Is college really THAT much harder than high school?

Question

Well...?

Answer 1

It's more advanced and fast-paced. No one babies you anymore, and you can't get help as easily. If you fall behind, try going to a study group for help. Spend every spare minute studying. If you ever have the opportunity to get ahead or do extra-credit, do it. You'll be glad you did later on.

Answer 2

It depends on the classes, most often, but, in general, I have found college to be much harder for several reasons:

1) Professors and instructors don't hold your hand through the process. In high school, you tend to get a lot of little assignments to help you learn a subject, mostly worksheets. In college, professors expect you to have certain information before taking a class and won't spend time teaching it. Also, if you have more work than you have time for, a professor isn't going to care or make concessions for work you could not complete.

2) You get more work, especially reading. Reading assignments typically aren't short either. I've had hundred page readings to do in two days for classes.

3) Many high schools have blocked schedules, which facilitates, for most students, studying and work. In college, you set your own schedule. This means you may have a generally hard, medium or easy schedule. Also, you may have days that are much more difficult or intensive than others.

These are just things in the classroom that make it harder. You may have friends, roommates, etc. that can make it difficult to focus. You have a lot more free time, but you can be easily distracted.

Answer 3

As several of the earlier contributors have stated, Yes it is harder. Instead of being told the facts by the teacher, as in schools, your have to read more and form your own opinions and express them along with supporting your argument.

A good example that I did often when writing essays about the Vietnam War (Second Indochina War) was to say, "... the 21 year Second Indochina War......" Many people have different starting dates for the war, 1959 -- the start of the conference just outside Saigon that led to the formation of the NLF (Viet Cong), 1960 -- When the NLF actually starting their combat against the Diem Regime, 1961 when the first US serviceman was killed. I always believe that it started in 1954 before the 1954 Geneva Agreements were signed when the US (CIA) started covert operations in the North to destabilise the Viet Minh government and installed the right-wing Catholic Dictator, Ngo Diem into power.

Answer 4

I found the two hard things about college were finding your way around the campus and how the system worked and disciplining myself to study without constant close supervision. Once you've sorted those problems out, you'll enjoy the life much more than school. Compared with continental Europe, the school systems of English-speaking countries are much too authoritarian, and it's difficult for first-year university and technical students to adjust to the more adult lifestyle. We'd have more successful students if high school students weren't so regimented. I worked as a high school teacher for several years. I spent more time enforcing stupid, petty rules than I did teaching. School uniforms are ridiculous. Students and teachers should be on first name terms. And the moment you leave school, whether it's to go to college or get a job, you're immediately expected to work without constant close supervision. Kids at our schools are institutionalised, like prisoners.

Answer 5

It depends on your perspective. It's harder in some ways but easier in some others. I hated high school and only did well in the few classes that I was interested in, while the other classes I was forced to take suffered. But in college, you have so much more freedom of choice (assuming your parents aren't making you take a particular major - shame on them if they are) that it makes going to class much easier. I enjoyed the hell out college, partly because I felt in control of my academic progress in a way I never had before. That made the fact that some of the classes were indeed more challenging easier to deal with. I finally figured out that it was totally up to me whether I did well or not, and it was very rewarding to see the results in A) my grades, and B) positive relationships with my professors.

One other thing I appreciated about college professors was that they leave your grades up to you -- if you want to attend classes and do the work and get a grade, they will notice, appreciate and reward that. If you want to blow off class and not do the work, they will notice that too, but they figure if that's what you want to do then they will happily give you a grade commensurate with your effort and achievements. Very few of my college professors ever stressed out much about whether their students were in class - they figure they're not responsible for your attendance or your grades. It's your choice to waste your money (or your parents money) or not - no skin off their back. Much different from high school, where everyone was always a stress monkey about attendance.

So yeah, some of the academic work itself might be harder, but if you work hard and keep your priorities straight, you should be able to do it. Remember, the coursework is designed to get you an education and a degree, not make you have a nervous breakdown and flunk out. Best wishes!

Answer 6

Depends on your major. My problem is that I was bored with all the General Ed Upper Division classes. I had to take classes I had no real interest in that were a harder level than high school. Once I finished those and took classes in my major - it wasn't too bad.. because I liked being there.

Answer 7

Some things are harder. No one cares if you show up or not in university/college, but you fail if you don't show up.

If you are caught cheating in high school, no one really cares. In university you can actually go to jail for it. The best you can hope for is instantly failing the program.

Everything in university is super-advanced compared to high school and it comes at you fast.

Answer 8

From my experience college is easier. And for a number of reasons.

If you go to college you're there to learn! You're more focused and old enough to understand the importance of a good education.

Your instructors don't treat you like a little kid... since you are not one!

The instructors are more focused on your learning. They look good if you look good!

Elementary and high school teachers are not teaching you! They are baby sitting you! They're not there to teach you crap! Well, except how to hate authority figures and stupid teachers. I hated high school... mediocre grades (C's and B's), but got an A.A.S. with a 4.0 GPA.

Answer 9

It depends, because i am in a few dual enrollment classes at the local college, and some of those classes are easier then the regular honors and AP courses i am taking. I believe that the studies are more intense but the schedule is easier.

Answer 10

It is very different...and more enjoyable. By the time you enter college, you will have the preparation to succeed in your course work. You do have to study, and take it seriously, however. I really enjoyed college, and later went on to graduate school.

One thing leads to the next. Best wishes.