Here’s a list of what you should expect!

An Intimate Class Setting

Summer classes are usually smaller than those in the typical semester. As a result, you’ll get to know your classmates and your professors a little bit better on a professional as well as personal level. Having a close relationship with your professor will benefit you in countless ways. You’ll learn more. You’ll be thought of for research projects and assistantships–yes that’s a real word! You’ll have someone who can vouch for your talents and skills in a letter of recommendation. You’ll have someone you can write down as a reference. You’ll have someone who will take time out of their lives to answer questions and give you advice when you’re no longer in their class, or even in college! Make use of the intimate class setting to help your future.

A Team-Like Crowd

Because summer classes only last a few weeks and for longer stretches throughout the day during the hottest, most beautiful time of year, you may find your class will take on an “all-of-us-in-it-together” type of attitude! This can be highly motivational, and even enjoyable! As a result, you might perform better in summer school than you would during the regular semester.

A Faster Pace

Because the professor is covering a semester’s worth of material in probably fewer weeks, you’ll find things move pretty quickly. As a result, it’s best to ask questions as soon as you have them. Email your professor ASAP or hop on over to office hours if you’re confused about a topic. Stay on top of your readings, papers, and homework. Reread your notes in the evening and again before you come to class. If you fall even a day behind, it can be very difficult to catch up.

A Laid-back Environment

While you’re still going to class, it’s also still the summer. You may find that summer semester is a bit more relaxed. Dress tends to be a little more casual. Classes that didn’t allow food and beverages will. There’s empty seats so nobody minds if you put your feet on the chair across from you. And on the hottest days, there’s a chance the professor might let you out a few minutes early. A less formal environment means many students feel less stressed, which gives them the opportunity to do better in school than they might during the normal school year.

Beware Burnout

You may not want to spend all summer in summer school. While it may be a breeze now, spending the past year in college and the following year in college without a few weeks to break in between can cause some students to burn out. Don’t overload yourself. Be aware of when your next college break is. Take downtime when you can.

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The following is a list of situations in which you may want to give the summer semester a go!

For Classes You Won’t Like

At some point in your college career, there will be a class you really, really don’t want to take, but have to. Often times, these are within your first couple years of college. It may be a core curriculum class you suspect you won’t do well in, or a class required for your major you just suspect you won’t care for. Instead of dealing with that class two-three times a week for months, you may want to get it over with by attending class every day for several weeks over the summer and being done with it.

For A Prerequisite

If you’re a transfer student, switched majors, or had to re-take a class, you may find yourself misaligned with the schedule in which courses are offered. For example, you wouldn’t want to stick around an extra year at college because you’re waiting for one class only offered in Spring. By taking a class over the summer you’ll need before you can take anything else, you’re getting yourself back on track to a timely graduation.

For When You’re Just Over It

While many college students wish they could stay in college forever, there are some students who cannot wait for the day they are done with school completely. If you’re over the college scene and just want out into the real world, taking classes over the summer may move up your graduation date.

For When You’re A Double Major/Minor

If you plan to have multiple majors and minors, you may wish to take classes over the summer as a way of lowering the average amount of credits you take every semester. By spreading the courses out further than the traditional two semesters, you’ll have more room in your schedule to pursue other interests, and have fun!

For When You Feel Like Sticking Around

As your college becomes your home, there’s a chance you’ll be less interested in returning to where you came from for summer. Often times living back in your parents’ house for a few months causes friction, and the friends you had there aren’t as close to you as the new friends you’ve made. Many juniors and seniors choose to remain on campus over summer. If you’re looking for an excuse to stick around, or if you’ll want something to do with your time, you may as well take advantage of summer classes.

For the Class You Want to Take for Fun

Most college students have interests in areas other than their major, but are unable to find the time to take coursework in those other areas. Summer is the perfect time to give that scuba class a whirl!

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