中五打算到美國留學

1. There are only 2 types - public and private.

2. Interestingly - you will learn faster than typical students. The reason is not related to you as a Band 1 student, but as a Arts student.

3. No - due to system difference, your chance in admitting into a regular university is not high in nature.

Another 3. No comment as it depends on where you choose.

4. Definitely yes. In some cases, worse than your home.

5. Impossible. In the past, Form 5 is considered high school graduation. Under NSS, Form 6 is now high school graduation.

You need to graduate from high school for community college admission.

6. Possible. But the U.S. system is better designed than Hong Kong. So if this is the case, you need to hold the responsibility (as your result has to be poor enough for that happen).

7. USD$40,000 total cost per year in average.

8. You need to have a backup plan. I don't think typical parents will allow children studying in Music. In that case, you may need to make plans, such as double major in psychology and music as concession.

First of all, I think you should go to Canada instead of U.S.A., since normal Universities has a higher standard comparing to U.S., and all Universities in Canada are public, so, it is cheaper than those one in U.S. (Talking about those famous one)

Even you studies Arts Program, you can still continue studies Arts, take HKDSE, and get into a university in Canada, and take some art programs, and graduate with an art degree.

When comparing to other programs with HKDSE, it is easier to get into the art program with the certain result. At the top university in Canada- University of Toronto, here is the admissions requirement for art and social science:

Admission Requirements:

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
The completed diploma, including at least 2 elective subjects from Categories A and/or C. Subjects should include prerequisites for intended programs. No transfer credit will be awarded.

Mathematics Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) or Module 2 (Algebra and Calculus) is required for programs with the Calculus prerequisite.

Then, in terms of tuition fees, it is similar to U.S. , roughly around $25000-30000 (CAD) = $20000 - 25000 (USD) per year

English will not be a big problem, since they got a lot of support to int students.

For other details about studying in Canada, you can check other questions I have answered.