It is usually considered approximately equivalent to 5 GCSE qualifications (grades A*-C), which are 2-year courses in various subjects that UK students take at age 14-16.
If they want to go onto university after that, they have to take 2 more years of advanced course (A levels) in 3-5 subjects (age 16-18) - these A levels are approximately equivalent to US AP classes (at score/level 5) or the first year or two of US college.
To study at university in the UK, you need decide on your major before you apply as you have to apply to study a specific course/subject in a specific department. Most people have to apply through UCAS - the website is here if you want to take a look and find out more about applying for a bachelors in the UK:
http://www.ucas.com/If you want to see what your US qualifications are actually equivalent to the UK, it might be worth contacting NARIC and get them to translate them properly (
http://www.naric.org.uk/).