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System USA: Academics

Difference between public and private schools

Public (or state schools) are supported by taxpayers money and generally cost under $15,000 per year for students from outside the state and less for state residents. They often have over 20,000 students and may have excellent facilities but sometimes suffer from overcrowding both in classrooms and in housing. Private schools are supported by private contributions and the fees of the students and tend to cost much more than public schools sometimes over $30,000 per year. Many private schools have less than 4,000 students.

Maintaining academic eligibility

A student athlete is required to maintain a certain level of grades and academic performance below which point he/she will become ineligible for the team. This minimum standard is well below the average grades given out at the university. With a reasonable level of study a student should remain eligible even with the extra time devoted to sports.

Level of English required

Your studies will be in English, and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for admittance to almost every university. Although following lectures in English may be difficult if English is not your first language, tutors will help you make the adjustment. Your English will improve quickly. If you are dedicated, you will succeed.

Grading conventions and yearly format

School years are broken into two semesters or four quarters depending on the school. Final exams are given at the end of each period, with smaller exams and papers spaced throughout the term. Students begin classes at the beginning of any term and may not enroll once a semester/quarter has begun. A normal academic schedule consists of 4 courses in various subjects per semester. Students taking less than 4 courses will need more than 4 years to graduate or they will need to take additional courses during summer vacation. The amount of studying required will depend on the individual, courses taken, and the university. Courses generally meet 2-3 times a week.

Equivalence of degrees between your country and the US

This will be affected by what you study and where you attend school. Major American universities, such as Harvard and Yale, have international reputations and are respected worldwide. If you receive a degree from a less-known school, an extra year of studies in your home country can be helpful in assuring that your skills are recognized in your job market. Universities in each country have discretion concerning the credits they accept from other countries.

Starting in September vs. January

Academically, starting in January does not cause a problem. Your first day of a class in January will be the first day in that class for all the students. However, you will not have the same amount of guidance for beginning school as the students who started in September who generally go through a structured orientation program and may have made a lot of friends during the early months. In terms of tennis, the majority of the tennis season takes place during the Spring, so a January start will not interfere with the team or your season. However, not everyone finds it easy to quickly begin playing important matches while also adjusting to academics and a new culture.

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