COLLEGE IN THE USA: HOW IT WORKS
Many have heard of college, but how does the American school system actually work? Here we go over the basics: length of education, grading system, GPA, choice of major, and what opportunities are available to European students.
What is the equivalent of a 4-year college education?
In Europe, for example in Sweden, students graduate one year later than in the US. Therefore, Swedish students study three years at university, while American students study four years for the same bachelor's degree. As a European, you usually need four years of college to get an American bachelor's degree. Only a few schools accept three years.
Do I have to be gone for four years?
No. You pay by semester and are not committed to the entire education. If you want to go home after a semester or two, that is entirely possible.
Most courses (except the first year) can be translated to European universities, which makes it possible, for example, to study for two years in the USA and complete your degree back home, provided that the specialization is available here at home and that you plan together with a study counselor.
How does the grading system work?
In the USA, the grades are used A–F, where each rating has a numerical value:
A = 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
D = 1.0
F = 0.0
What is GPA?
GPA is your grade point average. The length of the courses determines how heavily they are weighted, much like the points system in Europe.
How are European grades translated?
This depends on each country, but an example used here is the Swedish grades. They are converted as follows:
A–B → American A (4.0)
C → American B (3.0)
D–E → American C (2.0)
F → American F (0.0)
This means that Swedish students often get a favorable GPA. A Swedish B in all courses corresponds to an American 4.0 average, for example. Merit points does not cover: in GPA.
What does the college year look like?
The studies are more intensive but provide longer leave:
Fall term: end of August – mid-December
Christmas leave: about 3–4 weeks
Spring term: January – early May
Summer holidays: up to 3 months
In addition to this, there is Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Spring Break
How do I choose a specialization?
The first year is a foundation year (General Education) where everyone takes similar courses. You are applying to the university, not to a program.
If you don't know what you want to read, you can be “undecided” first year and choose a specialization for year two without losing time.
You build your own program
Unlike Europe, you do not belong to a fixed class. You are given a checklist of courses required for graduation and you choose which courses you take, in what order, and at what pace. The recommended study period is four years, but you can study faster if you want..
Example: ECONOMICS in college
A bachelor's degree usually comprises 120 credits:
Year 1: Foundation year (30 credits)
Year 2: Common courses within the major
Year 3: Mix of major and specialization
Year 4: Specialization only
This means that you gradually move from broad courses to completely specialized studies.
Advantages of the American school system
Possibility of a double degree in a shorter time.
Mixed classrooms with students from different majors.
Freedom to shape your schedule and course of study.
Which courses should be avoided?
Some educations are difficult to use in Europe if you do not plan to work in the USA:
Doctor (pre-med → medical school)
Lawyer (pre-law → law school)
Broker (completely different system than in Europe)
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