High School Education in the United States of America:

Student life varies from region to region of the United States, but it differs greatly from student life in Vietnam. While students in Vietnam stay in one classroom, students in the United States move from class to class. American students have the freedom to choose their classes based on interest and ability level. For example, at a private school in California, the freshman class is spread out among six math classes: Algebra 1A, Algebra 1, Geometry, Honors Geometry, Algebra 2, and Honors Algebra 2. Vietnamese students do not have the opportunity to choose classes, but their math classes are much more rigorous. Advanced mathematical concepts that are not taught to honors students until 10^th or 11^th grade in the United States are already tackled by 8^th and 9^th graders in Vietnam. American students also choose among electives such as these: different instrumental and vocal ensembles, dance ensembles, visual art classes, technology classes, and various foreign languages programs, while Vietnamese students do not have elective classes at all. American classes integrate respectful debate, discussion, and collaboration into many classes; Vietnamese classes are generally more lecture-based, perhaps because the Vietnamese school day is 2-3 hours shorter than the American school day (*See Appendix D for sample bell schedule). However, many Vietnamese students enroll in classes outside of school during the regular school year and summer break; American students do so rarely.

Another major factor in an American student’s life is extracurricular activities- athletics, clubs, theatre, dance, musical ensembles, part-time jobs, and volunteer work. Common sports include cross-country, football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, and track and field. Before their competition season begins, athletes might start conditioning and training 4-5 times a week in 1-2 hour periods. During the season, practice is roughly 5-6 times a week for 2-3 hours each day. Game days last longer, as a result of the commute to “away” games or clean-up at “home” games. Club activities depend on the great variety of clubs themselves. For example, the global-linked Interact Club bonds students from all over the world with one annual goal (this year’s goal was to distribute polio vaccines to four impoverished countries), along with each club’s personal goals. Meetings are held once a week for an hour to plan fundraisers and other events. Another example, French Club gives its members a chance to practice their speaking skills with each other once a week during lunch, and enjoy French culture. A number of language clubs such as Spanish Club, Japanese Club, and Latin Club have similar objectives. A third example, Math Club, meets either twice a week during lunch or once a week after school, allowing its members to practice different problem-solving techniques in preparation for competitions. Theatre is another central activity to set designers, stage technicians, and actors. During preparation for shows and the performance period, the time commitment is extensive. Practice can be as often as every weekday for three hours and 12 hours over the weekend. Performances are usually three times a week, and the time from make-up to the show to clean-up could be 4-5 hours a night. Dance is a year-long combination of sport and art. Practice is roughly three times a week and lasts 2-3 hours, except before a show or competition, when rehearsals are much more time-consuming. Musical ensembles vary greatly- from chamber ensembles to orchestras to jazz bands to salsa bands to vocal groups. Usually rehearsal is once or twice a week for 2-3 hours. Musicians must also practice outside of rehearsal time to improve. Recording sessions, extra rehearsals, gigs, and festivals are mandatory. Part-time jobs can include tutoring younger students, babysitting, housework or working at any number of stores. Hours are flexible for most jobs, except stores where part-time employees usually work 10-12 hours a week. Much like part-time jobs, the time commitment for volunteer work is flexible. Some students participate in an all-day event once a year, while others volunteer on a weekly basis for a couple hours. Students can assist at nursing homes, libraries, community gardens, youth homes, animal shelters, as volunteer opportunities are practically limitless.

Extracurricular activities are not graded as a test is; nevertheless, there are a multitude of reasons to work consistently at them. Firstly, personal passion and motivation is key. Also, students strive to avoid disappointing their peers. Additionally, distinction and participation in extracurricular activities is a deciding factor in who receives scholarship money and college admission. While these activities do not show up on report cards in the same way as schoolwork, they remain of utmost importance to American students.

International students that are interested in studying in the United States for high school should begin their application process as early as 18 months before the start of the school year. Applicants must show good grades, high test scores, community involvement, and maturity to be admitted into cultural exchange programs, which are the most common method of studying as an international student in the United States. Prospective students must pass an English proficiency exam, although high schools are generally less competitive than universities in regards to test scores. After admittance, students must secure their student visa, vaccinations, and living accommodations. Certain student visas cannot be obtained until applicants can prove they have sufficient financial resources. Living with a host family or nearby relatives is encouraged for students who are not attending boarding school. Students should be prepared for a drastic change in culture and in classroom learning (*See Appendix E for links to more information) (www.usastudyguide.com).

