High School v College
Navigating high school and college can feel like worlds apart, and have many variations. Here is a non-comprehensive list identifying some of the differences you might find in schoolwork and student support.
Schoolwork
High School
Students typically take 6 classes at a time
Homework often due each class period; teachers often give homework reminders.
There might be dedicated time for homework during class time.
For every one hour of class time in high school, students can expect about 30 minutes of homework. This class time to homework time means that there’s a 2:1 ratio.
Parents can access their student’s Learning Management System (Schoology, Canvas, etc.).
Each HS has a standardized GPA/grade system which all teachers use.
High school classes traditionally meet at least 3 days a week.
High School class modes are standardized across the school (all online/hybrid during pandemic but pre-pandemic classes met fully in physical classrooms).
College
Full-time students must take at least 12 credits and typically take three 5-credit classes per quarter.
Faculty assign work that is due at various times. Students need to independently track deadlines.
Dedicated homework time during class time is rare.
For every credit hour, students can expect 5 hours of homework. This credit hour to homework time is a 1:2 ratio.
No one can access a student’s record without the student’s written permission. Students must submit a Release of Information to the Enrollment Services Office.
Each faculty member may use a different grading scale. For example, in one class 94% = 4.0, while in another class 96% = 4.0.
College classes typically meet 1, 2, or 3 days per week. Asynchronous online classes do not have standard class meetings.
College class modes vary, including online, hybrid, and web-enhanced (face-to-face).
Student Support
High School
Students can often get extra help from high school teachers during class time.
Responsibility is shared (counselors, teachers, parents, and students).
High School Counselors offer support with academic achievement, college preparation, postsecondary options, and social/emotional support.
Guardians instigate and manage student IEPs and 504s, which frequently roll over year to year without new documentation.
IEPs / 504s focus on success measures.
Mental Health Services are contracted through the school district, and students can access a variety of partnering institutions.
College
Students can often get extra help from faculty during faculty office hours.
Responsibility lies with the student.
Academic Advisors offer support with academic degrees, plans, degree options, quarterly planning, transfer prep, and course selections.
Students self-identify and provide medical documentation to request accommodations from Disability Support Services.
Accommodations
The College Counseling Center offers confidential, professional, and free psychological counseling. All students pre-pay for 6 sessions out of their student fees.