British teachers sometimes talk in disparaging terms about the first year of American college, claiming that it is less challenging than our A-levels.

Although it is true that introductory level classes are designed for those with limited experience in the subject, classes are taught by difficulty, not according to year group.

Bright first-year students are able to take classes "meant" for students in their last year. If they can convince professors that they are up to it, they are even allowed to take post-graduate seminars.

As the extent of the re-drawing of the political landscape after September 11 became apparent, I was able to switch my focus from comparative literature to political philosophy. For my major cultures requirement I studied Contemporary Islamic Civilisation.

In order to help me with my final thesis on technology my last year saw me studying non-human primate behaviour, quantum physics, Marx, and the mathematics of surfaces and knots.

Now that UK Universities have started charging fees, they have entered a market in which US colleges have a considerable head start.

Students need to know that the university and the course they have chosen have a reputation that carries with potential employers and one that will endow them with self-belief, organisation, and valuable contacts in return for their financial investment.

His full article is here, some stats are here, the main article is here and the leader is here.