Differences Between High School and College

HIGH SCHOOL		COLLEGE
Teacher-Student Contact
Teacher-student contact closer and more Frequent.		Instructor-student contact is less frequent (1-3 times per week).
Competition
Academic competition is not so great. Lower half of class will probably not go to college.		Academic competition is greater, grade distribution in college covers half the original high-school population.
New Status
Student establishes a personal status in academic & social activity based on family-community factors.		Student is in a new situation if s/he goes away to school, little, if any, carry-over of family or community reputation.
Counseling
Counseling is done by guidance personnel. Teachers also influence students. Parental contact is quite constant.		Faculty or student’s major department does academic advising. Counseling (career, personal, psychological) is handled by counseling center. Must be sought by student.
Dependence
Student is told what to do in most situations. Follow-up on instructions is often the rule.		Students must exercise more self-discipline in following through and completing assignments.
Motivation
Student gets stimulation to achieve or participate from parents, teachers, and counselors.		Students must become self-motivating. Parents, faculty, advisors less important.
Freedom
Student activity is generally set by school and community tradition and acceptance.		Student has more freedom, particularly in out-of-class time. S/he must be in charge in scheduling time and establishing priorities and must accept responsibility for own actions.
Distractions
Distractions from school and community activities are partially controlled by school and home.		Distractions can be numerous because or opportunities to become involved in non-academic activities.
Value Judgements
Student’s judgments are often based on parent’s values.		Student may be disturbed by news value judgments suggested by social and academic contacts.