High School vs. College

Estimated Time |
10 minutes

It is crucial for college instructors teaching high school students to understand the differences between high school and college students. Instructors who are aware of the variances can provide appropriate support, set realistic expectations, and help high school students transition smoothly into the college setting. This knowledge empowers instructors to foster a supportive and conducive learning environment that addresses the specific needs and expectations of both high school and college students, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all.

The tables below compares and contrast some of the main differences between the high school and college environments and expectations:

**Differences Between High School and College**
Topic	High School	College
Grades	Grades are made up of frequent tests and homework, and students may be able to bring up a low initial grade by completing smaller assignments and bonuses.	Grades are often made up of fewer assignments, and initial low grades may keep a student from earning high course grades at the end of the semester.
Learning	Learning is often done in class with the teacher guiding the process, offering multiple ways to learn material and frequent quizzes to ensure that learning is occurring.	Learning happens mostly outside of class. Faculty members are responsible for assigning material and covering the most essential ideas; the student responsible for tracking and monitoring their learning progress.
Getting Help	The student's teachers, parents, and a counselor are responsible for identifying the student's need for help and for creating a plan to get help with coursework if needed. Extra assistance is usually reserved for students who have an official diagnosis or need.	A student will most likely need help to complete all courses successfully even if the student did not need extra help in high school. The student is responsible for identifying a need for help, accessing the resources, and using them.
Tests and Exams	Tests cover small amounts of material and study days or study guides are common to help the student focus on what the student needs to study. If the student pays attention in class, the student should be able to answer all the questions.	Tests are fewer and cover more material than in high school. If the student reads all the assigned material, takes good notes in class, spends time practicing effective study techniques, and the student should be able to answer all the questions.

Adapted from Baldwin, Amy. “College Culture and Expectations.” OpenStax, 27 March 2020, https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-3-college-culture-and-expectations.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-introduction

**Time and Task Management in K-12 and College**
K-12	College
Many class activities are planned to facilitate, reinforce, and assess learning.	Class time is given to receiving information for the purpose of learning.
Homework is often similar for each student and assigned with the express purpose of reinforcing key concepts.	Out-of-class tasks such as, reading and reviewing notes are often at the discretion of the student.
Time and tasks are managed by others more often.	Time is managed by the student.

Baldwin, Amy. “Time Management in College.” OpenStax, 12 July 2023, https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/3-1-time-management-in-college.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-introduction

**Differences Between High School and College Faculty**
High School Faculty	College Faculty
Often have degrees or certifications in teaching in addition to degrees in subject matter.	Most likely have not even taken a course in teaching as part of their graduate program.
Responsibilities include maximizing student learning and progress in a wide array of areas.	Responsibilities include providing students with content and an assessment of their mastery of the content.
Are available before or after school and during class if a student has a question.	Are available during office hours or by appointment if a student needs additional instruction or advice.
Communicate regularly and welcome questions from parents and families about a student’s progress.	Cannot communicate with parents and families of students without permission because of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Baldwin, Amy. “College Culture and Expectations.” OpenStax, 27 March 2020, https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-3-college-culture-and-expectations.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-introduction