Understanding the Education System in USA from Start to Finish

The United States is a large country known for its modernization, with Washington D.C. as its capital. The education system in USA is renowned for its quality, as seen in the number of students from around the world who compete to secure a spot at universities in the United States.

There are numerous universities in the United States offering exciting research opportunities, and students have access to advanced research facilities, along with the chance to collaborate with leading scientists in their fields. The education system in USA is certainly one of the best in the world, with hundreds of top-ranking universities, many of which are based in the United States.

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Education System in USA

1. Elementary School

The elementary school system in the United States is not much different from that in Indonesia, as the education system in USA starts with elementary school. Before advancing to higher education, all students in USA attend elementary or primary school and secondary school, totaling 12 years of schooling.

The curriculum at this level involves core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with an emphasis on character education and the social-emotional and cognitive development of children at an early age. At around 6 years old, children in USA can begin elementary school, typically referred to as “elementary school,” and they will attend for 5 to 6 years before advancing to secondary school.

2. Secondary School

Secondary school in the United States consists of two programs: middle school (or junior high school) and high school. During this stage, each student has the flexibility to choose elective subjects based on their interests, which is also an important preparation for higher education.

After graduating from high school (12th grade), students in the United States can continue their education at colleges or universities. This level of study is referred to as higher education.

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3. Higher Education Entrance Exams in USA

Students in the United States are often required to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT as part of the college admissions process. The SAT is one of the most widely used standardized tests for university admissions in the United States, designed to assess students’ abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Meanwhile, the ACT is another option that is accepted by many universities in USA. Scores from these exams are used alongside academic records and recommendations for determining college admissions. While SAT and ACT scores vary by university, the average SAT score required is around 1200-1300, and the average ACT score is between 27 and 30.

4. Higher Education in the USA

The education system in USA provides many options for international students, with numerous schools, programs, and locations that may overwhelm prospective students when choosing where to study. Given the number of competent university graduates, it’s clear that the higher education system in USA is well-regarded globally.

Types of Higher Education in USA

1. Public Universities

Public universities in the USA are supported and operated by state governments. Each of the 50 states in the USA has at least one public university, and there are several other state colleges as well.

Many public universities in the USA bear the name of their state or use the term “state” in their name, such as the University of Utah, University of New Hampshire, Arizona State University, and others. Public universities also offer a wide range of programs, with hundreds of different majors, giving students a broad selection of options to suit their interests.

2. Private Universities

Private universities are operated by private institutions, and they often offer more varied programs, with a strong focus on specific fields of study. Examples of private universities in the USA include Duquesne University, Academy of Art University, and Suffolk University, among others.

3. Community Colleges

Community colleges are two-year institutions that offer associate degrees or transferable diplomas and certificates. These institutions provide an easier transition for international students to adapt to the education system in the USA.

Community colleges in the USA include Edmonds Community College, Shoreline Community College, Glendale Community College, and others. Transferable university degrees typically include Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS).

Graduates from community colleges can typically transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete a bachelor’s degree. This is because students can transfer the credits they have earned at community college toward completing a bachelor’s program within two years or more.

Additionally, community colleges can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars. While attending a state university may cost around USD 30,000, the cost of studying at a community college typically ranges from USD 7,000 to USD 10,000.

4. Institutes of Technology

Institutes of technology are universities that focus on science and technology education with a minimum study period of four years. Some of them offer graduate programs, while others offer shorter courses, and you can choose from various institutes of technology available in the USA.

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