To be admitted to a school that provides any level of post-secondary education, you need a high school diploma or GED with official transcripts. You also need to complete the school's application, which generally includes an essay, and submit the application fee. You must send to the school your SAT or ACT test scores. Many schools require letters of recommendation from teachers, employers or volunteer supervisors. Some will require an interview.
Community colleges, associate degree programs, and technical or occupational schools have the most general requirements, seldom exceeding those listed above.
In addition to the general requirements, many private and state universities have minimum GPA requirements. Generally, course prerequisites for high school students include four years each of English and history, two to three years of math and science, two of a foreign language, and one year of any type of art.
To enter a graduate program, applicants must have received a bachelor's degree. Most programs require a test like the GRE, GMAT or MCAT. Some may substitute a minimum undergraduate GPA. Letters of recommendation in this case will come from professors and employers.
There is often a special application to complete for non-degree seeking students coming for professional development, or for college experience. In some cases, students can still be high school seniors or may be concurrently attending another institution. In all cases, credit loads and financial aid are limited.
For post-secondary programs in the arts, auditions or portfolios are a large part of the application process. Letters of recommendation should come from sources who have seen the quality of your work in your area of specialization.
International students whose native language is not English will have to provide proof of proficiency with TOEFL (or similar English language test) scores. Schools also require financial verification with the signature of a guarantor, proving that you have the funding for your time in the United States.