One of the biggest questions that Seniors have on their mind is "How is College Different from High School?"

Following the Rules in High School vs. Choosing Responsibility in College

• High School is Mandatory and usually FREE...College is Voluntary and EXPENSIVE
• In High School your time is structured by others...You manage your own time in College
• In High School you need permission to participate in extracurricular activities...In College you must decide whether to participate in student activities
• In High School, Parents and teachers take the lead in reminding you of responsibilities and guiding you in setting priorities...In College, YOU must balance your responsibilities and set priorities
• In High School, You go from one class to another, 6 hours every day, 30 hours a week...In College you often have hours in between classes and class times vary throughout the day and evening (as a full-time college student, you may only spend 12-18 hours/week in class)
• In High School, your classes are already arranged for you...In College, you arrange your own schedule in consultation with your academic advisor
• In High School, you are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate...In college, graduation requirements are complex and different for each major and YOU are expected to know those that apply to you

High School vs. College

• High school is mandatory and usually free… College is voluntary and expensive.
• In high school, your time is structured by others… In college, you manage your own time.
• In high school, you need permission to participate in extracurricular activities… In college, you choose whether to participate in student activities.
• In high school, parents and teachers lead in reminding you of responsibilities and helping you set priorities… In college, you must balance your responsibilities and set your own priorities.
• In high school, you move from one class to another for about 6 hours a day (30 hours a week)… In college, you often have breaks between classes, and class times vary. A full-time college student may spend only 12–18 hours a week in class.
• In high school, your classes are arranged for you… In college, you arrange your own schedule with help from an academic advisor.
• In high school, you’re not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate… In college, graduation requirements vary by major, and you are expected to know the requirements that apply to you.

High School Teachers vs. College Professors

Homework & Assignments

• In high school, teachers check your completed homework.
• In college, professors may not check each assignment, but will expect you to know the material for quizzes and tests.

Reminders & Accountability

• Teachers often remind you about missing or incomplete work.
• Professors generally do not remind you—you’re responsible for keeping track.

Communication with Parents

• Teachers may speak with you and your parents about progress or concerns.
• Professors cannot discuss your academics with parents due to federal privacy laws (FERPA).

Getting Help

• Teachers may approach you if they think you need help.
• Professors are usually helpful, but expect YOU to initiate contact when you need support.

Availability

• Teachers are often available before, during, or after class for quick conversations.
• Professors expect you to attend scheduled office hours.

When You’re Absent

• Teachers often give you the information you missed.
• Professors expect you to get notes from classmates.
• Teaching Style
• Teachers present material to help you understand the textbook.
• Professors may not follow the textbook closely—they might lecture, discuss research, or expect you to make connections on your own.

Note-Taking

• Teachers often write information on the board for you to copy.
• Professors may lecture continuously, expecting you to pick out key points.

Assignments & Due Dates

• Teachers frequently remind you about homework and deadlines.
• Professors expect you to read and rely on the syllabus, which outlines expectations, due dates, and grading.
   
• Tests in High School vs. Tests in College
• Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of materin in hight school...In college, testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of matrial; YOU not the professor, need to organize material in order to prepare for the test; there may be only 2 or 3 tests in a whole course!
• Make up tests are often avaliable in high school...In college, make up tests are seldom an option, if they are YOU have to request them.
• High school tests may be rearranged to avoid conflict with other tests or school events...Professors in different courses usually schedule tests without regard to the demand of other courses or other activities.
• Teachers frequently conduct review sessions, pointing out the most important concepts...Professors rarely offer review sessions and when they do, they expect that you are actively participating and come prepared with questions.

 

Grades in High School vs. Grades in College

• Grades are given for most assigned work in high school...Grades in college may not be provided for all work
• Consistently good homework grades may raise y our overall grade when test grades are low...In college, grades on tests or major papers provide most of the grade for the course.
• Initial test grades, especially when they are low, may not have an adverse effect on your final grade in high school...In college, watch out for your first test!  These are usually wake up calls to let you know what is expected, but they can also count for a major portion of your grade.
• You may graduate high school as long as you passed all your required courses with a D or higher...In college you may graduate only if your GPA is a 2.0 (at least a C) and in some majors you may need a C or above in certain courses.
• In high school effort counts...in College, Results count.

 

 

• Take control of your own education.  You are an independent learner.
• Get to know your college professors and academic advisors because they are great resources to turn to.
• Be assertive and ask for help if you need it.  Don't wait until it is too late.
• Take control of your time, plan ahead and be realistic about your other responsibilities; satisfy academic obligations.
• Use an Academic Planner or Agenda to remember important deadlines, paper due dates, course exams etc.
• Discuss with your advisor your course selections.
• Set goals for each semester, the year and your college career!