This summer, I decided to take a few courses to get ahead. I took Biology 170 and 180 and an online course in Modern European History for my general education credits and for my major in biology. And so, here are the reasons why I would recommend considering this option, especially if your summer vacation isn't too busy.

1. It saves you time

When you put your energy and time into summer courses, it saves you the hassle of having to take them during the school year in the fall and spring semesters, which takes a bit off your shoulders. Since I knocked out one of my general education credits as well as my two core prerequisites for my major, I am able to take 200-level biology courses and have less Gen Ed's to worry about.

2. The classes are smaller

My biology classes were very small, which made it easier for the class to ask the professors for help or for them to repeat a point they made. When our labs were in session, the professor didn't have to spend too much time explaining the procedures of the lab, as they would probably have to do during the school year with a greater amount of students. Also, because there were fewer students, my professors often noted that our small class didn't make mistakes.

3. It goes by really quickly

This could be because the courses only lasted from five to six weeks. Or because of the amount of material that was covered per day. Through my personal experience, the only class I would say that didn't go by very quickly would have to be my online course, Modern Europe History. Though, this was mainly because that lasted for twelve weeks.

4. It keeps you busy during the summer

Whenever I spend a long period of time not working, I lose my mojo and motivation a bit, which is why I don't like getting out of the rhythm of things. When classes start again in the fall, I'll be well-equipped mentally from the workload I endured during the summer.

5. It ensures you'll graduate on time

When you work ahead and knock out your general education requirements as well as your major requirements, it gives extra assurance that you'll graduate on time. None of us want to graduate late!

All in all, my experience taking summer courses has not only taught me new things in a different way that a semester-long course wouldn't, but it also made me feel closer to my professors (especially since I had the same biology professors throughout the 12-week period). It is an opportunity I recommend for all to take, even if you just an online course.