The difference between being a freshman in high school versus being a freshman in college is like night and day.
Despite both being labels for students at the beginning of their journeys, the paths that sit in front of a freshman in high school are much different than that of a student in their first year of college.
Interested in learning more about the distinction? Then read on to learn more.
What is a Freshman?
Freshman year of either high school or college is when you return to the beginning of your journey in an academic institution after completing your 8th-grade year or your senior year of high school.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “freshman” itself is derived from a 15th Century term for a new member of a religious order. (It was also used as a somewhat unflattering term for what we would call today a “newbie”.)
Lately, though, there has been a movement among schools to replace the terms “freshman” and “freshmen” as they are considered gendered titles (not to mention the fact that a full sixty percent of college freshmen in the U.S. are actually freshwomen!)
In fact, in 2025, Penn State became one of several universities that has officially banned the word “freshman”. The preferred terminology for freshman on many campuses in the current day is “first-year student”, “first-year”, or “frosh”. Additionally, “upperclassmen” have been re-termed “upper-level students”. (Yale even promulgates guidelines on how to properly use these updated terms.)
Video: High School vs College – How Do They Compare?
What Does a Freshman Look Like?
High school freshmen tend to look noticeably younger compared to upperclassmen. They also tend to congregate and socialize together, mixing less with the older students who are mostly unknown to them.
Most high school freshmen only have classes with others in their grade, meaning they tend to not interact so much with the grades above them until a bit later into their journeys. Additionally, while freshmen do have opportunities to join clubs, sports, and other organizations in which there are a mix of grades, the distinction between underclassmen and upperclassmen offers less opportunities for students to intermingle with those who are further in their time in high school.
In college, on the other hand, the difference in appearance between an 18-year-old freshman and a 21-year-old senior is relatively insignificant. Like high school freshmen, college frosh tend to socialize together – especially during the first year in the freshmen dorms. But mixing between grades is more fluid in college, thanks to classes, clubs, sports, social activities where first-year college students can readily become acquainted with upperclassmen from the start.
Historically speaking, freshmen in both high school and college have all too often been the target of hazing. This is a ritualized form of public humiliation, and can range from symbolic slights to all-out violent bullying.
School administrators have always looked down upon hazing, and today the practice is prohibited in the majority of high schools and colleges. Fortunately, today’s young people are more enlightened than in previous generations, and less likely to tolerate abusive behavior among their peers.
A New Life Chapter
The most fundamental parallel between freshman year of high school and college is that in both cases, this a year that signals a new chapter in your growth — both as a student, and as a person.
When you start high school, you are formally entering a 4-year trajectory of ongoing college preparation, including more pressure and harder classes. But college may still seem to be far off in the future, and the typical college application stressors — grades, SAT scores, and extracurriculars– may not manifest right away.
Being in ninth grade, though, is certainly no license to slack: check out this article from Empowerly to learn how college admissions offices evaluate your freshman-year grades.
When you start college, you are starting something much bigger than a new level of education: you are formally beginning your adult life. For most students, this will be the greatest life transition they have experienced – perhaps like the human equivalent of butterfly catharsis.
Video: College Freshmen on the First Day of Classes
High School: Freedom from Responsibility
When you’re a freshman in high school, you enjoy a certain freedom from worry that is lost when you leave home for college.
You don’t have to pay for tuition, room or board. You live with your family, in your own home, with your basic needs taken care of. But if you are like the majority of college students that have to work to pay for college, you will come to appreciate just how easy you had it financially when you lived at home.
On the other hand, you don’t have much freedom of choice when it comes to freshman-year classes in high school, which are typically assigned to you. You are required to attend class, and you are usually on campus all day long with scheduled breaks common to all students.
Classes are also regimented, with an emphasis on discipline. Most students are not there by choice, but because they have to be and, as a result, students can act out and cause disruptions, impacting the studies of the students around them.
Video: Highschool Advice for Freshmen
College: Freedom to Choose
Being a freshman in college is completely different.
