If the United States is the study abroad destination you have set your eyes on then understanding the US higher education system is vital. The United States boasts a diverse and dynamic education system that may be different from what international students are used to. Understanding the US education system is important for making an informed decision about your academic plans in the USA.
Table of Contents
What is the Structure of the US Higher Education System?
As an international student, you must be wondering how colleges and universities fit into the US education system.
- Students in the USA are required to go to school between the ages of 6 and 18.
- Primary or elementary level: education lasts until fifth grade
- Middle or junior high school: sixth to eighth grade
- Secondary education: ninth through 12th grades
- After completing 12th grade successfully, students have two options for post-secondary education:
- Vocational training: Vocational courses or diplomas are typically a year or two. These courses and diplomas are designed for immediate employment in a trade.
- Higher education: Bachelor or master’s degree
Different Types of Higher Education Institutions in the US
College and University
In many countries, higher education institutions are called universities, whereas in the USA, the words college and university are often used interchangeably. Within larger universities in the USA, there are different schools or colleges that represent different academic areas of study, for example, the School of Business or the College of Engineering.
State Colleges and Private Colleges
There are no federally sponsored colleges or universities in the United States. In the USA, the government of the individual 50 has the authority to operate, fund and control (in some respects) public colleges and universities within their boundaries.
Private schools operate on their own, without any direct control from state or national governments. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2022 there were 5,916 post-secondary colleges and universities in the US: 1,892 public, 1,754 and 2,270 for-profit. Among the top 20 US universities with the most international students, 13 are public and seven are private. So, it is important to remember the quality of education doesn’t depend on whether it is a public or private institution.
What are the different education levels and degree types at US colleges and universities?
Undergraduate
Undergraduate studies start immediately after secondary school. At this level, students have two options: a two-year associate’s degree and a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Typically, associate’s degrees are granted at two-year US community colleges, while bachelor’s degrees are awarded from four-year colleges and universities. In both cases, students choose a focus for their academic studies called a major. In addition to courses in a major, students take required core curriculum or general education classes that develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Graduate
Graduate studies are only available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree. In many countries, graduate studies are called post-graduate studies and can take up to five years or more. In the USA, a postgraduate degree can also mean a doctoral degree.
The duration for a master’s degree can be around one to two years. In the final term of most master’s programs, students must complete a thesis or a project before they will be awarded the master’s degree.
The length of the doctorate degree depends on whether the students need to complete a master’s degree in the related field and how long it will take them to complete a dissertation. If you have completed your master’s degree and then enrolled in the doctorate program then it can take up to 2 or 3 years.
How does the grading system in the US work?
Each assignment, quiz and test is graded on a letter scale in the US education system. Then each of these letters corresponds to a percentage that makes up your overall Grade Point Average.
|
Grading System |
|
|
90-100% |
A |
|
80-89% |
B |
|
70-79% |
C |
|
60-69% |
D (Close fail) |
|
0-59% |
F (Fail) |
The highest GPA that one can attain is a 4.0, which would correspond to having “straight As” as they say. Bs are worth 3.0 points, and for every letter you drop in your grade, you lose one point. The lowest GPA you can graduate with is 1.0. Anything less than 60% is considered a failure.
To calculate it, you will add up all the grades that you have attained and then divide these by the number of courses taken. While the GPA is somewhat important in elementary school and middle school, success in certain subjects can get your child moved up to “Honor” classes – it becomes increasingly important once you reach high school.
Your high school GPA will be a big determining factor in which universities you are likely to be accepted into. At the degree level, rather than receiving “First Class” or “Second Class” as you would in the UK if you have an exceptionally high GPA, you may be able to graduate as a Cum Laude scholar or Summa Cum Laude.
What if I don’t have a good GPA?
If you have a lower GPA in high school and are looking to apply to US universities, you also have the chance to shine on the required standardized tests. To apply for a US university, you must have sat a nationwide exam called the “SAT” or the “ACT”.
What are the SATs and ACTs?
The SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. The ACT stands for the American College Test. Both tests are accepted by most major universities but their scoring system is slightly different. Before 2005, the top score possible for SATs was 1600. The new version of SAT includes an additional essay section for students and its new top score is 2400. The highest possible score is 36 on the ACT.
When you get your SAT results, you will also be told what percentile in the country’s test takers you sit. That will give you a good indicator of how you will do when applying for universities. It should go without saying that having a high GPA and SAT score will give you the best chance of getting into some of the best universities in the country, including renowned “Ivy League” institutions and reputable state universities.
When to Apply?
Applications for international students are generally accepted as early as a year before the academic session you want to attend. For example, if you want to commence your studies at the University of Illinois Chicago in August of 2024, you need to apply as early as September 2023.
There are selective universities that have regular admission deadlines in January or February, and there are also some colleges that offer early decision or early action deadlines in November. While some colleges accept applications throughout the year for the next academic session or year.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped clear up what can be a really confusing system for people coming to study in the US. If you are considering the USA to pursue your higher education then get in touch with an education counselor today to learn more about enrolling in a US college or university.
