The Education System in USA

The United States of America has a successful and organized educational system. In accordance with the American school system, the student must pass various levels of education through which he learns a lot of skills and methods of critical thinking and other requirements of the age to succeed.  The American school system differs from the American university education system, where school education is a basic stage that everyone must pass successfully in 12 years or more or slightly less. And university education is not compulsory for all students except those who wish for a better and more sophisticated educational life.

The US education system may be organized very differently from the system in the home countries of international students. Reflected in a chart, it looks like this, complete with pathways between levels:

Pre-School and Kindergarten

American students begin either in preschool or kindergarten for one to three years before progressing to elementary (primary) school. In most states, the age at which a child must start school is six.

Most school districts offer a free year of kindergarten before the starting year; in most cases, children must be five years of age to enter kindergarten. If you are counseling a family planning to have a child under the age of six attending school in the US, make sure to ask the kindergarten schools under consideration about their cut-off birth dates for turning five, as this varies by school district.

Elementary (Primary) and High School (Secondary School)

Children attend elementary (primary) school for varying amounts of time. In most cases, they attend elementary until Grade 6. They then progress to one of the following: a junior high school for two years, a combined junior/senior high school (generally Grades 7–12), or a four-year high school. Please note that high schools can also be called secondary schools.

School-aged students in the US have the option of going to public schools (free) or to private schools (where they must pay tuition or be on scholarship). The vast majority (88%) attend public schools; nation-wide, 9% attend private schools, but this percentage is much higher in some regions and cities, and among Caucasian Americans. Three percent are home-schooled, in which case parents and/or caregivers provide education to children provided their practices meet the education laws of the state.

International students tend to attend K-12 private schools at a much higher rate than public schools, especially because public high school schools allow international students to study for only one year. Private schools have no such limit.

Graduating High School

There is no federally set national examination determining whether a student has successfully graduated high school in the US. However, 25 states require that students take a high-school exit examination for graduation, and three additional states have legislation that will see such exams required in the future.

Whether or not a national examination is used in assessment, American high schools issue high-school diplomas to students who have completed their curriculum.

Because different states and school districts determine what is taught in schools and how, the courses that must be completed to earn a high-school diploma will vary from one school and state to another.

American students normally graduate high school at age 17 or 18.

Post-secondary Education

The US offers a wide variety of higher education options for the diverse requirements and goals of domestic and international students. This variety encompasses:

• Types of institutions (e.g., private vs. public, academic vs. vocational, etc.)
• Length of programs (e.g., one year, two years, four years, etc.)
• Levels (e.g., associate, bachelor’s, master’s, post-graduate)
• Types of credential (e.g., non-degree, degree, micro-credential)
• Delivery models (e.g., online, hybrid, in-person)
• Tuition fees (from very affordable to extremely expensive)
• Location of institutions (e.g., urban vs. rural, west vs. east, etc.)

The US government notes that there are currently:

• 124,000 public and private schools in the US;
• Over 2,000 postsecondary non-degree career and technical schools (CTE);
• Over 4,000 degree-granting institutions of higher education.

They explain: “Of the higher education institutions, over 1,600 award associate degrees and some 2,400 award bachelor’s or higher degrees. Over 400 higher education institutions award research doctorates.”

Flexibility in the US Education System

International students may decide to begin at one type of institution (for example, a community college) and then move to another institution or level. Many higher education institutions have agreements that allow students to transfer credits achieved at a two-year institution to a degree program at a four-year institution. Students who choose to “mix and match” their study programs often do so because it can be more affordable. It is important to note that not all two-year programs lead seamlessly (through transfer credits) to four-year institutions. It is important to ask if there are agreements in place for international students interested in this kind of progression.

What is the difference between a “college” and a “university” in the US?

In the US, the terms “college” and “university” often – but not always – refer to the same kind of higher education institution (HEI), and as pathway provider Shorelight points out:

“Some are even called institutes (e.g., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology). Within larger universities in the United States, there are different colleges or schools that represent different academic areas of study (e.g., College of Engineering, School of Business).”

WENR concurs but adds a bit more clarification on characteristics a “university” must have but that a “college” may or may not offer:

“There are no nationally standardized definitions of “university” or “college,” and the name of an institution alone may not indicate exactly what type of institution it is. That said, a university, at minimum, offers bachelor’s programs and at least some master’s programs.”

