How College Coursework Is Different

One of the biggest changes you'll experience as a college student is the level of coursework you'll be expected to complete. Compared to high school, college coursework is significantly more challenging and requires a higher level of independence, rigor, depth, and critical thinking. In this blog post, we'll explore these differences and discuss how you can succeed in college coursework.

Independence: College coursework requires a much higher level of independence than high school coursework. You'll have to balance your time between completing assignments, studying for exams, participating in extracurriculars, hanging with friends, and sleeping. You'll need to take the initiative to seek out help when you need it!

Rigor: College coursework is more rigorous than high school coursework, both in terms of the depth of knowledge required and the level of critical thinking and analysis expected. You'll be expected to engage with complex texts, theories, and ideas, and to develop your own original perspectives and arguments. You’ll also be going much deeper into topics, especially once you select a major.

Grading: In college, there tend to be fewer homework assignments and assessments that count for more of your grade. You may have a class that has a midterm that’s 30% of your grade, and another that has a final paper that is 50% of your grade. Some classes are much more focused on participation in class discussions. Make sure you understand the course requirements - you should never be surprised by your final grade! And if you’re not sure where you stand, just ask.

Course Load: College coursework typically involves taking fewer courses each semester than in high school, but each course will require more time and effort. You'll need to manage your time effectively and prioritize your coursework to succeed.

Course Format: College courses may be structured differently than high school courses, with some courses being offered in a seminar or workshop format, while others may be more lecture-based. Your classes will meet much less frequently (often 2-3x per week), so you’ll have more free time in between classes for everything else in your life. Many students use Google Calendar to keep track of all of their classes and commitments each week!

Class Size: College courses tend to be larger than high school classes, and you may be in classes with hundreds of students. You'll need to be more proactive in seeking out help if you're struggling and take advantage of office hours and tutoring resources. However, some classes might only have 10-15 students and you’ll be expected to speak regularly. There’s a whole spectrum of class sizes!

In conclusion, college coursework is significantly different from high school coursework. You'll need to take more responsibility for your own learning, manage your time effectively, and engage in critical thinking and analysis to succeed. By understanding these differences and taking advantage of the resources available to you, you can thrive academically in college and prepare yourself for a successful career.