Most U.S. schools accept international students of all ages and charge full course fees. The all-boarding school option allows students over the age of 14 whose parents stay home to study in the United States. However, some people prefer to send their children to the U.S. to enter a U.S.
U.S. Admissions Stage
Decision Making
The best time to begin studying abroad, especially in the United States, is considered to be between the ages of 10-14. Children are more likely to adapt to a change in environment, a new culture, and they are more likely to master the language at the native level.
Educational programmes
At this stage, three priorities can be distinguished: language, preparation for independent work, and psychological preparation. Separation from the family, a new educational system, and a new environment will bring stress in any case, and the child must be prepared to deal with it.
In American schools, an important part of the program involves individual work and personal responsibility for results. In order for a child to participate quickly in the educational process, he needs the skills to work independently.
School Selection
At the stage of school selection, it is important to consider the child's abilities. There are many private schools in the United States, including boarding schools with a certain bias - sports, science or creative. It also makes sense to focus on schools that are focused on accepting foreign students and are working to facilitate their adjustment period.
Submitting an Application
Before applying to a school, you should familiarize yourself with its requirements. If this is your first time abroad, they recommend that you entrust the process to professionals: they will help you gather the necessary documents and complete them on time. Usually, you will need a scanned copy of your passport, transcripts (for the last two or three years), and sometimes you will need a motivation letter and a portfolio of your work. A study abroad advisor can also help them to be prepared.
Entrance exams
For high school students, the prerequisite is an English exam and possibly one of the core subjects. In the lower grades, no additional tests are required. Many private schools require an interview. Often, this can be done without leaving your country and the interview can be done via Skype.
Preparing for departure
After the exams are over, the process of obtaining a student visa begins. Also, if you choose a mainstream school instead of a boarding school, finding a host family for your child will take time.
At what age you should send your child to school in the United States
There is no single recipe; everyone is independent. Only parents can know when the right time is.
You can study in the United States from the age of seven. There are obvious benefits to starting early. The most obvious one is easier access to elementary school. Children must take tests, including English and math, but unlike the tests for 13-16 year olds, the tests will be administered in a gentle manner. Elementary school are usually loyal to applicants and their families: even if your son or daughter has zero language skills, they will offer summer preparatory programs.
Children who move abroad at a young age will quickly adapt to the local education system. Early adaptation can allow you to count on a prestigious high school in the future, which will provide the baggage to get into a prestigious university.
Of course, many people find it difficult to send their children to boarding schools in the United States at the age of seven. In this case, take a closer look at high schools: they start accepting at age 13. At this age, most children leave. It's possible later, until age 16, but remember that there are no more spots available at the most prestigious schools at this time.
Be prepared to enter early. Some British schools start entrance exams almost three years before they start! This means that children must take their first exam as early as age 10, and the whole process will last three years.
In the meantime, the time for exams has not yet started and it is worth taking at least one summer course: tightening up the language and living in conditions close to the reality of everyday life for a few weeks.
Benefits of studying in U.S. schools
Due to the highest academic standards, a high school diploma in the United States opens up a wide range of prospects for further education and admission to the best universities in the United States and around the world.
Equipped with the latest technology and science classrooms. Extensive use of interactive whiteboards by teachers in the course of classes in private schools in the United States.
A small number of students in a class, with an individual approach to each of them.
Special attention to the physical development of elementary school students in American schools: soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, volleyball, etc.
The ability to choose the subjects to be prepared for study at the chosen university.
A carefully selected faculty.
How to get in to an American school?
They take a responsible approach to admission to the United States and begin preparing for admission in advance: they usually stop accepting applications for education at the beginning of the year and form a final list in early spring.
Admissions requirements.
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School extracts from the last 2 years.
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Copy of passport.
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English internal test.
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English language interview based on school results and English language test results.
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Proof of vaccinations and a recent medical examination.
Cost of Attending School in the United States
The high quality of education in private schools makes them expensive. On average, a year of study at a private boarding school in the United States costs between $18,000 and $46,000. The most expensive private school is The Pinnacle School in Connecticut, which costs $96,200 per year. At a regular private school, the cost is lower because it does not include housing and usually does not exceed $22,000 per year.