The term “university” may also indicate that an HEI is relatively more research-intensive (e.g., with more postgraduate degrees) than other types of post-secondary education.

Types of American Higher Education Institutes (HEI)

For many years and especially in some countries, there has been a perception that the best universities in the US are in the Ivy league, a group of prestigious private institutions, or other large and well-known universities, but this is not always the case. Many less well-known colleges have excellent programs and can be the exact right fit for a student.

The American university system is diverse. Over 4,000 degree-granting institutions deliver a wide range of programs offering unique experiences for international students.

Part of the reason the higher education landscape is so diverse is that the federal government is not involved in recognizing educational institutions, programs or curriculums, or degrees or other qualifications. The US education system is “decentralized” as a result: state governments are responsible for overseeing the activities of higher education institutions.

Public Universities

Public universities (also known as State universities) receive at least some of their funding from the state government. Many belong to a state university system, which is a larger group of public universities spread throughout a US state that are connected in some ways through administrative functions but that operate separately from each other. Examples are State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and University of California (UC).

Most public universities are operated by the states and territories, usually as part of a state university system (which is a group of public universities supported by an individual state). Each state supports at least one state university and several support many more. California, for example, has an 11-campus University of California system, a 23-campus California State University system, and a 109-campus California Community Colleges System.

Local cities and counties may also support colleges and universities. The federal government manages only the five “service” academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine) that are public; there is no “national” university.

It is very important to understand, therefore, that the use of the term “national” in a university names does not indicate federal support or stature. For example, National University of San Diego, California, is a private university. Similarly, the use of a state or city name does not automatically imply that an institution is public. Murray State University is a public university; the University of Pennsylvania, by contrast, is a private institution. Public universities are often larger and are often less expensive than private universities.

Private Universities

Private universities receive most of their revenue through students’ tuition fees, which are often higher than those charged by public universities. These institutions are often highly ranked and with very selective admissions requirements, include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard, and Yale. For more examples, please click here.

Private colleges and universities are those that do not receive their primary support from the government. Among these, some are secular while others have a religious affiliation (e.g., Roman Catholic, Judaism, etc.). In general, religiously affiliated institutions welcome students of all faiths, and religious courses are minimal or optional.

Private institutions are either non-profit or for-profit. For-profit institutions are often more focused on careers and technical education than academics. The University of Phoenix is a prominent example of a private, for-profit institution. Private universities are often more expensive than public ones, but they sometimes have more financial assistance set aside for international students. For-profit private universities and colleges. Unlike other types of university, for-profits operate as business ventures, aiming to make money for their shareholders as well as providing a good education for their students.

Liberal arts colleges offer mostly (though not exclusively) undergraduate courses focus on teaching undergraduate-level courses in the liberal arts and sciences (although some also offer graduate-level programs and more vocational subjects such as medicine, business administration or law).

Whether they are public or private, US colleges and universities vary in terms of what their overall focus is. Some emphasize a vocational, business, engineering, or technical curriculum; others emphasize a liberal arts curriculum. Many institutions combine some or all of the above.

Two-Years Community Colleges

Community colleges also known as two-year colleges and junior colleges are supported by public funding. According to The Department of Homeland Security, a community college can be defined as a “two-year school that provides affordable two-year post-secondary (associate degrees) educational programs as a pathway to a four-year degree.” However, this definition is expanding as these institutions are also being seen as very interesting alternatives to classic four-year colleges or institutions. Moreover, some community colleges are offering four-year bachelor’s degrees as well as two-year credentials. As College Board notes, community colleges “provide a separate type of learning that involves rigorous coursework and preparation for a future profession.”

There are currently about 1,000 community colleges in the US, of which the great majority are public and state funded. These two-year colleges enrolled 35% of all undergraduate students in the US in 2019/20 – the proportion is higher when the number of students in four-year bachelor programs offered by community colleges is counted.

The American Association of American Colleges (AACC) explains the role of community colleges like this: “Community colleges provide open access to post-secondary education, preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions, providing workforce development and skills training, and offering non-credit programs ranging from English as a second language to skills retraining to community enrichment programs or cultural activities.”  In addition, some community colleges now offer four-year programs, including bachelor’s degrees.

