Loading
Understanding How the US Educational System Works
The opportunities found within the US education system are almost limitless. Whether you want to pursue a career in education, engineering, natural science, nuclear science, fine art or something completely different, you will find that US colleges and universities enable you to do so with ease. However, the US educational system may be considerably different from the one you are used to in your home country. How does it differ? Why study in the US rather than somewhere else?
One of the largest differences is that the US education system requires 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to enrolling in college or attending a university. However, these 12 years can be accomplished within your nation, in the US or through a combination of home study and study abroad. On entrance to college or acceptance to a university, you will be required to pass an aptitude test, the results of which will determine if you possess enough experience and knowledge to continue to study in an environment of higher learning.
The educational differences in the US system truly become apparent in secondary schools. Many European nations (and other global nations) do not have the same type of secondary school system as that found in the US. Rather than attending a trade or vocational school after completing primary school, US school students continue on to secondary school, which consists of 6th through 12th grades. 9th through 12th grades are considered high school, while 6th through 8th grades are 'middle school.'
After graduating from high school and receiving a diploma, students must complete an undergraduate school, where they can earn a 2- or 4-year degree. A 4-year degree is required to advance to graduate school, where the students learn more about their chosen field of study. A further 2-year degree or a 4-year degree is offered in many of these fields (called a Master's Degree and a Doctorate Degree). To achieve a Doctorate (or PhD), a student may be required to study for 6 years, though this is determined by the subject, the student's ability and the nature of the student's thesis.
One of the largest advantages of the US educational system is that it ensures academic excellence in those who attain degrees. While an Associate's Degree requires 2 years of study, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree is required to further education, which means 4 additional years of study. As you can see, there are some vast differences in the US system and the various systems found around the globe.