People often experience greater success when they know what to
expect. In college, expect to find the following:
Varying class sizes
Class sizes
vary depending on the college and the course. While many college
classes have fewer than 30 students, classes can have anywhere from
15 to 50 students with an average of 25 to 30.
The need for critical thinking
skills
In college you will be expected to understand and
remember what you read. You will also be asked to draw conclusions,
form opinions, and evaluate the ideas of others.
More emphasis on tests and less
busywork
College homework assignments are often never
checked or graded. Students who get good grades, however, do all of
their assignments anyway. They know that at some point they’ll be
tested on the material.
The need for personal
responsibility
In college, you have a tremendous amount
of freedom. Often, attendance is not taken, but you are tested over
material covered during class. Therefore, you are responsible for
your own academic progress.
Consequences for low grades
All
colleges have academic standards that students must meet in order to
stay enrolled. Most colleges put students on academic probation if
their grades fall below a certain point. If these students don’t
bring their grades up by the end of the next term, they’re withdrawn
from college. See the school's
Academic Policies.
Less time in class and more emphasis on
independent study
In college, you are expected to do
most of your learning on your own. The general rule is: For every
one hour you spend in class, you should spend two hours out of class
reading, studying, and completing assignments.
You initiate the action
Nothing
happens until you act or ask. In college, you initiate setting up
advising appointments, making changes, registering for classes, and
applying for graduation. If you have questions, ask them!
Paying for your Education
In
college, you pay for your tuition, books, transportation, supplies,
and special fees.
Parents/Significant Others
Due
to
FERPA (Federal Education Right to Privacy Act), a college cannot
release your academic information to anyone without your written
consent.
Diversity
Be prepared to
interact with a wider range of people. In college, you will have the
opportunity to interact with students, staff, and faculty who vary in
age, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, and religion. In the classroom
you will notice personality differences, differences in learning and
teaching styles, and differences in personal experiences.
