Studying in College Vs. High School
High school: students may study little (0-2 hours a week) and it may mostly be in preparation for a test
College: students may need to study at least 2-3 hours for each hour of class
For some students, the workload at college is shocking! If you need help, see us in DS & visit the Academic Commons for tutoring & other support!
Students may need to continually review class notes and text materials, whereas in high school, one read was usually sufficient.
Large amounts of reading & writing are assigned without being discussed in class, whereas in high school the material was short and re-taught in class
It is up to students to understand what must be learned from reading assignments
Professors rarely offer review sessions, and they are run by teacher assistants if they do
Mastery is determined by the student's ability to apply what they've been told or read to new situations
Tests are infrequent and cover large amounts of material
Make-up tests are almost never allowed
professors schedule tests without regard to school events or other classes
High School
- Most assignment receive grades and can pad your overall grade
- Good hw grades may help raise poor test scores
- Extra credit is offered
- Initial tests are often not counted, especially if they are low
College
- Assigned work may or may not be graded
- Test & major papers provide the majority of the grade, but grades may be lowered if hw is not done
- Extra credit options are not typically available
- First tests let students know what is expected
Time is structured by others
Attending is mandatory and schools make sure you are there
Adults remind students of responsibilities and help set priorities
Students are not responsible for knowing requirements to graduate
Permission is required for extracurriculars
Students are corrected if their behavior is out of line, but teachers reteach behavior expectations
Most classes are arranged for the student
Students are expected to take responsibility for their actions and decisions
Attending is voluntary; no one will make you attend
Students decide if they can handle extracurriculars
Students schedule their own classes
Students manage their own time
Students balance their own responsibilities and priorities
Graduation requirements are complicated and frequently change; students are expected to know what applies to them
High School
Small classes
Students go from one class to the next
6 hours a day (30 hours/week) in classes
In College
Classes can have more than 100 students
Students have long breaks between classes & may have class at night
2 to 4 classes a day (12 to 16 hours/week)
College schedules can be flexible
Unlike in high school, attendance may or may not be taken, but professors know who misses. When you ask for help, expect the professor to consider your attendance relevant.
Not only is tuition expensive, but students typically spend $600 or more on textbooks each semester!
Have you looked into financial aid? Some students with disabilities receive assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Attitude is the mind's paintbrush. It can color any situation.
Questions?
SMSU Disability Services
drnotes@smsu.edu
Office Phone: 507-537-6492
Fax: 507-537-6812
Last Modified: 6/29/22 10:18 AM | Website Feedback