Community colleges are very popular institutions for undergraduate studies in the US as in 2019/20 school year, approximately 11.8 million students were enrolled in community colleges, 9% of whom were international students.  About 58% of community college programs are for credit, while 42% are non-credit. For international students, of course, non-credit programs will likely not be of interest unless they are designed to help increase English proficiency.

The average domestic annual cost of tuition at a US community college is $3,770, compared with $10,500 for public four-year colleges. The average age across community colleges is 28; and these institutions are much more diverse in their demographics than traditional four-year universities (i.e., in terms of age, race, educational background, goals, experience).

The most popular fields of study are business/marketing, health professions and related clinical sciences, computer and information sciences, liberal arts, and engineering technologies/technicians. However, there is a huge range of programs available at community colleges. Education USA notes that American community colleges lead the way in educating students in “biomedical technology, biotechnology, robotics, laser optics, internet and computer technologies, and geographic information systems.”

Community colleges are also known for the transferability of some of their programs – in other words, credits or an entire certificate or a degree from a community college often can be used toward a four-year degree at a college/university. These transfer agreements are most common between community colleges and universities that are geographically close to each other (e.g., the same city or same state). This is not true at all community colleges, and transferability may only apply between certain two-year community colleges and four-year colleges/universities. Understanding transfer arrangements is a key task of the agent placing international students at community colleges.

It is very important to clarify whether or not a community college program has a “2+2” transfer agreement with other four-year institutions before applying. This information is crucial for many students. At the same time, there are many four-year institutions that evaluate and accept community college credentials and students without 2+2 arrangements in place, so the lack of a 2+2 transfer agreement does not necessarily mean a community college student cannot progress to a four-year institution.

If you are considering studying in the us and need guidance, contact us for a free consultation. 

Why consider attending a community college?

American community colleges offer several advantages for international students:

1. Easier Transition and Support: Community colleges provide dedicated staff to help international students with cultural, language, and study challenges, offering an easier transition to the American education system .
2. Open Admissions Criteria: They have lower admission requirements, allowing students with lower grades/test scores to enter degree programs and improve their academic performance for potential transfer to four-year institutions.
3. English Language Support: Community colleges offer robust English-language upgrading courses, tutoring services, and may require lower TOEFL scores, making it easier for international students to begin their studies.
4. Job-Ready Skills: They offer excellent associate degrees and certificates that provide job-ready and in-demand skills in the American and global economy.
5. Cost-Effective Entry Point: Community colleges have lower tuition rates, making them a less expensive entry point into American higher education, which is crucial for self-funded international students.
6. Path to Bachelor’s Degree: Many community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year colleges, offering a cost-effective path to obtaining a bachelor’s degree through “2+2” transfer programs.
7. Guaranteed Admissions: Some four-year colleges and universities offer guaranteed admissions to graduates of community colleges with which they have transfer arrangements, providing a clear pathway to further education .

Overall, American community colleges offer a supportive environment, cost-effective education, and pathways to further academic and career success for international students.

Now that you have the basics of the American study system, you may want to take the step towards choosing the most adequate university in America or any other country in the world.  

Carnegie Classification System

A useful tool for understanding the different types of higher education institution (HEI) that international students can attend in the US is the Carnegie Classification System:

• Doctoral universities: HEIs that awarded at least 20 research/scholarship degrees in the past year that are not professional practice doctoral-level degrees (such as the JD, MD, or PharmD).

• Master’s colleges and universities: HEIs that awarded at least 50 master’s-level degrees and fewer than 20 doctoral degrees during the past year.

• Baccalaureate colleges: HEIs where at least 50% of degrees were awarded in the past year at the bachelor’s level or higher, comprising fewer than 50 master’s degrees or 20 doctoral degrees. In other words, bachelor’s degrees are these institutions’ primary focus.

• Baccalaureate/associate’s colleges: HEIs that mostly award associate degrees but that also have at least one baccalaureate (four-year) degree program. Associate degrees must make up at least 50% of all degrees awarded in the past year.

• Associate’s colleges: HEIs at which the associate degree is the highest level of degree awarded to students.

• Special focus institutions: Institutions where a single field or set of fields (e.g., music, art) dominate the focus of the institution and degrees awarded are linked to this field. These include

• Faith-Related Institutions, Medical Schools & Centers, Other Health Professions Schools, Engineering Schools, Other Technology-Related Schools, Business & Management Schools, Arts, Music & Design Schools, and Law Schools. For more on such institutions, please click here.

