Since attending college for half a semester, I have found that I enjoy being a college student more than being a high school student. I noticed that college offers more freedom than high school, such as the ability to use cell phones in class, leave class, eat in class, and wear whatever you want. After graduating from Mt. Maria High School, I held off on attending college for years due to certain situations that prevented me from doing so. Now, at twenty-five, I have finally been able to enroll in Gallo College and have noticed differences in the attitudes and responsibilities of both teachers and students, as well as in the lessons and the freedom that comes with them. High school provides a general education in all subjects, preparing students for college, while college provides education in a specific field, preparing students for a job. There are many ways in which the attitudes of high school teachers differ from those of college professors. In high school, most teachers and lecturers seem to be more strict and have more rules and regulations for students to follow. Furthermore, in high school students must learn all subjects, while in university students have the freedom to choose what they want to learn. High school teachers are evaluated on student performance and standardized tests, which do not exist at college. Additionally, professors generally have a higher level of education in specific subjects than high school teachers, who often have postgraduate degrees in education. Therefore, your professors will not only be professional educators but also potential leading contributors to their fields of study. Some may even be world-renowned researchers. One similarity between high school and college is that classes are generally taught by a teacher who sits at the front and takes exams to evaluate learning. However, there are some differences between high school and college classes. In high school, classes are usually held at the same time every day and last only fifty minutes. In contrast, college classes may meet once, twice, or three times per week and may last one to three hours. Exams in college may take place in familiar formats, such as multiple choice, or they may be essay-type exams in which students write their answers in a test booklet. Additionally, while a year of high school typically lasts thirty-six weeks, some classes may span both semesters. In college, the academic year is divided into two separate fifteen-week semesters, plus one week for final exams. Undergraduate courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters, and summer courses can be used to accelerate graduation. Attendance policies may vary from teacher to college, while in high schools, class attendance is usually mandatory and carefully monitored. Finally, while textbooks are typically provided at little to no expense in high school, the cost of textbooks in college can be a small fortune. Perhaps the biggest difference between higher education and college is the responsibility you will take on as a college student. In college you are an adult and will be held responsible for all your behavior. No one will force you to go to class or study for tests, and your professors will not be as helpful as high school teachers. In high school you need permission to participate in.