Many international students find that they need a period of adjustment before they are comfortable in their new environment. People may speak with accents or dialects that the international student is not accustomed to. Teachers may speak too quickly in the classroom. Other students may ask strange or rude questions that they would never ask a non-exchange student. However, experienced international students agree that patience, perseverance, and friendliness go a long way. By remaining open to new experiences, friends, and ways of learning, international students will soon be at ease.

While the process of becoming a viable candidate for an American education can be arduous, the long road is not yet over. The majority of admitted students find that education in a foreign country comes at a high financial cost- one that is too high for their families to afford. Unfortunately, international students do not qualify for many American government and American private organization funding like permanent residents. Of the few American international student grants, the majority of those are created only for graduate students in specific areas of study as a result of a significantly greater percentage of international college students. Additionally, most international students are not eligible for common student loans. Luckily, these high school students have a variety of options. They can seek assistance from the government and private foundations from their native country. Global organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the League of Red Cross Societies, and the World Council of Churches offer scholarships to encourage more students to study abroad (“Student Aid”). Applicants must meet many qualifications to be considered for a scholarship, including an exemplary transcript, proficiency in English, and community involvement. Another option is to enter scholarship contests from private foundations (*See Appendix E for additional information) (“International Student Scholarships and Loans”).

High school is a very important period in the career of American students. Students spend the four years in preparation for admission into a university or college of their choice. To be successfully admitted, students must prepare in several ways. They must balance a tough course-load of classes while maintaining a high grade point average, earn high standardized testing scores, and participate in extracurricular activities. The common goal in the United States is to educate students to be contributing, communicative, critical-thinking adults with the ability to continue their education.

Course work is typically aimed at preparing a student for admittance into a high-level university, as well as success there. Many students will choose to take honors and AP classes to distinguish themselves from other students. AP classes, advanced placement classes, are modeled after university-level courses. At the end of each school year, the College Board, a non-profit association of hundreds of educational organizations, administers AP tests to students who have taken these courses. The subjects of these courses vary from English to mathematics to history/ social studies to science. The tests are graded on a scale from one to five. A score of three or higher will usually transfer class credits to a student’s college transcript (*See Appendix A-C for high school schedule samples).

An added benefit for students that take rigorous classes is that their grade point averages (GPA) will be higher than if they had taken standard-level classes, as long as they earn A’s or B’s. Although a B would not raise a student’s GPA, colleges generally prefer B’s in challenging classes over A’s in standard classes. A typical grading scale is as follows: 100-90=A; 89-80=B; 79-70=C; 69=60=D; 60 and below=F. For example, a letter grade of an “A” in a biology class would result in a 4.0. A “B” would result in a 3.0, and so on. In an honors biology or AP biology class, an “A” would result in a 5.0, and a “B” would result in a 4.0. A student’s GPA is an average of all the points the student accumulates. While some consider an overall 4.0 to be a “perfect” GPA, students can earn higher GPAs by succeeding in a greater number of rigorous classes.

In addition to grade point averages and scores on AP tests, colleges also consider standardized test scores, such as the SATs (Scholastic Aptitude/Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Testing). The SATs cover mathematics, writing, and critical reading; each category is worth 800 points and a perfect score is 2400. The ACT covers science, English, reading comprehension, mathematics, and an optional essay; each category is worth 9 points, and a perfect score is 36. Most students take either the SAT or ACT, but some take both, in hopes of scoring higher on one or the other. The ACT must be completed in a shorter time frame, but the SAT is said to have trickier questions. Tests are only given eight times a year, so students need to prepare well in advance. Some schools require scores on the SAT II, subject tests, as well. Students can choose from a variety of subjects such as Literature, World History, US History, Mathematics 1 or 2, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and a variety of languages with or without a listening portion. Even if the school does not require SAT II scores, students can use high scores to test out of entry-level requirements there. Ivy League schools, such as Yale, typically accept students whose SAT scores are in the 90^th percentile of test-takers (“Interpreting SAT Scores and CAT Scores”). .

