The shift from high school teachers to college professors is a pretty big deal! In high school, your teachers probably reminded you about assignments, checked in regularly, and helped keep you on track. But in college, professors take a bit of a step back—they’re still rooting for you, but they want to see you take charge of your own education. No more hand-holding, but don’t worry—it’s all about growing into a more independent learner. Here’s how to make the most of it!
College Grading: It’s a Whole New Ball Game
College grading isn’t like high school, where you might get points just for showing up or completing homework. College professors are more focused on how well you understand the material, which means grades are often based on bigger tests or projects. No extra credit, no extensions—just straight-up expectations to know your stuff. It can be a tough adjustment, but the sooner you start challenging yourself to study for understanding (not just for the grade), the smoother the transition will be.
Practical Tip: Challenge yourself in high school! If you’ve got an easy A, push yourself to go deeper into the material. Ask harder questions. Study more than just what’s required for the test—this is the perfect prep for when you’ll be graded on how well you actually know the subject.
Your Professors Are Brilliant—But They Might Not Be Great Teachers
Here’s the thing: college professors are legit experts in their fields. You might have a professor whose published books, led groundbreaking research, or is just flat-out famous in their subject area. But—small catch—they might not always be the best at teaching it. And that’s okay! The cool part of college is that you get to learn from the best, but it also means you’ll sometimes need to find extra resources to help you understand things.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! College campuses usually have TAs (teaching assistants), tutoring centers, or study groups where you can get extra support. The key is to not just sit in class passively and hope it all sinks in—seek out those extra resources!
Practical Tip: If your professor’s lecture is more like a TED Talk that goes over your head, no big deal. Check out tutoring centers, ask your TA for extra help, or even hop on YouTube for some supplemental explanations. There’s no shame in using different tools to understand the material.
Office Hours = Your Secret Weapon
Professors love when students come to office hours, but surprisingly, not everyone takes advantage of them. This is your time to ask questions, get extra guidance, and build relationships with the people who are grading your work. Office hours are there for you, so use them! Even if you’re not struggling, dropping by to talk about the material or ask about upcoming tests can show your professor you’re engaged, and that can go a long way.
Practical Tip: Make it a habit to visit office hours within the first couple of weeks of each semester. Even if you don’t have a burning question, just introduce yourself and ask about something from class. It helps you stand out and lets your professor know you care.
No More Hand-Holding: It’s Time to Step Up
In high school, teachers often offer extra credit or extensions when life gets tough. College professors? Not so much. You’re expected to meet the deadlines and handle the workload without much leniency. This might feel a bit intimidating, but it’s also empowering! You get to own your education and build the skills that will help you crush it not just in college, but in life.
Practical Tip: Start practicing time management now. Instead of waiting until the last minute, try setting up a study schedule with smaller, manageable goals each week. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not pulling all-nighters in college!
College is all about independence and figuring things out on your own—especially when it comes to your studies. Start practicing these habits now, and by the time you hit campus, you’ll be well-prepared for the new dynamic between you and your professors. Embrace the challenge, use all the resources at your disposal, and remember: your success is in your hands. You’ve got this!