Should I Take Summer Classes
Summer classes are offered each year in a variety of courses. Some students love them,
while others prefer to have a summer free from their studies. You have to decide what
is best for you! Deciding whether or not to participate in summer courses can be a
difficult decision. Keep reading to help decipher if this is what is best for you.
Benefits of taking summer classes:
Graduating early. Taking courses each summer does potentially give you the option to graduate early. Depending on your major and course work, there are plenty of options for students to graduate early if they have taken credits over the summer. This would allow you to start in the workforce early and be able to put your hard-earned degree to use sooner!
Class size. Typically, all summer courses have a smaller number of students. This allows you to be able to have plenty of one-on-one time with your professors. If you feel as though you are falling behind, you are given the chance to personally work with your professor to ensure you will be successful in the course. This can also be a benefit if you choose to retake a course over the summer. If you struggled throughout the fall or spring semesters in a particular class and you choose to retake it over the summer, your lowest grade can be replaced by the grade you make in the summer—overall benefiting your GPA!
Prioritizing a difficult course. Have you ever felt overwhelmed taking multiple classes through the semester, working
a job and keeping up with extracurriculars? Taking a summer course gives you the opportunity
to be able to focus more on one course at a time. Typically, these courses are shorter,
so you can take multiple courses throughout the summer and dedicate extra time to
focus on being successful in each course!
Things to consider:
Impacting financial aid. Scholarships don’t always transfer over to summer courses, causing them to cost more than your semester courses. This is something to consider before jumping into multiple summer courses. Speaking with financial aid will give you a better idea of what this will look like for you and the courses you’re interested in.
Summer plans. Thinking of taking a vacation this summer with your family or friends? This is something to highly consider when balancing your summer courses and plans. It can be difficult to ensure you’re completing assignments and attending class while on vacation. If you have multiple trips planned, maybe summer classes aren’t for you this summer.
Feeling burnout. Lastly, moving from your spring courses to summer courses can feel tiring. After completing your spring exams, you may not feel mentally prepared to jump back into more courses. Take time to evaluate where you are mentally and if you can confidently complete summer courses without causing burnout throughout your summer and leading into the fall semester.