by a teacher, counselor, or other adult who knows a student and can describe the student's strengths. Letters are optional but recommended for Heidelberg's holistic review process.
Student Prince Promise
A Heidelberg-specific scholarship and support program designed for students with academic promise who may not meet all standard admission requirements; provides additional financial and academic assistance.
The Common Application
A shared college application form accepted by many colleges and universities. Students can apply to Heidelberg for free using the Common App or Heidelberg's online application.