• Tribal colleges: International students are not eligible to attend these colleges because they are reserved for Native (Indigenous) Americans.

As well as understanding the Carnegie Classification System, agents should also know that there are many excellent vocational programs in the US delivered through Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools and community colleges. This is increasingly important because research shows that there is growing interest among students across the world in shorter, practical programs.

The Credits System in US Higher Education

The US education system follows a credit system where the credits earned during the course are used to calculate the final result. For an undergraduate/bachelor’s degree, students typically require 3-5 credits per course, totaling around 120-130 credit hours for the whole degree. On the other hand, for a master’s course, it is 3-4 credits per course, amounting to approximately 30-64 credit hours for the whole degree.These credits are taken at the rate of 15 to 18 credits in the semester of the bachelor's or 4 to 6 credits in the semester for the master's and doctorate degrees. 

In some cases, one course may consist of additional units related, for example, to intensive language courses which is especially true for international students requiring additional language support. This may case the credits to reach up to 12 additional units per curriculum for intensive language only. In addition, some laboratory materials may consist of one to four study credits.

The GPA or grade point average, which ranges from 0.0 to 4.0, is used to grade students based on marks obtained in each course and credits earned for that semester. Understanding the grading scale is crucial, as it ranges from 4.0 for an A grade to 0.0 for an F grade.

The academic calendar in the US is divided into three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) or four quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) depending on the institution. For semester-based institutions, the first semester usually starting in September and ending in January, and the second semester beginning in February and ending in June. Summer semester is typically optional for most degrees. Understanding the academic calendar is essential for planning studies in the US

If you intend to study at American universities, you should know how to calculate the grade point average also known as GPA, which determines the average estimate of the grade calculations you will know after obtaining grades, and you better be aware of the following symbols and numbers to know how to understand your grades.  A = 4.0-3.9 = Privileged High A = 3.8-3.5 = Privileged B + = 3.4-3.2 = Very Good High B = 3.1-2.9 = Very Good B- = 2.8-2.5 = Very Good Low C + = 2.4-2.2 = Good High C = 2.1-1.9 = Good C- = 1.8-1.5 = Good Low D + = 1.4-1.2 = Acceptable High D = 1.1-0.9 = Acceptable

The academic system in American universities is following a steady course of development year after year, eventually making graduates of American universities competent in the local and international labor market in various fields.   The school year in America is divided into two semesters and in some universities, there are separate third semesters called summer separation. The first semester usually starts in September and ends in January, while the second semester begins in February and ends in June. Summer vacation or the Summer Semester shall be between those two periods. The academic system in American universities is continuously developing, aiming to produce graduates who are competitive in the local and international labor market.

Intensive English and Foundation Pathway Programs in USA

Pathway Programs in USA

In many cases, international students will need additional academic preparation in addition to English proficiency before beginning to study in the degree program for which they have received “conditional acceptance.” The US government notes: “All pathway programs must contain credit-bearing coursework that is transferrable to the curricular requirements of a certified degree program at the school.”

Admission teams for the degree program will indicate a pathway program (also sometime called bridge or foundation programs) that students can enroll in. These programs must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education and must lead into an SEVP-certified degree program.

Pathway programs are especially useful for international students who want to study in the US, but don’t yet have the English language skills and/or academic requirements they need to enter US colleges and universities.” The US government adds: “The purpose of bridge programs is to help students who do not meet entrance requirements for a degree program of study. Bridge programs may contain course work covering the lacked requirements as well as academic course work required for meeting the graduation requirements of a separate degree program.”

These programs are available to students wishing to gain entry into undergraduate or graduate programs. Bridge programs are also important for international students who intended to moving from one educational system (that in the home country) to another, and from one culture to another. Often bridge programs provide post-secondary courses combined with language and cultural training.

Here are just some reasons pathway programs (as well as IEPs) are becoming more common in the US:

• The number of international students is growing in the US, and from parts of the world where English is not the mother tongue.
• In many parts of the world, students have attended schools with a very different teaching style than the US – they can be accustomed to memorization rather than creative problem solving, silent note-taking rather than active participation, and completely different attitudes to what constitutes plagiarism.
• Colleges and universities need international students who are as comfortable as possible in English and American university culture. This helps them harmonize their domestic students with their international ones. Often universities will offer international students a “conditional admission” where they have to complete a designated bridge program to secure their acceptance and be formally enrolled.

