The Art and Science of Transitioning to College

Scholastic life beyond high school is exciting, challenging, and liberating! It is a lifestyle unlike any other you’ve ever experienced. Moving from a culture of dependency and expectation to one of independence and freedom provides a spirit of freedom for which ‘young minds’ aspire. However, with such enriching transitions come a new set of responsibilities and commitment reflective of the global community in which we live. However, for those who are fortunate enough to attend a post-secondary school, community college, or university, the benefits are beyond one’s imagination and beyond words…

Transitioning from high school to an institution of higher learning, it is anticipated for you to experience a wealth of academic, financial, and organizational as well as personal, social, and cultural adjustments. Perhaps, your most valuable resource is the academic advisor to whom you will be assigned. This professional is skilled in valuable resources to assist you in adjusting to the educational, social, and cultural rigors of a school of learning that promotes independence and empowerment. In all, advisors are able to evaluate your abilities, skills, interests and issues in order to assist in developing your educational and vocational goals. Further, they are readily able to consult with your parents as well as physicians, educational psychologists, financial advisors, and other resource professionals to deal with any problems you may be having. In addition to assisting with problem-solving and decision-making skills, the basic objective of academic advisors is to empower students, just like you, to connect with any resources you may need to help you to adjust to your new responsibilities. Remember, just as enabling creates dependence, empowerment is the royal road to freedom…freedom to make the appropriate choices no matter what the situation or circumstance.

Here is a list of factors that differ between what is expected of you, as a high school student, and one pursuing a post-secondary vocational certificate, such as ROP/Regional Occupational Program or a college degree.

1. Study Time: It is widely believed that a typical high school student spends between 30 and 40 hours per week. However, a post-secondary student commits between 40 and 50 hours each week of preparation for essays, research, and examinations combined.

2. Organizational Management: High school teachers generally are charged with checking your homework, whereas professors presume you have organized your assignments and expect you to have them completed on your own. Also, where teachers generally follow the chapters in a book to align with a quiz or test, professors expect you to do research and further readings on your own. Professors don’t ‘spoon-feed’ you information in preparation for such exams, as a rule. Another example of such a difference between high school and higher education is where the teacher may carefully review the assignments, the professor expects you to understand the material on your own. Further, should you have a question, it’s up to you to make an appointment during office hours.

3. Classroom Environments: Whereas in high school, teachers are charged with taking attendance, in many schools of higher education, often professors are not accountable for whether you attend, or not. Therefore, it’s up to you to be accountable for attendance in order to keep up with the assignments and notes. Additionally, unlike in high school where the guidance counselor assures you’re on the right track, you are accountable to take the required coursework in order to receive your certificate of degree.

4. Examinations and Quizzes: Whereas in high school, exams and quizzes tend to be more frequent, such assessments in post-secondary schools generally cover a greater amount of information over a lengthier timeframe. What is also interesting to note is whereas high schools usually encourage extra credit and allow make-up tests and late assignments, higher education generally don’t recognize such alternatives.

5. Recommendations: When it comes to post-secondary education, it is highly advised to go to class, on time, as well as refer to your syllabus as your guide throughout the course of your education. Also noted is to maintain a calendar or planner, referring to it continuously. Such templates are often available online through the school’s website, making not only planning convenient, but in contacting your professors and academic advisors, as well.

The bottom line is your post-secondary experience will be what you make of it. You are in charge of your education. The resources are out there for your convenience. Knowing who to contact and by what means as well as being your own best advocate may be just the passport to your academic success. Remember this…as communication is key for success in all relationships, resources is the key to a wonderful journey through the halls of education!