What Is Your Highest Level of Education? [What to Answer]

Have you ever thought about what to answer when someone asks for your highest level of education? Don’t worry. This article will help you understand everything there is to know about how to answer this question.

What Is Your Highest Level of Education?

Your highest level of education is the highest certificate you have received from a school or academic institution. Most questionnaires about the level of education you possess start at “High School Graduate” and end with “Doctorate.” This question is used to find out your experience.

What Is Your Highest Level of Education

Surveys often ask these types of questions to see what you’re best suited for. It’s common for job applications to ask about this to ensure you have a suitable level of education before applying.

Highest Level of Education If You Are Still in High School?

If you are still in high school, you technically do not have a “highest level of education.” You should only ever input your most recent graduation from an academic institute.

If you’re not far from graduating high school, you may still be able to write “High School Graduate.” As long as you are not questioned until after your course completion date, this should work well.

If you are not planning on achieving a high school diploma, you should go to whatever the next stage down is (usually elementary or middle school diplomas).

Highest Level of Education If You Are Still in College?

If you are still in college, the highest level of education you have is “High School Graduate.” This is very dependent on the person, as some people have completed multiple degrees while still being in college.

For the average student in college, “High School Graduate” makes the most sense. It shows that you have graduated high school and are currently working toward your next graduation (which would be from college).

You may say something like “undergraduate” as well, but it depends on the questionnaire and what you need it for.

Highest Level of Education If You Are Still in University?

The same rules apply to college as to university. You should stick to writing “High School Graduate” until you successfully graduate.

The only time you might say “postgraduate” or higher is if you are close to completing your studies at university. If you know you will have graduated before someone asks you about your highest level of education, you will get away with this.

The simple rule is “don’t lie.” If you do not currently have the level of education you’re claiming, you will get caught out.

What Are the Levels of Education in the UK?

In the UK, there are 8 official levels of education. The first and second levels are similar but based on grades. The first two levels relate to studying at a secondary school. Level 1 is for those with low grades at the GCSE level, and level 2 is for those with high grades.

After that, students can choose to go to college (or sixth form), which allows them to get their first higher education level. This is known as “A-Levels.”

After that, you can earn your degree through various diplomas and apprenticeships. Each degree increases in level from 4 to 8. Level 8 in the UK refers to earning your doctorate (the highest form of education).

What Are the Levels of Education in the US?

The levels of education in the US are very similar to the UK. The main difference comes from how they are named.

Firstly, the US doesn’t use a leveling system like the UK. Instead, it sticks to simplistic terms like “High School Graduate,” “Undergraduate,” “Postgraduate,” “Master’s,” etc.

It’s a simple system that allows someone to go through a list to find their exact qualification level. They can look through options that range from high school to university and higher.

The final level of education in the US is also a doctorate. The doctorate is the most valued level of education across both countries.

Final Thoughts

When answering your highest level of education, write the most recent level you earned. This means that you have to have already graduated from an institute to “earn” the education level. For example, You should not say “University graduate” until you graduate from university.