Do American Universities Accept A-Levels?
Studying in a foreign country changes you in ways you never expected. Not only will you learn more about a new culture, people, foods, sights, etc., you may come to view your native land from a different perspective.
You may be surprised to discover this is often the case even when moving from one country to another that speaks the same language, such as transferring from secondary school in the United Kingdom to a college or university in the United States.
The British Education System
Children in the UK are legally required to attend primary and secondary schools from the ages of around five years old until they are approximately 16 years old. The education system in Britain is also divided into four "key stages" as follows:
- Key Stage 1 -- Ages 5 to 7
- Key Stage 2 -- Ages 7 to 11
- Key Stage 3 -- Ages 11 to 14
- Key Stage 4 -- Ages 14 to 16
After completing compulsory Key Stages 1 to 4 in primary and secondary schools, students have the option of entering Further Education, and take Advanced Level exams (A-Levels), obtain a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) or General National Vocation Qualification (GNVQ). Further education is a prerequisite in the UK, if a student wants to pursue an advanced degree at a college or university.
Offered by schools and colleges, the A-Level program covers two years of instruction. At the end of one year, an AS level may be awarded. Usually, a student will pursue their A-Levels after having completed one or more General Certificate of Secondary Education between the ages of 14 and 16.
Students may select from dozens of topics for their A-Levels, including but not limited to Mathematics, Geography, History, Politics, Archeology, Accounting, Dance, Drama, Electronics, General Studies, Classical Civilization, French, Graphic Products, Media Studies, English Language and Literature, Religious Studies, Spanish, and many others.
How do A-Levels fit in with the international system in the United States?
The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), which is the largest provider of international secondary and pre-university qualifications in the world, has assembled a list of the Top 20 institutions that host international students in the USA and recognize A and AS Levels.
How can a student with existing A-Levels fit in with an American University?
By way of example, Boston University awards two semester credits for A Levels at Grades A to C, and one semester of credit for Grade D. California State University, Los Angeles, on the other hand, has a completely different system. Nine semester units, or two full-time courses, are considered for A Levels in Math or Science at Grade D or better; for other courses, eight semester units (two full-time courses), are considered for all other subjects.
Other colleges and universities on the Top 21 list include Columbia University, the University of Texas at Austin, Harvard University, Purdue University (Main Campus), and more. All have their own procedures for interleafing international students with their own programs. Of course, these 20 are not the only institutions of higher education in the United States that accept international qualifications.
A warm welcome awaits
Another American institution that welcomes international students and recognizes qualifications earned overseas is ECPI University, which offers studies in Information and Engineering Technologies, Business and Criminal Justice, Health Science, and Culinary Arts. Before admitting an international student, the university considers the student's:
- Readiness
- Academic potential
- Personal goals and motivations
Its international student admissions advisors do everything they can to make the admissions process smooth and simple. If you would like more information about the application process or life at the university, contact ECPI University today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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