In college, you get to choose your classes and your preferred area of study. You are even encouraged to branch out and take a course in an unfamiliar subject, like Art History or Geology. However, this freedom is not absolute – particularly for freshmen.
All first-years are required to take a set of core courses and “prereqs” (classes that have to be taken before you can take upper-level courses). These often take up most of your freshman-year class hours.
College freshman may be pleasantly surprised to find that college classes tend to be virtually free of student disruptions. Troublemakers, teacher-baiters, and aggressive students are not tolerated, given the rigor of most classes as well as a financial incentive to be there (each class can cost more than you think!).
Classes are orderly, and college students are expected to maintain an adult level of maturity during the duration.
Becoming an Adult
Being a college freshman also means taking on a whole new set of daily adult responsibilities. You have to suddenly manage your own life and time in a way that would be overwhelming to the average high school frosh.
For example, no one will be with you to monitor your behavior and tell you to go to class, do your homework for you, or tell you to come to dinner. You’ll have to wake yourself up in the morning,make it to your own classes, and plan for and manage your homework load.
Suddenly, you are your own boss, and while this may seem like a difficult task at first, the life lessons you will learn along the way will help provide you with the stamina and discipline that will guide you through your life as an adult.
Challenges Faced by Freshmen
Freshman year is an exciting time filled with new experiences, but it’s not without its challenges. Picture this: stepping into a world that feels both familiar and completely uncharted.
High school and college freshmen face hurdles that shape their journey, helping them grow into more capable, confident individuals.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges that often define this transformative year.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Imagine walking into a school that seems ten times bigger than your middle school or arriving on a college campus where every building is unfamiliar. High school freshmen often feel like small fish in a big pond, trying to navigate hallways and schedules while figuring out their place among peers.
For college students, the stakes are higher—living away from home, sharing spaces with strangers, and managing life without a safety net. It’s a lot to take in, but with time, these new spaces become second homes.
Managing Academic Expectations
Now picture this: your first day of class, and the teacher hands you a syllabus packed with assignments. High school freshmen often find themselves juggling more demanding coursework compared to what they’re used to, while college freshmen must quickly adapt to the intensity of lectures, papers, and exams.
It’s like running a race where pacing yourself is key—time management and organization can make all the difference.
Building Social Connections
Social life can feel like stepping into a crowded room where everyone already knows each other. High school freshmen may struggle to find their footing among established friendships, while college students face the daunting task of meeting people from all walks of life.
But here’s the beauty of it: those awkward introductions at club fairs or shared laughs in the dorm common room often blossom into lifelong friendships. It’s all about taking that first step.
Handling Increased Responsibility
Picture your calendar suddenly filling up with tasks—homework, sports practice, and maybe even part-time work. For high school freshmen, responsibility comes in the form of balancing extracurriculars and academics.
In college, it’s a whole new ballgame: budgeting, meal planning, and ensuring you don’t miss that 8 a.m. class. It’s like learning to juggle, and while you might drop a few balls at first, it’s all part of the process.
Navigating Emotional Challenges
Finally, think about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a freshman. There’s excitement, yes, but also moments of self-doubt and homesickness. High school students might feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform, while college students can find themselves missing the familiarity of home.
The key is recognizing these feelings as normal and leaning on friends, family, or campus resources for support.
Teaching Styles: High School vs. College
Picture this: in high school, your teacher greets you with a smile, reviews yesterday’s lesson, and gently reminds you—again—that homework is due tomorrow. Classes are structured and predictable, with teachers guiding you step-by-step through concepts and checking in if you’re falling behind.
They’re like your personal coach, ensuring you’re on track and offering frequent support when needed.
Now fast-forward to college. You’re in a lecture hall, surrounded by strangers, as the professor jumps straight into the syllabus. No reminders, no hand-holding—just a rapid-fire lecture you’re expected to keep up with.
