Summer courses can help you graduate earlier.
Instead of lounging by the pool this summer, you could crack a textbook and shave a few college courses off of your load. While some students look forward to a few months away from the classroom over the hottest months of the year, taking courses over the summer can help you earn your degree more quickly for less money.
Benefits
By taking one or two courses each summer during your time in college, you could complete your degree a semester or two ahead of schedule. Students anxious to start their career or non-traditional students with other obligations often want to graduate as early as possible. If you work full time during the academic year, taking summer classes allows you to enroll in fewer courses each semester while still graduating on schedule. Although you have to pay for the extra credits you take over the summer, graduating early can save you thousands of dollars.
Choosing Courses
You should make an appointment with an academic adviser from your college to determine which courses you should take over the summer. The number and type of classes offered will vary from school to school. You can use the summer semester to challenge yourself with a difficult course or get basic introductory courses out of the way. Remember that summer semesters usually run shorter than other terms, so be careful not to overwhelm yourself with material that might take a long time to master.
Succeeding in Summer Courses
Use the good study habits you developed during the regular school year to succeed in summer school. Because courses usually meet for lengthier sessions for fewer weeks over the summer, you shouldn't make a habit of arriving late, leaving early or skipping classes. You might find it difficult to catch up if you miss a class or fall behind on assigned reading. To prevent academic burnout, reward yourself for studying diligently by occasionally taking part in a favorite fun summer activity like a trip to the beach.
Transferring Credits
If you attend a four-year institution, you might decide to take summer courses through a community college or online program to save money. Most universities accept a limited amount of transfer credits from other schools. You should check with both the program offering the course and your degree-granting college or university to make sure your credits will transfer seamlessly. Thoroughly reviewing the procedures for transferring credits between institutions ensures that you don't spend time or money on wasted course credits.
Drawbacks
Taking college classes during the dog days of summer isn't for everyone. The shortness of the semester can make it difficult to get acquainted and comfortable with your peers and your professor before you finish the course. You also may have to complete several months' worth of work in just a few weeks, which means a pile of homework at the end of every day. For adult students with children, it can be impossible to keep up with course loads while their kids are on summer vacation. You might also find it aggravating to sit in a classroom while your friends catch sun, sand and surf.
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