High School

College

You reproduce reasoning and memorize facts.

Tests, quizzes and homework may ask you to memorize facts, but the primary focus of coursework is analysis and critical thinking. If you solely rely on memorization not only will you miss the whole point of the class, but you will work way too hard.

Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance.

Professors and TAs are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance.

You can count on parents and teachers to remind you of your responsibilities and to guide you in setting priorities. You need permission to miss classes. Your time is structured by others.

You're old enough to take responsibility for what you do and don't do, as well as for the consequences of your decisions. You structure your own time.

Teachers remind you of your incomplete work.

Professors and TAs may not remind you of incomplete work.

Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates.

Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded.

Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.

Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test. A particular course may have only two or three tests in a semester.

Grades are given for most assigned work.

Grades may not be provided for all assigned work. Non-graded work is needed to help you understand the material and prepare you for exams.