Applying to universities in the United States can feel like learning a whole new language. The process is full of specific terms and phrases that American students grow up hearing but may be completely unfamiliar to someone in Egypt.

This guide is your starting point. You can call it your dictionary. Once you understand these terms, the rest of the process will make much more sense.

1. Admission Roles & People

Admission Officer
A professional at a college or university whose job is to read applications, evaluate applicants, and decide who gets admitted. You will likely never meet them in person, but they are the ones reading your essays and test scores.

Admission Counselor
Sometimes used interchangeably with “admission officer,” but can also refer to staff who guide applicants through the process, answer questions, and represent the university at events.

Guidance Counselor / School Counselor
A staff member at your high school (or a private advisor) who helps students apply to universities. They help send your transcripts, and more documents discussed later like letters of recommendation.

2. Application Platforms & Forms

Common App (Common Application)
An online platform that allows you to apply to multiple U.S. colleges with one main application form. You fill out your personal details, academic history, activities, and essays once, then send it to several schools.

Coalition Application
Another platform similar to the Common App, but less widely used. Some universities accept both.

Application Fee
The payment you submit with each college application. Fees range from $50–$90 per school, though some offer fee waivers for students with financial need.

Fee Waiver
A request to skip the application fee, usually available for students from low-income backgrounds. International students (Egyptians in our case) get them most of the time, but it depends on the college/university and whether they offer fee waivers or not.

3. Academic Records & Testing

Transcript
An official document from your school listing all the classes you’ve taken and the grades you’ve received.

GPA (Grade Point Average)
A number (on a 4.0 scale in the U.S.) that represents your average academic performance. Egyptian grades often need to be converted for U.S. universities.

SAT / ACT
Standardized tests used by many U.S. universities to assess academic readiness. Some universities are now test-optional (meaning you don’t have to submit scores), but strong results can still help.

TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo English Test

English proficiency exams for students whose first language is not English. Most U.S. universities require one of these from international applicants.

English Proficiency Test Waiver

Permission from a university to skip submitting an English proficiency exam (such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test). It is usually granted if you meet certain conditions — for example if you studied for several years in a school where English is the main language of instruction, or you are from a country where English is an official language.

4. Financial Terms

Financial Aid
Money given to help cover the cost of university. For international students, this can be need-based (based on your family’s finances) or merit-based (based on achievements).

Scholarship
A form of financial aid you don’t have to pay back. Often awarded for academic excellence, leadership, or special talents.

Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware

• Need-Blind schools decide admission without considering your ability to pay.

• Need-Aware schools do consider your financial situation when making decisions.

ISFAA / CSS Profile
Forms used to apply for financial aid.

5. Admission Types & Deadlines

Early Decision (ED)
An application you submit early (usually November) where, if admitted, you must attend that university. This is binding.

Early Action (EA)
An early application that is non-binding — you can apply to other schools and decide later.

Regular Decision (RD)
The standard application deadline (usually January) with results announced in March or April.

Rolling Admission
Schools review applications as they arrive and send decisions continuously until all spots are filled.

6. Essays & Recommendations

Personal Statement
A main essay (often for the Common App) where you tell your story, show your personality, and explain why you would be a great fit for the university.

Supplemental Essays
Shorter essays specific to each university, often asking “Why this school?” or “Describe a community you belong to.”

Letters of Recommendation
Written by teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak about your academic ability and character.

7. Decision Outcomes

Admitted
Congratulations — you got in!

Denied
The school has decided not to offer you admission.

Waitlisted
You are not admitted yet, but may be offered a place later if spots open up.

Deferred
If you applied early, the school postpones your decision to the regular round.

8. Campus Life & Beyond

Major
The main field of study you choose at university (e.g., Computer Science, Economics, Psychology).

Minor
A secondary area of study requiring fewer courses than a major.

Credit Hour
A measure of academic workload. Most courses are 3–4 credit hours.

Internship
A temporary work experience related to your studies, often done during summer.

Final Note

Think of this article as your “dictionary” for the U.S. admissions process. Bookmark it, refer back to it, and don’t worry if the terms feel overwhelming now. As we move forward in this guide, these words will become second nature.