Nowadays, more and more parents send their children to study in American high schools. Some people think that American high schools are an opportunity to train their children, while others think that American high schools are the foundation for entering top American universities.Things to note when applying for high school study in the United StatesApplication requirements for master's degree in the United States, ,Application for high school students to study in the United States, ,Application for MBA in the United StatesThe problem.

Things to note when applying for high school study in the United States

1. Things to note when applying for high school study in the United States

Note 1: Public school VS private school

In the United States, high schools are generally public, and private high schools only account for about 15%. However, the quality of education and educational resources of these 15% private high schools are inferior to public high schools. The tuition fee of private high schools is 30,000 to 40,000, which is much higher than that of public high schools. Therefore, most American students choose public high schools.

If Chinese students want to apply to study in public high schools in the United States, they can only do so through exchange students, with a maximum period of one year. Their expenses for this year are only about RMB 100,000. However, Chinese students who go to high school in the United States are obviously aiming for the United States, and having to return home after one year is obviously not in line with the wishes of most parents and students. Therefore, most Chinese students choose to study in private high schools in the United States.

Note 2: SLEP vs SSAT

Going to high school in the United States also requires a language test. Except for a few top high schools that require TOEFL scores, most American high schools only require students' SLEP scores. The SLEP exam is relatively simple, with a full score of 67 points and a minimum score of 45 points. Students in the third year of junior high school who can reach the upper-middle level in their class can basically pass. SLEP is contracted by educational institutions in China, with a score coverage system, an unlimited number of exams, and reserved scores.

Note 3: Boarding VS Dormitory

Generally, high school students studying in the United States have two accommodation options: homestay and school dormitory.

Homestay in an American family, usually the family is contacted by the study abroad agency or the school. The advantage of homestay in an American family is that the family atmosphere is relatively strong, which makes it easier for children to understand American living habits and culture. However, such students should have strong self-reliance and the ability to quickly integrate into the family.

Living in school dormitories, children can have more contact with classmates, and it is easier for them to integrate into the school. It is more convenient for them to study and rest. However, school dormitories are relatively expensive, about 40,000 US dollars a year; homestay only costs 30,000 US dollars a year, which can save about 10,000 US dollars compared to living in school.

Note 4: Big city vs small town

When studying in the United States, whether to choose a school in a big city or a small town is also a question that parents and children often struggle with. If a student is determined to study cutting-edge subjects such as finance and art, and has a good foundation in English, then choosing a big city is more conducive to his development. If a student has a poor foundation in English and his own communication skills are not strong, then choosing a secluded small town will be more suitable for their development.

2. U.S. High School Student Visa

The U.S. high school student visa is mainly divided into study visas for public schools and private schools, and is divided into J-1 and F-1.

J-1 refers to an international exchange student visa, which is valid for one year and has additional restrictive terms, namely, students must return to their home country after the exchange period expires, and cannot apply for a student visa again for a certain period of time after returning to their home country.

F-1 refers to a student visa for attending high school in the United States, and its validity period depends on the student's study time in school.

The F-1 visa is issued to foreign students who attend full-time schools recognized by the US government. These schools can be universities, colleges, professional schools, primary and secondary schools, technical or vocational schools, language schools, etc. recognized by the US government. Foreign students who attend these schools have a long period of formal study in order to complete the school's prescribed studies and obtain a degree, diploma or academic certificate.

The F-1 visa is valid for a long time, usually 5 years. Once you enter the United States with this visa, you can stay for up to 8 years as long as you maintain your registered student status. Moreover, if there are no special circumstances, the visa does not need to be extended. During the validity period of this visa, you can enter and leave the United States freely, and there is no restriction on the time of entry and exit as long as you do not interrupt your studies. You can bring your family to the United States, work for a limited period of time, and apply for a work permit from the Immigration Bureau.

If, for health or academic reasons, you can reduce the courses or hours and do not have to study full-time, you can still maintain your student visa and do not need to apply for approval from the Immigration Bureau, as long as you have written approval from a dedicated official at the school.

For high school students, the general study time in an American high school is more than 30 months, which depends on the grade the student is in.

