Englishman43

x2 that was my understanding also.

deng890

I 'graduated' from a British secondary school system (with GCSE's and IB courses under my belt..an international equivilant to the A Level's) and I ended up attending a US undergraduate program.

I recall back when I applied that it was made very clear that GCSE's are comparable to a high school diploma, and that A Level's and IB are considered higher level than a highschool diploma which can get you college credit. My IB passes translated into 18 additional undergraduate credits.

So from what I understand from my own application to multiples US universities is that the GCSE's are the minimal requirement to apply to colleges (it's a High School Diploma equivilant), and that A level passes, while not a pre-requisite to applying, does indeed strengthen an application and garner college credits.

S Folinsky

The USA is a big country and education is traditionally a local function. Educational requirements can vary widely from state to state.

That said, an American primary and secondary education is generally for twelve years. Upon a successful completion, one gets a high school "diploma." I know that there is a movement afoot in various US localities for "exit exams."

Not all high school diplomas are created equal. That said, you have expressed interest in continuing with higher education. In Los Angeles high schools, academic instruction is aimed at meeting the admission requirements of either the University of California or the California State University.

My two daughters graduated from high school meeting the UC requirements -- both were accepted to schools all over the United States, both public and private.

I hope this information is helpful in comparing the systems. I know that the admissions offices of many schools can guide you in specific comparisons.