Although you might think that college is simply one step above high school,
there are several differences between the two, and you need to be prepared for
what's ahead. Here are a few of the most important differences:
High School Classes vs. College Classes
In high school, most of your classes were probably assigned to you and you
were supplied with many of your classroom materials and books. You probably also
had a guidance counselor telling you which courses to take and when. In college,
it is your responsibility to sign up for the classes you need to take to
graduate (if you need help with this, you will need to make an appointment with
an advisor) and you are responsible for buying all class materials. Buyers
beware...college textbooks don't come cheap.
High School Teachers vs. College Professors
High school teachers tend to be a little more accommodating to their
students than do college professors. Your high school teachers probably made
sure they knew your name and a few important things about you. They also
monitored your grades and attendance, provided you with notes when you missed
class, and reminded you of upcoming assignments and tests. Many college
professors don't take attendance or have the time to make sure all of their
students are making passing grades in all of their courses. If you miss a class,
plan on getting notes from a fellow classmate. If you attend a large college or
university, your professors probably won't even try to remember your name, as
they have hundreds of students each semester. Also, remember that if you want
some one-on-one time with your professor, you won't be able to hang around after
class like you did in high school; you will have to make an appointment during
his/her office hours or correspond with him/her through email.
High School Tests vs. College Exams
High school tests usually occur more often, cover less material, and count
less toward your overall course grade than college exams do. In college, you
will probably only have two or three exams per course, and they usually cover
several chapters and are worth a larger percentage of your final grade. Most of
the time, your professors will not review exam material with you before the
test; it will be your responsibility to study your notes and materials and to be
prepared. Also, most college professors will not allow 'make-up exams' during
the term of the course, so students should try not to miss class on the day of
an exam. For most of your college classes, you will either have a mid-term,
final or both.
Keep in mind that there are a number of differences between college and high
school, and it is up to you, the student, to know what is expected of you for
maximum achievement at all levels of your educational career!
