College Summer School Classes
Get the Most out of a College or University's Summer Session Program
Jan 27, 2007
College summer school classes can be a great experience and help you catch up on college credits. But be careful not to fall behind! Here's some tips.
Are you thinking about taking a college summer school class? Summer programs offer students an opportunity to earn credit in a short period of time and reach graduation day more quickly. Many students also enjoy the intensive learning experience. But be careful! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of summer courses.
- DO use summer classes to catch up on college credits instead of overloading on classes during the regular semester. Spacing the workload out will be easier.
- DO use summer school as an opportunity to get into popular classes that are hard to get into during the semester. Summer school may be the only time for you to take certain classes outside your major that fill up with majors during the semester.
- DO take advantages of the small class size. At large universities, courses that are offered as lecture hall classes during the regular semester may be offered as small classes during the summer.
- DON'T expect the summer class to be easier or less work than the course when it is offered during the semester. You get the same number of credits for the summer course as you do for the course during the semester, so the course will be the same. (The summer course might be a little bit less work, but don't count on it.)
- DON'T fall behind. This is very important! The summer class meets during a short period of time, and you will have daily homework and assignments with little space between them. Procrastination can mean failure in a summer class.
- DON'T take too many summer classes at once. Ideally, you should only take one at a time. A summer course takes a whole semester's worth of work and crams it into a short session, so if you take too many at once, you will be overwhelmed and will not do well. In addition, if you have other obligations during the summer (including a job), think seriously if you really have the time to devote to a summer class.
- DO weigh your financial situation carefully. How much do summer classes cost? Would overloading on classes during the regular semester be much cheaper? Would the benefits of working full time over the summer outweigh the benefits of the summer class?
- DO consider taking summer classes at other schools. This can be a great opportunity to experience life on another campus, or to take classes that aren't offered at your school. If you go to school out-of-state, consider taking a summer class at a local college. Taking classes at other schools can also save you money! Consider taking a class at a community college or at any school that's cheaper than your own. Be careful though: if you take a summer class at a different school, make sure ahead of time that you can transfer the credit!
- DON'T take a summer class that is excessively difficult. There's not enough time to struggle through the material and get the help you need.
- DO consider taking an intensive summer language class. These classes often meet for long hours and are a great way to immerse yourself in the language and learn quickly.
- DON'T forget to enjoy summer, at least a little bit. Otherwise you will be miserable.
Do you have opinions or questions about summer school? Leave them in the discussion!
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The copyright of the article College Summer School Classes in Campus Life is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish College Summer School Classes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