There is great variation in pathway programs, which can be delivered in several ways. More and more university-governed IEPs offer bridge or pathway programs that can lead to admission into the host institution. They are also available at private non-profit schools/programs, and from private companies (often multinational) working with colleges and universities to deliver programs customized to their schools’ needs.

American K12 Education System in Focus

In 2020, there were close to 60,000 international students in K-12 education in the US, more than 90% of whom were enrolled at the secondary school level (i.e., high school).

The nationalities most represented among international students at this school level are China (more than 40%), as well as South Korea, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada.

In the US, international students can only attend public schools at the Grade 9–12 level, but private K-12 schools can accept students from kindergarten through to Grade 12.

The majority of international secondary students in the US are on F-1 visas (68% in 2019) while about a third are on J-1 (exchange) visas. Most international students on J visas are from Europe, while most F-1 students are from Asia. In 2019, German, Spanish, and Italian students composed 44% of all J‐1 secondary student visas.

All K-12 schools in the US, public and private, must be registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to be able to accept international students. Nearly 3,000 K-12 schools now accept international students.

The IIE reports that most international secondary students in the United States ultimately seek to enroll in higher education, and that,

“The experience of learning in U.S. classrooms, immersion in English-language instruction, and adjusting to U.S. life prior to higher education can ease the transition of international students moving from U.S. high schools to higher education.”

More than 90% of international students in the US for secondary school studies attend private high schools, and more than half of these students attend religiously affiliated schools. Private schools are the first choice for several reasons, including the fact that US law prevents international students on F-1 visas to study for more than one year at a public high school. Students can then transfer to a private high school if desired, but it is naturally easier to enroll in one school for the duration of studies.

Students are evaluated through the year on their performance and progress, and report cards are sent home to parents periodically through the year so they can see how their children are doing academically.

Grading scales differ from school to school, but the most common scale is A through F, where A is the highest level of performance and F is a failing grade based on a scale of 0–100 or a percentile.

Beginning in 11th grade, most students with intentions to go on to higher education take standardized tests: the SAT and ACT are the most common and students may take one or both. There are also SAT subject tests that some students decide to take to bolster their college applications.

At the end of high school, students receive a Grade Point Average (GPA), which is a cumulative average score derived from the sum of the student’s tests, exams, essays, projects, assignments, participation in class activities and group work, and attendance record. Students can also be ranked in their class according to their GPA.

K-12 public schools get most of their funding from state and local budgets, while the federal government provides about 10% of schools’ budgets in the form of grants, some of which is tied to their performance on standardized tests, via the federal No Child Left Behind act.

Individual states and local school districts control most of the decision-making at the K-12 level.

Different states vary in how they share educational decision-making with local school districts, but together they decide on what subjects will be taught, how they will be taught, which books will be used, the school calendar, supports for special students (e.g., learning or physically challenged), how students are evaluated, and graduation requirements for different grades.

Like private schools, public schools in the US are accredited and students should only attend accredited schools.

The class ratios are generally 18–25 children to one teacher. The teacher may also have the support of a teacher’s aide and/or a special education teacher (who helps with integrating developmentally or physically challenged children into the classroom).

Private K12 Schools

In the US, some families with abundant resources or financial aid choose to send their children to a private school to increase the chances their children will receive an excellent education. Many parents of international students also decide to send their children to an American private school, often with the hope that it will help to set them up for a place in a good American college or university.

There are roughly 35,000 private schools in the United States, serving more than 5 million students and enrolling about 10% of all pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 students in the country. More than three-quarters of students in private schools attend religiously affiliated schools. Almost 9 in 10 private schools have fewer than 300 students.

In some ways, there is more variety in the US K-12 private school system than in the public system, for the following reasons outlined by PrivateSchoolReview.com:

“While private schools are subject to all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations governing the business side of things, private schools handle educational matters according to their educational philosophy and the wishes of their families and students. The essence of a private school is its curriculum and how it chooses to teach that curriculum is a matter which it decides in consultation with its clientele. The market drives private schools.”

The US Department of Education has this to say about US private schools:

• Private school students generally perform higher than their public-school counterparts on standardized achievement tests;
• Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools;
• Private school graduates are more likely than their peers from public schools to have completed advanced-level courses in academic subject areas;
• Private school students are more likely than public school students to complete a bachelor’s or advanced degree by their mid-20s.

