How Studying in College is Different Than High School | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Education

5 Ways Studying In College Is WAY Different Than High School

No, it's not easier.

138
5 Ways Studying In College Is WAY Different Than High School
https://pixabay.com/photos/people-girls-women-students-2557399/

When I was in high school, I heard that college was "so much better" and that classes were easier. I'm not quite sure why I believed that. It's just not true. However, you do have more free time. In my opinion, that's the only way it's "easier." If you're aware of the differences between college and high school exams, it can make all the difference in the world. I wish I had known these things going into my first semester of college.

1. There's a lot less exams, so you have to put a lot more effort into studying for just one test.

Giphy

Sometimes, classes only have a midterm and a final, so there is less forgiveness and less room to mess up on a test. Invest your time into these exams and your professor (and your grade) will thank you.

2. Exams count for a LOT more of your grade (if you're a good test taker, you're in the clear).

Giphy

Yeah, I know it's scary at first. In some classes, exams count for all of your grade. In some, it's 70%. Be aware of these changes because in high school, homework and participation were nice ways to cushion your grade. I remember participation being 25% of my grade in high school and a lot of teachers gave me automatic 100% for that category.

3. Office hours are SO useful when you're confused!

Giphy

Don't be afraid to go to your professor! When taking Calc 2 last semester, I went to my professor's office hours ALL THE TIME. He started expecting me every week by the end of the semester. However, it helped a lot with tough concepts. Most high schools do not have office hours so a lot of students disregard them in college.

4. I don't care what you did in high school. Cramming will NOT work.

Giphy

It just won't and anyone who tells you differently is lying.

5. Exams are more based on application, rather than memorization of what you have learned in lecture/class.

Giphy

This is a very important distinction. Application of knowledge requires you to have a more thorough understanding of the material. Just be prepared for these types of questions. If your professor does not provide practice questions, ask him/her for good ways to prepare or online resources.

Going to college is scary; I think that a lot of people build up college in their mind, expecting it to be the best 4 years of their life. And for a lot of people, it is. But, at the end of the day, your classes come first and if you know what to expect, you'll just be that much more prepared.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190341
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14980
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457920
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26668
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments