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Post-bac aux Etats-Unis
Points about American universities :
By Ann King
- One of the advantages of American universities is that students do not need to decide on a major (their field of concentration) until their junior year (third year). Students are required to take a broad variety of courses during the first two years of study for their "culture générale". As a result, it is possible to indicate one field of interest during the application process and then to change one’s mind even before beginning one’s studies.
- While taking a paid preparation program for the SATs is not obligatory, it is recommended to buy preparation books (available on Amazon) to become familiar with the vocabulary and concepts in English. The SATs are multiple-choice question tests, and the Math tests require speed, which is different from the French approach of having time to do elaborate explanations on Math problems.
- The SAT French Subject test can be useful for obtaining university credit, at least for American or English native language students. This may not be the case for French students, but it would be worthwhile to contact the universities to which one is applying to find out about their policy. For schools that require SAT Subject tests as part of the application (not all do), they may or may not frown on using the French Subject test as one of the three required tests. Contact the university directly to see if they would consider the French Subject test as too easy coming from a bilingual speaker. On the other hand, there is no limit to the number of SAT Subject tests one can take, and high scores can obtain credit or allow skipping a lower level course (again, check with each university about their policy).
- While the OIB is not generally recognized by American universities, the level of English required for the OIB makes excellent preparation for the SAT Critical Reading and Writing tests and for the SAT Literature Subject test. As American universities require a year of freshman (first year) composition, the OIB can help students to be exempted from part of this requirement, depending on the policies of the university.
- Some American universities that are familiar with the French baccalaureat have policies concerning credit awarded to students with the French bac. This usually comes out to a year of credit, reducing the time needed for a bachelor’s degree to three years (and saving money !). Other universities are usually willing to award credit on a department by department basis, if the family takes the initiative to contact the departments and explain the French courses and standards.
Dernière modification le 28-10-08 par
