Personal freedom, class schedules, grading, study practices–there is no doubt that high school and college can seem more different than they are alike. What kinds of differences can you expect?

Matt Tiedemann, an Idahoan in his first year at Seattle University, says that he expected to have to be more self-motivated, but college classes require "self-learning" as well.
     "It seems as if classes are structured so you really don’t ‘have to’ do anything," Tiedemann said. "In high school teachers often laid out exactly what they expected and sort of showed you a formula for success. However I have found that in college your professors don’t do that. You’re expected to figure the class out and find your own formula for success. It can be difficult."
    Professor Robert Koelling of Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, agrees. He writes on his web site A Student’s Guide to Northwest–Clear Explanations and Practical Advice (www. northwestcollege.edu/campusserv/advice/college/colvhs.htm), "In college, the responsibility for your education shifts almost entirely to you.  Most colleges go out of their way to provide help for students who request it. But you have to ask for help."
    "It’s your education," Koelling writes. "It’s your responsibility to get it."
    The fact that college students are held to more adult expectations than high schoolers (even high schoolers who have taken advanced-placement classes, held down jobs, or experienced a large degree of personal freedom and responsibility) is further illustrated in a list of contrasts between high school and college provided by the University of Montana on their web site Making the Transition from High School to College, (www.umt.edu/provost/newfreshmen/transition.htm).
    In high school, the university says, "Teachers impart knowledge
and facts, sometimes drawing direct connections and leading you through the thinking process. College professors expect you to think about and synthesize seemingly unrelated topics." The site lists about 25 other points of contrast between the two education experiences, along with the results of a survey of U.M. professors, The Top 10 Things Your Professors Don’t Want To Hear. The first one? "I didn’t have time." The professors’ response? "There are 168 hours in one week so you have enough time to study 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour in class."– illustrating what they feel your priorities should be!
    The counseling center at your college can help you with the change in your personal and academic surroundings. They want you to do well, and part of their job is to retain you as a student. So, many have programs specifically designed to help freshmen successfully make the transition. You can use eCIS to look for this help–you’ll see the "Orientation" or "Academic Advising" offices listed under "Services and Activities" (within the Services for all students topic) in both Idaho Schools and National Schools descriptions.
    

See all of Matt's and Lydia's  notes...

   Meeting the challenges that college life presents will help shape you into the adult you’ll become. Lydia Hayes, a Boisean in her sophomore year at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, says "In college, there are no cliques. You can be whoever you want and do whatever you want and no one cares. For me, this has led to some self-discovery."
    Now that you’re armed with some information from the pros, start practicing your college behavior in high school. And remember, lots of people are pulling for you–good luck!

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