American children usually begin elementary school at the age of six and attend primary school for six years (Grade 1-6). Secondary education covers grades 7 through 12. The American educational system comprises 12 grades of study over 12 calendar years of primary and secondary education after which students are usually eligible for college admission.

(a) Elementary and Secondary Education
Foreign students in the United States may attend public high school s for up to a maximum of twelve months, whereas private boarding schools in the United States welcome international students for a complete course of study. Boarding schools typically require specific admission tests such as the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). International students also may be required to provide scores from tests of English proficiency such as the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Contact the boarding school's admissions office to find out their specific requirements.
 
(b) Community and Junior Colleges
These are postsecondary institutions that offer two-year associate degree programs designed to prepare students for transferring to four-year universities for an additional two years of study. Most community colleges are commuter institutions that serve local residents and thus do not operate student housing facilities.
Community colleges maintain “open-door” admissions policies in which anyone who wishes to enroll and meets minimum entry requirements is able to do so.

For Hong Kong students, these minimum admissions requirements are:
●    Completion of Secondary 5 or 6, or older than 18;
●    English language proficiency, as demonstrated by the TOEFL iBT, or IELTS score; and
●    Evidence that the student has at least the financial resources to pay for the expenses incurred in one academic year.
 
(c) Colleges/Universities
These institutions offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs. "State universities" are run by U.S. states. Private colleges and universities are funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees, research grants, and gifts from alumni. Students are advised to start begin their preparation to apply to colleges and universities at least twelve months prior to the term's commencement date. For Hong Kong students, typical admissions requirements include:
●    Official high school transcripts;
●    English language proficiency, as demonstrated by the TOEFL iBT, or IELTS test score;
●    Undergraduate aptitude tests, like the ACT and SAT;
●    Completion of Secondary 6;
●    2 - 3 letters of recommendation;
●    Application essays; and
●    Evidence that the student has at least the financial resources to pay for the expenses incurred in one academic year.

Approximate expenses a year studying in the U.S