Unit 1-新视野大学英语第三版.docxVIP

Unit 1 Fresh StartText A Toward a Bright Future for AllBefore readingBefore reading Text A, you may need to know the following things to help you with a better understanding.American higher educationIn the United States, students can choose to go to college after high school. (They can also choose to go straight to the workforce after high school.) They have the option of attending a two-year community college before applying to a four-year university. Admission to community college is easier, tuition is lower, and class sizes are often smaller than at a university. Community college students can earn an associate degree and transfer up to two years of course credits to a university. College and university students need to pay tuition, but many earn scholarships or receive loans. Although admissions policies vary from one university to another, most determine admission based on several criteria, including a students high school course of study, high school Grade Point Average (GPA), participation in extracurricular activities, SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Testing) exam scores, a written essay, and possibly a personal interview with a representative from the admissions office. Most students in the United States take the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT during their final year of high school. Each university sets a minimum SAT or ACT score that a student must achieve in order to gain admission. These are standardized quantitative examinations. The SAT tests critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills. The ACT tests English, mathematics, reading, science reasoning, and includes an optional writing test.Extracurricular activities may include scholastic clubs, athletic teams, student government, and philanthropic clubs. Voluntary participation in these kinds of activities is an indication that a student has learned valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, leadership, or civic responsibility.University students pursuing a bachelors degree a