How U.S. High Schools Help International Students Get Ready For College
Whether or not you choose to attend an American high school, there are many other ways to prepare for U.S. college.
If you’re an international student planning to apply for college in another country, studying abroad in high school can give you an advantage. Attending a high school in the country where you plan to go to college is an especially good way to prove you’re ready.
With U.S. high school experience on your resume, your applications for U.S. colleges will be much more competitive. You will already have experience with American culture, so after you start college, it will be easier to adjust to U.S. college courses and student life.
HOW STUDYING ABROAD AT A U.S. HIGH SCHOOL HELPS YOU PREPARE FOR U.S. COLLEGE
1. EXPERIENCE WITH THE U.S. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Chances are, the education system in your home country is different from the one in the U.S. Attending a U.S. high school before college helps you adjust to the American grading system and student-teacher relationships.
In high school, you will develop study habits and learn about the kinds of resources available to help you succeed. This knowledge not only makes the transition easier, but gives you a better idea of what to expect and how you can succeed.
Whether U.S. academics are considered more rigorous or “easier” than academics in your home country, you will likely find the experience challenging. You will be attending school while also experiencing a new way of life. Getting that experience in high school will help you adjust to the U.S. education system before you enter college.
2. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRACTICE
Anyone who has tried to learn a new language knows that immersion is one of the best ways to learn. If English is not your first language, then attending a high school in the U.S., where a majority of students speak English, will be a great way to improve your English language proficiency.
Even if you do speak English fluently, or it is your native tongue, there are still many things you can learn from the American vernacular. Each English-speaking country has its own language intricacies, phrases, and figures of speech you wouldn’t otherwise be aware of.
Practicing English in the U.S. will not only allow you to grow in confidence with your English speaking skills. It will also help you learn how to present yourself in different American contexts, both formal and informal. It will help prepare you to participate as expected in class, make presentations, attend job interviews, and participate in daily social interactions.
3. ACCESS TO U.S. COLLEGE PREP COURSES
Many U.S. high schools offer college prep courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes. AP classes are advanced classes taught in high school that are intended to mimic U.S. college courses. Taking these classes also prepares you for the AP test at the end of the school year, which will allow you to receive college course credit in high school if you earn a high-enough score.
Dual enrollment is another option for students who want to get U.S. college credit while still in high school. These types of classes are offered in conjunction with a local university, and successful completion of the class earns you college credit.
If you are planning on attending a U.S. college, then taking college prep courses or getting college credit while still in high school is a great way to get ahead.
4. EXPERIENCE WITH U.S. CULTURE
While watching American media can be a good source of exposure to American culture, there is no substitute for experiencing it firsthand. TV can exaggerate some aspects of our culture while downplaying or failing to show others. By attending a U.S. high school, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture before jumping into a university setting.
As an international student, you will likely be living with an American family and experiencing a new way of life. Throughout the year, you will make friends, try new food, and learn more about the country you intend to spend the next few years in.
5. EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
In the U.S., many universities prefer to see holistic applications. In other words, they want to see not only strong academic results, but also extracurricular activities and interests outside of your core classes.
Many U.S. high schools offer clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities that may not be available in your home country. These can include casual and competitive sports teams, foreign language clubs, special interest clubs, academic focused clubs, and volunteering opportunities.
There may also be extra academic opportunities during school hours to help you show your interests and efforts outside of core courses. If you are musically inclined, you may be able to join the school’s band, choir, or orchestra. If you are athletic, there are likely a host of teams you can join.
Keep in mind that the type and number of extracurricular activities offered will vary by school. Some schools may not offer the opportunities we mentioned above, while others may offer many more.
OTHER WAYS TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE IN THE U.S.
Whether or not you choose to attend an American high school, there are many other ways to prepare for U.S. college. There are a multitude of online resources available, from federal websites to blogs. You can find and join groups on social media to connect with students and alumni from the U.S. college you hope to attend.
If you have the opportunity, you should visit your country’s U.S. embassy and look for local information sessions about studying abroad. These sessions might include alumni who have studied abroad, and you can learn from their experiences and ask questions.
In addition, many U.S. universities are now offering online college preparation classes that you can take as an international student. Completing these classes not only prepares you to attend a U.S. university, but often lets you earn college credit as well.
If you have the time and money, you can take a trip to the U.S. before the school year starts to familiarize yourself with the university and the surrounding area. Keep in mind that you will need to apply for an I-20 and a visa to travel and live in the U.S. as a student.
These are just some of the many ways that studying abroad in high school can help you prepare for U.S. college. If you are interested in this unique opportunity, then Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS) is a great place to do it!
We have a strong international student program and community. AMHS has successfully served many international students over the years, and many of these students have gone on to be accepted into top U.S. universities. Learn more about studying at AMHS as an international student.
