Most western European countries do not recognize the American high school leaving diploma as sufficient basis for access to higher education. In addition to the high school diploma, they usually require up to two years of higher education for admission. This requirement is unsatisfactory from the U.S. perspective. This period could be reduced or eliminated if students were to take placement examinations such as AP’s or SAT’s earning specified scores/results.
Practices vary, from the Netherlands, in which 5 AP’s are required to grant access to higher education, through Germany, requiring 4 AP’s, to the UK where 2 AP’s are sufficient. "
One would think, with all the hype and Ameri-centrism, that it would be the other way around. Now we know why the foreign kids seem so much more prepared; It's because they are!
"4.2.1. The Issue Most western European countries do not recognize the American high school leaving diploma as sufficient basis for access to higher education. In addition to the high school diploma, they usually require up to two years of higher education for admission. This requirement is unsatisfactory from the U.S. perspective. This period could be reduced or eliminated if students were to take placement examinations such as AP’s or SAT’s earning specified scores/results. Practices vary, from the Netherlands, in which 5 AP’s are required to grant access to higher education, through Germany, requiring 4 AP’s, to the UK where 2 AP’s are sufficient. " http://www.cepes.ro/hed/recogn/groups/guideusa.htm#6.2. One would think, with all the hype and Ameri-centrism, that it would be the other way around. Now we know why the foreign kids seem so much more prepared; It's because they are!
From the "For once, blame the student" thread. Seems to be on topic here too.