Definitions To Know For Navigating College

Experiential Learning

A huge part of building your resume is knowing what to apply for. If the only thing you know is “internship” or “job” then you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities when you do your research.

Fellowship: A fellowship is a prestigious title and experiential opportunity awarded to exceptional students to support their academic study, research, or professional development. In addition to providing financial support, fellowships often confer recognition and honor upon recipients. Examples of fellowships include the John Lewis Fellowship, Truman Scholarship, and Rhodes Scholarship, among others. Holding a fellowship not only provides financial assistance but also opens doors to unique experiences, mentorship opportunities, and a distinguished network of alumni and professionals in the field.

Internship: An internship is a temporary work experience that allows students to gain practical skills and real-world experience in their field of study. Internships can be part-time or full-time and are typically completed during the summer or academic semester. They provide an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings and make valuable connections in their industry.

Externship: An externship is a short-term job shadowing or experiential learning opportunity that allows students to observe professionals in their field of interest. Unlike internships, externships are typically shorter in duration and focus more on observation and learning rather than hands-on experience.

Summer Programs: Summer programs encompass a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities offered during the summer break. These programs can include research opportunities, academic courses, internships, travel experiences, and more. For example, the PPIA-JSI fellowship is a residential summer program where undergrad students take 4 graduate level public policy classes. The Southern Education Leadership Initiative places students in education related placements for 5 weeks to gain work experience in education. Participating in summer programs can help students get ahead academically, explore new interests, and enhance their college experience.

Conference: Conferences are events where professionals, scholars, and students gather to present research, discuss topics of interest, and network with others in their field. Some conferences serve as pipeline programs for specific fields or graduate schools, providing attendees with insight into academic or professional opportunities and pathways. Additionally, conferences may offer funding or scholarships to help cover registration fees, travel expenses, and accommodations, making it possible for students to attend and participate in these valuable networking and learning opportunities.Attending conferences allows students to learn about the latest developments in their field, present their own research or projects, and connect with potential mentors or collaborators. Example: National Black Pre-Law Conference, AfroTech

Pipeline Program: A program designed to help underrepresented or disadvantaged individuals access specific career fields or academic disciplines. Pipeline programs offer training, mentorship, internships, and networking opportunities to prepare participants for careers in fields where they are historically underrepresented, such as law, medicine, or STEM.

Professional Certification: A credential awarded to individuals who demonstrate specific skills, knowledge, or expertise in a particular profession. Professional certifications are often obtained through an exam or training program and can enhance a candidate’s job prospects and credibility in their field. Examples include Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Adobe Certified Professional (ACP), CPR and First Aid Certification, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Lean Six Sigma.

Professional Development

When applying for jobs, internships and other opportunities, it’s important to be familiar with these terms and to know what resources are out there for you to create excellent cover letters and resumes.

Career Center: A career center is a campus resource that helps students explore career options, prepare for job searches, and connect with employers. Services offered typically include resume and cover letter reviews, career counseling, job fairs, mock interviews, and access to job boards or internship postings. Career centers also often provide workshops on professional development and networking opportunities.

Resume/CV: A resume is a concise document highlighting a person’s work experience, education, skills, and qualifications for a job. It is usually one page long and tailored to the specific role being applied for. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more detailed, often several pages long, and used primarily for academic, research, or international positions. It includes a comprehensive overview of a person’s educational background, research, publications, presentations, and professional activities.

Cover Letter: A cover letter is a formal document that accompanies a resume in job applications. It introduces the applicant, explains their interest in the role, and highlights key skills and experiences that align with the job description. Unlike a resume, which focuses on factual information, a cover letter allows applicants to convey their personality, enthusiasm, and how their background specifically matches the job requirements.

Academics

To maximize the value you can get out of your college experience, it’s helpful to be familiar with these things.

Study Abroad: Study abroad programs allow students to spend a semester or academic year studying in a foreign country. These programs offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture, gain international perspective, and develop language skills. Study abroad experiences can enhance personal growth, academic learning, and future career prospects.

Letter of Recommendation (Professional and Academic): A letter of recommendation is a formal letter written by someone who knows the applicant professionally or academically, endorsing their qualifications, character, and suitability for a particular position or academic program. Professional letters of recommendation typically come from employers or colleagues, while academic letters are written by professors or academic advisors. These letters provide insight into the applicant’s abilities, achievements, and potential for success.

Research (academic): Academic research is the process of systematically investigating a particular topic or question within a specific academic field to discover new information, confirm facts, or support theories. It often involves reviewing existing literature, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Academic research is a key component of higher education and is essential for developing expertise, contributing to knowledge in the field, and advancing academic or professional goals. Research can be published in journals, presented at conferences, or used to support academic papers and theses. Many universities have undergraduate research opportunities where you can work under a professor or grad student to get research experience.

Academic Advisor: An academic advisor is a faculty or staff member who assists students in planning their academic coursework, selecting major/minor programs, and achieving their educational goals. They provide guidance on course selection, degree requirements, academic policies, and resources available to students.

