Introduction
College and high school have the best memories in the minds of many. It is the time when you make the best and worst choices in life. To be on the extreme safe side, it is important that you know the difference and similarities between high school and the university.
My teachers always told me to work hard in high school so that I can join a college to experience more freedom and less studying. I found a contrasting narrative in campus, but not all that unrelated. This high school versus college essay gives a comparison of the two for you know exactly what is expected of either institution.
Similarities
Besides both being learning institutions that enable you to prepare for your future, college and high school have other similarities. Sometimes it feels like high school all over again when at the university. Below are some reasons why;
- There are rules
To bring order to a place full of young adults, rules have to be formulated and implemented. For example, it is forbidden to have alcohol in school premises or incite students, regardless of whether you are attending college or high school.
- There is a syllabus to be followed
The main purpose of going to either of the institutions is to get an education, and there is an elaborate syllabus to be followed. Assignments are mandatory in school. At the end of the schooling period, you sit for exams set by your lecturers or teachers and you are graded according to how you performed.
- You make friends
There are always new experiences at either school, and you get to make memories with your friends. Peer groups are the thing here; it is up to you to pick your friends. It is in these schools that funny titles and nicknames are used.
- You graduate to the next level
When in high school, you look forward to proceeding to college and work towards it. It is the bridge to where you land in the future. As for college education, you have to strive to graduate and start your career. Either way, you are preparing to graduate to the next level.
Differences
It is, however, quite obvious that college and high school contrast in more than one way. The classes, social life, and responsibilities make the difference between the two levels of learning. Below are the key points of contrast;
- Schedules and Time management
In high school, there is a fixed program that you adhere to and have little or no say on how classes are scheduled. Your days are normally planned by the teachers; all you need to do is go by what you find in the school.
It is quite different in higher learning institutions. The classes are scheduled at a time convenient for the whole class, and you do not have to wake up early unless you have a morning class. The freedom to manage unscheduled hours is all yours.
- Assignments and Syllabus
You find that in high school, the textbooks used are common in all schools and assignments are numerous and very simple. It takes a few hours to complete these tasks, and they account for 5-20% of the final exam marks.
The syllabus in college has similar content for similar courses, but textbooks and the course outline used are written by college professors. It takes weeks to complete a thesis and gather information for your take-home project. At the end of the semester, assignments contribute to 20-50% of your average marks.
- Cost of education
Education in senior high is mandatory and affordable to all. In most countries, students learn at no cost, and the textbooks are affordable and readily available. Since most students live with their parents, the cost of living is also low for them.
College education, on the other hand, is optional and expensive. The textbooks are usually costly, and easier sought in the library than at the shops. The living cost is also high because you have to feed yourself, pay rent and commute to and from school on a daily basis.
- Rules and regulations
The introduction of rules in high school enables you to grow into responsible adults. Rules like foods are not allowed in class and adhering to a stipulated dress code apply. There are student leaders, teachers and disciplinary committees that see to it that these rules are followed to the latter.
In college, however, the rules are rather less to give you the freedom to choose right from wrong. Most college professors let their students decide what is appropriate in class and penalties against petty misconduct are light. The university dress code is up to an individual’s preference, and it is often as crazy as it gets.
- Social group choices
In high school, you have friends from your class, and you get to spend so much time together. Your circle of friends is limited since many schools do not have a large population compared to higher learning institutions.
In college, you choose friends as you like. In my college days, I changed friends depending on the activities I involved myself in; when dancing, the squad changes from when I was playing hockey or being a club leader. People are so many, you barely know your classmates.
Conclusion
The main purpose of being college or high school students is to gain knowledge that shapes your future accordingly. If you are confused about what is expected of you in these learning institutions, you may mess up. In conclusion, read as many free compare and contrast school essays as possible and know what exactly to create the most favorable studying environment.
Good luck while at it!
