Does anyone else get frustrated by people from outside the U.S. who have never set foot in an American school, yet constantly claim that “our school system is too easy” and imply that we must be unintelligent?
I’ve noticed many non-Americans online assuming our education system is a breeze after seeing one SAT math question, not realizing that the SAT assesses knowledge from as far back as middle school. I’ve also come across someone who proudly mentioned transferring to an American school and earning all A’s, only to discover that they aren’t even enrolled in honors or AP classes. Many of them seem shocked to learn that a passing grade here can be below 60 or 70, depending on the school, which is quite different from the grading systems in their own countries.
When you factor in that American colleges place a significant emphasis on extracurricular activities—more so than many colleges elsewhere—you start to see that our school system isn’t as easy as they might think.
I totally get your frustration! It’s definitely annoying when people make sweeping judgments about the American education system without understanding the nuances behind it. The SAT and other standardized tests do cover a lot of material, and the expectations can vary widely from what people are used to in different countries. Plus, honors and AP classes are a whole different ball game that many international students might not be familiar with.
It’s easy for outsiders to make assumptions based on isolated experiences or challenges they see online, but they often overlook the full picture of what American schools require. Extracurricular activities, the pressure of college applications, and the diverse educational landscape make it a unique environment. Every system has its strengths and weaknesses, and it would be great if more people could appreciate that complexity instead of jumping to conclusions. Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that every student’s experience is different!