Understanding the Education System in the United States

The US Education System provides a variety of choices for international students. Early childhood education in the US is followed by primary school (popular as Elementary School in the United States), Middle School, Secondary School (popular as High School in the United States), and post-secondary education. Many students pursuing their higher studies in the US must be surprised to know that the US has no educational system.

The Federal government can influence education only by the funding it offers, but this is limited. However, when starting the search for the best educational institution for their child, an individual should know about tutoring in the U.S. There are some of the awarded and known as the best student cities in USA for Indians also to pursue higher education. This will help parents arrange their children’s education according to it. The USA is one of the best places to get higher education; choosing the best institution for your education is most important. The below blog will help parents by briefing them the complete information about the education system.

Understanding the US Education System

The US education system follows a hierarchy which Different stages covered in the US Education System are as follows:

The major stages covered under the US Education System are:

• Elementary school
• Middle School
• High school
• Post-secondary (college) also known as the sophomore

As you see above the multiple stages of the education system of USA have to be qualified one after the other to reach the next level of study. 

Accreditation & Quality Assurance in the US Education System

Accreditation is the process used by the US Education System to ensure that the institutes meet and maintain the minimum standard of quality education. Schools, Post-secondary Institutions, and other institutions participate in accreditation. Federal and state governments acknowledge accreditation as the component by which institutional and automatic authenticity is guaranteed. In other words, certification by a recognized accrediting authority is accepted as the U.S. likeness to other countries abroad.

Types of Accreditation in the US Education System

The following types of accreditation are offered to institutions in the USA which can help students gain a certificate or degree which would also be recognised worldwide:

• School-Level Accreditation
• Post-secondary Accreditation
• Federal Recognition & Approval
• Diploma Mills & Fraud
• Other Quality Assurance Provisions

Accreditations help students gain quality level education and get credits to help employers understand the course credits earned.

Types of Higher Education Institutions in the USA

There are various types of higher education institutions in the USA that are recognised to offer high-quality education. Check out the following higher education institutions authorised to offer higher education as part of the US Education System:

1. State College or Universities in USA

These types of colleges or universities are supported and run by a state or local government. The US comprises 50 states, and each state run at least one university or college for providing quality higher education to students at low rates. E.g. The University of California or Texas A&M University.

2. Private College of Universities in USA

A branch of the government in the USA runs these colleges and universities. They are always in demand among international students to study in USA. These private U.S. universities and colleges are smaller in size than state schools.

3. Community Colleges in USA

Community colleges offer two-year certification or associate degrees, which are transferable. Generally, Community college graduates transfer to universities or four-year colleges to complete their degrees. They are allowed to share the credits that they have earned in the community college in USA.

4. Technology Institutes in USA

Technology Institutes offer at least four years of education to students in science and technology. Some institutes have graduate programs while others offer short-term courses to students.

5. Ivy Leagues in USA

The Ivy League schools in USA are the most popular set of institutions which are basically inter-college athletic groups of eight US universities. Ivy league schools in USA are the most difficult universities for admissions and usually record a very low acceptance rate. 

Difference between Indian and American Education Systems

Check out the difference between Indian and American Education systems given in the table below:

Thus, based on the above-given pointers of difference, it can be noted that there is a huge difference between the US education system and the Indian education system.

Pros of the US Education System

There are a couple of positive points in order to study under the American education system. Check out the pros of studying in the US education system below:

• Diversity

The US offers a range of courses and majors in the English language to international students. Students can choose any area to study from top Universities in the USA. The US Education system has many diverse programs that attract students from all over the world.

• Flexible Education

The US Education system is one of the most diverse systems for international students to study abroad. US universities offer the program with proper practical knowledge. Students get up-to-date facilities and technologies at universities in the United States.

• Students Life

Because of the high academic standards, most US Universities attract students from all around the world. Students will get a chance to meet with top-notch professors who offer better knowledge to them.

Cons of the US Education System

Apart from the pros of the US education system, there are a few cons as well, and they are as follows:

• Tuition Fees

One of the major cons of the US Education system is its high tuition fees for the high standard of quality education. The education cost in the USA is the highest in the world because of some popular universities it has like MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, etc.

• Admission Process

Students have to follow a complicated admission process to get into US Universities. They must have strong academic records to be eligible for the top universities. US Universities ask for admission tests such as SAT or ACT for UG admissions, GRE or GMAT for PG admissions and language proficiency test scores of either TOEFL or IELTS.

• Social Benefits

The major cons of studying in the US is the finite accessibility to benefits like social security, healthcare, etc. offered by the Government for US citizens.

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