Would this be acceptable in Europe? [US High School]

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by cmptrwlt

Well, we do not even call it high school in Norway. The correct term is upper secondary school. It is just the equivalent of high school. The first year in an American college is pretty much the same as last year of upper secondary school in Norway. The Norwegian bachelor's degree is three years versus four years in the U.S. That is why most Norwegian foreign students drop the freshman year at American colleges or just take the master's degree.

Different systems for different countries...

OK, that's what I thought about the system in Europe in general, but they tell me it's not like that in the rest of Europe any more. So is that last year of upper secondary like a 13th year of HS, to prepare for uni?

[cmptrwlt]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

OK, that's what I thought about the system in Europe in general, but they tell me it's not like that in the rest of Europe any more. So is that last year of upper secondary like a 13th year of HS, to prepare for uni?

I believe the first year of American college is very different from one in Norway. In Norway you can enter professional degrees, like medical or law school (both lasts for 6 year + internship) directly after upper secondory school. In the U.S. you need a three or a four year bachelor's degree.

Primary school (Barneskole, grades 1–7, age 6–13)
Lower Secondary School (Ungdomsskole, grades 8-10, age 13-16)
Upper Secondary School (Videregående skole, grades VG1-VG3, age 16-19)
Higher education: Eight universities, nine specialised universities, 24 university colleges as well as a range of private university colleges. 3 year bachelor's + 2 year master or a 6 year professional degree in medicine, law, etc.

[thetroof]

First two years of American college is taking elective courses to figure out your career path. It isn't till year 3 that you can even legally consume alcohol.