Thinking About Taking Summer Classes?

By Mehvish Patel on April 17, 2018

Around this time of the semester, the only thing almost everyone is thinking about is summer. For some of us, summer brings thoughts of never having to wake up for that 9 a.m. ever again. However, for others like me, the thought of spending summer in a class sounds less than appealing, but a good way to get ahead in school.

I’ve been taking summer classes three years in a row now so I’ve learned every difficulty and feeling of accomplishment that comes along with it. This year, however, I’ve had a change of heart and am struggling with giving myself a break or pushing through it. During this process, I’ve looked back on past years to help aid in my decision. So if you’re like me and being pulled in both directions or you just aren’t sure how it’ll be, here are some things to look forward to.

via Pexels

Registration

The first and most important thing to do is keep track of deadlines. In most schools registration begins towards the middle of the second semester and ends in May. Classes themselves start in June. In almost all cases a summer semester is split into two sections; Summer I and Summer II. It’s super important to realize that a summer class is 4-5 months of instruction squeezed into 1 month. Despite the short amount of time given to teach a whole subject, professors are usually understanding in that it is a lot of work and it is technically vacation time.

In-Person Vs Hybrid Classes

Hybrid classes are where students work online and usually only required to go in to take the final. In-person classes are exactly as they say, but there’s one important fact to remember. Since this is a class where you will be receiving a lot of information in such a short amount of time, professors are usually strict on attendance. Your class might also not be very large so if you do skip a day for no reason your professor will probably notice. Unless you have an honest, valid reason to miss class, don’t!

I took am in-person and hybrid class one summer and if this is something you are looking to do, I recommend in person. With so much information being thrown at you it’s easier to comprehend and build a relationship with your professor in class. I’m not saying hybrid courses are bad, but it all depends on how you yourself intake information.

Rate My Professor

I can not begin to explain how many times this website has saved my life and I’m sure yours too. Ratemyprofessor.com is a website where you can search up your professor up and read reviews from former students who have taken the class. I highly recommend everyone do this before deciding whether summer classes are for them. Most of the time there is a limited amount of professors teaching in the summer and some you may have never heard of so this website is your best bet at finding someone who you believe will fit your needs. If you’re not sure whether to go through with summer classes still take a look at who’s teaching, Who knows, you may get lucky and finds someone with a 5-star rating and earn an easy A.

Cost

If your heart is set on taking summer classes there’s only one thing left to do, and that is paying up. There are many opportunities when it comes to finding funding for summer classes.

  1. First things first, the FAFSA. If you were already filed for the past Fall/Spring semester you shouldn’t have to file again for the summer. This all, however, depends on your specific school and which application they use for the Summer semester.
  2. Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships! A lot of students overlook scholarships thinking they’ll never get them, but that’s not true. There is a lot of year-round scholarships being offered so go and apply to as many as you qualify for.
  3. Just like students receive grants during the school year, there are also summer grant programs offered. Some are offered on a state level and some through separate universities. Asking your school financial aid office for help is the best way to stay up to date with opportunities like this.
  4. If all else fails and you still aren’t able to cover the costs, look into your local community college. Many community colleges offer students admission for the summer and the cost is significantly lesser than universities. At the end of the semester, you are able to transfer your credits to your school. Every school has different classes so it’s important to always double check with your own school on whether your summer credits will be transferred in the Fall.

Free Time

If you’ve made plans for the summer and had a tough Spring semester, summer classes might not be for you. It’s okay to take a break and relax sometimes. If you’re traveling and are dead set on taking at least one class in the summer look into hybrid courses and you might find something that works for you. However, take into account where you are traveling, whether you will have internet access, and don’t forget to inform your professor of your plans.

If you’re taking a summer job take the workload into account. If you believe you can manage your time effectively then, by all means, take that class. If you don’t think you could manage the extra workload that comes with summer classes and working a job, it’s completely okay to pick one over the other. Do what’s best for you.

 

So if not being able to go out with your friends that one day or skipping an event because you have to study is something you’re okay with then go ahead and take those summer classes. I wish you the best of luck! If you’ve decided this year’s just not the year to continue school in the summer then that’s okay too. Enjoy your summer, we all deserve a break sometimes.

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