For some students, college might feel like an extension of high school. However, there are big differences between the two that can trip students up if they are not ready for them. We encourage you to start conversations with your student about these differences, how they plan to handle them and how you can support them.
Here are a few differences between high school and college that are worth calling out
| COMMON HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE | COMMON COLLEGE EXPERIENCE |
|---|---|
| Teachers often remind students about upcoming deadlines and exams. | Students use the course syllabus to keep track of upcoming deadlines and exams independently. |
| Students may study for exams or do homework at the last minute. | For every hour of class, students plan to spend 2 to 3 hours studying or doing homework. |
| Teachers often remind students about missing or incomplete assignments. | Students keep track of their own assignments and reach out to instructors when they have questions. |
| Homework is often checked and graded. | Homework is not always checked or graded. It is sometimes assigned just for the student’s benefit — to help them gauge their own understanding or to prepare for exams. |
| There are no consequences for having a cumulative grade point average below 2.0. | A cumulative grade point average below 2.0 can result in consequences that range from a warning to suspension to dismissal from college. |
| Parents/guardians advocate for their students and have full access to their students’ academic records. | The student advocates for themself and can decide which academic and financial information to share with their parents/guardians. |
| Parents/guardians are notified if students have been missing school or are failing. | Parents/guardians are not notified about students’ attendance or grades. |
| The student may receive help from others to better manage their time and complete assignments | The student manages their own time and completes their assignments independently. |
| Teachers provide notes and other information to students who miss class. | Students let their instructors know when they’re going to be absent and plan to meet with instructors (during their office hours) to discuss what they missed. |
| Textbooks are typically free. | Students need to buy or rent books for their classes. |
| School counselors help keep students on track for graduation. | While academic advisors are always available, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to be aware of and meet graduation requirements. |
| For students with documented disabilities, I.D.E.A. focuses on student success. | A.D.A. provides equal access. |
| An I.E.P. or 504 Plan may include modifications to test format and/or grading. | Grading and test format changes are generally not available. Accommodations to HOW tests are given are available when student has registered with the Campus Accessibility Center. |
It's critical that you set expectations with your student
For some students, going to college is like flipping a light switch – the light just comes on, and they are off to the races! Other students may need some time to find their footing academically, socially, or both. We recommend you take some time to ask your student what they expect college to be like, both with their classes and socially.
Students may think they can take it easy and that they’ll be “passed along” in classes. However, the
requirements for college are much different than high school. If a student doesn’t earn a C
average in their first semester, they can be suspended. So, they will need to keep track of their
assignments, communicate with their instructors and stay engaged in their classes to succeed. If
you are already worried about how your student will perform academically, let them know what your
expectations are and how you will support them as they start this new academic chapter.
Other students may be extremely stressed about what the workload will be like and may be ready to
focus only on academics. You know your student better than anyone. If you have a student who you
think will put a lot of pressure on themself academically, remind them that they should have some
fun and get involved, too! You might want to suggest they reach out to their faculty advisor early
on to make that scholarly connection.
Having a roommate can be difficult for anyone who has never shared a room before. Even students who
find their roommates at Summer Orientation or through social media, and think they have found their
perfect match, could have a tough time eventually sharing their space. Talking your student through
the ups and downs of sharing a room will be helpful to them.
Students who commute may find it tough to make connections. They may complain about
parking (which happens on every college campus!), and they may not realize how much effort they will
need to put forth to be engaged on campus. Let them know about the Commuter Lounge in the Student
Center, the importance of getting involved and discuss how they plan to manage commuting, school,
and work (if they have a job).
TV, movies, and social media can make it look like college is one giant party. Many students come in thinking it will be the “best time of their lives.” In reality, though, college is regular life. If your student wants a vibrant social life, they’ll need to be friendly or attend campus events, even if they don’t have someone to go with. Clubs, activities, events, lounges like the Office of Diversity Programs, the First-Gen Lounge, or Commuter lounge, campus jobs, and intramural sports are all great ways for students to make connections, but they always need to take the first step and actually go.
Two parent/supporter questions we hear most often
How can I stay connected?
- Keep an eye on your email for the quarterly family and supporter newsletter, and email campuscommunications@snhu.edu with any questions
- Bookmark the Parents, Families and Supporters webpage
- Follow SNHU On Campus on social (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube) and join the Family and Supporter Facebook group
- Sign up to receive texts from Penny the Chatbot for ongoing news and information about what's happening on campus
Will I be able to access my student’s grades and other information? (Understanding FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of
student education records. It gives students the right to control who can access their academic
information once they turn 18 or enroll in college, regardless of their age. What does this mean for
parents and supporters? If you have been used to having full access to your student's grades, attendance,
and behavior records, that will no longer be the case!
Parents and supporters cannot access their student’s academic or financial information unless the student
gives consent, even if you are the one paying the bill! Students can grant access to their records by
signing the FERPA authorization for disclosure of non-directory information from within their my.snhu
account, but even then, you might not get the updates that you want.
Take this time now to encourage your student to communicate openly and responsibly with you and make a
plan for how you will communicate together if life at college isn’t going quite as they planned, or any
challenges arise.
Contact info for your student’s support network:
Academic Advising
Guiding your student to success and directing as needed to other support resources.
