Lateral Entry

Definition

Allowing students to start a program at an advanced point rather than the beginning, because apparently prerequisites can be bypassed for select individuals.

Example Usage

The university offered lateral entry for transfer students, meaning they skipped the first year of prerequisites entirely.

Origin

Educational policy terminology (lateral = sideways entry)

Fun Fact

Lateral entry programs often increase attrition rates for the affected cohorts, as students lack foundational knowledge.

Source: Higher Education Policy and Program Design

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