Education in the US, and How International Students are Admitted to Colleges and Universities in the US

Primary and Secondary Education Several structures: Private schools – 8 years Primary 4 years Secondary Public schools – 6 years Primary 3 years Junior High 3 years Senior High, or 5 years Primary 3 years Middle 4 years High

Curriculum Primary and Middle or Junior High courses are essentially the same for all students.

In High School there are different tracks to choose: General Business or Vocational Technical

Academic (options):  College or University Preparatory  Honors  Advanced Placement “AP”  Gifted and Talented “G&T”  International Baccalaureate

SAT and ACT  Are not national school leaving examinations.  Assist post-secondary schools in determining potential for success in colleges and universities.  Are not required by all schools.

Postsecondary Education: Community (or Junior) Colleges – 2 years Colleges – 4 years Universities – 4 years Professional Schools – varies depending on program

Programs of Study Bachelor’s degree - BA, BS (4 years) Master’s degree – MA, MS, MBA (2 years) Doctor of Philosophy – PhD (varies) Professional degrees – MD, JD, BPharm, MSW, etc (length varies depending on degree.

Recognition / Accreditation Institutional accreditation:  Regional (6 regional accreditors)  National (Specialized)  Why is institutional accreditation important?

Recognition / Accreditation Programmatic accreditation:  More than 100  Not all programs (majors) have a programmatic accreditor  Why is programmatic accreditation important?

Cautions! “Licensed”; “Approved” – what does it mean? Is it important? Does it mean the same as accredition?

How International Students are Admitted to US Colleges and Universities Complete an application for admission to the school or schools to which the student desires admission. Submit copies of original academic records – courses taken and grades received, and certificates, diplomas, and degrees received.

Submit proof of financial support for each and every year of anticipated study. Submit proof of English proficiency.

Document Fraud Non-accredited Schools Diploma Mills

Evaluating Foreign Credentials Institution Attended Credentials Received Marks / Grades – quality of performance Authenticity of documents

Questions? Comments? AACRAO International Education Services: 1 Dupont Circle, NW Suite 520 Washington DC Dale Edward Gough: