Academic Terms and Idioms for College Success

Academic Vocabulary

• Course Request

  A form used to register for a class.

  Example: A student's academic advisor usually signs a course request form.

• Cram

  To study at the last minute.

  Example: Nancy always crams for the quizzes in her math class.

• Curve

  A grading system that relies on the normal curve of distribution.

  Example: Grading on the curve encourages competition.

• Dean's List

  The honor roll at a college or university.

  Example: You must maintain a 3.5 grade point average to be on the Dean's List.

• Declare

  To make an official decision about a major field of study.

  Example: Most students declare their major in the third year at the university.

• Degree

  An academic title awarded to a student who completes a course of study.

  Example: The three most common degrees are a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate.

• Dissertation

  A thesis that is written in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a doctorate.

  Example: Dr. Charly wrote his dissertation on global warming.

• Distance Learning

  Courses organized so that students can complete the requirements by some other media, often without going to campus.

  Example: There are several distance learning opportunities for working adults.

• Doctorate

  The degree after a master's degree awarded to an academic doctor.

  Example: Karen will receive her doctorate in the spring.

• Draft

  A preliminary copy of a paper or other written document.

  Example: A good student does not turn in a first draft of a paper.

• Drop

  To withdraw from a course.

  Example: If you drop a course early in the term, you may get a partial refund.

• Drop Out

  To withdraw from a college or university.

  Example: Mark dropped out because he needed to work full-time.

• Due

  Expected on a certain date.

  Example: The assignment is due on Friday.

• Essay

  A short composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal opinion of the author.

  Example: An essay is often five paragraphs long.

Common Idioms

C1 p. 516

• Burning the candle at both ends: doing too much
• Putting the cart before the horse: doing things in the wrong order
• Putting his foot in his mouth: saying embarrassing things
• Beating around the bush: speaking indirectly
• Looking for a needle in a haystack: doing something difficult
• Playing with fire: doing something dangerous
• Barking up the wrong tree: making a mistake
• Looking out for number one: thinking only about himself
• Taking forever and a day: taking a really long time
• Killing two birds with one stone: accomplishing two things at once
• Missed the boat: missed an opportunity
• Jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire: going from bad to worse