SLIPPERY ROCK — Compared to high school, college is a whole new world.

Slippery Rock High School has developed a new course to prepare students for that world, called Transition to Higher Education.

The course was offered on an informal trial basis this spring but may become a semester offering in the future if it's popular. Tiffany Jones, an intern in the high school guidance office, developed and taught the course this year to only four high school seniors, but to rave reviews.

Cortney Ray, who already takes college courses during the summers, said she's had a taste of what college requires academically, but learned in the course about other aspects of college life.

"You have to realize your parents won't be there to help you," she said.

Ray said she learned a lot about herself and her unique study habits and would recommend the course to any senior considering college. She plans to attend Butler County Community College for nursing.

"It's hard because I have no idea what to expect," said senior Samantha Volponi, who is headed to Waynesburg University next year. "I think a lot of kids would take this course rather than not knowing what is next."

The course focuses mainly on study habits and organizational skills, but also deals with other scheduling and social issues.

"It's a good idea to help put it all into perspective," according to Jones.

"It prepares them for the stress, temptation and change of schedule that is in college," said Jones. "They think life will be the same but they don't realize so many things have been changing. This is about what to do to prepare yourself."

Study tips range from simple ideas like using flash cards to self-inventory tests to figuring out where and how students study best.

In the process, both Ray and Volponi said they learned a lot about themselves. Jones said she thinks that is an important pre-college skill that is often overlooked.

"I saw a lot of growth in the girls in this group," she said. "They learned a lot of self-awareness and I think that's needed."

One big concept Jones tried to stress is avoiding procrastination.

"They don't realize how much time they'll have," she said. Students will be transitioning from a fully scheduled day to a much less structured one in college, she said.