3. Costs and conditions for studying in a high school in the United States

1. Cost of studying in a high school in the United States

1. Tuition

The cost of studying in high school in the United States generally ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on which school you choose.

2. Accommodation Fees

Studying abroad in the United States costs $20,000 to $30,000 per year for day students.

3. Living expenses

The annual living expenses for middle school students in the United States are approximately $8,000 to $12,000. The living expenses mainly depend on the region where the students study abroad. Because the consumption levels of each state in the United States are different, there are also differences in living expenses. In larger cities in the United States, such as San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, etc., the living expenses for studying abroad can reach $15,000. Other places are also different. Another point is the individual's purchasing power. It depends on the students themselves. The editor will not go into details here.

4. Books

This fee is optional, as some students don't need it, but some cost several hundred dollars.

5. Insurance Premium

The insurance fee is about $1,000, and high school international students are required to purchase insurance. The insurance fee and other miscellaneous fees together are about $1,100 to $1,200.

6. Other expenses

The other expenses are extra expenses for students. When traveling, there are many expenses to be paid. The specific expenses depend on the individual students.

In general, the annual cost of studying abroad is between RMB 200,000 and RMB 400,000.

II. Requirements for Studying in American High Schools

1. Age

Unlike schools in China, high schools in the United States are four-year systems, from 9th to 12th grade, which is equivalent to the third year of junior high school to the third year of high school in China. Therefore, the age limit for studying in high school in the United States should not be less than 14 years old.

2. Language

Like American universities, high school students also have language requirements. Generally, they need to take TOEFL or IELTS. However, the TOEFL or IELTS requirements for universities are relatively low. You can also choose the SLEP test, which is specially designed for international students to apply for studying in the United States.

3. Grades

The same applies to high school. The grades in regular subjects are also considered. Most students in China can only apply to private high schools in the United States. Moreover, these private high schools in the United States require students to have grades that are more than 80 points higher than their usual grades.

4. Comprehensive Ability

American high schools attach great importance to students' overall abilities, observe their learning potential, and prefer students with strong personal abilities.

4. Interview details for applying to study in the United States

1. First impressions matter

Arrive 10 minutes before the interview. If you are stuck in traffic, please inform your interviewer in advance. Being late is a very bad thing. The same is true for remote interviews. In addition, bring a copy of all your application materials in case the interviewer needs them. Of course, formal attire is also essential. These are the most basic requirements, but they are indeed very important.

2. Keep it authentic

As we mentioned above, the purpose of the school interview is to get to know you as a person, so nothing is more important than being authentic. One of the most important things that attract applicants is their different backgrounds. So no matter what your background is, you can talk freely with the interviewer. Of course, you should not present a negative image, but your most natural side.

3. Be Prepared

Although the entire interview process is centered around your experience and ideas, it does not mean that you do not need to prepare. Good expression and communication, as well as your own outstanding deeds, all require good preparation to be presented. Because you must organize and express your important experiences from childhood to adulthood, the stories you are proud of, and your unique characteristics in a good language. Don't underestimate this process, it plays a vital role in the success or failure of the interview. At the same time, you also need to prepare your understanding and enthusiasm for the school. After all, the school also values the sincerity of the applicant.

4. Practice

The first step in interview practice should be to familiarize yourself with your own application materials, essays, etc. But when you are familiar with them, you should prepare one more part: think about the questions that people who read these materials may ask, and prepare answers to these questions. Then ask your teachers and classmates to help you do mock interviews. In fact, anyone who can give you honest feedback can do it. You can ask them some classic questions, such as what achievements you are most proud of, who is your leader in your mind, why did you choose to study at this time, etc.

5. Ask valuable questions

Interviewers always have different understandings of their schools and programs, so take the opportunity to ask questions during the interview. Some classic questions such as: Why did you choose this school, what is your favorite activity, what is your favorite class, are all good questions. If you can be more specific, it will be even better. These questions will not only give you a deeper understanding of the program, but also show your enthusiasm for the program.

Summary of considerations for applying for high school study in the United States

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