\x100\x100 How to transform from high school to college
\x100\x100The first thing you will notice about college is that it is much different than high school.You have more freedom and more opportunities,indicating that you must make important decisions yourself.At day one you are alone.Even if you know other students at the university,you are one in thousands.Becoming someone of importance is challenging,and at times can be very intimidating.Understanding the changes from high school to college will give you a head start.
\x100\x100Freedom
\x100\x100One of the biggest differences between high school and college is that in college every decision is yours to make.Your parents are not there to remind you to do your homework.You are now allowed to choose what classes you want to take and when those classes will be.
\x100\x100The Benefit:If you have ever felt trapped while in high school,because you were unable to make decisions for yourself.Now is the time to prove to everyone that you know what is best for you.In college you are set free,and if you let your ambitions guide you,you can go places and do things that you never imagined.
\x100\x100The Negatives:For many students,freedom is the one thing that destroys them.If you have the freedom to do great things,you also have the freedom to make poor decisions.
\x100\x100My favorite freedom that I gained by graduating from high school was no longer needing to ask to use the restroom!I hated asking a student teacher,still in college and only a few years older than me,if I could use the restroom.
\x100\x100Classes
\x100\x100In high school,I was able to go to class,listen to the teacher,finish the homework assignment,and talk to my friends,all in one class session.In college those tasks will be separated.
\x100\x100Total class time in college is much less than in high school.Professors will cover what they believe is the most important information in that time; however,it does not mean that they will cover all of the material that will be on the test.Most of your college learning will actually be done outside of class and classes will be used for reviewing and reinforcement of concepts.Where as in high school all learning was done in class and review was done outside of class and only if necessary.
\x100\x100Class Attendance:Some professors will give you credit for being in class.Others could care less.However,it is HIGHLY recommended that you attend ALL classes.
\x100\x100Syllabus
\x100\x100Everything you need for a class will be put on the syllabus.Professors may not give any additional reminders of tests,homework assignments,and papers.Not paying attention to your syllabus could be one of your worst mistakes.
\x100\x100Opportunities
\x100\x100The possibilities are endless.You can participate in 鈥渞eal鈥 research,researching things that no one else has.You can be a leader in a student organization that grows to be an organization that many universities support.You can write a book,and have the necessary advisors,professors,to teach you the ropes of having something published.You will learn how to get involved in campus politics,which I believe can be as important as city or national politics.
\x100\x100Meeting People
\x100\x100One of my favorite parts of college is meeting people.Reach out to people.Don鈥檛 be afraid to start a conversation with a stranger.You never know,that stranger may end up being your coauthor,or your business partner.There is nowhere else besides a university where you can find such a large amount of people with countless and unimaginable skills.
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\x100\x100In university,teachers expect you to be responsible.They don't usually remind you of upcoming due dates.If you are having difficulty in the class they won't approach you,you have to ask for help.
\x100\x100I have a lot more group projects than I used to.Grading sometimes is also more difficult.For instance in my math class there are only 4 tests that make up your grade.So each test is worth a lot more points than if there were homework assignments and quizzes as well as tests.
\x100\x100As far as attendance some teachers care and others don't.Most teachers will not allow make-up exams except under extenuating circumstances like a death in the family or religious holiday.The good thing is that you can choose to take classes at night or even online.
\x100\x100As far as environment it is very rare for a teacher to have a discipline problem in the class.Teachers have the right to tell you to leave if you are disruptive.A lot of my fellow classmates are also paying for school themselves so they take it a lot more seriously.
\x100\x100I go to a community college so I can't tell you about living on campus.
\x100\x100I hope I have answered your question.
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\x100\x100What are some things I should do to prepare?
\x100\x100Find out early what is needed for your career choices and plan to take the appropriate courses.for example,if you are planning to pursue teaching you will need to take "teachable" courses in you undergraduate degree (courses that are taught in the public school system)
\x100\x100Don't put off studying,even if leaving things until the night before has worked for you in the past.Given that the workload is consistently higher in university,constant effort and study is imperative.
\x100\x100Identify areas where you need support (time management,study skills,writing,etc) and ask for help - ask your professor where to find help or seek out the information through Student Services.
\x100\x100Keep your options open by maintaining good grades that will allow to entrance into further study.
\x100\x100Plan study times within your day.If you have an hour between classes,go to the library and review notes.
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\x100\x100High School
\x100\x100Teacher/Student Contact:Contact is closer and more frequent (five days a week).
\x100\x100Competition/Grades:Academic competition is not as strong; good grades can often be obtained with minimal effort.
\x100\x100Status:Students establish a personal status in academic and social activities based on family and community factors.
\x100\x100Counseling/Dependence:Students can rely on parents,teachers and counselors to help make decisions and give advice.Students must abide by rules of parents,teachers and counselors.
\x100\x100Freedom:Students鈥 freedom is limited.Parents will often help students out of a crisis.
\x100\x100Distractions:There are distractions from school,but these are partially controlled by school and home.
\x100\x100Value Judgments:Students often make value judgments based on parental values; thus,many of their value judgments are made for them.
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College
\x100\x100Teacher/Student Contact:Faculty are available during office hours (only a few hours a week) and by appointment to address students鈥 concerns.
\x100\x100Competition/Grades:Academic competition is much stronger; minimal effort may produce poor grades.
\x100\x100Status:Students can build their status as they wish; high school status can be repeated or changed.
\x100\x100Counseling/Dependence:Students rely on themselves; they see the results of making their own decisions.It is their responsibility to seek advice as needed.Students set their own restrictions.
\x100\x100Freedom:Students have much more freedom.They must accept responsibility for their own actions.
\x100\x100Distractions:The opportunity for more distractions exists.Time management will become more important.
\x100\x100Value Judgments:Students have the opportunity to see the world through their own eyes and develop their own opinions and values.