Applying to a university in the United States can be an exciting but complex process. From choosing your major to managing applications and financial aid there are many steps involved. Understanding the vocabulary for each part of the process is essential, so let’s dive into the key terms.

1. Application Process

These are the core words you’ll encounter while preparing to apply to university in the USA.

1. Application
   IPA: /ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən/
   Definition: A formal request to be considered for admission to a school or program.
   Sentence: “She submitted her application to three different universities.”
2. Deadline
   IPA: /ˈdɛdlaɪn/
   Definition: The latest date by which something must be done.
   Sentence: “The application deadline is December 1st.”
3. Transcripts
   IPA: /ˈtrænˌskrɪpts/
   Definition: An official record of a student’s academic history.
   Sentence: “Make sure to send your high school transcripts with your application.”
4. Recommendation
   IPA: /ˌrɛkəˌmɛnˈdeɪʃən/
   Definition: A letter from a teacher or mentor that supports a student’s application.
   Sentence: “He asked his math teacher for a recommendation.”
5. Essay
   IPA: /ˈɛseɪ/
   Definition: A short piece of writing, often required for university applications, to explain why you are a good fit.
   Sentence: “The essay prompt asked her to describe a personal achievement.”
6. Requirements
   IPA: /rɪˈkwaɪərmənts/
   Definition: Specific qualifications, such as tests or degrees, needed for admission.
   Sentence: “The program has requirements that include an English proficiency test and a high school diploma.”
7. Residency
   IPA: /ˈrɛzɪdənsi/
   Definition: The status of living in a place for a long time, which can affect tuition and other benefits at universities.
   Sentence: “Students who are U.S. residents often pay lower tuition than international students.”
8. Equivalency
   IPA: /ɪˈkwɪvələnsɪ/
   Definition: A process that determines if a foreign degree matches U.S. academic standards.
   Sentence: “International students must submit a degree equivalency for admission.”

2. Admission Decisions

These words relate to the process of reviewing and responding to applications.

9. Acceptance
   IPA: /əkˈsɛptəns/
   Definition: Official approval to join a program or university.
   Sentence: “He celebrated after receiving his acceptance letter.”
10. Deferred
    IPA: /dɪˈfɜrd/
    Definition: A delay in the final admission decision.
    Sentence: “She was disappointed to find out her application was deferred.”
11. Rejected
    IPA: /rɪˈʤɛktɪd/
    Definition: Not accepted for admission to a program.
    Sentence: “He was rejected from his first-choice university.”
12. Waitlist
    IPA: /ˈweɪtˌlɪst/
    Definition: A list of applicants who may be offered a place if spots become available.
    Sentence: “She was placed on the waitlist and might still get admitted.”
13. Conditional
    IPA: /kənˈdɪʃənəl/
    Definition: A type of acceptance given on the condition that certain requirements are met.
    Sentence: “Her acceptance was conditional upon passing her English exam.”
14. Visa
    IPA: /ˈviːzə/
    Definition: An official document or stamp in a passport that allows a person to enter or stay in a country for a specific purpose, such as studying.
    Sentence: “She applied for a student visa to study in the United States.”

3. Financial Aid and Scholarships

These terms help you understand the types of financial support available.

15. Scholarship
    IPA: /ˈskɑlɚˌʃɪp/
    Definition: Financial support awarded to a student based on academic or other achievements.
    Sentence: “He earned a scholarship for his excellent grades.”
16. Grant
    IPA: /ɡrænt/
    Definition: Financial aid given to a student that does not need to be repaid.
    Sentence: “The grant covered most of her tuition.”
17. Loan
    IPA: /loʊn/
    Definition: Money borrowed to pay for education that must be paid back later.
    Sentence: “She took out a loan to pay for her studies.”
18. Tuition
    IPA: /tuˈɪʃən/
    Definition: The fee for instruction, especially at a university or college.
    Sentence: “His parents helped him cover his tuition costs.”
19. Financial Aid
    IPA: /fəˈnænʃəl eɪd/
    Definition: Money provided to students to help pay for their education, including loans, grants, and scholarships.
    Sentence: “She applied for financial aid to afford university.”
20. Work-Study
    IPA: /ˈwɝkˌstʌdi/
    Definition: A program that allows students to work part-time while studying to help cover educational expenses.
    Sentence: “Through her work-study job, she could afford her books and supplies.”

4. Academics

Understanding academic terms can help with choosing courses and planning your studies.

21. Major
    IPA: /ˈmeɪʤɚ/
    Definition: The main subject a student chooses to study at university.
    Sentence: “He decided to major in biology.”
22. Credits
    IPA: /ˈkrɛdɪts/
    Definition: Units that represent completed courses needed for graduation.
    Sentence: “She needs 120 credits to graduate.”
23. Prerequisite
    IPA: /priˈrɛkwəzɪt/
    Definition: A course required before taking a more advanced course.
    Sentence: “Chemistry 101 is a prerequisite for Biology 201.”
24. Elective
    IPA: /ɪˈlɛktɪv/
    Definition: A course that is not required but chosen by the student.
    Sentence: “He chose a painting class as his elective.”
25. GPA (Grade Point Average)
    IPA: /dʒi pi eɪ/
    Definition: The average score of all a student’s grades, usually on a 4.0 scale.
    Sentence: “Her GPA improved after a strong semester.”
26. Advisor
    IPA: /ədˈvaɪzɚ/
    Definition: A university staff member who provides academic and career guidance to students.
    Sentence: “She met with her advisor to discuss her class schedule.”

5. Campus Life at university in the United States

These terms are important for understanding life at an American university.

27. Dormitory (Dorm)
    IPA: /ˈdɔrmɪˌtɔri/
    Definition: A building where students live on campus.
    Sentence: “She met her best friends in the dormitory.”
28. Meal Plan
    IPA: /mil plæn/
    Definition: A prepaid plan that provides meals for students on campus.
    Sentence: “He chose a meal plan that covers three meals a day.”
29. Orientation
    IPA: /ˌɔriənˈteɪʃən/
    Definition: An event to introduce new students to the university.
    Sentence: “Orientation helped her get familiar with the campus.”
30. Campus
    IPA: /ˈkæmpəs/
    Definition: The land and buildings where a university is located.
    Sentence: “The campus is very large and has beautiful gardens.”

Get personalized language support for applying to university

Applying to university is a big step, and having support with language skills can make a difference.

If you’re looking for help with crafting a strong application essay or preparing for admission interviews, language coaching can offer you the tools and guidance you need. As an experienced English coach, I can provide personalized feedback on writing and help you build confidence for your interviews, so you can present your best self. I’ve also coached numerous clients through settling into a new country and university environment. Reach out to me on Italki to learn more about how language coaching can support your university journey!