The College Lingo Every Family Should Know

To make it easier, here’s a quick guide to the college terms every family should know:

Admissions Counselor
Think of this person as your student’s personal guide through the college journey. They’re there from the moment your student applies (or even before) all the way to registration day by answering questions, offering guidance, and keeping your student on track.

P.S. Our team is awesome, and yes, they really are the ones sending those personalized texts!

Student Status Portal
Another portal? Another password? Yes, but this one is worth it. The Student Status Portal lets prospective students check their application status, upload documents, and track important enrollment steps. Log in at connect.hilbert.edu to stay on top of everything.

Deposit
A deposit is a payment that locks in your student’s spot after they’re accepted and feel confident Hilbert is the right place for them. Once submitted, they can fill out the new student housing form and later register for classes. If your student plans to attend Hilbert, it’s best to submit the deposit early through the Student Status Portal.

Major vs. Minor
A major is your student’s primary area of study (like Crime Scene Investigation or Business Management). A minor is a smaller, secondary focus that complements it. For example, a Psychology major might pair it with a Criminal Justice minor. Students can indicate their interested minor on their application, but the official declaration usually happens in their sophomore year with guidance from a faculty advisor.

Credit Hour
Ever hear someone say a bachelor’s degree is “120 credit hours”? That’s just how colleges measure progress. Most classes are 3 credits, and full-time students at Hilbert take between 12–18 credits per semester, depending on their major.

Financial Aid: A Few Key Terms

Financial aid can feel overwhelming, but here are a few essentials to know for now:

FSA ID
A username and password (created by the student and one parent) used to sign and submit the FAFSA each year. Create this first, then you begin the FAFSA application a few days later.

FAFSA

Stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study. Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s important to submit it. Every first-year student qualifies for at least $5,500 in federal loans when the FAFSA is completed.

Federal School Code
Each college has a six-digit code. You can list up to 20 colleges on the FAFSA, so don’t forget Hilbert! Our code is: 002735.

The Bottom Line
College has its own language, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a little lost at first. If you’re unsure about a term or what we’re saying, just ask! Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams are here to guide you every step of the way.

Lauren Gill
Director of Admissions at Hilbert College