Terminology
Differences
As you research US educational institutions, you should note
the following variations in terminology between the US and UK:
• Public school:
Type of school in the US, which is state-funded
• Grade: Used in
the US both to describe a mark gained or season in education (see table below
for conversions)
• Report card:
Papers given to each higher education student by the school, record his/her
represents (grades) at the end of one fourth, term or year
• Transcript: An
formal document created by the school record the sessions finished by the
school student, his/her represents (grades), GPA (grade factor average),
category position and/or educational honours
• High school
diploma: Certificate granted upon finishing school, rather than a particular
qualification as in the UK
• Grade Point
Average: A mathematical regular of the ultimate qualities US learners get for
their sessions. More details on calculating a GPA can be found in the
undergraduate study section of this website
• Admissions
tests: The SAT (pronounced S-A-T) and ACT (pronounced A-C-T) are US university
acceptance examinations. Though the exact terminology varies by condition,
"end-of-course" examinations are standardised examinations set by situations
at the end of a particular season of school. These examinations are somewhat
akin to the UK SATs, GCSEs and A-levels. However, they are offered on a
state-by-state basis and may not have any bearing on your kid's GPA
Key
Differences
Academic Year: The school season in the US is often shorter
than that in the UK. Most educational institutions organise their school season
by semesters. There are two semesters in the school season. The autumn term is
from mid-August / beginning Sept - December / Jan. The springtime term is from
Jan - end of May / mid-June.
