It’s difficult to know what college is like until you get there. And in these unknown times, it’s even harder to imagine what college life will look like for fresh students who just left high school. Before we begin, let’s define some terms and then flush out what makes college different from high school.
What is High School?
In America, High school can be considered a Rite of Passage. High school is a place where individuals go to learn what they need for the next big step in life before they have to begin adulting. In a 3-part system such as the United States, children attend high school after middle school (“junior high”). It is a school that students usually go to for grades 9 through 12, from about 14-15 to about 17-18. It is also the last school that the law requires the student to go to.
What is College?
A college is a degree-awarding tertiary educational institution, a part of a collegiate or university system that offers undergraduate programs – either as an independent institution or as the undergraduate program of a university. So, a college can be part of a university. One example is having a College of Behavioral Health at the University of Oklahoma.
Difference between College and High School
Below are different ways in which college is different from high school. Knowing the differences and preparing for them ahead is essential to achieve a smoother transition. If you would like a great resource, order the LYS guidebook.
Method of Teaching
College: Professors present materials from textbooks and other academic sources. Lecturers may lecture nonstop, take a break, give in-class assignments, and discuss in-depth research about topics with students. As a student, you will be expected to be alert to all assigned readings and be able to summarize them – so taking good notes is very important. Also, keep in mind that professors have teaching assistants or TAs also known as a Graduate Assistant. A teaching assistant can be a former student or someone studying for a doctorate. One thing that irritates me the most is when a professor uses YouTube during lectures. Like, great way to replace yourself with a tech guy.
High School: Here, teachers present material from textbooks, writing information on the whiteboard or chalkboard to be copied by the students. We aren’t going too much into this because if you are reading this, you are likely already in high school or have been there.
Size of Class
College: The size of the college ranges between twenty to one hundred students. Suppose you’re going to a major university. In that case, some of the first-year level courses may even have several hundred, if not up to a thousand, students in the class simultaneously. Professors are referred to as “Doctors” if they have a doctorate in their chosen field. Graduate assistants are also allowed to teach students to assist the professors.
High School: Classes are taught by teachers ranging from associate to master’s degrees. Most classes are generally not more than 35 students per class.
Time Management
College: Here, you manage your own time. Whether you attend classes, do your homework, and study is your business. Even though professors may not necessarily take attendance, they may likely know if you attend classes or not. They do this by passing out sign-in sheets, having you sit in the same seat, or other ways depending on the class size.
High School: Teachers, administrators, and parents monitor and structure your time. Teachers monitor class attendance carefully. This way, you can’t skip classes for no reason.
Grading
College: Good grades result from your ability to apply what you have learned to solve problems. Having good grades is essential–scoring high on tests and examinations.
High School: Your ability to comprehend what’s being taught plays an essential role in how excellent your grades would be. Courses are normally tailored to reward a “good-faith” effort, so regularly good homework grades may help increase your overall grade if test grades are low. Also, extra credit projects are always available to help increase your grade.
Studying
College: Professors usually assign substantial amounts of reading and writing, which may not talk through in class. You must study for at least two to three hours outside class. This will help you to keep up with the coursework. This is where the biggest change comes in as a high school student. You may be assigned to read ten pages per class that are due by the next class. So this is where YouTube is your friend. Use resources like Khan Academy and crash courses to quickly study up on topics to get the gist of them. You can use methods such as reading three pages at a time in the morning followed by three pages in the evening so that the topics will stick in your mind better.
Homework
College: Nobody will tell you what to do, as you are expected to use the course outline (syllabus), which spells out what is required of you, how it’s graded, and when it’s due. It is left for you to read and comprehend the assigned material – assignments and lectures are based on the belief that you have already done so. Professors may not have time to check if you are keeping up with homework, but they will assume you are up to the tasks during tests.
High School: Teachers will always tell you what you need to learn from assigned readings. They will remind you of assignments and due dates and check your completed homework.
Testing
College: Testing is uncommon and may cover large amounts of material. You are required to organize the material to prepare for the test. Professors may not offer review sessions – but when they do, they expect you to come up with questions that are difficult for you to answer.
High School: Testing is standard and covers small amounts of material. Teachers regularly conduct review sessions, revealing the essential concepts. Makeup tests are often conducted for students who miss the primary test.
Conclusively, college vs. high school life has many differences; however, most are positive differences. Students should prepare their minds for anything after graduating from high school. We got you if you need a great resource to do just that.
Parents visit www.ladderingyoursuccess.com/parents
Students visit www.ladderingyoursuccess.com/students
