Most colleges and universities follow the semester system: two 15-week semesters a year with a week of finals at the end. However, some universities, like my own, follow the quarter system. The quarter system follows a 10-week quarter with one week of finals three times a year. Both types of education have their pros and cons, of course, but I am going to explain the reasons why the quarter system ultimately trumps the semester system:

1. The opportunity to take more credits

As a double major, the quarter system is an immense help to allowing me to graduate in the typical four years. Instead of taking between 24 and 30 credits per year, like a typical full-time student on a semester system would, I can take between 36 and 54 credits per year. This system allows many students to acquire multiple majors/minors and/or the opportunity to graduate early.

2. The long winter break

According to many students, there is nothing worse than coming home for Thanksgiving break only to realize you have to return to school and finish up finals before returning for the holiday break in December. On a quarter system, we get a six-week-long winter break because finals are taken before Thanksgiving. This long break allows students to work, travel, or just relax before returning to school in the new year.

3. The quick pace of classes

Although it can be difficult to keep up at times, the short, ten weeks of class definitely makes material go by quickly. If you ever find yourself in an insufferable class, it’ll go by in the blink of an eye. The quarter ends just as spirits are lagging and everyone is pleading to be done with classes.

4. The variety of courses offered

Although every university has fun and interesting electives, the opportunity to take more credits lends one to explore more interests since one has more free space in their schedules. This set-up also gives more leeway to those who are undecided or switch majors a few times.

5. The bond you create with others who follow the quarter system

Most people are on the semester system and seem to always be confused when you tell them, “Yeah, I have a 6-week winter break.” However, meeting someone who understands and can relate to your quick, ten-week class schedule always creates an instant bond.

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Obviously, everyone will have their own biases towards their way of schooling, but I stand by the fact that the quarter system is ultimately better than the semester system. While everyone else works on their final projects and papers, I will happily be relaxing at home on break. If you are on the semester system, I am sorry that you have to endure an entire 15 weeks in one class.