Understanding American schools: GPA, AP, SAT and the diploma

This article is for parents considering a school that follows the American curriculum. It uses official sources to show how grade levels, test scores and the diploma fit together. Rules can differ by school, university and year, so please confirm with the relevant body at the end.

The basics of US schooling

US schooling runs 12 grades after kindergarten. Children usually start Grade 1 around age 6, though some start at 5 or 7. Which grades form elementary, middle and high school, and the age cut-off date, depend on state and district rules. Graduates receive a High School Diploma. (US Department of State, InfoUSA, as of 2026-10-29)

Which grade is my child?

British schools count Reception, then Year 1. American schools count kindergarten, then Grade 1. So the same child is one number higher in the British system: UK Year 7 equals US Grade 6, which is the age of Korean middle school year 1.

Korea groups children by calendar year (January to December) and starts the school year in March. Children born September to December therefore often sit one grade apart from the UK and US. For example:

• Born January-August 2019: UK Year 2 from September 2025; US Grade 1 where the district cut-off is 1 September; Korean primary year 1 from March 2026.
• Born October 2019: UK Year 1; kindergarten in that same US district; Korean primary year 1 from March 2026.

Schools decide placement from birth date and prior schooling, so treat these examples as a guide only. (Staffordshire County Council)

What are AP, SAT and ACT?

AP

AP (Advanced Placement) courses are college-level courses taken in high school, with exams scored 1 to 5. Multiple-choice and free-response scores are combined and converted to the 1-5 scale. The score is a recommendation on readiness for college credit or placement. Many US colleges give credit or placement for a 3 or higher, but each college sets its own policy. (College Board)

SAT

The SAT total is 400-1600. Reading and Writing and Math are each scored 200-800. Each section has two stages, and the first stage decides whether the second is harder or easier (adaptive testing). Percentiles compare a student with all test takers worldwide over the past three years. (College Board)

ACT

The ACT has English (35 minutes, 50 questions), math (50 minutes, 45 questions) and reading (40 minutes, 36 questions). Science (40 minutes, 40 questions) and writing (40 minutes) are optional and do not count in the Composite score. Check in advance whether your target colleges want the optional sections. (ACT)

How should I read GPA?

GPA (grade point average) is a general term for course grades converted to points and averaged. Whether grades are weighted and how advanced courses such as AP count vary: calculation methods differ by school — always confirm with each school and university.

The diploma and school accreditation

The diploma is a core document for university applications. It also helps to know what accreditation the school holds.

ACS WASC is one of the four US regional accrediting agencies. It serves over 5,500 schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. A two-person team makes an initial one- or two-day visit. The school community then writes a self-study and action plan, which a visiting committee validates. Schools report progress every year after accreditation. (ACS WASC)

Accreditation can also matter differently from country to country. Tokyo's International Schools Portal lists WASC among the international accreditations that Japan's MEXT recognises for university entrance. NIC-Japan says completing 12 years at a school accredited by one of those bodies qualifies a graduate for Japanese university entrance. (Tokyo International Schools Portal, as of 2026-06-25) If you have a country in mind for university, check that country's latest rules.

How are these used in university applications?

EducationUSA, run by the US Department of State, says undergraduate applications for September entry are typically due between November and January. Requirements vary by institution. They usually include the diploma and transcripts sent directly by the school, test scores where required, recommendation letters and an essay. (EducationUSA)

Here are examples from outside the US:

• Korea University's 2027 special admissions guide (Seoul campus) let applicants submit up to five certified scores, including language tests and standardised results such as AP, IB and SAT. Predicted scores were excluded. This is one university in one year. (Korea University guide)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU) admits holders of international qualifications such as SAT and AP through its Non-JUPAS scheme, with direct applications to the university. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer; interviews, personal statements and references count. For 2027 entry, the first-round deadline is noon (HKT) on 25 November 2026. (HKU)

How scores are accepted and when deadlines fall differ by university and year. Always read the latest guide from the university you apply to.

Checklist

• I have worked out my child's grade using the US district cut-off date and birth date.
• I understand how Korean, British and American grade levels can be offset.
• I know AP is scored 1-5 and that credit policy is set by each college.
• I know the SAT is scored 400-1600 and is adaptive.
• I plan to check whether target colleges require the optional ACT sections (science and writing).
• I have checked which accreditation (for example WASC) the school holds.
• I have listed the international admissions pages and deadlines of the universities I may apply to.

Ask the school

• On what cut-off date and what records do you base a child's entry grade?
• How is GPA calculated, and how are AP courses counted?
• Can students take AP, SAT or ACT exams at the school? What are the dates and fees?
• Which bodies accredit the school, and what is the current accreditation status and renewal timing?
• How do you send transcripts and the diploma directly to universities?