Education gives us knowledge of the world around us and changes it into something better. It gives us new perspectives and opinions on life. The two most essential forms of education are taught in high school and college. They are different, but both intend to further students’ knowledge. Some factors include, but aren’t limited to, the classes, teachers, students, and the responsibilities presented.

1. Responsibilities
The transition into college plays a big role in responsibilities. In high school, your time is structured by others. You can count on parents, teachers, and coaches to remind you of your responsibilities and priorities. Each day you proceed from one class directly to another, spending six hours each day for 30 hours a week in class. Having a counselor, you are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate.

In college, you must balance your responsibilities and set priorities. You manage your own time. You must check your syllabi for important dates to record into your planner. Schedules tend to look lighter than they really are. You often have hours between classes. Class times vary throughout the day, and can even stretch into the evening. Graduation requirements are complex and differ among majors, and you are expected to know those that apply to you. Likewise, you are expected to do your work in a timely manner and not slack off in your studies.

2. Preparation and Study Habits
Another major transition from high school to college is preparation and study habits. Going to high school, you may study outside of class as little as zero to two hours a week. This may mostly be last-minute test preparation. You seldom need to read anything more than once, and sometimes listening in class is enough. You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught.

However in college, it is expected that you will study a minimum of two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Studying includes any time spent on classes, such as reading your textbooks, reviewing your notes, tutoring, review sessions, etc. You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing, some of which may not be directly addressed in class. Similarly, tests such as midterms and finals are given. Many assignments based off readings are given as well, whether challenging or not.

3. Authoritative Figures
Another transition from high school to college is the authoritative figures: High School Teachers v. College Professors. High school teachers check your completed homework. They will approach you if they believe you need assistance. Teachers often write information on the board to be copied in our notes and will provide you with information if you are absent. They often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates. They will also carefully monitor class attendance.

College professors are usually helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance. They see it to be your responsibility to get any missed notes and class materials from classmates. Professors may lecture non-stop, expecting you to identify the important points in your notes. They expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus. Professors may not formally take attendance, but they are still likely to know whether you attended and your attendance may affect the final grade.

Both high school and college have approachable teaching figures that provide insight of the material needed to be covered. In the end they both want you to pass their class.