What to Expect the First Year

Generally, we recommend reading through every page of every syllabus you get in that first week. They act as an instruction manual of what you need to do throughout the semester for each class in order to be successful. This "job description" is also a helpful model.

Class is VERY different than high school. Professors expect that you complete the readings before you come to class that day. That way, the lecture serves as  the second time you are receiving the information, and an opportunity to go deeper than the readings. The following link opens a PDF that helps outline some of the other main differences between high school teachers and college professors.

Being a student is a full-time job. This means that you will be expected to spend at least 40 hours a week in class and on your studies. We suggest that you spend about 3 hours on your studies outside of class for every 1 hour you are in class. Planning ahead and dedicating certain days and times to readings, studying, and/or reviewing is a good way to make sure you are putting in the amount of time and work your professors expect.