Page 18 - Southwestern Community College Handbook 2019-2020

The experiences you will encounter while enrolled in college can be vastly different from those you experienced
YOUYORUORIOENRITEANTTIOATNION
in high school. It is important for you to understand the differences so that you are college-ready for your
first semester on campus.
Differences in Classes
In High School
In College
Students can spend an average of 6 hours a day, 30 hours a week in class.
Students can spend as little as 12 to 16 hours a week in class for a full-time load if no lab classes.
Each day students proceed from one class to another and have only a few minutes between classes.
Students can have an hour or more between classes. Schedules vary each day and each semester.
Studying time outside of class may be limited each week.
Studying time should be at least two to three hours outside of class for every hour spent in class.
The high school provides students with the textbooks and needed materials for each class.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks, supplies, uniforms and other materials to accompany their classes. Textbooks can be $200-500 per semester.
Classes are scheduled for the student based upon track and grade level.
Students will consult with their academic advisor each semester to select classes appropriate for their major.
Teachers carefully monitor class attendance.
There is a college attendance policy outlined in the catalog and student handbook. Always remember that class attendance is critical to success.
Differences in Grades and Testing
In High School
In College
Extra credit projects are often available to help students raise their grade.
Extra credit projects are seldom available.
Grades are given for most assignments.
Assigned work may not be graded or reviewed.
Consistently good homework may help raise the student’s overall grades even when test results have low grades.
Students should check the course syllabus for how assignments are weighted. Results on tests, major projects or papers usually carry more weight than overall course grades.
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.
Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material.
Make-up tests are often available.
Make-up tests are seldom an option.
Initial test grades may not have an adverse effect on the student’s final grade.
The first test may count for a substantial part of the final grade. If students are not doing well, it is their responsibility to get assistance.
Differences in Responsibility
In High School
In College
Parents can talk to their child’s teachers about their grades and can have access to their records.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs college policies regarding student’s records and, without the student’s written permission, parents are not allowed access to them.
The high school counselor can register students in classes.
An academic advisor can help students select courses and develop an educational plan, but students are responsible for enrolling and managing schedules.
Students can count on parents and teachers to remind them of responsibilities and provide guidance as they set their priorities.
Students will be faced with a large number of decisions. Students must balance their responsibilities and set priorities on their own.
Students will usually be told what to do and corrected if their behavior is out of line.
Students are expected to take responsibility for what they do and don’t do as well as for the consequences of their actions.
Sources:
How is College Different From High School? (n.d.) Adapted from Southern Methodist University. http://smu.edu/alec/transition.asp How is College Different From High School? (n.d.) Retrieved from GTCC Student Orientation Handbook. www. gtcc.edu.
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