Archived: The Educational System in the United States: Case Study Findings

Qualification for Post-High School Academic
Choices
The most prestigious universities and colleges in the United States maintain their
standards by admitting only those applicants who have achieved very high scores
on the ACT and the SAT. ACT and SAT scores are also very important criteria for
most other colleges and universities as well. Almost all will publish in their school
bulletins the specific minimums ACT and SAT scores they require to qualify for
admission.
Despite the rigorous admission standards of many colleges and universities in the
United States, there is also an element of self-selection to the admission process.
Students generally choose to apply to colleges that are at a level appropriate for
their abilities rather than risk rejection by applying to schools with more stringent
requirements. As a result, most prospective students are admitted to at least one
of the schools, to which they apply, reducing somewhat the typical student’s level
of concern about being admitted to college. Generally, the admissions require-
ments for 2-year colleges are substantially more relaxed than those of 4-year insti-
tutions. Two-year institutions often serve as a stepping stone to the more competi-
tive and comprehensive 4-year institutions. In addition to the many public and pri-
vate 4-year colleges and universities, and the liberal arts and technical programs
offered at 2-year community colleges and junior colleges, there are a variety of
private and public vocational training institutes which offer programs which vary
in length from 6 to 24 months. Students may choose to attend one of these pro-
grams following high school if they are interested in a particular vocation. The
basic admission requirement to most of these institutes is receipt of a high school
diploma.

---

54