Tuition: The money an institution charges for instruction and training (does not include the cost of books).

Undergraduate studies: Two- or four-year programs in a college or university after high school graduation, leading to the associate or bachelor's degree.

University: An educational institution that usually maintains one or more four-year undergraduate colleges (or schools) with programs leading to a bachelor's degree, a graduate school of arts and sciences awarding master's degrees and doctorates (Ph.D.s), and graduate professional schools.

USMLE: U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

VAT: Veterinary Aptitude Test, required of applicants to most U.S. veterinary schools.

VMCAS: Veterinary Medical College Application Service; a comprehensive service collecting data for veterinary medical schools.

Withdrawal: The administrative procedure of dropping a course or leaving an institution.

Zip code: A series of numbers in mailing addresses that designate postal delivery districts in the United States.