US University Blog

In the contemporary world education is very important and many people are interested in the obtaining of the university degree. Those people who have higher education have usually better opportunities on the labor market and have higher level of incomes. But before earning the university degree the people have to receive diploma of the high school. There are two methods of studying in the high school in the United States: to attend the school which is situated in the nearest location and participate in the school exchange programs. To receive high school education in this way the students must have good level of knowledge in English and good communicating skills.

Those students who choose the first way and have a desire to arrange their own place of studying must have relative which they can live with during the studying in the high school. Students from abroad have to pay the tuition fee even if they attend public schools. Usually these students cover studying expenses themselves without applying for the financial aid. Those people who have a desire to receive all essential information about the high schools in the US and application process have to contact department of education of the particular state. The numbers of all departments can be received from the Educational Advisory Service of US.

The second way of studying is also available. There are several types of studying exchange programs: from summer exchange to semester and year programs. Some of them are “homestay”. It means that the students live in the family in the US. Usually the education is self funded and the students seldom apply for the financial aid. Full list of the sponsors and institution which provide financial aid programs for the student’s exchange can be received on the website of Secondary School Exchange Programs.

In the contemporary world obtaining of the university degree is very important and many people are interested in the continuing of their education. Those people who have university degree have better chance on the labor market and have usually higher level of incomes and more interesting job. The most popular degree among the students is the bachelor` degree. Many people want to receive bachelor`s degree abroad, especially in the US, as the US system of education has good reputation on the academic world. In the US system of education college and university mean the same.

There are two main types of undergraduate degrees: bachelor`s and associate degree. The associate degree can be completed in two years and is awarded by community, technical and junior colleges. The students receive after graduation associate degree of science or arts.

The completing of the bachelor`s degree lasts four or five years and after graduation the students receive such degrees as Bachelor`s of Arts, Bachelor’s of Science or Bachelor`s of Fine Arts.

Those students who have a desire to receive bachelor`s degree must:

1. Complete all major requirements (necessary courses for chosen major).
2. Complete general educational requirements.
3. Complete in general 120 units (credit hours).
4. Complete all additional requirements of the particular educational institutions.

Those people who have a desire to obtain university degree in the US educational institution have to meet all admission requirements. First of all the candidates have to fill in and to send an application form to the admission committee. The candidates must meet the following requirements: to have high school record; to write an application essay; to pass standard test and to send recommendation letters.

Education in the US is very expensive. Besides the tuition fee there are also other expenses, such a book fee, living expenses, insurance, accommodation, transportation and others. Majority of students do not have an opportunity to cover all these expenses, so they have to apply for student`s financial aid. There are three main types of financial aid: student`s scholarships, student`s loans and student`s grants.

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Many students are interested nowadays in the US system of education, as it has good reputation in the academic world and US educational institutions attract each year many students from all over the world. Majority of the students are interested in the obtaining of the bachelor`s degree. The students have to pay their attention that college and university in the US means the same. Besides, they must understand difference between high school and higher educational institution.

There are two types of educational institutions in the US – public and private. Those educational institutions which are public are supported and funded by local or national government. Private colleges and universities receive support from private sponsors.

Before choosing narrow major usually the students in the US receive basic degree in liberal arts. To liberal arts refer such disciplines as social science, humanities and natural science.

Those students who have a desire to study in the US educational institution have to pay their attention on the accreditation of the chosen educational institution. There are some requirements for the educational institutions in the US, but in the same time they are quite independent. Accreditation guarantees that college or university has high quality of education, experienced teachers and staff and awarded diplomas are recognized on the labor market. Besides, accreditation confirms high level of facilities, services and programs.

Usually the academic year in the US begins in August. The academic year in the US consists of semesters and quarters. If the university uses the semester system, there are two big periods of studying. Those university which use quarters system, have four studying periods during the academic year.

In the US the students study according to the credit system. Their coursework is measured in credit hours and units. The units and credits can be transferred from one educational institution to another.