how does the class work in college differ from high school?

For me, I had been an Honors student in high school and took AP classes, and it seemed every year the teachers kept feeding us the same line: "They won't go easy on you in college, so I'm not going to let you...". When I finally went to college, I almost got angry with them, because the truth is college is different, not harder. If anything, college gives you the opportunity to be more of an adult, make your own decisions, and be responsible for your own actions. You don't have to raise your hand to get up and go to the restroom during class, you just go. If you forget to turn in homework, there isn't any major shame-session in front of the class, you just get a 0. If you ask for help, the professor (generally) does their best to help you. If you're struggling in a class and know you won't pass no matter how hard you try, you can just drop it and move on. College is a much more validating experience than high school because they allow you to make your own choices and mistakes.

The long and short of it is, the coursework will be more rigorous, you will have to read your textbooks on your own time, you will have to study, and you will have to self-regulate. Some classes will be more difficult, like sciences and maths, but some will be more fun and liberating, like public speaking, art, and theater. You will have more choices to make, more autonomy, and more chances to screw up, but all that is the best way to learn how to be a responsible adult. Your classes will generally be a little harder than they would be in high school, but if you pay attention, take notes, read the book, and get on good terms with your professors, you should have no trouble adjusting to the work. You will have to apply yourself, but you just have to do it all on your own time, as opposed to being forced in a box for 8 hours a day like you were in high school. I suggest you find a quiet spot in the library, your house, or your dorm, and make it your study space. You will be able to focus better and stick to your responsibilities.

In truth, college can seem a magical place after high school. It's a place of independence and new experiences. A place where self-expression is applauded, and people who felt stuck in a cage in high school are allowed to fly free. A place where you are in control of your educational destiny. The myths your high school teachers told you about college are almost all false. Professors will let you turn in work late, so long as you talk to them about it before hand and act professionally when you communicate with them. You will get second chances, third chances, and even fourth chances. You'll make a ton of new friends, and believe it or not, you will have free time to do fun things with them. There will be fairs and festivals and sporting events on campus, and you'll get opportunities for internships and experiential learning to further your career aspirations.