College Life
Different Schools, Different Expectations
Use this page when something about college surprises you, or you are not sure what instructors expect.
What many students notice
Every school has its own expectations. If your last school was a high school ten years ago, a technical program, a job training course, or a school in another country, some things about college may surprise you. Many of these expectations are never written down. Students are expected to know them already.
This page names the most common ones, so you do not have to guess. None of them is the only right way to learn. They are simply how many U.S. college classes work.
Seven common differences
| Topic | In some schools | In many U.S. college classes |
|---|---|---|
| Learning outside class | Most learning happens in class. | Much of the learning happens outside class. You read before class, and class time is for discussion and practice. See Balancing school, work, and family. |
| Speaking in class | Students listen, and the teacher talks. | Students are expected to ask questions and share ideas. Participation is often part of the grade. |
| Disagreeing | Disagreeing with a teacher or a text can seem rude. | Disagreeing politely, with a reason, is welcome. It shows thinking. See Replying to classmates. |
| Your own ideas | A good answer repeats what the book or the teacher said. | A good answer explains the source and then adds your own analysis or opinion. See Task verbs. |
| Using sources | Using an expert’s words shows respect for the expert. | You must say where every idea and every quotation comes from. Using words or ideas without credit is plagiarism. See Quote, paraphrase, or summarize. |
| Working together | Helping a classmate with an assignment is always good. | It depends on the assignment. Some work is meant to be done together. Other work must be done alone. Check the directions, or ask. |
| Grades and deadlines | One big exam decides the grade, and dates are flexible. | Many small assignments add up to the grade, and due dates are usually firm. The syllabus explains the rules. |
One more: you are expected to ask
In many U.S. colleges, nobody will check whether you understand. Instructors expect you to ask when you do not. The same is true for support: tutoring, counseling, and accommodations are available, but students must request them. Asking is not a weakness. It is part of the job of being a student.
Example: expectations in a syllabus
Here is part of a syllabus. The highlighted words tell you how strong each expectation is. Each number matches a note below.
Students are expected to1 complete the reading before each class. You are responsible for2 checking Blackboard announcements twice a week. You are encouraged to3 form a study group. All essays must4 be your own work. You may5 discuss ideas with classmates, but you may not6 share your writing.
- Expected. A real requirement. Your instructor will plan class as if you did it.
- Responsible for. If you miss it, it is your problem to fix. “I did not see the announcement” usually is not accepted as a reason.
- Encouraged. A strong suggestion. It is not required, and it usually helps.
- Must. A rule. Breaking it can have serious consequences.
- May. Allowed. You choose.
- May not. Not allowed. It does not mean “maybe not.”
Language focus: how strong is the rule?
Expectation words, from strongest to weakest
| Words | Strength | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| must, are required to, may not | A rule | Do it (or do not do it). There are consequences. |
| are expected to, are responsible for | A firm expectation | Treat it as required, even if it does not say “must.” |
| should | Strong advice | Usually do it. In some syllabi, it means a requirement. Ask if you are not sure. |
| are encouraged to, it is a good idea to | A suggestion | Not required, and usually helpful. |
| may, are welcome to | Permission | You choose. |
After are expected to and are encouraged to, use the base verb: You are expected to attend. After are responsible for, use a noun or an -ing verb: You are responsible for checking your email.
Questions you can ask
When an expectation is not clear, ask. Fill in each blank with your own words.
- About working togetherFor , is it OK to work with a classmate, or should it be done alone?
- About participationHow is participation graded in this class?
- About your own ideasFor this assignment, should I include my own opinion, or only explain the reading?
- About a word in the syllabusThe syllabus says students should . Is that required?
Where to start
- Your syllabus. Read it in the first week, and look for the expectation words on this page.
- Your instructor. Office hours are a good time to ask about expectations. See Emailing an instructor.
- The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Tutors know how college assignments work. See This semester for hours.
Next step
Try this with one syllabus
- Find three expectation words, such as must, expected, or encouraged.
- For each one, decide: rule, firm expectation, suggestion, or permission?
- Find the rule about working with classmates. If there is none, ask.