Primary and Secondary School
To explain the US educational system, one must understand the way of the land. The United States makes it mandatory for students to go to school for 12 years of primary education (excluding kindergarten). Students are usually 18 years old when they graduate from high school. Those who drop out of high school can still earn their diploma by passing the GED-test. However, if you did not finish high school I would recommend taking a look at Seattle Central College’s fantastic High School Completion Plus program that gives you a High School Diploma from Washington State AND an Associate Degree in only two years!
If you are applying for college in the states, make sure that you have the equivalent level of years met for requirements. In the US, there are the federal or general laws for the entire nation, and then there are state laws which differ depending on where you study. For college, the US allows the states to make the regulations, so check the school’s admission requirement for international students to make sure you qualify to apply.
Community College (Junior College)
The United States has two types of higher level education. There are community colleges (two-year colleges), and there are universities (four-year colleges). At a community college, people can obtain an Associate’s Degree, which is roughly 60 credits. It takes a full-time college student two years to obtain this degree, and it is much cheaper than studying at a university.
At some community colleges, students can earn a bachelor degree in four years, which is also provided by all universities. Students with an Associate Degree can transfer directly into the third year of a university program with their credits being rolled into the bachelor degree, which is more specific and has other requirements. Read more about Community Colleges in the US for international students.
University
Universities, on the other hand, are larger and considered the “traditional” American college. Universities usually have research groups, various options for activities and an array of options to “major” and “minor” in. For an undergraduate (a student who is obtaining a Bachelor Degree, also known as a 4 year degree), a major is the subject matter they are obtaining the degree in. For example, I happen to be an American student who majored in psychology. This means that I took most of my classes in psychology. Now, I also minored in sociology, which means that I took multiple classes in this subject, but I did not concentrate on it. Depending on which university you attend and what you want to do, you can major, minor and even double major and minor in hundreds of subjects.
State universities and “University of” institutions represent two prominent pillars within the U.S. higher education system, both offering distinct experiences tailored to diverse student needs. State universities, such as Arizona State University and Colorado State University, are often recognized for their broad access, diverse program offerings, and relatively lower tuition costs for in-state residents. They typically have large student populations and pride themselves on creating an inclusive environment that reflects the demographic diversity of their state. These institutions are particularly appealing to students seeking a comprehensive educational experience without breaking the bank, providing a solid foundation in both academics and practical skills across a wide range of disciplines.
On the other hand, “University of” institutions, like the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Pennsylvania, frequently carry a prestige associated with academic rigor, extensive research opportunities, and strong alumni networks. Though they may also be public, as in the UC system, their selective nature often leads to higher tuition rates and more competitive admissions processes, especially for out-of-state and international students. “University of” schools are ideal for students who are aiming for a highly specialized education or research opportunities in specific fields, offering an environment where cutting-edge innovation and academic excellence are the norms. Despite the differences, both types of institutions strive to provide quality education, preparing students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to sociTY
Majors, Minors – choose subjects of your interest
When you are majoring/minoring in a subject, you are trying to obtain a career related to this field; it is essential to know what you want to do. While you can change your major (I did myself. I was originally a political science major), it can be difficult to transfer old credits into your new program. Sometimes, people will have to stay in college longer due to the change, but don’t worry! Many go to school all over again, thanks to changing their mind. To me, this is the beauty of the American school system.
Instead of being forced into a program, you can express your own interests and decide on subjects that you could want to be in for the future. For international students subjects such as business, international relations, it, tourism and even the social sciences are high-interest points thanks to their ability to convert easily back in one’s home country.
Short term options to study in the US
Studying a full degree in the USA means a higher threshold to be admitted, a several years commitment, and not least a big financial investment. As an international student, there are also some more affordable short term options to realize the dream of studying in the USA.
English language school
If your English is not good enough, the quickest way to improve is to study at a language school in an English speaking country like the USA. You will learn the language both in school and in daily life where you get to practice it in real-life scenarios. A full-time English language course is about 20-30 hours of study weekly. There you can train the business language for professional purposes, prepare yourself for the university/college entrance, and get assimilated into the American culture.
Study abroad semesters
You can take 1-2 study abroad semesters at American universities, to try different courses and explore your interest. Usually, you choose freely among available courses and take 4 courses per semester. If you are already enrolled in a university in your home country the credit you have earned in the US can often be counted towards your degree in your home university. And the same is true if you decide that you want to continue to study on a degree program in the USA. Some universities only take exchange students that are enrolled in another university while others have programs that are open for anyone who has graduated from high school.