The word “college” applies to different types of institutions in America, which is not always clear to international students and often makes it difficult to choose where to study. The problem is that college names range from high schools, which graduate with a high school diploma and the right to enter college, to graduate schools in the United States, which offer a first college degree and a bachelor’s degree.
To understand what type of institution you are talking about in each case, you need to know what credentials your graduate will receive. Programs taught at U.S. high schools and colleges are divided into:
- High school programs similar to the British Six-form Colleges and Tutorial Colleges. They are required for teenagers who plan to attend college. Graduates receive a high school diploma and are eligible for admission to bachelor’s degree programs.
- Two-year professional programs at community colleges, which may also be called junior college or city college. Graduates receive an Associate Degree and the right to work in a junior occupation.
- Four-year programs in colleges of higher education, which are independent educational institutions and are not part of any larger U.S. universities. Upon graduation, a graduate receives a bachelor’s degree.
ABOUT COLLEGES-SCHOOLS
Preparing 15 to 18 year old high school students for university is the main goal of high school colleges. In addition to the general education curriculum and a significant number of hours of English language instruction, this includes in-depth study of elective courses.
Private schools invest heavily in programs, hire top teachers, and provide excellent classroom and living facilities. They offer well-appointed, comfortable, and safe campuses, and a wide variety of educational programs. Because U.S. high schools offer a wide variety of majors, teaching methods, and facilities, you should carefully select a school based on your future plans and consult with a professional if you have questions.
Many schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) and/or Advanced Placement (AP) programs.
IB is a popular international graduate program recognized by universities around the world. AP is an American program recognized by universities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In AP a student takes a first-year bachelor’s degree program and is able to complete a first university degree in three years instead of four.
There are public and private schools in the United States.
You can enter a public school only if you have a residency permit and only if you live there, and private schools in the U.S. are open to all applicants.
As an example of a college-school with IB programs let’s look at the prestigious The Early College at Guilford.