Q. How does a university work in the US?

American universities are situated within a complex and flexible educational environment that provides many different types of courses, teaching styles, and extracurricular activities. Looking at how universities operate in the US, you have to examine many different aspects: admission procedures, academic structure and composition of faculties, and features of campus life.

If one is to be admitted into a university, the applications that may have to be approved include transcripts of academic records, standardized test results (including such tests as SAT and ACT), letters of recommendation, essays on ability or interest, and open interviews. Institutional entry requirements differ--some institutions favor academic achievements, while others consider comprehensive factors, which include extracurricular activities and personal characteristics.

After admission, students normally engage in a four-year undergraduate program to get a bachelor's degree. Usually, the first two years are spent on general education requirements, from mathematics and sciences through humanities to social sciences.

An average academic year is split into two semesters: autumn and spring. Courses are categorized by credit hours, and students must accrue numerous credits to qualify for graduation. 

In addition, universities in the US stress a participatory learning environment. Discussion, collaboration, and guidance: Students are encouraged to participate actively in these aspects. There are also common office hours and academic support services available for students to help them with their studies.

Besides the academic side of things, campuses have various extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports teams. The grading system normally involves calculations based on GPA (Grade Point Average), which adds up the individual subject grades of students to provide an overall average level.

Overall, universities in the US serve as hubs for academic exploration, personal development, and diverse experiences, aiming to prepare students for their careers and broader contributions to society.