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How College is Different
How College is Different
- More competitive – In four-year schools especially, the majority of students have taken college preparatory classes in high school.
- More work – more reading, writing, and larger assignments. Less extra credit.
- Quicker and Less flexible deadlines.
- May be based on tests only.
- You may receive a grade in the course with fewer tests and papers (but longer). There may be several chapters of material on each test.
- Requires self-monitoring. Often must calculate yourself as the semester progresses.
- There is more reliance on note taking and reading comprehension.
- Text and materials may be assigned but not taught in class.
- Test items often includes material not taught or reviewed in class.
- There is an expectation that students can “self teach”.
- The overall amount is significantly less.
- The relationship with instructors is more impersonal and distant.
- The student is responsible for contact and requesting the accommodations needed throughout the semester.
- The responsibility is on the student.
- No other person monitors homework completion.
- No one to “check in” and see how you’re doing.
- Significantly more stress due to the previous academic factors.
- Time management issues, such as work, homework, residential living, family obligations.
- Prioritizing commitments.
- College social life—more opportunities to socialize, more adult activities, more appealing activities than the classroom.
- Residence halls--more to do, more people, more noise, potentially less rest.
- The student is responsible for finding the appropriate office on campus for accommodations BEFORE the start of the semester.
- The student must make an appointment to register and request accommodations.
- The student must have current documentation that supports the accommodation requests.
