The document discusses the key differences between high school and college. In high school, students are expected to memorize facts, teachers provide structure and motivation, and grades are based more on effort. In contrast, college requires analyzing and applying information, managing your own schedule and motivation, and grades depend solely on performance. It also distinguishes between rote learning, focused on memorization, and meaningful learning, focused on understanding relationships between facts. The document concludes that to succeed in college, students must take responsibility for their own learning by developing effective study skills and managing their time and stress.

1. The Difference Between
High School and College
Welcome to College!!! You’re on your way to joining a rather elite group of people! Less than 30% of
the U.S. population possesses college degrees. That’s less than 1/3! But you’re not there, yet, and
many students who go to college do not graduate!
What’s the difference between those who do and do not graduate? Well for one, they understand the
differences between High School and College…
High School vs. College
Memorize information <> Analyze, Create and Apply info
Most work done in class <> Most work done outside of class
Homework used to reinforce learning <> Assignments used for grades only
Numerous quizzes, exams, etc. <> Grades based on only a few scores
Assignments have clear instructions <> Students must interpret assignments
Grades influenced by effort <> Grades based on performance only
Schedule structured by school <> Schedule managed by student
Attendance is monitored <> Attendance rarely monitored
Smaller classes common <> Larger classes common
Teachers know the students <> Teachers do not know students
Teachers provide class materials <> Students acquire class materials
Teachers motivate <> Students motivate themselves
Teacher notes important info <> Students determine key info
Teachers provide study guides <> Teachers do not provide study aids
Teachers give extra support <> Students find their own support
Slow pace <> Fast pace
Limited studying (i.e. night before) <> Requires heavy studying consistently
Let’s face it. College just isn’t like High School! The professors expect students to take the lion’s share
of the responsibility for learning. In essence they determine what you need to know, provide an
opportunity to learn it, and expect you to take responsibility for learning it. The do not value
regurgitating facts, and instead value the integration of old knowledge with new information and the
creation of new knowledge as well! They do not use tests and quizzes to help you learn, but rather they
use them to see how well you have learned.
And they know the difference between the two kinds of learning…
There is rote learning, which is typical of middle and high school classes. This is where you focus on
memorizing facts and reproduce them for the teacher. Then there is meaningful learning which focuses
less on specific facts and more on the relationships between facts! Here are some of the differences
between the two…

2. Rote Learning vs. Meaningful Learning
Memorization <> Understanding and integration
Focus on discreet facts <> Focus on relationships between facts
Homework used to reinforce learning <> Assignments used for grades only
Repitition most common strategy <> Must use a variety of strategies
Can remember for short periods <> Can remember for long periods
Cannot transfer info to new contexts <> Easily transfer info to new contexts
Requires little time and effort <> Requires more time and effort
Often taught in school <> Rarely taught in school
Requires no other skills or knowledge <> Enhanced by other skills and knowledge
Often boring <> Often stimulating
Involves low level cognitive skills <> Involves higher order cognitive skills
Output = reproduction <> Output = analysis, synthesis, creation
Limited benefit to test taking <> Very flexible in studying for tests
Suited for lower level education <> Suited for higher levels of education
What does this mean for you?
Well, it means that you are responsible for your own learning and you will likely need to change the way
you approach studying and learning! You can’t expect the teacher to tell you what you need to know or
provide study guides that basically tell you everything you need to know for a test. You can’t expect to
earn good grades by only studying for a couple of hours right before a test! And you can’t expect
teachers to motivate you or help you manage your schedule. You have to do these on your own!
What do you need to do to succeed?
1. Learn how to learn! – Metacognitive skills and study skills can help you raise C’s to A’s!
2. Set goals and stay organized – Set goals and stay focused on them as you manage your time!
3. Take care of yourself! – Learn how you can manage your stress effectively!