College vs. High School
HOW IS COLLEGE DIFFERENT FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
As a high school student with a disability planning for college, have you asked yourself this question? Below are some listed differences that you should consider:
Structure:
High School – Very Structured
- 30 hours per week in class with 0-10 hours per week of study outside of class
- 10-35 students in a class
- Frequent reminders from teachers regarding deadlines
- Many Tests
College – Less Structured
- 10-15 hours per week in class with 20-30 hours per week of preparation/study outside of class
- 25-70* students in a class
- Course Syllabus and Outline list deadlines – few
reminders from instructors - Possibly one or two tests per semester covering
more material
Student Responsibilities:
High School – Parents are actively involved in child’s education.
- Decision-making is shared with parent.
- Time studying is often controlled by parents and teachers.
- Parents are involved in advocating for student.
- Yearly IEP conference determines services.
College – Students take charge of his/her own education.
- Decision-making is shifted to student.
- Student’s own time management skills are
crucial to success. - Student will need to self-advocate.
- Student must self-identify, ask for disability
services, and follow procedures.
*Class size at PCCC. Lecture classes at other colleges/universities may be much larger.
Contact Us
Office of Accessibility Services
Phone: (973) 684-6395
E-mail: ods@pccc.edu
Main Campus -Paterson
Memorial Hall M244
(across from the Testing Center)
Passaic Academic Center
PAC – Room 218
Students are met by appointment.
Check with Main Desk for room location.
Wanaque Academic Center
WAC – Room 117
Check with the Main Desk for room location.