Differences between High School & College

In High School… academic expectations are not always high and good grades can often be obtained with minimum effort.
In College… academic expectations are much higher, and minimum effort usually produces poor grades.

In High School… teacher-student contact is frequent with classes usually meeting five days a week.
In College… classes meet less often – sometimes only once a week – faculty are usually only available during their office hours and by appointment. (office hours are posted on office doors)

In High School… the teacher prepares a lesson plan and uses it to tell students how to prepare for the next class.
In College… instructors prepare syllabi outlining expectations for the course. Students must be responsible and follow the syllabus to make sure assignments are completed.

In High School… parents, teachers, and counselors give advise to students, many times making decisions for them.
In College… students will experience the consequences of their own choices.

In High School … students must abide by their parents’ boundaries and restrictions.
In College… students have to set their own boundaries and restrictions using time management and prioritizing, both essential to student success.

In High School… parents and teachers remind students of their responsibilities and guide them in setting priorities.
In College… faculty assume students have learned how to “keep up” with their assignments.

In High School… it is the responsibility of the teachers to make sure students are learning.
In College… it is the responsibility of faculty to provide students with an environment in which to learn, but it is up the student to take advantage of that environment.