Pass With Flying Colors: English Vocabulary List

the university, college, or school that one used to study at

"Visit alma mater university."

"She returned to visit her alma mater university after many years to see old friends and teachers."

a former female student or pupil of a school, university, or college

"She is an alumna of Yale."

"An alumna is a female graduate or former student of a specific educational institution"

a person, particularly a male one, who is a former student of a college, university, or school

"He is an alumnus of Harvard."

"An alumnus is a male graduate or former student of a particular educational institution"

a formal and academic conference or seminar

"The professor led a colloquium on new findings in quantum physics research."

"A colloquium is an academic seminar where a guest speaker presents research to a knowledgeable audience"

relating to a college or its students

"She loves the collegiate atmosphere."

"She loves the collegiate atmosphere of the university with its libraries and coffee shops."

a formal ceremony marking the completion of an academic program, typically involving the awarding of diplomas or degrees to students who have successfully completed their studies

"The commencement ceremony was inspiring."

"The university's commencement ceremony will be held outdoors if the weather remains sunny and warm."

a gathering of individuals who have come together in response to an official call; often for a specific purpose

"The convocation of students gathered."

"The convocation of alumni was called to celebrate the university's centennial anniversary and discuss future plans."

(in the US) with the third highest level of distinction achievable by a student

"She graduated cum laude from university."

"She graduated cum laude from university which means she was in the top ten percent of her class."

relating to the topics that a course of study in a school or college consists of

"The activity is curricular."

"The activity is curricular so all students are required to participate in it during school hours."

(in the US) with the highest level of distinction achievable by a student

"He graduated summa cum laude."

"He graduated summa cum laude which is the highest honor and means he was at the very top of his class."

a point against someone for a fault or wrongdoing, often used in educational or disciplinary contexts

"He received a demerit for talking."

"A demerit is a negative mark recorded against a person's conduct record"

a long piece of writing on a particular subject that a university student presents in order to get an advanced degree

"Write your dissertation."

"She spent two years meticulously researching and writing her doctoral dissertation."

the act of expelling or forcing someone to leave a particular place, especially a school

"School expulsion ordered."

"The school expulsion was ordered after the student broke serious rules repeatedly last semester."

any individual or entity that is newly participating in a particular activity or competition

"Each entrant paid a registration fee."

"The young entrant participated in the national competition for the first time last month."

money or property donated to an institution, the income from which is used for its support

"The university has a large endowment that funds many scholarships every year."

"A financial endowment is a permanently invested fund where the principal is kept intact and the investment income is used for ongoing operational support."

an official certificate in the US that people who did not complete high school can obtain by taking some classes and successfully passing a test, which is the equivalent of the actual high school diploma

"Earn General Equivalency Diploma."

"Many adults study hard to earn the General Equivalency Diploma as an alternative to high school graduation."

a person, typically a man, who is in charge of a school

"The headmaster spoke well."

"The new headmaster addressed the entire student body with an inspiring speech about academic excellence and community spirit."

involving or combining multiple academic disciplines or fields of study

"This is an interdisciplinary project."

"The interdisciplinary course combined biology chemistry and physics to help students understand how the human body works at a cellular level."

to monitor, especially during an examination, to ensure that rules are followed and cheating is prevented

"The teacher invigilated the final exam."

"The teacher had to invigilate the final exam to make sure no students cheated during the test."

a group of eight private institutions of higher education in the United States known for their academic excellence, selective admissions policies, and competitive sports programs

"Ivy League university."

"She studied at an Ivy League university and graduated with honors last year."

the capability to read and write

"Literacy helps you read books."

"Digital literacy is essential for navigating today's technology-driven world effectively."

(the United States) a public school that is designed to offer specialized programs beyond the standard curriculum; typically located in a large city

"This is a magnet school."

"The city's renowned magnet school offers advanced STEM programs that attract students from all over the metropolitan area."

to officially enroll or register as a student at a school, college, or university

"She matriculates at the university."

"She plans to matriculate at the state university next fall after she graduates from high school this spring."

a descriptive catalog or booklet providing information about the courses, programs, and other offerings available at a college or university

"Read the university prospectus."

"Before applying, I carefully reviewed the university's prospectus to understand the various degree programs and campus facilities available."

associated with schools, education, or the academic environment

"He has scholastic achievements."

"He has scholastic achievements including perfect attendance and a place on the honor roll every semester."

a student at a high school or university in their second year of education

"The sophomore gave a good answer."

"My cousin is a sophomore at university and studies economics."

a social club for female students in a university or college, especially in the US and Canada

"She joined a sorority during university years"

"The university sorority organizes many charity events."

(Britain) an educational institution that offers courses and programs for individuals aged 16 and above; typically providing further education beyond secondary school or high school

"He is at tertiary college."

"After completing her A-levels, she decided to enroll in a tertiary college to pursue vocational training in graphic design."

involving the necessary knowledge or skills for a certain occupation

"He has vocational training."

"The vocational school trained students for specific careers like plumbing and electrical work so they could find jobs immediately after graduation."

a document that outlines the topics, assignments, and expectations for a course

"The syllabus lists all topics."

"The course syllabus outlines all the topics we will cover throughout the entire semester."

very passionate about studying or reading

"She is a studious girl."

"She is a studious girl who spends most of her time in the library reading and studying."

to give an official degree, title, right, etc. to someone

"They confer degrees."

"The university will confer honorary degrees upon distinguished alumni at the ceremony."

(in the US) with the second highest level of distinction achievable by a student

"She graduated magna cum laude."

"She graduated magna cum laude which means she was in the top five percent of her graduating class."

related to a specific branch of knowledge or academic field

"This is disciplinary action."

"The committee reviewed the disciplinary procedures for academic misconduct."

related to a course, activity, or option that is not mandatory

"The surgery is elective."

"The surgery is elective so you can choose to have it now or wait until later."

a type of school that typically provides education for young children in the first six or eight grades

"She attended grammar school."

"My grandmother told me stories about her days attending a traditional grammar school in England many years ago."

to temporarily prevent someone from going to school as a punishment because they did something wrong

"The school suspended the student for fighting."

"The principal decided to suspend the student for one week because he had been caught cheating on the math test."

a scheduled break between lessons or classes in a school; allowing students to engage in relaxing activities

"Recess is now."

"During recess, students typically disperse to the playground or common areas for a much-needed period of relaxation."

a secure and permanent employment contract that ensures job stability; often granted to professors or teachers

"She has tenure."

"After years of dedicated service, the professor was finally granted tenure at the university."