More preparation is expected
College professors know the value associated with a degree. For this reason, they challenge students and hold them to a higher standard. Students who step into a college classroom should be prepared to at least engage the material. There is a minimum expectation that students will have read the assigned material and completed the assigned classwork. Some students do more than this, to be sure.
Talking and distractions are out the window
In many high school classes, students pass the time by writing notes or chatting with those beside them. This does not happen in college classes. There is an expectation that college students will pay attention to the teacher for the duration, and they will refrain from distracting classmates during the class period.
Less busy work
Most college courses will include little if any homework. There are tests and occasional papers, but little value is given to daily work. This means that college students have to motivate themselves and stay on top of the work if they want to be successful. This shifts the importance to the exams, since they account for more of the grade.
Less explanation of the expectations
In high school courses, the expectations are clearly laid out to students. They are told what to expect from start to finish, and they know exactly what will be on tests. Though college professors do not completely throw students to the sharks, they do expect students to figure things out on their own. Professors are generally helpful, but they will not baby students. Those who need help must seek it out. Part of the part of the college experience is in maturing in this way.
