Most colleges do semesters, but a select few do a quarter system. As crazy as it sounds, it can be a huge advantage and disadvantage to those who chose to go to those select schools.
The truth about the quarter system is not yet recognized by me because I have only completed one-quarter. However, I can tell you the truth about those first set of 12 weeks that I have learned very quickly.
1. It is challenging.
The quarter system is 3 quarters of 12 week long classes (I am not including the summer quarter) as opposed to a semester where you have 2 semesters of 15 week long classes. Cutting those extra 3 weeks out, makes our classes much more challenging because we must learn the same amount of material as others in a shorter time. This also cuts down on the amount of test we have, which makes it easier to get a low grade in a class if the professor does not give many opportunities.
2. It is an experience.
In that very first set of 12 weeks, you will find out who your college friends will most likely be, how you are going to adjust to college, and who you are as a person. This time frame will either make or break the "college life" for you and you will learn that very quickly. You learn so much about time management and priorities that you will want to relive it every day. So much can happen or so little can happen in those first twelve weeks, it just depends on what you are willing to do as a person.
3. It is one of a kind.
There is not a better time to be alive than the first quarter or semester of college (any year/level). Worldwide, it is football season, it is fall, and it is a new beginning (if you want). No matter what happened in the past, summer has taken place and now you can start over if needed. Make new friends, be a better person, anything can happen now. Then fall. The beautiful leaves and the chilly weather mixed with holidays and breaks make this the most magical time of the year. Honestly, when else do you get that many breaks in a school semester or quarter? Never.
No matter if you chose a school with the quarter system or the traditional semesters, the first 12 weeks of your fall term will be so unbelievably unforgettable that you will never regret the decision. However, you know what they say, "Life's what you make it," so the truth behind this article is honestly up to you.
