High School vs. College: What to Expect

Remember those comprehension questions on SAT tests that ask, "Rudder is to a ship, what bridle is to a _________ (correct answer: horse)? Well, a similar comparison can be applied to high school versus college. High school is to college what gym class is to team sports, or what dating is to marriage. In gym class you get exercise, just as you do when you play sports. But playing on a team involves a deeper, more focused commitment. And while dating and marriage both mean having a special relationship with another person; going out on a date is no where near as serious as getting married.

Likewise, what you can expect from college is a different kind of experience than high school. An experience that is more intense-and for many students-more rewarding because it relates directly to their future. One thing's for sure, knowing what to expect can help you make a smoother transition between these two worlds. Read on to find out how.

There are at least three major ways college will be different than high school, based on the acronym AIM.



A is for Academics

1. Original thoughts count more in college. Susie Ivy, a recent graduate in fashion design from Dominican University says, "Professors want you to do more than regurgitate facts; they want you to show what you know on tests and in class." Study skills, such as active reading and mnemonic devices, including acronyms, can help you learn new material. (That's one reason this article is using the acronym AIM, to help you remember what you're reading.) So while you're still in high school, make your study habits strong. If you're having trouble in a subject, don't put off getting help. And when you get to college, attend classes regularly and visit your professors during their office hours. These are set up specifically for you to get answers to questions that will be on tests. Take advantage of these scheduled times throughout the semester-not just the day before a big exam.
   
   
2. How well you use your time is one of the keys to success in college. While having fun may have been your major in high school, in college you'll need to check your schedule more often and plan ahead for what you want to do with what you have to do. Lakisha Swanigan, a junior in communications at Eastern Illinois University gives this advice: "The workload is heavier, so it's more important to keep up with assignments. Study in advance for exams, and start papers as soon as they're assigned."
   
   
3. This isn't your high school library. College libraries are veritable academic powerhouses. Attend an orientation class or ask a librarian to show you around. They can help you find unique resources, like electronic databases and scholarly journals, which will come in handy when it's time to write an important paper.
   

I is for Independence

1. In college you will become more independent than you are in high school. This means you need to make wise choices about your personal safety, finances, and overall well-being. Know when and where to get help in case you get sick or have trouble with a class. For example, find out where the infirmary and student services center are located. Always ask someone you trust to escort you to your car or dorm room at night if you're alone. Many campuses offer free escort services.
   
   
2. Plan to manage your money. According to financial columnist, Jean Sherman Chatzky, today's college grads carry an average of $20,000 in debt (USA Weekend, "14 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Left Home," May 23, 2003). Student loans and credit cards make borrowing your way through university a snap. But paying off a huge debt won't be. Sit down with your parents and draft a realistic budget, agreeing on who will pay for what. Be sure to agree on credit card spending. Your parents may say, "Use your credit card only in case of an emergency." Your idea of an emergency expense may mean buying concert tickets before they sell out. But what your parents have in mind is: "Use the credit card to call a tow truck if your car breaks down on the highway."
   
   
3. Take care of yourself. The time pressures in college are real, making it easy to live off little sleep and lots of coffee. If you don't look out, you'll find yourself pulling all-nighters to study for exams, ordering carry out pizza every other night, and exercising only one organ in your entire body-your brain. But you'll get better grades and have more fun if you maintain a healthy routine. Here are a few simple stay-healthy rules:
   
   
   • Exercise regularly: One sure way to get physically active is to sign up each semester for a gym class. At most colleges you can take anything from aerobics to yoga. Or make a pact with your college roommate or another student that you'll regularly exercise together.
   • Eat healthy: Don't give in to the temptation to survive on fast food. Keep fruits and low-fat power snacks in your book bag so you can grab them easily while walking across campus. Find the healthy places to eat both on and off campus, and study the menu. Most restaurants offer at least a couple of healthy dining choices.
   • Get enough sleep: Try to get eight hours every night. Once a week go to bed at 9:00 to give yourself an extra cushion for stress. Between afternoon classes, take a 20-minute nap. You'll be amazed at how these mini-siestas can give you the energy you'll need for the rest of the day and evening.
   • Resist the use of drugs and alcohol. You've probably already heard about college parties and the initiation rituals of some fraternities and sororities. Dana Celaya, a sophomore at Syracuse University explains, "I was pretty straight-laced in high school, so when I got to college I figured it was my time to try everything. I started drinking too much and even began to skip classes. If a friend hadn't confronted me about my problem, I know I would have had to quit school." While Dana's drinking got out of hand, even so-called recreational use of drugs is a sure way to cloud your college experience. Besides, it's illegal, and in many states so is alcohol if you're under 21. And whatever you do, don't get into a car with someone who's been drinking or using drugs.

M is for Marketability

1. The only goal of most high school jobs is to earn a little extra cash. But in college you'll need to think more strategically about work. You'll want to look for internships, work study programs, and summer jobs that relate to your field of interest. Begin now to explore careers that appeal to you. Talk to someone who works in that field, and/or set up an appointment with a guidance counselor at school. Find answers to questions such as: Which college majors are ideal for this career? What kinds of skills are needed (e.g. computer, math, writing, speaking, etc.)? What are the personal traits of people who are successful in this job (enjoys details, likes to work alone, able to lead, etc.)?
   
   
2. In high school, you may see extracurricular activities as simply doing something you enjoy that you also happen to be good at. But in college these activities help a future employer envision your potential. While you're still in high school, as well as when you get to college, plan to participate in activities and events that develop your leadership abilities. Join an honorary club, if you're invited, or start your own club or event. In short, do something that shows in a tangible way how you were able to make a difference.
   
   
3. Professors can open doors of opportunity for you. While high school teachers care about teaching you subjects; college professors care about preparing you for a career. Troy Harris, a graduate from the University of Arizona, wishes he had done things differently. "I was intimidated by college instructors, and looking back I see how stupid that was. You'll have about 40 professors in the course of your college education. Get to know the instructors who are teaching courses that interest you," he suggests. "Professors tend to fairly well-connected in their fields. When it comes time to look for employment, instructors can be good friends to have." They can also write letters of recommendation for you. But be sincere. If a professor knows you're buddying up to him/her only to serve yourself, s/he will be less psyched about helping you succeed.
Jason Nordberg, a graduate in urban planning from the University of Michigan sums up the main difference between high school and college this way: "In high school you can wing it, but in college you have to be more disciplined." Now that you've read this article, you probably see what he means. You have a clearer picture of what will be expected of you in college before you ever step foot on campus. Better yet, because you've read this article, you'll know how to take AIM-even while you're still in high school.

This article was published in College Bound Magazine,
January/February 2004.