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 – 200 students.
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 If these students don’t bring their grades up by the end of the next term, they’re withdrawn from college.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 Academic Progress Policy.
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 can not release your academic information to anyone without your written consent.
Use of Internet/WEB
Increasingly colleges are using the internet and WEB as a means of informing students. Students use the WEB to access their student records, register for classes, check their degree progress, and examine their financial aid package. See the Acceptable Use Policy.
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, orientation, and religion. In the classroom you will notice personality differences, differences in learning and teaching styles, and differences in personal experiences.
