Study options in the United States include secondary schools, community colleges and universities. Compare programmes, locations, total costs and student support, and check each institution's international entry requirements. ISSCC helps Hong Kong students build a shortlist, prepare documents and follow up applications.
| Route | Who It May Suit | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School | Students who want to complete high school in the USA | Age and grade placement, graduation requirements, boarding or homestay, and student care |
| Community College | Associate degrees, applied programmes or a planned university transfer | Transferable credits, partner universities, required grades and subject restrictions |
| Undergraduate Degree | Students applying for a bachelor's degree after high school | Academic and English requirements, testing policies, references, application essays and activities |
Common documents include high-school transcripts, graduation or enrolment certificates, English translations, references and application essays. Academic and English-language test requirements vary by institution and entry year. An exemption offered by one institution does not necessarily apply elsewhere.
Use theEducationUSA undergraduate application guideto build a document checklist and deadline calendar. Allow time for references, translations and requests for additional information.
There is no single deadline for all US institutions. Entry terms, early or regular applications, scholarships and accommodation may have separate deadlines. Confirm the official timetable for your intended programme and entry year, then work backwards to plan your preparation.
Prepare a full-year budget in US dollars (USD) for a specific academic year, such as 2026/27. Include tuition and fees, accommodation, meals, health insurance, books, transport and flights. Use each institution's published international-student Cost of Attendance and check whether it covers nine or twelve months and whether holiday accommodation costs extra.
EducationUSA's financial planning guidanceencourages students to compare the actual costs of individual institutions. Scholarships may not cover every expense; include them as confirmed funding only after receiving a formal award.
Planning resource:EducationUSA's Five Steps to US Study.
No. Transfer depends on the programme, credit recognition, grades, available places and the receiving university's decision. Check the specific transfer agreement.
Institutions make their own admissions decisions. ISSCC helps students compare options, organise documents and follow up applications.
Find Schools in the USA · Book a Free Consultation
Updated 25 September 2026. Prepared using the official EducationUSA sources linked above. Check each institution's latest published requirements.
