How College is Different

Academic Environment

• 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.

Grading

• 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.

Knowledge Acquisition

• 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”.

Support

• 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.

Responsibility

• The responsibility is on the student.
• No other person monitors homework completion.
• No one to “check in” and see how you’re doing.

Stress

• Significantly more stress due to the previous academic factors.
• Time management issues, such as work, homework, residential living, family obligations.
• Prioritizing commitments.

Distractions

• 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.

Expectations

• 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.