Student Life Transitions — High School to College
| High School | College | |
| Teacher to Student Contact: |
Teachers are available daily to identify and assist students who need help. | Faculty and teaching assistants are available during weekly office hours and by appointment to address students’ needs. Students need to take the initiative to get assistance and guidance. |
| Competition and Grades: | Good grades may be obtained with minimal effort or studying and competition is limited. | Students at UC San Diego compete with the best and the brightest! Minimal effort or lack of initiative in seeking assistance may result in poor grades and limited opportunities. |
| Semesters to Quarters: | Classes took place in marking periods or semesters. Some classes were the same for an entire year. |
Students at UC San Diego take classes via the Quarter System, 10 weeks of classes and a finals week. Not going to class or falling behind in studying may result in poor grades. |
| Counseling and Guidance: | Students often rely on parents, teachers, and counselors to set boundaries and help make decisions. | Students must rely on their own judgment, and they see the results of making their own decisions. It is a student’s responsibility to seek advice. |
| Motivation: | Motivation to complete work and succeed often comes from teachers and parents. |
Students must motivate themselves to do well academically and get involved socially. |
| Value Judgments: | Students’ values are often strongly influenced by parents, teachers, peers, and the community. | Students have opportunities to develop their own perspectives, opinions, and values. They also have the freedom to test and challenge the environment around them. |
