Preparing your kids for college is one of the main keys to their future success. In fact, the more equipped you and your child are for the next level of education, the easier this transition will be. First off, everyone involved needs to know the differences between school and college.
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Differences between School and College
1. Attendance in College is not Mandatory
Unlike the requirements for high school, for the most part, attending class is not mandatory. Unless the instructor makes attendance a component of the student’s grade, college students have a lot more leeway to skip class as they see fit.
2. Free to Leave Campus without Permission
College is vastly different from high school and the requirements that students adhere to, particularly when it relates to leaving campus early. For instance, whenever students start their college classes, they can leave campus whenever they desire. College students are not required to ask for permission to leave the grounds.
3. Class Hours are Flexible – Based on Individual and their Schedule
A specific class hour schedule establishes high school courses for every student that attends. So, everyone must take courses within the school’s daily hours of operation (i.e., 7:30 – 2:30, 8:30 – 3:30, and so forth.).
The hours of classes usually vary quite significantly, mainly because college students may elect to take night courses instead of day classes. Contrariwise, when you sign up for college courses, you can arrange your own timetable based on the schedules of that particular course and time.
4. Assignment Types – Structures Strict in Design
High school assignments are more uniform and must meet specified requirements of school boards. Instructors on college campuses can vary their assignments based on a number of factors, including allowing independent learning and critical thinking as their approach to mastering the coursework.
5. Sizes of Classes Differ
In the first year, freshman students are much more likely to attend classes with large numbers of students (over 100 and more). Dissimilar to high school classes that must be restricted to a small number of students (i.e., 25 to 30, etc.).
6. Huge Independence Transition
In high school, teachers are much more likely to encourage students to study, turn assignments in on time, and help to monitor the number of assignments made.
Unfortunately, this is not the case in college. College Instructors will not prompt students to do the work in a timely base, Nor will instructors consider the load of work that has been assigned. This is because students must be responsible for keeping up to earn good grades.
7. Grievances Handle Differently
In college, if a student has a problem with their grade, the parents cannot intervene in any way. It is up to the student to talk directly to their instructor to settle the matter. Or, if the situation warrants it, they may want to seek help by talking to the Director of that academic program.
8. Text Book Requirements
In high school, teachers automatically hand out textbooks at the beginning of the year. In essence, textbooks are purchased and paid for by the school.
The opposite, however, is true for college students since it is their responsibility to buy their own textbooks for their classes. Also, if they choose to do so, they can sell their books to other students at the end of the semester.
9. Teacher and Administrator Contact with Parents Changes
High school teachers and administrators can talk to parents about their kids’ grades whenever the need arises. This information can help parents to assist teachers with ensuring their kid’s education remain on track.
However, once kids reach college age, these authorizations and consent change. For instance, unless the student has signed the appropriate consent forms, no one on staff can talk to the parents about their kid’s grades. Even if the parent is paying for all of their student’s tuition, books, and housing, they cannot get this information without the appropriate authorization.
10. Cultivating Relationships with Instructors and Teachers
It is up to the student to cultivate a relationship with college instructors. These relationships can also make the difference between a pass or fail or an A or B. Specifically, the instructor sees that the student is engaged and trying to do their best. For instance, students who attend every class, turn assignments in on time and regularly participate in college class discussions make a better impression on instructors when they do not show up.
Unlike high school, the teacher normally approaches the student to ensure that their students pass their classes with good grades.
11. High School Counselors versus College Academic Advisors
Every student in high school and college needs guidance to get through the courses they need to take to graduate. In high school, these officials are referred to as counselors because they have the job of helping to pick the classes for their students. They are simply keeping track of the courses and relaying what needs to be done.
On the other hand, when students enter college, these officials are referred to as academic advisors. These are faculty members who have the role of making course recommendations to students. However, the student is responsible for making the final decision on the path that they prefer to take.
12. Sources of Funding Substantially Different
High school and college are both costly financial endeavors. However, the responsibility for paying for college is often solely in the hand of the student and their parents.
In many cases, the parents and students must plan how college is going to be paid for well in advance before enrolling in a University program. The funds for college may come from a parent’s savings account, the student working an odd job, scholarships, or grants from the government. Simply put, college is often an elective choice that must be paid out of pocket.
13. Reading Materials Assigned Vary Greatly
In most high schools, teachers are often confined to a certain amount of reading that students are required to do. Simply put, the school’s curriculum regulates the number of reading books assigned.
In college, however, professors can pile large volumes of reading assignments in classes like Literature and English. Therefore, students must choose the proper mix of courses each semester. For instance, students may want to diversify their class schedule by taking at least one Math or computer course with subjects that require a lot of extra reading.
14. Living Arrangements May Differ
After students graduate from high school, they may decide to stay on campus instead of living at home. In some cases, they may even be away in another state and enroll in a college or a university. Whatever the case, these students will need to pay out of pocket for the food they eat instead of a home-cooked meal.
15. Time management
To be successful in college, students must have good time management skills. This is especially true for students who work part-time jobs and attend class, too. Students need to know how to balance their work-life, class schedules, and social lives.
16. Meet New People
In high school, you may see the same people every day of the year. In many cases, everyone knows the names of each of their classmates. On the flip side, when you attend a large college or a university, you may meet people from all over the U.S. and abroad.
17. Less Time Spent in Class
In college, students spend less time in class. But, a lot more time studying after classes are over.
