Glossary of Terms

• Academic Core GPA - This grade point average is used to determine admissions eligibility. The academic core consists of all attempts of the English, math, natural science, social science, and foreign language courses. The academic core is figured on a 4 point scale with A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. The grading scale is determined by the high school. The HOPE gpa is similar to the academic core gpa.
• ACT - The ACT is usually taken in the 11th and 12th grades. It is not required for admissions for most students, but a score of 17 English and 17 math may help exempt college prep students from the COMPASS placement exam. Official ACT scores may be sent to MGC from ACT, or taken from the high school transcript. The internet copy of a student's score is NOT official.
• Admissions Office - works with new students from their first interest in MGC through application and enrollment. Once the semester begins, the student's official file moves to the Registrar's Office until the end of time.
• Advisor - Each student is assigned an academic advisor to help the student decide which courses need to be taken each semester. The advisor is typically within the division of the student's major. Students who have placed in all three areas of Learning Support will be advised by a Learning Support advisor. Health and Exercise Science majors placing in at least one Learning Support class will also be advised by a Learning Support advisor.
• AP - Advanced Placement test given by The College Board at the completion of an AP course. Students must request their official AP scores to be sent to MGC. Scores of 3 or better typically result in college credit.
• - This portal allows students to view their schedules, pay their bills, see graduation requirements, change their mailing address, etc. Students may log onto from www.mgc.edu at the top of the page.
• Bills - MGC does not mail bills to your home. Students must log-on to their account to see how much they owe. Payment of bills can also be done through .
• CLEP - College Level Examination Program is sponsored by the College Board. These tests may be taken through our testing center. Passing scores may allow for college credit or exemption of a course.
• COMPASS - The COMPASS exam is a placement exam given to some students AFTER they have been accepted into the College. Students who have not taken the SAT or ACT will be required to take this exam. Students who have college prep deficiencies in English and math or those who did take the SAT or ACT and did not make a certain score are also required to take the COMPASS. Transfer students are not required if they have over 30 transferable semester hours, if they completed COMPASS at another institution, or if they have made a "C" or better in English 1101, College Algebra and 2 reading intensive courses like US History, Psychology, etc.
• Credit Hours - are awarded to students upon passing the course. Most courses are 3 credit hours although there are some 4, 2 and 1 credit hour courses in the semester.
• Cumulative GPA - This grade point average is figured by the high school for all courses taken. The high school cumulative grade point average is NOT used for admissions.
• Dependent student - An individual under the age of 24 who receives financial support from a parent or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian whose federal or state income tax return lists the individual as "dependent."
• Domicile - A person's present, permanent home where that individual intends to stay indefinitely and to which that individual returns following periods of temporary absence. Domicile, once established, shall not be affected by mere transient or temporary physical presence in another state. No individual may have more than one domicile even though an individual may maintain more than one residence. Temporary residence does not constitute the establishment of one's domicile. To acquire domicile, an individual must demonstrate intent to remain permanently or indefinitely.
• Drop - Dropping a course is when you official withdraw from the course. Appropriate paperwork must be completed before mid-term. Not attending a course does not automatically remove you from the course. Dropping a course after midterm will result in a grade of WF
• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is used to determine if a student is eligible for any type of federal financial aid or HOPE. MGC's school code is 001581. By putting MGC's school code on the FAFSA, our Financial Aid office will received the student's information.
• Financial Aid - The purpose of financial aid is to provide financial assistance to students who would otherwise not be able to attend college. Financial aid includes, grants, loans, part-time work, and scholarships
• Full Time - A Full time student is one who is taking 12 credit hours or more of course work during a semester.
• GAcollege411.org - This site helps students plan, apply and pay for college.
• Immunizations - The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia require certain immunizations or shots prior to enrollment. The immunization form is available online and may be taken to the health department or family physician.
• Major - A major is the area of study the student wishes to pursue.
• Official Transcript - An official transcript is one that is sealed and mailed directly from the high school or college. Faxes are not official.
• Online Class - A class that is taken entirely through the Web. All work assignments and tests are done and submitted online
• Orientation - The opportunity for students to come to campus in the summer and meet with an advisor and register for Fall semester classes. Orientation is by invitation and must be scheduled prior to attending. Students and parents also learn all they need to know about attending college at MGC.
• Part Time - A part time student is enrolled in 6 to 11 credit hours of courses work during the semester
• Regents Exam - This is a test required by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to assess the competency level in reading and writing in all students enrolled in a degree program. This exam must be passes prior to graduation.
• Registrar - The Registrar's Office houses all official student documentation once a student enrolls. This office also sends out official MGC transcripts and plans and implements graduation.
• Residency - Residency is the state and country where an individual currently lives. An individual may be residing in Georgia and may be classified as having established Georgia residency for securing marital status, a driver's license, or classification of taxpayer status but does not meet the qualifications to establish domicile in Georgia.
• SAT - The Scholastic Aptitude Test is given by the College Board. This test is typically taken in the 11th or 12th grades. The SAT is not required for most students, but a score of 430 Critical Reading and 400 Math may exempt a college prep student from the COMPASS exam. Official SAT scores may be sent to MGC from College Board or taken from the high school transcript. The internet copy of a student's score is NOT official.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress - Satisfactory Academic Progress is the advancement of a student toward a degree consistent with institutional policy. The policy states the student must simultaneously maintain a minimum grade point average and percentage of completion for the total number of credit hours attempted. This is monitored by the financial aid office. Students may not exceed 150% of the number of hours required for a particular course of study.
• Student Aid Report (SAR) - SAR is sent to the Financial Aid office and includes the information you submitted on the FAFSA.
• Transfer Student - There are two types of transfer students. Transfer student with more than 30 transferable semester hours of credit and those with less than 30 transferable semester hours of credit. Both types will be required to provide official transcripts from all institutions attended. Transfer Students with less than 30 hours will also be required to submit an official final high school transcript
• Unofficial Transcript - An Unofficial transcript is one that has been opened before arriving at the Admissions Office or faxed.
• Visitation Day - Visitation Day is an opportunity to visit the campus on a Saturday and talk with college faculty, staff and students and take a tour of campus. Registration does NOT occur at Visitation Day
• Web-enhanced Course - This type of courses is taught with face to face instruction as well as an online component. Course test may be given in the classroom or may be given online. A web-enhanced course gives a student an opportunity to get a taste of an online course before registering for one.