High school is the last stage of secondary education in America, which lasts from 9 to 12 grades. According to this educational level, each student is engaged in an individual program selected by him. Every morning, the total attendance is checked, after which the children disperse to the classes they need. In schools in America, the students get much more freedom in choosing classes to study. So there is a certain list of subjects that children are required to learn in order to get a certificate. They can choose all other classes on their own.
Studying in high schools in America – specifics of studying
In the boarding schools in America the intensive preparation for enrolment in colleges and universities is conducted. Schoolchildren face two main tasks:
- The foreign students need to collect the number of credits for the graduation. If the subject has been studied for a year, the student receives 1 credit, if half a year — 0.5 credit. Instead of credits, requirements can be set in the form of grades or points (depending on the grading system). The educational plan usually includes the following compulsory subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- History and other social sciences (geography, world culture)
- Natural Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology)
- Fine arts
- Physical education.
Also the foreign students can additionally choose several courses, which they are interested in and/or will look good in the university application.
- To get additional credits for courses of increased complexity
In high schools in America, students can go to an advanced group in the subject (Honours) or enrol in a university-level course.
The best schools in America – offered programs
- High school
It is a standard program of American high school. The program lasts for 4 years, from 9 to 12 grades. During this time, it is necessary to collect the minimum number of credits set by the state in compulsory subjects. In case of successful graduation, the students obtain High school diploma, where all completed courses and grades for them are reflected.
High School Diploma is accepted at all universities in the USA and Canada. For admission to many universities in Europe (for example, Germany), this document is sometimes not enough. Additional qualifications may be required depending on the country and university:
- Preparation program in the country of studying
- 1-2 years of study at a university or college in the USA
- High SAT I or SAT II Subject Test score
- 2-5 courses AP with high grade
- IB certificate
Advanced Placement (AP) is the university level course, which is taught in high school. It can be studied in parallel with compulsory subjects or instead of them. AP are elective subjects of increased complexity. Students are not required to include them in their curriculum, but this will be a big plus when entering a university. Courses and their number should be chosen, focusing on the future university and specialty.
So, when applying to elite universities like Harvard, it is recommended to have at least 7 AP courses. For universities with a lower rank, 4-5 will be enough. Some universities may re-credit credits received for AP courses. There are 38 Advanced Placement disciplines in total. In private schools in America, an average of 15 are usually represented.
TOP schools in America – enrolment requirements
In most high schools in America, the international students can apply before January, and the results of the entrance tests can be sent before February (in the year of the start of studying). However, there is a high competition in the top schools, so the foreign students should start preparing for enrolment up to a year or two of start of studying. Often, the submission of documents is divided into two stages: in the first the foreign students fill out the basic information and pay the registration fee (so the school learns about your interest in admission), in the second the students attach documents, test results. Almost always candidates must pass an interview (in person or via Skype). The results are known in March. The exact dates are announced by the school on its official website.
- Age – High schools in America accept children from 14 years old. At this age, they can live both in the school residence and in the host family.
- Academic performance – to get into a competitive school, the average score must be at least 3.5 out of 4.
- Language level – In high school, the program of study borders on the complexity of the university, so it is important not only to speak English at a level not lower than B2, but also to freely navigate the scientific vocabulary. In some schools, there are additional classes in English for foreign students.
- Entrance tests – The selection criteria vary greatly depending on the degree of elitism of the school. Sometimes, in addition to the standard SSAT or ISEE tests, the international students need to take additional exams in specialized subjects. In the most ranked institutions, the students may need to pass the SAT for admission to grades 11-12. However, the main requirements remain academic performance, motivation, language level and good recommendations from the previous school.
School in America ranking – TOP 5
- The College Preparatory School
- Harvard-Westlake School
- Trinity School
- Phillips Exeter Academy
- Choate Rosemary Hall
