The key to an international student's success in an American program is a clear understanding of the U.S. system of higher education. Here are some common terms that will help you familiarize yourself and begin your path to a successful future.

Accreditation - when a school is accredited, it means they have met a specific standard in their programs. It is best to seek a school that has been accredited by a specific body because then you know that you're getting an education that is up-to-par in your particular field of concentration.

ACT - an achievement test and assessment of the knowledge you have obtained in high school. This is an entrance exam required by certain schools and tests subjects like math, reading, English, and science. It's multiple choice and also includes a writing section.

Associate Degree - a two-year degree that is usually obtained at a community college. Many students who earn an associate degree will transfer to a four-year college or university to get their bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's Degree - a four-year degree that is earned at a college or university. Not only do students who obtain a bachelor's degree get specialized knowledge in their field of choice, but they also gain a well-rounded education, usually in liberal arts.

Campus - the entire group of buildings that make up a college or university. Campus includes the main school buildings, the library, and oftentimes some dormitories.

Community College - a two-year academic experience that typically ends when a student graduates with an associate degree.

Credits - in order to graduate with a particular degree, students must earn a certain amount of credits. Each class is worth a certain amount of credits that count toward a student's progress in their degree. Oftentimes, the number of credits is equivalent to the amount of hours a student will spend in that class per week.

Distance Learning - a method of education whereby students use their computers to complete all their assignments. This is to give students a flexible way to complete their degree from anywhere in the world that has Internet access.

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) - the highest degree a person can receive. This usually comes after having worked toward both a bachelor's and master's degree. It is a more intense and focused course of study that culminates with a dissertation, which is a detailed written report of your doctoral research.

Dormitory - students who go away to school may choose to live in a dormitory where other students live. Dormitories are usually on campus, close to main school buildings.

Grading System - most American colleges grade on a 4.0 scale, where each letter grade represents a different number. A 4.0 is the highest possible average you can have, equivalen to an A, signifying that you're the cream of the crop. A 3.0 is a B; 2.0 a C, and 1.0 (no, no, no!) is a D.

Internship - a job that students take in the field they intend to work in after they graduate. Internships are usually unpaid and for school credit, but some internships may receive a stipend or hourly payment. Many people who take internships during their college experience find it helpful for the real world and have an opportunity to network before graduation.

Liberal Arts - this is a broad concentration of the arts, sciences, and humanities. Most colleges and universities have a liberal arts program and some even have a liberal arts major.

Major - the main field of concentration. You take most of your classes within your major. This especially includes specialized classes that give you a greater knowledge of what you are working toward.

Master's Degree - the degree that continues your academic studies after your bachelor's degree. This gives very specialized knowledge to the student. Master's degree programs vary in length, but many full-time master's programs take only one to two years.

SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test. This college entrance exam is required by most colleges and universities as part of the application process. It can be taken different days throughout the year at various locations. It consists of math, reading, and writing sections.

Technical School - a specialized school that teaches students the skills they need to work in a particular career, such as electronics, mechanics, and other trade programs.

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