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Braedyn
Student
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Is college classes a lot different from high school classes?
Going into college next year, just wondering what classes will be like.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Braedyn the transition from high school to college is a significant and transformative journey, marked by newfound independence, personal growth, and academic challenges. One of the most striking differences you'll experience is the shift in coursework. The academic expectations, teaching methods, and level of autonomy change as you move from the structured environment of high school to the more dynamic and self-directed world of college.
• ACADEMY RIGOR — College coursework is characterized by a deeper level of academic rigor and complexity. The material covered in college classes is often more in-depth and requires critical thinking, analysis, and independent research. Unlike high school, where teachers guide students through the curriculum, college professors expect you to engage with the material at a higher level and take responsibility for their own learning.
• CLASS STRUCTURE — High school classes are usually structured with a set schedule, consistent meeting times, and a small group of students. In contrast, college classes can vary widely in terms of structure and size. You may have classes that meet only a few times a week, with larger class sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of students. This shift will require you to adapt to a different teaching style and take initiative to seek help when needed.
• CLASS SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY — College offers greater flexibility in creating class schedules. You'll now have the freedom to choose your courses and often have a wider range of class times to accommodate their preferences. This flexibility will enable you to balance your coursework with your other commitments, but it also requires effective time management skills to ensure you met all your obligations.
• INDEPENDENT LEARNING — College places a strong emphasis on independent learning. Unlike high school, where teachers closely monitor progress and assignments, college professors provide general guidelines and expect you to manage your time and assignments on your own. This level of autonomy requires self-discipline, organization, and the ability to set priorities.
• COURSEWORK — College coursework often involves a higher volume of reading, research, and assignments. Students must learn effective time management strategies to juggle multiple classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Procrastination can lead to overwhelming workloads, highlighting the importance of planning and staying ahead of deadlines.
• GRADING CRITERIA — The assessment methods and grading criteria in college can differ significantly from high school. While high school may rely heavily on periodic exams and standardized testing, college assessment methods can include a mix of exams, essays, research papers, group projects, presentations, and class participation. Grading in college may also be based on a smaller number of assignments, placing greater weight on each of your individual assessment.
• ACADEMY RIGOR — College coursework is characterized by a deeper level of academic rigor and complexity. The material covered in college classes is often more in-depth and requires critical thinking, analysis, and independent research. Unlike high school, where teachers guide students through the curriculum, college professors expect you to engage with the material at a higher level and take responsibility for their own learning.
• CLASS STRUCTURE — High school classes are usually structured with a set schedule, consistent meeting times, and a small group of students. In contrast, college classes can vary widely in terms of structure and size. You may have classes that meet only a few times a week, with larger class sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of students. This shift will require you to adapt to a different teaching style and take initiative to seek help when needed.
• CLASS SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY — College offers greater flexibility in creating class schedules. You'll now have the freedom to choose your courses and often have a wider range of class times to accommodate their preferences. This flexibility will enable you to balance your coursework with your other commitments, but it also requires effective time management skills to ensure you met all your obligations.
• INDEPENDENT LEARNING — College places a strong emphasis on independent learning. Unlike high school, where teachers closely monitor progress and assignments, college professors provide general guidelines and expect you to manage your time and assignments on your own. This level of autonomy requires self-discipline, organization, and the ability to set priorities.
• COURSEWORK — College coursework often involves a higher volume of reading, research, and assignments. Students must learn effective time management strategies to juggle multiple classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Procrastination can lead to overwhelming workloads, highlighting the importance of planning and staying ahead of deadlines.
• GRADING CRITERIA — The assessment methods and grading criteria in college can differ significantly from high school. While high school may rely heavily on periodic exams and standardized testing, college assessment methods can include a mix of exams, essays, research papers, group projects, presentations, and class participation. Grading in college may also be based on a smaller number of assignments, placing greater weight on each of your individual assessment.
Stan Brosko
Sales
6
Answers
Brookhaven, Georgia
Updated
Stan’s Answer
Hi Braedyn,
Yes, college classes are quite different from high school classes! College classes typically offer more independence, deeper learning, and a chance to explore subjects in greater detail. It's a new and exciting experience, but it also requires more responsibility and self-discipline compared to high school.
Yes, college classes are quite different from high school classes! College classes typically offer more independence, deeper learning, and a chance to explore subjects in greater detail. It's a new and exciting experience, but it also requires more responsibility and self-discipline compared to high school.