Question on US Education System

Not exactly a 'living in HK' question but hopefully there is someone out there who can help me.


In the UK education system the GCSE exams are based on what has been learnt over the preceeding 2 years.


In the US system are the exams based on multiple years study or is each 'Grade' treated seperately (i.e. in the exams you are only ever tested on a single year's study).


Thanks

At college application time at the end of Grade 12, equivalent to the Year 13 in the IB, the GCE system, US college admissions requires SAT 1 and the elite colleges require two SAT 2 subject tests. That's the minimum, the threshold. Most students from elite highschools (private or public) will be armed with a number of SAT 2 subject test scores, and a few AP Scores (AP= Advanced Placement) to boot. Admissions to elite American colleges are hardest to get in because applicants are judged not only on SCORES (loosely described as IQ), they are judged on "EQ" such as the calibre of Extracurricular Activities, passion in pursuing any of them, Care of the Community, Leadership etc. Loosely described as "EQ". It's a self eliminating process therefore.


About SAT 1 and SAT 2, go to www.collegeboard.com