Reading:
* Complexity: College readings are substantially more complex. They involve denser prose, more sophisticated vocabulary, nuanced arguments, and often require prior knowledge of the subject matter. High school texts tend to be more straightforward and explicitly stated.
* Length & Depth: College readings are longer and delve deeper into topics. You might read entire books, lengthy journal articles, or complex primary source documents in a single assignment, requiring sustained attention and critical analysis. High school readings are typically shorter and more focused.
* Source Material: College assignments often require engaging with a variety of sources, including scholarly articles, primary historical documents, complex data sets, and multimedia materials. High school often relies on textbooks and shorter, curated articles.
* Purpose: High school reading often focuses on comprehension and factual recall. College reading emphasizes critical analysis, interpretation, synthesis of information from multiple sources, and application of concepts to new situations. You are expected to not just understand *what* the author says, but *why* and *how* they say it, and how it fits within a larger context.
Writing:
* Argumentation & Analysis: College writing heavily emphasizes building and supporting sophisticated arguments using evidence, logical reasoning, and critical analysis. High school often focuses on more descriptive or narrative writing, with less emphasis on complex argumentation.
* Source Integration: College writing demands seamless and effective integration of multiple sources to support claims. Proper citation and avoidance of plagiarism are paramount. High school may incorporate sources, but the expectations for sophisticated integration and proper citation are generally lower.
* Style & Tone: College writing requires a more formal, academic tone, free from colloquialisms and slang. High school allows for a slightly more flexible style, depending on the assignment.
* Audience: College writing is typically addressed to a knowledgeable, academic audience (professor and potentially peers) who are familiar with the subject matter, requiring a more precise and nuanced approach. High school writing often addresses a broader, less specialized audience.
* Structure & Organization: College essays often require more sophisticated structures, such as comparative analyses, thematic essays, or literature reviews, demanding intricate outlining and organization. High school essays may focus on simpler organizational patterns.
* Length & Depth: College essays are typically longer and require more in-depth analysis and exploration of complex ideas. High school essays are generally shorter and less demanding in terms of depth of analysis.
In essence, high school reading and writing prepare you for college-level work, but college dramatically increases the complexity, expectations, and skills required. The shift requires a significant adjustment in approach and a commitment to developing advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.