This site is offering some basic information about one of your following steps. Higher education is something important to each of us. Make sure that you are making the right decision.
American Education System
Do you find the American education system to be confusing and different from the education system in your own country? Do you want to attend a university in the USA? A USA high school? A USA graduate school? The American education system offers international students the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. American education possibilities are almost endless!
The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education. Perhaps one of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world's best schools. That is why graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.
USA High Schools and High School Diplomas
The USA high school system is unlike that of many other countries. There is little national standardization in the typical USA high school (or secondary school) curriculum. Individual states have great control over what coursework is taught in the USA high schools within their borders, as well as in the requirements that students must meet in order to graduate with a US high school diploma. Therefore, what courses and subjects are offered at US high schools will vary depending on where the high school is located. Many international students choose to study at one of the many top USA boarding schoolsThe coursework will also vary depending on whether the USA high school is public or private. US public high schools are operated by the government and are financed by public funds. These high schools are free to all students, even foreigners. The quality of education can vary greatly between different public USA high schools, primarily because of differences in the amount of funding that different high schools receive. Private US high schools are operated by private individuals and are financed by private funds. These private high schools are not controlled by any government agency, but their students must still meet the minimum graduation requirements set by the state. All us private high school students must pay tuition, regardless of their nationality. Private USA high schools are popular in the because they offer options that are not available at public high schools. These may include advanced math and science courses, a broader selection of foreign languages, and better art, music and athletic programs. Students who are interested in attending a USA high school need to first familiarize themselves with the American school system.
USA School System: International Student Access
The types of academic courses that students take in high school are proven to be a crucial factor in getting students admitted into top colleges and universities. The rigor, or level of difficulty, of students' high school coursework affects their likelihood of admission into a competitive college. For example, many four-year colleges and universities require advanced mathematics courses for admission, and students who have completed a rigorous high school math curriculum are more likely to enroll in the college of their choice than those students who have not.
In addition to rigorous coursework, studies have shown that students' eventual college enrollment goals are consistent with those of their peers. In other words, students who are surrounded by other students with aspirations to attend highly-rated, competitive colleges and universities will themselves decide to pursue similar aspirations. Assistance from teachers and other school staff is also extremely beneficial. Students who receive help from their educators in preparing for entrance exams, in writing their admissions essays, and in completing their college applications are usually more successful at gaining admission to the colleges of their choice.
Therefore, the selection of which high school to attend has an enormous impact on a student's ability to be admitted to some of the most highly rated and competitive colleges in the United States. When choosing a high school, consider the variety and level of courses offered, particularly in mathematics. Also consider the success rate of previous students at gaining admission to top-rated four-year colleges. Finally, find out how committed and involved the teachers and staff are to helping their students reach their full academic potential.
College courses are assigned a value in what are called "credits" or "units." The number of units assigned to a course corresponds to the number of hours that a student will attend class for that course. For example, a course that consists of three class sessions per week, and where each class session last for 50 minutes, will be assigned a value of three units. Typically, colleges require that students complete a minimum number of units in order to graduate, rather than a minimum number of courses. This gives students more flexibility in what courses they decide to take to complete their graduation requirements.
Most colleges and universities follow either a quarter-based calendar system or a semester-based calendar system. In a quarter system, the academic year is divided into three sessions called quarters. Each quarter lasts about 12 weeks. There is usually an additional quarter in the summer, where registration is optional. Foreign students are not required to attend courses in the summer to maintain their status. In a semester system, the academic year is divided into two sessions called semesters. Each semester lasts 16 weeks. Again, there may be an optional session during the summer.
Students who have registered for at least 12 units in a session (either a quarter or semester) are said to be "full-time" students. Students who have registered for fewer than 12 units in a session are called "part-time" students. Foreign students must maintain a "full-time course load" (in other words, they must always register for at least 12 units) in order to maintain their visa status.
Accredited Colleges and Accredited Universities: Accredited University and Accredited College Degree Info
The United States government does not regulate the quality of educational programs offered at colleges and universities. Instead, the accreditation of a university, college or school tells you that the school has met a minimum standard of quality in its academic programs. Accrediting organizations are authorized by the US Department of Education to set these standards and then evaluate whether a school's program meets them. If so, then the university, college or school is said to be "accredited" by that body.
There are several different accrediting organizations in the US, and universities and colleges may be accredited by just one or by a few. Also, individual programs (such as the engineering program) at universities and colleges can be accredited by a professional organization that is specialized in that discipline.
It is very important to choose a school, college or university that has been accredited by a proper accrediting organization. By attending an accredited college, university or school, you can be sure that your degree will be recognized by other colleges and universities (should you want to pursue an advanced degree), and by employers. You can find out directly from the school whether it is accredited and also by which organizations. This information may also be available in some college guides. Beware of bogus accrediting bodies. Some schools set up their own accrediting agencies (which often look legitimate) and then accredit their own school so that they can claim their campus is accredited. Below is a list of reputable accrediting organizations. Almost all reputable universities, colleges, and schools in the U.S. are accredited by one of the accrediting organizations listed below.