Ok, you've done it. You've graduated from high school. You've selected a college, you selected your courses, and you're about to start your first semester.  Here are some things to keep in mind as you navigate your first semester of college.

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Classes:

• classes don't meet every day; instead they meet 2-3 days a week for longer chunks of time

• you are responsible to attending classes and getting all of the material. If you are absent, you will need to get information from a peer.

• You will be expected to participate in course discussions, and you will often be tests on information discussed in class, in addition to course readings.

• grades are heavily weighted towards assignments and assessments

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Homework:

• typically you will have more reading to complete between class sessions, and sometimes longer time to complete assignments

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Course Expectations:

• you will be expected to complete homework without it being checked regularly

• you will have midterms and final exams, and studying 2-3 hours a week is normal

• instructor expectations will vary by class

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College Life:

• in addition to adjusting to academic differences, college campuses are different and present a different set of challenges.  If you life in the residence halls, you will learn about meal plans, typically you'll have a roommate, and you'll have to do your laundry on your own!

• You will also have different social opportunities, like sororities and fraternities, intramural sports, clubs, and even the presence of drinking, illegal drug use, and sexual activity. Be prepared for how you want to handle these, and talk to your parents about any concerns you have.