Many universities require that international students pass English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is based on listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing expression/structure, and writing, or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), which is based on writing, reading, listening, and speaking in British, Australian and North American variations of English. Nowadays, there are more options for taking these proficiency tests online (College Board).

Participation in extracurricular activities is also important; however, distinction in this area carries more weight. College admissions officers would rather see deep involvement in a few activities than superficial dabbling in a wide array. Extracurricular activities are a chance for students to pursue their personal interests and showcase their personalities to colleges (“What colleges look for”).

While preparation for college admission is truly a four-year long effort, junior and senior years (11^th and 12^th grade) are when students start following a strict timeline. It is recommended that students take either their SATs or CATs the spring of their junior year. In case the scores are unsatisfactory, they can retake the tests in the fall, which is their last chance to improve their scores before applications are due. Juniors usually research and visit colleges during winter or spring break to get an idea of what schools they would like to apply to. Their summer should be spent beginning to fill out applications, brainstorming for the essay portion, and perhaps participating in an internship, job, or other meaningful community service. The fall of senior year should be spent finishing applications and finalizing essays. To save time, students should keep useful information like their transcript on hand. Many American universities now offer a common application, so students do not have to fill out multiple applications. Whether a student is filling out one application or ten, they must fill out each one thoroughly because universities do not consider incomplete applications. The essay portion should reveal a part of a student that cannot be found in their transcript; essays should not read as a list of accomplishments. Also, keeping the essay short and the prose simple are keys to a successful essay. After acceptance, seniors are required to continue doing well in challenging coursework, as schools reserve the right to withdraw admission if student performance drops (“College Planning”).

The path to a post-secondary education may seem difficult and extensive, but it has far-reaching benefits. Statistics show that those who have more advanced degrees have a lower unemployment rate and earn significantly more than their less educated counterparts (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Even more importantly, an educated workforce results in increased efficiency, greater innovation, and new technology, which improves the population’s quality of life. When a population no longer has to expend its resources on mere survival, higher education becomes more widespread and wonderful changes come over society. Philanthropy, the arts, and literature flourish. Education truly has the ability to change the world for the better!

Works Cited

“College Planning.” College Board. College Board, 2010. Web. 10 Jul 2010.

<http://www.collegeboard.com>.

"Interpreting SAT and CAT Scores." University Language Services (2010): Web. 7 Jul 2010. <http://www.universitylanguage.com/guides/interpreting-sat-scores-and-act-scores>.

Kantrowitz, Mark. "Student Loans/Scholarships." Smart Student's Guide to Financial Aid (2010): n. pag. Web. 7 Jul 2010. <www.finaid.org>.

"Majors and Careers Central." College Board. College Board, 2010. Web. 8 Jul 2010. <http://www.collegeboard.com>.

"Student Aid." Federal Student Aid (2009): n. pag. Web. 7 Jul 2010. <http://studentaid.ed.gov>.

"What colleges look for in a high school student - top ten criteria colleges look for in applicants, according to the Independent Education Consultants Assn". USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education). FindArticles.com. 07 Jul, 2010.

1. Sample of a High School Four-Year Plan (rigorous classes/interest in performing arts)

1. Sample of Four-Year Plan (lower-level classes)

1. Sample of Four-Year Plan (honors classes with emphasis on performing arts)

1. Sample of a Possible School Bell Schedule

*The following week, 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, and 8^th periods would fall on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th would fall on Tuesday and Thursday.

1. Links to Useful Information

1. www.collegeboard.com

This site is a great resource for tips on study skills, college planning, and test-taking.

1. www.princetonreview.com

This site is another great resource on planning for high school success and college admission.

1. www.ciee.org

This site contains information on cultural exchange and host families.

1. http://www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools/list.html

This link shows a list of Newsweek’s pick of 2010’s top high schools in America, based solely on the ratio AP and IB test taken/number of graduating seniors.

1. www.usastudyguide.com

This site provides information on American culture and a checklist of application/test deadlines, etcetera that a prospective international student would find very handy.

1. http://www.scholarships4students.com/scholarships_for_high_school_students.htm

This link shows possible scholarships for students of high school age. Most are centered around essay-writing. The amount of monetary reward varies for each scholarship, but all are merit-based.

1. http://www.usastudyguide.com/generalaid.htm

This link shows information for international student grants. Navigate other tabs of this site to find contact information and other funding options.