<p>By many European universities' standards, a European high school diploma equals an American high school diploma plus two years of college.
Why is it that the American system is so complicated and requires so many things (with all its SAT's, ACT's, AP's, CLEP) to actually equal a European diploma such as the French Baccalaureate? Do you think it has to do with the American standards of education? And why is it that in order to get into a good American university you need a huge amount of extra-curricular activities and leadership compared to European universities, where a good grade in your Bac, Matura, Selectividad, or others will get you anywhere?
What are your views on this?</p>
<p>In the states, undergraduate education is based on the principles of liberal arts education. That is, you study subjects outside of your intended major. That's why it's less important how good you are in a specific discipline, since you're likely to end up somewhere else anyway. Instead, admission officers are keen to see how you approach things in general. Are you a passionate person, are you someone who might be able to thrive in this liberal arts education system?</p>
<p>In Europe, you focus on one subject. That's why it's important for the universities to see whether you are actually academically apt. They don't care if you suck in the humanities as long as you're brilliant with numbers and study mathematics. Why should they?</p>
<p>I am too lazy to type it again.</p>