Navigating Norco College

High School vs. College

Being in college is different from being in high school. Let us show you how different it is:

	In High School	In College
Time	Others structure your time. You can count on your parents and teachers to remind you of your responsibilities and to guide you in setting priorities.	You manage your own time. You will be faced with a large number of moral and ethical decisions you have not had to face previously. You must balance your responsibilities and set priorities.
Classes	You spend six hours each day – 30 hours a week – in class. Most of your classes are arranged for you. You are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate.	You arrange your own schedule, and schedules tend to look lighter than they really are. Graduation requirements are complex and differ for different majors and goals. You are expected to know which requirements apply to you.
Instructors	Teachers Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance. Teachers have been trained in teaching methods to assist in imparting knowledge to you. Teachers present materials to help you understand the material in the textbook. Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates.	Professors Professors are open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need help or assistance. Professors have been trained as experts in their particular areas of research. Professors may not follow the textbook. Instead, to amplify the test, they may give illustrations, provide background information, or discuss research about the topic you are studying. Professors expect you to read, save and consult the course syllabus for all test dates and assignment deadlines.
Studying	You may study outside of class as little as zero to two hours a week, and this may be mostly last minute test preparation. You often need to read or hear preparations only once to learn all you need to learn about them.	You need to study at least two to three hours outside of class for each hour in class.
Tests	Make-up tests are often available. Teachers frequently rearrange test dates to avoid conflicts with school events. Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.	Make-up tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them. Professors in different courses usually schedule tests without regard to the demands of other courses or outside activities. Testing is usually infrequent, often cumulative, covering large amounts of material.
Grades	Grades are given for most assigned work. Initial test grades, especially when they are low, may not have an adverse effect on your overall grade.	Grades may not be provided for all assigned work. Watch out for your first tests. These are usually “wake-up calls” to let you know what is expected but they also may account for a substantial part of your course grade. You may be shocked when you get your grades.

Helpful Hint

You may earn course equivalencies and/or course credit based on outside tests/coursework. Submit transcripts (AP, IB, high school, other college institutions) and see Counseling for more information.