Slides that were presented by Academic Support Services at New Student Orientation 2021.
Academic Expectations in High School and College
High School Class time
- 6 hours per day
- 180 days per year
- 1,080 hours total
High School Study Time On average:
- 1-2 hours per day
- 270 hours total per year
College Class Time
- 15 hours per week
- 30 weeks per year
- 450 hours total
College Study time
- Rule of thumb (and Penn State policy) - 2 hours per every 1 hour of class – approx. 6 hours per day
- 900 hours total
Credit: Penn State Scranton Learning Writing Center

Time Management Is Key
- On average, students should spend 45 hours per week in class and completing work for those classes.
- Students also need 8-11 hours each day to eat, sleep, and take care of themselves.
- Students still have over 40 hours of free time each week to devote to involvement and connection-making
Credit: Penn State Scranton Learning Writing Center
Academic Expectations in High School and College
TESTS in High Scool
- Weekly
- At end of every chapter
- Frequent tests and quizzes
TESTS in College
- 2 - 4 per semester at end of multiple chapters
- Final exam sometimes comprehensive
GRADES in High Scool
- Passing grade guarantees you a seat in the classroom
GRADES in College
- C or above average required
- C in major pre-requisites
- Higher grades required in certain majors
TEACHERS in High Scool
- Monitor attendance
- Check homework
- Teach knowledge and facts
TEACHERS in College
- Lecture or “flipped” classroom
- Require you to link critically
- Expect you to be proactive
FREEDOM in High Scool
- Your day is structured for you
- Limits are set by parents, teachers and other adults
FREEDOM in College
- All you can handle!
- Decide everyday
- “Should I go to class?”
- “Should I get 8 hours sleep?”
- “How much time should I study”
Credit: Penn State Scranton Learning Writing Center
Penn State Scranton Learning and Writing Center
Credit: Penn State Scranton Learning Writing Center
Student Success at PSU and the Learning Center Mission
- Promote educational opportunities and enhance academic achievement for all students.
- Services designed to meet individual needs and goals.
- Faculty, professional and peer tutors provide free academic support to students
Credit: Penn State Scranton Learning Writing Center
Visit Learning Center and Writing Center for information.
Credit: Penn State Scranton
Preparation Skills for Success in Mathematics
- 1 credit course during noon common hour
- Sections for MATH 3, 4, 21, 22, 26, 110 and 140
- One instructor and peer tutor depending on enrollment
- Registration: Full time students may register at no cost. Part time students will incur the cost of one credit
- Attendance: Students must attend at least one Math 10 class session each week
- Grading: Students are expected to cooperate with their instructor and actively participate during every Math 10 class session
Credit: Penn State