College professors are like lifeguards: they’re there to help, but only if you ask. Independence is the name of the game, and you’re responsible for managing assignments, understanding the material, and seeking help during office hours.
The shift is striking but empowering. High school teaching feels like a safety net, ensuring you stay grounded, while college challenges you to take the reins and learn on your own. It’s overwhelming at first, but that independence teaches you discipline, responsibility, and the joy of learning for yourself. Once you adapt, you’ll realize it’s all part of the adventure.
A New Social World
As a freshman in high school,your social identity may be largely attached to which group you hang out with, allowing for the formation of cliques and an almost social hierarchy of sorts. While it might not exactly be The Breakfast Club or Pretty in Pink, your social life in high school can sometimes be more stressful than your actual classes.
On the other hand, college can be a wonderful breath of fresh air. From the very first day of freshman year, you will be surrounded by a fresh cohort of first-year students who are also living away from home for the first time. You will be meeting dozens of others from other states and countries, all eager to start their new journeys on a fresh foot.
As a result, you are much more likely to form enriching friendships with students that have different interests and backgrounds. Those first few weeks of freshman year can be nothing short of exhilarating and can be the catalyst for a new, enriching, and exciting chapter.
“Around the second week of classes, we always get calls from frantic parents,” shares one college president. “They are worried because they haven’t heard from their freshman kid. As it turns out, in 99% of these cases their son or daughter is having such a good time at college that they simply forgot to call home!”
High School vs. College
The experiences of freshman year in high school and college differ in ways that shape how students navigate academics, social dynamics, and personal growth. Below is a table breaking down these contrasts from a freshman’s perspective:
| Aspect | High School Freshman | College Freshman |
| Age and Maturity | Typically 14–15 years old, often still adjusting to adolescence. | Usually 18–19 years old, beginning their journey into adulthood. |
| Class Schedules | Fixed, structured schedules assigned by school administrators. | Flexible schedules chosen by the student, with varying class times and days. |
| Freedom | Limited personal freedom; students must follow strict rules and are closely supervised by teachers. | Significant independence; students are responsible for managing their own time and commitments. |
| Social Interactions | Social groups often defined by cliques and proximity, with less mixing between grades. | Diverse friendships form across grades, backgrounds, and interests, especially in dorms and extracurriculars. |
| Responsibility | Few personal responsibilities; family and school provide structure. | Full responsibility for daily life, including budgeting, self-care, and meeting academic deadlines. |
| Academic Pressure | Early stages of college preparation, with a focus on core subjects and general skill-building. | More intense academic expectations, with foundational courses and exploration of career paths. |
| Living Situation | Living at home with family, providing stability and support. | Living independently, often in dorms or apartments, fostering self-reliance. |
| Teacher-Student Dynamic | Teachers often monitor and guide students closely, offering frequent reminders and support. | Professors treat students as adults, expecting self-discipline and initiative in seeking help. |
| Cost | Public high school is typically free or low-cost. | College can be expensive, with costs for tuition, housing, and meals adding financial pressure. |
| Extracurriculars | Clubs and sports often limited to the school community. | Broader range of activities, including opportunities to join organizations, internships, and cultural events. |
A Fresh Opportunity
Whether you’re beginning high school or college, freshman year is a perfect opportunity to start afresh and set a new standard for yourself. With a whole new academic and social context, these few junctures in life allow you to “reinvent” yourself by setting ambitious goals for the type of student and person that you want to grow into.
If you’re not sure what to expect from freshman year of high school or college, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation to see how Empowerly’s expert team of advisors can help you prepare to excel.
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Additional Resources:
- If you’re exploring your options for higher education in 2025, What Are the Best Universities & Colleges in New York? provides an excellent overview of top schools in the state.
- Preparing for the college admissions process? College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed offers practical advice to make your application stand out.
- Curious about GPA requirements? What Colleges can I get into with a 3.5 GPA? highlights great options for students aiming to leverage their academic achievements.
