ACT - A standardized college admission test. It features four main sections: English, math, reading, science, and an optional essay section.
Application Portal - The online space to keep track of your application and materials after submitting the Common App.
Binding - A binding application (see Early Decision I and II), means you are committed to attending that school, and will withdraw any applications you may have submitted for the regular deadlines at other schools.
CSS Profile - The College Scholarship Service Profile is an online application that helps colleges and scholarship programs award non-federal financial aid to students.
Cognate - A set of at least three related courses. Students take one cognate in each of the three areas of knowledge: Arts and Humanities; People and Society; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This is general education at UM.
Common Application - A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are members of the Common Application association. You can fill out the Common App once and submit it to any one or several of colleges that accept it (UM being one of them!).
Common App Essay - The primary writing sample that applicants submit to colleges that use the Common Application as part of their undergraduate admission process. Some colleges may require additional essays (see Supplemental Essay).
Cost of Attendance (COA) - A total estimate of billable charges for tuition, room, and board as well as additional expenses for books, supplies, and some personal needs.
Deferred Admission - A decision indicating that the Office of Undergraduate Admission needs more time to review an application. Deferred applicants may wish to submit new academic information for the next round of consideration.
Deferred Enrollment - Admitted first-year students who have submitted their nonrefundable enrollment deposit may submit a request to postpone their matriculation to the University of Miami for a period of up to one academic year.
Demonstrated Need - The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution. This is the amount your financial aid offer will be designed to cover.
Early Action (EA) - An option to submit a non-binding application to your first-choice school before the regular deadline.
Early Decision I (EDI) - An option to submit a binding application to your first-choice school before the regular deadline.
Early Decision II (EDII) - Another option to submit a binding application to your first-choice school before the regular deadline.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - Amount of money a student’s family is responsible for paying toward the Cost of Attendance as determined by the University. This amount is based on the family income and asset information provided on the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It determines if you qualify for federal financial assistance with tuition.
Financial Aid - Money given or loaned to you to help pay for college. Financial aid can come from federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations. It might also include work-study assistance.
Financial Aid Deadline - For any applicant interested in applying for Financial Aid. All applicants must complete the CSS Profile. The FAFSA is only required for domestic and applicants. Applicants will receive an estimated financial aid offer with the admission decision. Confirmed financial aid offer will be provided after final FAFSA review.
Financial Aid Offer - The aid package offered to cover the cost of attendance minus the expected family contribution which may include scholarships, state and/or federal grants, work-study, institutional aid, and/or Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.
Final Credentials Deadline - The date that all supporting documents listed on the Application Checklist in your Applicant Portal must be on file for consideration. This is also the deadline to change your major for a major in another school or college.
First-Year Student - A student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. If you are considering applying to the University of Miami as a first-year student, check out our application requirements.
Holisitic Review - The Office of Undergraduate Admission’s review process by which each application is considered. We consider every aspect of your application. Beyond transcripts and test scores, we carefully examine your extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements to understand your potential for success.
In-State - An applicant who is a resident of the state of Florida; may be eligible for state financial aid and/or grants.
Letter of Recommendation - A short document, usually written by a teacher or counselor, that highlights an applicant's strengths and potential contributions to a school.
Regular Decision (RD) - The final deadline to submit your application. It is non-binding.
SAT - The College Board’s standardized college admission test. It features three main sections: math, reading and writing, which includes a written essay.
School Report - A document submitted by a high school guidance counselor to provide the Office of Undergraduate Admission the context needed to review transcripts.
Honors and Scholars Programs - Invite-only programs that offer students even smaller class sizes than usual, unique disciplinary crossovers, and access to additional resources for research and internships. Applicants are automatically considered for special programs, there is no additional application required. The four programs are: the Advanced Program for Integrated Science and Math (PRISM) Honors Program, the da Vinci Honors Program, the Foote Fellows Honors Program, and the Health Professions Mentoring (HPM) Program.
Student Aid Index - The new name of Expected Family Contribution (EFC) used in the needs-analysis calculation on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—the form used by colleges, states, and other scholarship providers that can be included in financial aid packages.
Supplemental Essay - An optional or required writing supplement that some colleges include in their applications to help the admissions committee better understand an applicant. See our supplemental essay prompt.
Supplemental Materials - Additional components required for some programs like the School of Architecture, Frost School of Music, or the Theatre Arts BFA. These requirements may include an audition, a portfolio, etc.
Transcript - The official record of your coursework at a school or college. Your high school transcript is usually required for college admission, and for some financial aid packages or scholarship applications.
Transfer Student - A student who enrolls in a college after having attended another college. Before transferring, check with your current and future colleges to find out which credits will transfer. If you are considering applying to UM as a transfer student, check out our admission requirements.
Waitlist - A list of competitive applicants who can be offered admission if enough admitted applicants choose not to enroll.