The National Center for Education Statistics’ National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests the knowledge and skills of the nation’s students in grades 4, 8, and 12. Routinely, the scores of students in private schools are much higher than the national average.

Many foreign-based families decide to send their children to private high schools in the US to prepare them for entrance to a US college, especially if the college is competitive and/or elite. A US World News Report lists these benefits for international students attending high school in the US:

• Improved English skills
• Easier navigation of the US college system
• College readiness
• Social skills

Many international students also take English-language courses during the summer break (i.e., outside of the normal academic year). The US government provides this guidance for visa rules and processes around summer language programs for K-12 students.

To attend a private school in the US, students must pay tuition. This is in large part linked to the fact that private schools are not funded by the government. This tuition can vary greatly, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 to more for private boarding schools (which will be covered in an upcoming section). Beyond tuition, there will be additional fees as well which families must factor in to get to the true cost of a private school education. Financial aid for international students may be available at some private schools.

Private schools are able to charge so much tuition because of the extra resources, high quality of teachers, low student-teacher ratios, excellent facilities (e.g., sports, arts, computer), and extra-curricular opportunities they provide students.

Here is a link to a private school search for the US (and Canada).

Because space at private schools is often limited, not all students who apply will be admitted. The application process for private schools can take months. Find out from the schools your students’ families are considering how far in advance to begin, and what documents and other steps are required.

Boarding Schools in the US

BoardingSchools.us defines a boarding school as “a school where pupils reside during the semester.” They continue: “Students are provided with food and lodging in addition to their education, but a boarding school has much more than that to offer to students and their families. Traditionally, boarding schools provide an education based on small class sizes, high standards of academic excellence, and cultural diversity.”

At a boarding school, students live on the school’s premises as they study. Many boarding schools enrol both day students (who leave after school is done for the day to their houses) and “boarders” who stay on the premises for longer periods of time: Full-term boarders go home at the end of an academic year, semester boarders go home when the academic term is over, and weekly boarders go home for weekends. International students tend to be longer-term boarders rather than day or week students.

International students make up about 15% of all students in American boarding schools.

Teachers and staff sleep on the premises so they are quickly available to students at all times, even after school. Students receive all their meals from the school.

Most boarding schools charge tuition and fees for room and meals, and the typical cost ranges from $15,000 to over $65,000 per academic year. WorldScholarshipForum.com lists several scholarship programs for international students wanting to go to a boarding school.

Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) research has found that boarding school students are more likely to find academics to be challenging (91%) than private school students and public school students (71% and 50% respectively). Boarders tend to have more homework and more extra-curricular activities like sports and music.

They are often diverse: more than half of boarders reported that their school is “ethnically and racially diverse,” compared to 19% of private day students and 39% of public school students.

US K-12 boarding schools are very popular destinations among families overseas who want to see their children receive an excellent K-12 education and in many cases, progress to a quality American college or other post-secondary institution. Some families consider benefits of boarding schools to be:

• The personal development and confidence that comes from the challenge and adventure of living away from home with an eclectic mix of other students;
• The close friend networks that can be formed at boarding school can last a lifetime;
• Small school and class sizes and close interaction between teachers and students;
• Specialty programs available at many boarding schools (e.g., dance, filmmaking, visual arts).

TABS found that fully 87% of boarding school graduates said their school prepared them well academically for university life. By comparison, 39% of public school students and 71% of private day school students reported the same.

BoardingSchools.com lists four basic steps to applying to a boarding school in the US:

• Complete the application forms which the school has on its website.
• Complete the common application which you can find on the SSAT website.
• Complete the common application which you can find on the TABS website.
• Complete the paper application forms which you have either downloaded or received from the school.

They offer this tip for international students:

If you are an international student, read the requirements for international students on each school’s website. These requirements will differ from school to school, so do not assume that what one school asks for applies to other schools. You will have to take the TOEFL examination. Allow adequate time to prepare for and take this examination. The school will give you the documents which you need to apply for an F-1 visa. Apply for the visa as soon as you can. Some US consulates are booked months in advance for visa interviews. Bear that in mind as you apply to American schools.”

For a list of boarding schools in the US, please check this BoardingSchools.com link.

Now that you have the basics of the American study systems, you may want to take the step towards choosing the most adequate university in America or any other country in the world.