Differences Between High School and College

High School

• Students have a structured, set schedule.

College

• College offers flexibility and a variety of class options.
• Students build their own custom schedules to meet their needs.
• Classes can be taken face-to-face, online, or hybrid.
• Classes offered during the day and in the evening.

High School

• Teachers often remind students when assignments are due.

College

• Instructors do not constantly remind students about assignments; students are expected to follow the syllabus.
• The course syllabus contains all the important information related to due dates, reading assignments, grading scale, student expectations, learning outcomes, and college policies.

High School

•  Students do not spend more than 5-10 hours per week studying outside of class.

College

• Studying rule of thumb: For every hour in class, study two hours outside of class.
• Full-time students study on average 24-36 hours per week.
• Study times may vary by course difficulty levels.

High School

•  High school classes typically last a full school year, although some high schools offer block scheduling.

College

• Typical college academic year: two 15-week semesters, fall and spring.
• Classes typically meet twice a week, only 30 class meetings.
• Summer semester is usually used to help students get ahead or get caught up on requirements for their program of study.

High School

•  Teachers often provide students with notes and clearly identify what information will be on tests.

College

• Great note-taking skills are a necessity for college students.
• Students must be able to listen and to capture key points from the information that is presented in class.

High School

•  High school graduation requirements are set by state and typically do not vary from student to student.

College

• Graduation requirements differ from major to major.
• Most majors have specific courses that must be completed with a certain grade in order for a student to receive credit for the course.
• Students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that they take the correct courses to stay on track for graduation.

High School

•  Teachers are more likely to approach students that may need help.

College

• Students have to take the initiative to visit their instructors during office hours, to attend study sessions, to visit tutoring labs, and to get involved in campus activities.
• Colleges have a wide variety of resources available to help students.