USA comprises of 50 states and it is a country full of world-famous
attractions and spectacular geography. USA is one of the world's
leading nations in industry and technology. USA is a nation of diverse cultures; more than 20 million people living in the US were born elsewhere. The community adopts foreigners much easier as compared to other countries.
The USA system of education is renowned for its flexibility, diversity
and commitment to excellence. The USA educational experience is among
the best in the world. Many US colleges and universities are known
throughout the world for the quality of their academic programs.
Institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Cornell, and
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and public institutions
such as University of Illinois, University of California at Berkeley,
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and many more such Universities are well-known.
Broadly, American universities confer Bachelor, Master and Doctorate
degrees. Some colleges also offer Associate degrees or specialize in
vocational/technical training. The Bachelor's degree typically takes
four years to complete, which are referred to as the freshman,
sophomore, junior and senior years of Undergraduate study
(known as Graduation in India). Graduate study involves study for
a Master's degree (referred to as Post Graduation in India).
There could be a set of mandatory courses and a set of 'electives'
where student are free to choose student courses. There are a minimum
and maximum number of creditst hat student may do in a semester. While the quantity of academic
work is measured in credits/units, the quality is measured by grades.
At the end of each term, student is awarded a grade for each course.
The grade is determined as per the policies laid down by the professor
for the course. Scholarships may be linked to a minimum GPA. Students
with exceptionally high GPA's can also earn special honors instituted
by the college or university.
US colleges test students quite frequently. Quizzes or short tests on
assigned material are very common. Pop quizzes are unannounced tests
that may be given. There may be 2-3 examinations given out for each
course during one semester. Both objective type as well as essay type
questions could be given, depending upon the course contents. Don't be
surprised if student have an 'open-book' exam; it may not be as simple
as student might think. 'Take-Home' tests may also not be very easy.
Cheating during exams is a terrible offence and may lead to very
serious consequences. Studying in USA is a great experience.
