A college or university that you have a chance of getting into, but your test scores, GPA and/or class rank are a bit on the low side when you look at the school's profile. The top U.S. colleges and top universities should always be considered reach schools.

Statements or letters of endorsement written on a student’s behalf during the college application process. Some people that can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf include teachers, school counselors, coaches, or community leaders that are familiar with your character. 

The college official who registers students. The registrar may also be responsible for keeping permanent records and maintaining your student file.

An admission policy of considering each application as soon as all required information (such as high school records and test scores) has been received, rather than setting an application deadline and reviewing applications in a batch. Colleges that use a rolling admission policy usually notify applicants of admission decisions quickly.

Room and board is the cost that students living on campus need to pay to cover their dorm room, their utilities, and their meal plans. Students who commute or live off-campus do not need to pay for room and board at their university.

College Board’s standardized college admission test. It features three main sections: math, reading and writing, which includes a written essay. Learn more about the SAT  at the College Board website.

A college or university where you clearly meet the admission requirements: minimum GPA, test scores, etc. It’s important, though, that the school also be one that you  would want to attend, should you not gain admission to more selective colleges.

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.

A student who enrolls in a college after having attended another college. Before transferring, you should check with your current and future colleges to find out which credits will transfer.

Tuition is the amount of money that students owe based on their course load. This cost is determined by the number of credit hours you are enrolled in for each term, and the rate per credit hour may change year to year and typically includes additional fees. You can take a look at the current Tuition and Fees information for Rutgers University.

A college student who is working toward an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.

The list of applicants who may be admitted to a college if space becomes available. Colleges wait to hear if all the students they accepted decide to attend. If students don't enroll and there are empty spots, a college may fill them with students who are on the waiting list. Learn more about waiting lists at the CollegeBoard website.

A grade point average that's calculated using a system that assigns a higher point value to grades in certain classes, typically more difficult ones. For example, some high schools assign the value of 5.0 (instead of the standard 4.0) for an A earned in an AP class.