Guides

Starting high school in the U.S. can feel very different from going to school in China. You may no longer have a fixed class, everyone can have a different schedule, grades depend on much more than final exams, and students are expected to make more decisions on their own. This guide explains the biggest differences and what you should focus on during your first semester.

Applying to college in the United States is about more than just getting good grades. Colleges may consider your GPA, the classes you take, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and other parts of your high school experience. Requirements also vary by college. This guide explains the major pieces of a U.S. college application so you can understand what matters and start preparing early.

You don’t always need the perfect answer. Knowing a few simple phrases can help you respond politely, avoid awkward silence, and feel more confident speaking English.

If you're coming from a different education system, GPA can seem confusing at first. The good news: the basic idea is simple, and you don't need to master it on day one.

AP sounds important, and everyone seems to be taking them. But more AP classes is not automatically better — the right number depends on you.

If you went to school in China, you may be looking for the American equivalent of a 班主任. A counselor is not that — and that difference matters.

In the American system you don't pass a year — you collect credits. Once you know the number you need, the whole system makes more sense.

If you go to high school in California, you'll hear 'A-G' constantly. It's simply the list of courses the UC and CSU systems require you to complete.