Differences between University and high school 2

 Many of you have grandchildren who are leaving school and may consider college or university. If they engage that path for their future, it is important to understand what they are going to face before they start. Here are some more of the 50+ points. When we talk about adapting to university, it affects every student differently. You will adapt and figure it out, but it will take some adjusting.

Points of difference

1. If you are told to read something or do something, it is assumed you did it. 

2. If you do not come to class, it is your problem, not the instructors. You do not come to class, it is your decision, live with the consequences. 

3. Don’t care about the class, don’t expect the instructor to care about your mark. Effort is assumed and you are assessed based on the course’s outcome goals.

4. The material is the material. If the class does not get to all the material, the instructor may or may not say to read something or do something - does not matter - if the syllabus says you are responsible for chapter 11, you are responsible for chapter 11 - even if the instructor does not say a word about it. It can (and likely will) appear on the midterms and final exam.

5. The average in many junior courses can be 68-72. This is a far cry from what you had in high school. You might have your first experience of having a mark below 80, or below 50 (OMG). Lucky you. Everyone comes in with high marks and we spread you out. Do not let marks define your success as an undergraduate. (High schools in BC grade on the J curve and Universities or colleges in BC grade on the Bell curve.)

6. What will you do when you get a 50 60 How will you react Deny Be angry at everyone except yourself Make pretend deals with yourself about how you will just work harder Get all funky or will you accept that you will need to rethink how you study and learn? You are smart enough. You just need to do things differently.

7. The lectures are quick, more stuff per hour, and it just does not stop.

8. Almost all can handle the load, topics, and work, and learn to deal with it. Almost everyone can do it. It can be dealt with. Enough proof of that. However, the question is when do you want to deal with it Do it later or do it As Soon As Possible. ASAP hurts less. 

9. Do not think you can or should change everything at once. That does not work either. Identify a couple of key habits and work on them. Then after they improve, identify the next couple. It can take many students 8-10 weeks to figure out what needs to be changed and how to change it. Be realistic. Make a feasible plan for change!

10. Understand what success means to you. It is healthy to set goals and objectives which are not just mark-oriented. No two people have the same definition of success and it is important to identify what you consider to be a success to help you grow more as a student, and ultimately a person.