Course of study

U.S. students normally learn a vast range of subjects when in college. A lot of students do not specialize exclusively in one field until the graduate school.

The initial two years of college are called the “freshman” and “sophomore” years respectively. A certain schools need freshmen and sophomores to take courses in different areas of learning such as literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. Bot of them are collectively called “underclassmen”.

The “junior” and “senior”, or third and fourth years, are known as the “upper classes”,while the students are known as juniors” and “seniors”- “upperclassmen.”Upon entering the junior year, students must choose a “major” field of study and take a specific number of courses in this department, or field. Some schools also allow students to choose a “minor” field. The students usually have time to choose several other “elective” (extra) courses in other subjects.

Every student is assigned a “faculty advisor” who teaches courses in the student’s major field. This advisor also helps the student select a program of study.

Each international student will also have an “International Student Advisor”, who helps them adjust to U.S. life, takes care of their visa and other paperwork problems, and conducts activities for them.

 Classroom learning

Classes may vary from large lectures for several hundred students to smaller classes and seminars with only a few students. Students who enroll for lecture courses are often segregated into smaller groups, or “sections”. The sections meet separately to discuss the lecture topics and other material.

Professors typically assign a textbook and other readings every week. They also need several written reports each term. A student will be expected to keep up to date with the required readings in order to join in class discussions and to understand the lectures. Science students must also spend time in the lab.

Academic year

The school usually begins around August or September and continues through May or June. International students are advised to enter U.S. universities in autumn since majority of new students enter at this time, they can adjust together. Furthermore, a lot of courses are designed so students will take them one after another, starting in autumn and continuing through the year.

The academic year at many schools comprises of two terms or semesters. Some schools also use a three-term calendar known as the “trimester” system. Still others divide the year into the “quarter” system of four terms, inclusive of a summer session which is optional.

Credits

All courses are worth a number of “credits” or “credit hours.” This number is approximately the same as the number of hours a student spends in class for that course over the weeks. A course is normally worth three to five credits.

A full program at most schools is twelve or fifteen credit-hours. International students should enroll to a full program during each term.

Transfers

If a student takes admission in a new university before finishing a degree, most credits earned at the first school can be used to complete a degree at the new university. Hence, a student can transfer to another university and still graduate within the usual time.

Marks

Professors give each student a mark or “grade” for each course. The marks are based upon:

• Classroom participation – Discussion, questions, conversation; Students are expected to participate in class discussions, especially in seminar classes. This is often a very important factor in determining a student’s grade.
•  Midterm examination – Usually given during class time.
•  Research or term papers, or laboratory reports.
•  Possible short exams or “quizzes” – Sometimes the professor will give an unannounced “surprise quiz.” This doesn’t count heavily toward the grade but is intended to inspire students to keep up with their assignments and attendance.
•  Final examination – Held some time after the final class meeting.

 Advanced placement

Certain colleges and universities award college credit to students for work they have done in high school. A few other schools also give advanced standing to students who prove that they have achieved college level proficiency in a certain subject.

This implies that a freshman, can take courses normally only open to sophomores.

The school may probably require the students to take a test to prove that he or she can do sophomore-level work, or the school will give advanced placement to a student who has scored exceptionally high on college admission exams. Students who have completed “A” levels at home often receive advanced placement standing.

In the next post on the series of Education System in America, Tej Kohli will talk about the Post Graduate education system. Tej Kohli is an expert career advisor and guide, who’s helped many students attain their goals. For more education tips from Tej Kohli, keep reading this blog.

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.

Whether you want to study at a top USA university, a top USA college, or at a USA  ESL, vocational or high school, a thorough understanding of how the American education system works is essential. Without a clear grasp of the American education system, an international student will find it difficult to make the right academic choices. The information provided in the Overview of the American education system section will help you develop that understanding. You can also search our list of top universities, colleges, community colleges, graduate schools, and boys and girls boarding schools in the American education system. It is no surprise that the American education system and the American school system hosts more international students than any other country in the world!