Terms used in The Admissions Process

Advanced Placement (AP)

Tests used for students to gain college credit for subjects studied in high school. At UT Dallas, advanced placement and credit may be granted for scores of four and five on the AP examinations.

Area Program

The admission staff will travel to various cities across the country in the fall to present a multi-media presentation in a large group setting, often held in ballrooms at hotels.

Texas Common Application

Created to simplify the application process to schools around the state of Texas. UT Dallas uses this application exclusively.

Deferment

Graduate students that have already been admitted can defer their admission to UT Dallas for up to 1 year.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The EFC is the amount the Federal government determines a family can contribute over a nine-month period through direct contribution from income, drawing down on assets and borrowing.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

Federally sponsored employment program directed to students with financial need; increases the number of part-time jobs available on campus to needy students by subsidizing the wages paid for eligible jobs; earnings generally range from $950 to $2,500 per academic year.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal grant program provides funds for undergraduate students who have a minimal expected family contribution as determined by the Department of Education.

Federal Perkins Loan

A low-interest loan of 5%; loan funds provided to UT Dallas by the federal government for distribution to students with exceptional financial need (especially students with a large amount of need not met by grants).

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

A subsidized low-interest, long-term federal loan program designed to assist both undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half time; awarded on the basis of financial need only.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

Low-interest, long-term federal loan program designed to assist both undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half time and who do not qualify in whole, or in part for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, you are required to pay the interest that accumulates on the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan every three months while you are in school.

Federal Methodology

A formula used by the federal government to determine your family’s eligibility for federal financial assistance programs. The FAFSA is the primary source of information.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Funds provided to UT Dallas by the federal government for distribution to students with exceptional financial need.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Form processed by the U.S. Department of Education to provide colleges and universities with an estimate of a family’s ability to contribute over time toward educational expenses.

Financial Aid Package

Combination of different types of financial resources; typically consists of scholarship/grant aid, loans and federal work-study employment.

Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)

A federally insured loan made by private lenders to parents of undergraduate students who need funds above the amount received from other financial aid sources; borrowers do not have to show financial need; applicants must have a good credit history.

High School Visit

The OES staff will travel to various cities across the country in the fall and visit a number of high schools. Group sizes will vary from school to school, but this is an informal meeting and a chance to learn more about UT Dallas and get all of your questions answered.

State Grants

Vary depending on the state in which you live; high school counselors and state higher education agencies can provide details.

Student Aid Report (SAR)

Usually received within four weeks of mailing the FAFSA, the SAR is the student’s official notification of the expected family contribution.

UTD ID

After you submit an application to UT Dallas, you will receive a randomly generated number with your applicant receipt letter known as your UTD ID. This number will allow you to track the progress of your application by going to:http://www.utdallas.edu/status/.