More and more Chinese students choose to attend high schools in the US after finishing junior high school. It is important to understand the admission criteria for each high school. General speaking, the admission committee not only look at TOEFL, SSAT or SLEP scores, they also access their overall quality such as level of independence, adaptiveness or individuality. They prefer students who are both academically strong and engaging in social activities. Students with strong leadership qualities and communication skills, or students with special talents in art or sports are also well sought.

Students and parents should research on the type of schools to attend, the location and living expenses, the college admission rates, the strength of the schools and the admission criteria. Lots of schools require a phone or Sky interview in spite of satisfactory test scores. Some schools will conduct a placement test upon arrival at the school to determine which class the student should attend. Other documents include an application form, school transcript, SSAT or ISEE score, and financial support. SSAT test is available in several cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Congqin, Guandong and Nanjing. You can go to www.ssat.org/test-center-search to find the complete list and their contact information.

Tuition varies greatly based on locations, school types, and school reputations. Generally speaking, you are looking at between $40,000 and $50,000 per year for private boarding schools. Schools with religious affiliations can be cheaper, e.g. between $20,000 and $30,000 per year for boarding schools.

Students usually get J-1 or F-1 visa to study in US high schools. A J-1 visa will be issued if the student is involved in culture exchange programs. Some restrictions can be applied to the visa, e.g. the student can stay in the US for only one year, and must return to the home country upon program completion. It is common that students do not need to pay tuition.

F-1 visa is issued to students who attend full time high schools and pay tuition. The visa is valid as long as the student is enrolled as a full time student. Many schools require students to study for at least two years for the high school diplomas to be issued.

SLEP stands for "The Secondary Level English Proficiency Test". It is administered by American middle and high schools to applicants whose first language is not English. The SLEP test was discontinued June 30, 2012 and replaced in the ETS catalog by the TOEFL Junior test. In addition, a large number of schools that formerly used SLEP began using the iTEP SLATE exam by Boston Educational Services after June 2012. The TOEFL Junior is intended for students aged 11 - 14. The tests are administered in two formats - TOEFL Junior Standard (paper-based) and TOEFL Junior Comprehensive (administered via computer). The TOEFL Junior Standard test has three sections: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension and Language Form and Meaning. The TOEFL Junior Comprehensive test has four sections: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Speaking and Writing. TOEFL Junior scores are mapped to the CEFR and test takers are provided with a certificate of achievement

The SSAT is the required admission test at many of the best independent schools in the US. It is designed for students in grades 3 through 11 and is administered on three levels - Elementary, Middle, and Upper??. Middle Level is for students currently in grades 5-7 and Upper Level are for students currently in grades 8-11.

TOEFL iBT test is an internet based TOEFL test that measures ability to use and understand English at the university level. It evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

A military high school uses a military model in student management. Although the curriculum setting is not very different from other high schools, a military high school emphasizes greatly in leadership quality, discipline, working under pressure, time management, perseverance, attention to details and teamwork. Attending a military school does not mean a student will go into military after graduation, and does not guarantee that the student will be admitted into military schools for college study.

Obtaining health insurance while studying in USA is mandatory. A student can choose to purchase his/her own health insurance, or use the plan provided by the school. The annual insurance cost for international students can vary greatly based on the company and plan selection. It can be as low as $500 or as high as $3000.