The state of Minnesota needs to require high school classes to be at a higher level of difficulty in order to meet a set standard.

Graduation Statistics: High Schools need to provide students with the necessary skills in order for them to survive in college. Minnesota is the 7th easiest state to graduate in. The number of freshman college students in the United States who have dropped out of college after the first semester has increased to 15.8% over the last 10 years.

Study Habit s: In order to be at the college standards, high school classes need to be more challenging.

~In high school, study time is provided through a study hall period within the school day. You are expected to read short assignments that will then be summarized in class. Teachers will typically reinforce what you need to know and monitor the progress of the class. Teachers in high school usually write out all the notes the students will need to know, but in college students need to take notes independently based on the lecture and class material and determine what is important. In high school there is also more opportunities for students to receive extra credit in order to improve poor grades.

~In college you need to manage your own study time throughout the week. You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may or may not be discussed in class. During college classes you have to read and understand the material and reach out for help if needed. Class proceeds upon the assumption that you have done the assignment and understand the material. Professors will not remind you what you are missing or how you are doing in class. In high schools teachers let you know how you are doing in the classes.

~ High School Statistics vs. College Statistics : You spend at least six hours each day -- 30 hours a week -- in class. In college spend 12-18 hours each week in class. Typically two hours of study time is recommended for each hour of class.

Testing in High School vs. Testing in College:

~ In High School, testing is frequent and covers small amount of material. But in college, testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. A particular course may have only two or three tests a semester. In high school makeup tests are often available, but in college makeup tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them. Teachers frequently conduct review in high schools, but in colleges professors rarely offer review sessions and when they do, they expect you to be an active participant, one who comes prepared with questions.

Grades in High School vs. Grades in College: In college students first year experience , many find that grades may not be provided for all assigned work as it was in high school. In college, grades on tests and major papers usually provide most of the course grade. You may graduate as long as you have passed all required courses with a grade of a D or higher in high school, but in college you may graduate only if you average in classes meets the departmental standard -- typically a 2.0.

Advice For Incoming Freshman:

* Time Management - Make sure you use your time wisely. If possible finish your homework as soon as class is over.

* Get Involved in Activities - Whether you join an intramural sport, drama, music, or one of the many clubs, getting involved is a great way to meet new people and form wonderful friendships.

* Meet New People - During the first few weeks of college try to get out and meet people. A great way to do this is by walking around and introducing yourself to people, by leaving your dorm room open and talking to whoever walks by, or by taking part in the Bulldog Bash activities.

* Make Study Groups - Find people in your classes that will help you study. It is a good way to be prepared for tests and quizzes as well as form new friendships.

* Don't Go Home Every Weekend - Give weekends at college a chance. It is a lot of fun, and there are always things to do. You may even end up meeting people you never expected to.

* Prepare Yourself As Much As Possible - Don't just study the night before a test. You will do a lot better if you prepare yourself ahead of time.

* Don't Procrastinate - Don't leave your homework until the last minute, keep up on readings, and use the resources given to you such as the library, tutoring center, and even talk to your professors - they are more than willing to help you!!

Fun Facts About College vs. High School

Created By: Dana, Sarah, Jayme, & Katie