American terminology

This entry is from Sam Teo (now residing in America, formerly ex-Tanjong Collage, Miri, a very smart and helpful friend):

Please note the following American terminology:

2.1 College
A 4-year institution of higher learning that grants a bachelor's degree.

2.2 Community, or Junior College
A 2-year institution of higher learning that normally grants an associate degree, and also prepares a student for transition to the 3rd (Junior) year in a 4-year college.

2.3 Graduate ("Grad") School
A program within a university or institution of similar standing that prepares a candidate for advanced degrees, e.g., Master's or Doctorate.

2.4 Professional School (Business, Law)
A program within a university or institution of similar standing that prepares a candidate for a professional degree or diploma, e.g., MBA, JD, LLD.

2.5 School of Medicine, or Dentistry
A program within a university or institution of similar standing that prepares a candidate for a degree in medicine or dentistry. Note: With the exception of a few, medical schools in the USA normally require that candidates possess a bachelor's degree with concentration in subjects that are prescribed in the "pre-medicine" curriculum. Different from the system used in the Commonwealth, a medical degree awarded by a U.S. medical school is "Doctor of Medicine (MD)", and it usually requires four years of study in a medical school. A high school graduate does NOT normally go straight to a "medical school", unless the college has a "6-year medical program", in which case an MD can be earned 6 years after high school, at an accelerated rate.

There are numerous others, and the above is just a general guide.

The following a a kind of road map for those who are thinking of college in the USA.

2.6 Planning ... preparation ... etc
http://www.college.gov/

2.7 "U.S College Rankings - 2010"
Google search for US Colleges

2.8 "Best colleges 2010 - U.S. News Reports"

2.9 "Preparing International students for College Life in the USA"