WNY Collegiate Consortium and Disability Advocates

There are many differences between high school and college; the following list outlines some of these differences.

1. Academic Environment in College:

   • Less contact with instructors.
   • Less individual feedback.
   • More academic competition.
   • Instruction is mainly by lecture.
   • Independent reading assignments in addition to lectures.
   • Classes meet less often and for fewer hours.
   • An entire course is completed in 16 weeks or less.
   • New and increased social pressures.
   • Using the library effectively is more important.
   • Students are responsible for what they learned in high school.
   • More emphasis on understanding theory.
   • Courses may be offered online, by videotape etc.

2. Grading in College:

   • Harder work is required for an A or B; C is an average grade.
   • Semester grades may be based on just two or three test scores.
   • Exam questions may be more difficult to predict.
   • More major writing assignments.
   • Essay exams are more common.

3. Knowledge Acquisition in College:

   • Comprehension skills are more important.
   • Critical thinking and writing skills are essential
   • Taking good notes is important.
   • Being able to identify main ideas is more important.
   • Effective communication skills are more important.
   • Students are responsible for monitoring their own progress and are responsible for recognizing the need for getting additional help.
   • Paying attention in class is more important.
   • Studying is more important.

4. Support in College:

   • No resource room; student must be independent and responsible for seeking assistance.
   • Behavior problems are not tolerated. All students must comply with the Code of Conduct.
   • More students on campus.
   • More social activities.
   • Environment may be impersonal.
   • Students are treated as adults and are expected to self-advocate.

5. Stress in College:

   • Increased workload and faster pace.
   • It is more difficult to earn high grades.
   • Students are expected to know what they want from college, classes, life, etc.
   • Students need to be able to juggle assignments, job responsibilities, family responsibilities, plus any sports, activities, etc.

6. Responsibility in College:

   • Students are more independent and are accountable for their behavior both in class and out, including dorms and extracurricular activities.
   • Increased number of choices and decisions to be made.
   • More self-evaluation — accepting responsibility.
   • More independent reading and studying are required.
   • Students are responsible for time management.
   • Students establish and attain their own goals.
   • Students are more responsible to whoever is paying for their education.
   • Students must be motivated to succeed.
   • Students are responsible for independently completing assignments and handing them in on time.

(Adapted from Claire E. Weinstein, Professor, Educational Psychology Karalee Johnson, Robert Malloch, Scott Ridley, Paul Schultz, Graduate Students, Educational Psychology)