A "Subprime borrower" Is somebody who has a poor credit history or some other indication that would suggest that they might not be able to repay the mortgage-- they might default.

次级借款人"指的是,那些信用记录较差的借款人,或在其他方面显示,他们很可能无力偿还贷款,也就是说他们很可能违约

耶鲁公开课 - 金融市场课程节选

that will compensate for less stellar scores or letters of recommendation or whatever in other areas.

这也许能够弥补你在本科成绩，推荐信或其他方面的弱势。

准备LSAT的时候 - SpeakingMax英语口语达人