Identity

GLI (First Generation, Low-Income): FGLI refers to students who are the first in their families to attend college and come from low-income backgrounds. These students often face unique challenges in navigating the college application process, securing financial aid, and adjusting to campus life. Many colleges and universities offer support services and resources specifically tailored to the needs of FGLI students to ensure their academic success and well-being.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): It refers to efforts within organizations, institutions, and communities to create environments that embrace and respect diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Diversity means having a range of different people and ideas, equity involves ensuring fair treatment, opportunities, and access for all, and inclusion means making sure everyone feels welcomed and valued. DEI initiatives aim to break down barriers and promote fairness, particularly for marginalized groups.

Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action refers to policies and practices that seek to increase the representation of historically underrepresented groups in areas such as education and employment. These groups often include racial minorities, women, and others who have faced systemic discrimination. The goal of Affirmative Action is to create equal opportunities by addressing past and present inequalities. It may involve considering factors like race, gender, or socioeconomic background in admissions or hiring decisions to promote diversity and counteract the effects of discrimination.

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against the use of race-conscious admissions policies in higher education, effectively overturning Affirmative Action as it applied to college admissions. This decision has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown students by limiting pathways to elite institutions that have historically relied on these policies to build diverse student bodies. Critics argue that the ruling ignores the systemic barriers these students continue to face, perpetuating inequities and reducing access to spaces where diversity has proven to enhance learning outcomes and innovation. Many view the decision as regressive, undermining decades of progress toward equal opportunity and social mobility.

Underrepresented Minorities: a group of people who are less represented in a particular field or setting than they are in the general population

Financial Aid

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): FAFSA is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for financial aid from the federal government, states, colleges, and other organizations. The information provided on the FAFSA, including family income, assets, and household size, is used to calculate the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is then used to determine the amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. FAFSA is typically submitted annually, and the deadline varies depending on the state and college.

Scholarship: A scholarship is a financial award given to students to help cover the cost of their education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on academic achievement, talent, leadership, community involvement, or other criteria. Scholarships can be offered by colleges and universities, government agencies, private organizations, corporations, foundations, and individuals. There are various tiers and kinds of scholarships, including:

Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, athletic ability, artistic talent, or other achievements. Merit-based scholarships often require applicants to meet certain GPA requirements or demonstrate exceptional skills or accomplishments.

Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need based on their FAFSA or other financial aid applications. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to students from low-income backgrounds to help them afford the cost of college.

Full-Ride Scholarships: Full-ride scholarships cover the entire cost of tuition, fees, room, and board, as well as other expenses such as books and supplies. These scholarships are highly competitive and are typically awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, or exceptional talent.

Partial Scholarships: Partial scholarships cover only a portion of the student's educational expenses, such as tuition or fees. These scholarships can still be valuable in reducing the overall cost of college but may require students to seek additional financial aid or funding sources.

Renewable Scholarships: Renewable scholarships are awarded for multiple years, typically contingent upon the student maintaining a certain GPA, enrollment status, or meeting other requirements specified by the scholarship provider. Renewing the scholarship each year ensures continued financial support throughout the student's college career.

Specialty Scholarships: Specialty scholarships are awarded to students pursuing specific fields of study, such as STEM, humanities, business, or healthcare. These scholarships may be sponsored by organizations or companies within the respective industries to support students interested in those fields.

Understanding the different types of scholarships available can help students identify opportunities for financial assistance and make informed decisions about funding their college education.

Step 3: Master the Test
Start with a Diagnostic Test

Take a diagnostic test to assess your baseline score. This will guide your study priorities.

Understand the Test Structure

Learn each question type and develop strategies for approaching them.
Drill individual question types until you can instantly recognize and address them.
What I said above is a lot easier to understand if you just take a course like 7Sage.

Transition to Full-Length Sections

Practice full Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections regularly. These shorter sessions (1-1.5 hours) can fit into daily study routines without requiring a full-length test.

When to Take Full-Length Tests

Once you’ve mastered ALL the logical reasoning question types and familiarize yourself with full length sections, incorporate full-length practice tests.

You will never know if you are making progress or learning if you don’t take a full length practice test on a regular basis to see if your score is getting higher. You need to simulate real test conditions to track progress and build stamina.

PLEASE LISTEN HERE: You don’t decide when you’re ready to take the LSAT, the LSAT decides when you’re ready to take the LSAT. Don’t be so stuck on an arbitrary date that you take the test before you’re ready. Take the actual LSAT only when your practice test scores consistently meet or exceed your target score. There is no point in taking the test if when you take a practice test the score is not good. You can’t magically expect your test score to be 5-8 points higher than it usually is when you practice.

Final Thoughts

The LSAT is a significant challenge, but with the right resources, timeline, and mindset, you can conquer it. Start early, be consistent, and give yourself grace during the process. If you stay flexible and focus on steady improvement, you’ll set yourself up for success.