D

Degree

In education, An academic title awarded by a college, university or professional school to a student who successfully completes a particular academic program.

Diploma

An official document given to a student by an educational institution upon completion of an academic program.

Doctorate

The degree awarded to graduate students who have earned one the highest possible academic degree awarded by a university. Doctoral degrees are commonly entitled Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), however, other doctoral degrees, such as Doctor of Education (EdD) are also conferred.

E

ESL

English as a Second Language. If your English skills are not sufficient for US studies, you should consider taking an ESL course.

F

Freshman

A student in the first year of college or university studies.

Football

A popular American game played between two teams in which an oblong ball is in possession of one side at a time, and is advanced to a goal by running or passing. Not to be confused with "soccer," which is called "football" in some other English-speaking countries. Soccer is the World Cup sport, which involves propelling a round ball into an opponent's goal by kicking it or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms.

G

GMAT

Graduate Management Admissions Test. A standardized test required by most graduate business (MBA) programs.

Graduate

N.1. Someone who holds an academic degree or diploma.
N.2. Advanced studies beyond a bachelor's degree, such as masters or doctoral studies.
V. To conclude one's studies and receive a degree and diploma from an academic institution.

GRE® Exam

Graduate Record Examination^TM. The standard test required for admission to graduate study. A series of three different exams: the GRE® general test; the subject test and the writing assessment test. Most graduate schools require the GRE®, however graduate programs in business usually require the GMAT and medical schools require the MCAT.

H

Homecoming

An annual celebration typically held in autumn, to which a school's alumni are invited to share hospitality and entertainment (often an important football game) with current students, faculty, and friends.

I

Intercollegiate

A term describing activities between colleges or universities, such as intercollegiate sports.

Ivy League

Eight prestigious colleges and universities in the Northeastern US Learn more.

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