After high school, a lot of students are always curious to know if college is harder than high school but the answer to the question depends on several factors.
Let’s say you are currently building a college list and you feel curious and anxious about what college would look like. I’d say it is normal for every fresh high school graduates to ask this because college is a different experience. When I first got admission into college, I was excited but at the same time, I was curious to know things to expect.
High school is about learning the basics of education but in college, you get to discover your career which requires you to think before choosing a course to study. You may be wondering if being a college student is going to be more harder than being a high schooler or surprisingly easier. Well, deciding whether to go to college after high school is a major life decision that many students face. The future we all dream of, the profession, etc., all starts in college, this alone should gives you an insight of what college life looks like.
Some things that will make college hard are the number of classes you will be taking, the college you join, your major and whether you will be taking the course full-time or part-time.
Is College Harder Than High School?
The answer to this question is yes Academically, college is harder than high school. College classes are more demanding, it involves series of tests, effective studying and more. You are expected to keep track of everything yourself which is where freedom comes in unlike high school. In college, you are being treated as an adult and you take full responsibility for your actions.
College is hard in that you have the illusion of having so much time on your hands but if you don’t manage that time appropriately and actually use your daylight hours for productivity on your academics, you might miss the opportunity of aiming for better grades. After spending three years in college, I was able to understand that college is where we make our own future. Less work would be given, but it is up to you to expand your knowledge. In college, I learnt to:
- manage my time well
- work smarter instead of harder
- My schoolwork became my priority
The interesting part about college is that you have the opportunity to enroll in classes that interest you and you have the freedom to get involved in extra curricular activities that aren’t available in high school.
Why is college is harder than high school Academically?
Below are some important reasons college is harder than high school:
1. Harder courses
Just like what was mentioned early on in this post, college is harder than high school because the courses are simply more complicated this time around — although the difficulty varies based on the major, but hard work can lead to high grades even in the most challenging courses. Examples of such courses are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
2. Course Load
Your course load significantly influences your college experience. Some professors may be hard to understand and not all classes are equally interesting. This will require you to get more textbooks and study more in order to understand the course.
3. Financial Costs
Financial responsibility is a major challenge in college. Students must cover basic needs previously provided by parents, like groceries and clothing. Many resort to part-time jobs to cope with the high costs, adding stress to an already demanding workload. Finance is the hardest part when it comes to college because the tuition fees are always high compared to high school.
4. Unexpected tests
Unexpected tests can catch college students off guard, adding to the academic pressure. Being prepared for surprise assessments is crucial, requiring constant vigilance and adaptability in managing study habits.
5. Responsibility
Responsibility is a key aspect of college life. Unlike high school, students must handle various aspects of their lives independently, from managing finances to balancing work and academics. Developing a sense of responsibility is essential for success in college.
Tips On How to make college life Easier
Obviously, going to college is a life-changing experience which could possibly expose you to several life options and if you take advantage of some of these tips on this blog post, it can be much easier on you. If you want some practical tips that you can make college life easier for you, then take a look at the following:
1. Don’t Just Study it, Learn the Material
Don’t just memorize; truly understand the material. It helps during exams. A lot of college students make the mistake of memorizing the course material just to pass their exam. If you study and understand the course, it becomes easier to write and even explain better. With this, you can get a better grade on that particular course.
2. Join a study group for help with difficult classes
Collaborate with peers in a study group for challenging classes. It makes learning more enjoyable and effective. In College, I had a friend and studying was always easier with her. An interesting part about group study is that it makes things easier to remember especially when it involves questions and answer.
3. Stick to your budget
Financial planning is crucial. Stay focused on your financial goals to avoid stress. When I was in college, i made sure I don’t spend more than my budget and I know this is where most students get it wrong. Always have a list before you go shopping because you might end up buying more than what your budget can carry.
4. Have enough sleep
Don’t overstrain yourself. Get enough sleep to reduce stress and prevent headaches. Having proper sleep can also help in memory retention especially during exam period.
5. Limit Distractions
Distractions can be too much movies, parties or even friends. When you’re studying, especially when performing a task that requires proper attention, you can easily be distracted by any of these. Your mobile phone can also be a distraction which is why it’s important that you turn your data off or keep your phone away from you until your study time is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions On- Is college harder than high school?
What is the hardest years of college?
The difficulty of college can vary, but many find the first and third years challenging. First-year because it’s a big transition, and third-year due to more advanced courses.
How many people drop out of college?
Dropout rates vary, but on average, about 30% of students drop out before completing their degree. Factors like financial issues and academic challenges contribute to this.
What is the hardest class in college?
Determining the hardest class is subjective, but many students find advanced math or science courses, like organic chemistry, challenging. It really depends on your strengths and interests.
Does first-year GPA matter?
Yes, first-year GPA is important. It sets the foundation for your academic record, and some employers or graduate programs may consider it. However, it’s not the only factor, and improvement over time matters too.
How is college different from high school?
College differs from high school in terms of greater academic freedom, more self-directed learning, and a focus on specialized subjects based on your chosen major.
Are college exams harder than high school exams?
College exams are often more demanding than high school exams. They may require deeper understanding and critical thinking, reflecting the increased complexity of the material.
Is the workload in college overwhelming?
College workload can be demanding, especially during peak times like exams. Effective time management and study skills are crucial for handling the workload successfully.
Do college professors know your name?
Unlike high school, where classes are smaller, college classes can be larger, making it challenging for professors to know everyone’s name. However, building relationships through participation can help.
Is the social scene in college different from high school?
Yes, the social scene in college is often more diverse and inclusive. There are more opportunities to meet people with varied interests, backgrounds, and cultures.
Is it easy to make friends in college?
Making friends in college can vary, but it’s generally easier than in high school. Joining clubs, participating in events, and living on campus can facilitate social connections.
Can you work while attending college?
Many students work part-time during college, balancing work and academics. It requires good time management, and some find internships related to their field of study.
Is college worth the cost?
The value of college varies, but for many, it provides valuable education, networking opportunities, and personal growth. It’s essential to consider your career goals and financial situation.
Are college classes more interesting than high school classes?
College classes are often more specialized, allowing you to focus on subjects you are passionate about. This can make them more interesting, but it depends on your interests and chosen major.
Conclusion
figuring out if college is harder than high school depends on how you study, manage your time, and what you’re studying. College comes with new challenges and harder academics, but it also gives you more freedom and chances to focus on what interests you. Basically, whether high school or college is harder depends on you—how committed and adaptable you are to handle the different demands of each school level.
