3 answers
Taylor
Student
Goodyear, Arizona
2
Questions
Updated
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What is the major difference in studying for college versus studying for high school courses? #fall25
Incoming freshman for the fall 2026
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3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Taylor. The biggest difference between studying in college and in high school is how much responsibility you have for your own learning.
In high school, most things are planned and organized for you. You go to class almost every day, teachers remind you about homework and tests, and they often check if you understand the lessons. Classes are usually smaller, and teachers give you extra help when you need it. High school learning is more structured, teachers guide you step by step so you don't fall behind.
College is very different. Professors give you a syllabus at the start of the semester that lists all the assignments, tests, and important dates. After that, it's your job to keep up. Classes might only meet once or twice a week, so you'll spend a lot more time studying on your own. Professors won't always remind you about deadlines or missing work. You have to manage your time well, plan ahead, and stay organized. This freedom can feel overwhelming at first, but it helps you learn important life skills like time management and responsibility.
The work in college also goes deeper. Instead of just memorizing facts, you'll be expected to think critically, ask questions, and apply what you've learned in new ways. College exams and assignments often test how well you understand and use the material, not just how much you remember. This means you'll need to study actively, take good notes, and review them often.
In high school, most things are planned and organized for you. You go to class almost every day, teachers remind you about homework and tests, and they often check if you understand the lessons. Classes are usually smaller, and teachers give you extra help when you need it. High school learning is more structured, teachers guide you step by step so you don't fall behind.
College is very different. Professors give you a syllabus at the start of the semester that lists all the assignments, tests, and important dates. After that, it's your job to keep up. Classes might only meet once or twice a week, so you'll spend a lot more time studying on your own. Professors won't always remind you about deadlines or missing work. You have to manage your time well, plan ahead, and stay organized. This freedom can feel overwhelming at first, but it helps you learn important life skills like time management and responsibility.
The work in college also goes deeper. Instead of just memorizing facts, you'll be expected to think critically, ask questions, and apply what you've learned in new ways. College exams and assignments often test how well you understand and use the material, not just how much you remember. This means you'll need to study actively, take good notes, and review them often.
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
As far as actual studying....
College professors are more serious about you being dedicated to take their class. They might be more demanding for you to show how serious you really are about your college education and future career.
However, they may also treat you as an adult with understanding but without hand-holding.
Otherwise, the biggest difference in college courses and high school courses is money spent. Unless it is not your concern.
Try to look up requirements for your college major and see if you have any courses with similar description available to take in high school that would be counted towards college.
If you think they are similar, contact your major advisors, give them description of high school course and ask if this can be counted towards their college course.
College professors are more serious about you being dedicated to take their class. They might be more demanding for you to show how serious you really are about your college education and future career.
However, they may also treat you as an adult with understanding but without hand-holding.
Otherwise, the biggest difference in college courses and high school courses is money spent. Unless it is not your concern.
Try to look up requirements for your college major and see if you have any courses with similar description available to take in high school that would be counted towards college.
If you think they are similar, contact your major advisors, give them description of high school course and ask if this can be counted towards their college course.
Justine Shamey
education
10
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Justine’s Answer
In college you don't get reminders to turn in your work.