jasmyn
What's the biggest difference and hardest adjustment transitioning from high school to college?
I'm and upcoming senior and I wanted to be prepared for the transition #college #student #college-bound #freshman
5 answers
Felicia G Meadows
Felicia G’s Answer
Hi Jasmyn! The biggest transition is organization and time management. There is a greater need for independence in college.
Richard Lopez
Richard’s Answer
Hi Jasmyne. The hardest adjustment for me was time management. In High School, my schedule was somewhat pre-determined by teacher, parents and school activities.In college, you have a lot more freedom with your schedule and good time management skills are critical. There can be lots of distractions and fun ways to spend your time in college and this is also an important part of the experience. However, it takes discipline to fit in study time especially if you work while going to school. With good time management skills, you will have no problem adjusting to college life. Good luck!
Kelsey Peterson
Kelsey’s Answer
The hardest adjustment for me was the amount of studying and learning I needed to do outside of class. In high school the teachers would cover everything you need to know for the test in class or in the homework assignments you had to turn in. In college teachers would assign reading or other assignments that were never checked - so silly me, at first assumed those assignments weren't important since I didn't have to turn them in. Then I had my first test, and even though I attended every class and paid attention and took a ton of notes I didn't do well because I hadn't done the assigned reading outside of class.
In college you need to hold yourself accountable, if you don't do the assignments or the readings assigned as homework you're teacher wont care, it's your choice, but you will see the results on your tests.
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Jasmyn!
You asked a very important question. Here is some insight that might be helpful:
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/10-tips-college-freshmen-should-know
https://www.uwplatt.edu/counseling-services/major-differences-between-high-school-and-college
http://www.smu.edu/Provost/ALEC/NeatStuffforNewStudents/HowIsCollegeDifferentfromHighSchool
I remember my first English Lit class. We had a syllabus of what we were supposed to be reading, but the professor's lectures lagged behind. I didn't keep up with the reading on the syllabus because of this, I thought he was just changing things, so I was shocked when he announced that the first test was going to cover the material on the syllabus, not just the story he had lectured on. I was hundreds of pages behind in reading; I don't remember if I was able to catch up or not. So my advice is to not to assume anything, and to go to office hours to clarify rather than assume a change. Depending on your school, there may be classes that are designed to weed people out, so be careful not to fall into a trap, or to make the same mistake I did!
Rebecca Whittaker
Jessica Canton
Jessica’s Answer
You are not on your own, there is help available. Professors have office hours, your campus will have career counseling, etc., but it is up to you to make use of the resources and schedule the appointments.
Good luck!