Transition from Highschool to University Essay Example

The transition from highschool to college can be unexpectedly difficult to those who do not fully understand the major differences between the two. According to Gordon Miller, Virginia Tech graduate with a PhD in Human Computer Interaction and Computer Science, the average time spent in school learning between grades K-12 along with a basic 4-year college degree is 24,480 hours. Although students complete highschool and college chronologically to further their education, college is more expensive, there is an abrupt change with things people are acclimated to, and the students responsibilities rapidly increase.

The most dreaded difference between high school and college is the cost. Typically public schooling grades K-12 is regulated by federal, state, and local laws; the government is able to provide funding for education through taxation. College funding can be aided through different programs available, however the student is primarily responsible for covering their own education costs. Not only are students held accountable for initial tuition, but they also have other expenses such as living quarters, meal plans, transportation, and textbooks. Public schooling K-12 is made accessible to everyone allowing even those who are financially burdened to provide their children with the opportunity to achieve a basic education. This benefits the young individual while also creating a community with less unemployment, greater tax revenue, and increased engagement in political matters. In comparison, the cost of a college education has rapidly increased over the years because of high demand and low funding; thus causing college level education to be less accessible to those who lack both the time and money to pursue it.

The change of things students are used to from high school compared to the new things they experience at college is drastic. While some students look forward to this, others may find it difficult or scary to adjust to their new surroundings. While in high school, students have already settled their social life and personal image, so they think. When heading off to college both of these change without choice. It will soon become harder to find a familiar face to ask about homework or even grab lunch with. Another large change for most is the location. Moving in with a roommate or even on their own, is a jolting difference compared to living with family.

A student in college is held accountable for greater responsibilities than the typical high school student. Secondary school prepares students to be successful by teaching them the basic fundamentals of education such as submitting quality work, following directions, time management, teamwork, and communication. High school students are introduced to these skills early on, however they are not held at high accountability for their responsibilities. In college students are expected to manage their responsibilities accordingly. College students are paying for their education, whether or not they attend and pass classes. In high school the workload is kept minimal and subjects are broad, but in college the workload increases as the path of study narrows. In college students are working towards achieving their degree within their desired career field.