I decided, halfway through my second semester in my Freshman year that I was going to double major. If you know anything at all about college, then you'll know that it's hard enough doing one major, but doing two sometimes seems like suicide.
Since I decided a little late to be a double major, I decided to start taking summer classes to keep up with the work load that I have put myself under. I have taken summer classes before in high school, but they were not like these courses that I took in college.
For me, my summers often consist of boredom, work, and Netflix. Summer is when I finally get to catch up on all of my TV shows. Of course, this summer also consisted of Pokemon Go, but that's another story. I highly recommend taking summer classes for anyone who wants to jump start their schooling career, who forgets half the material in the swimming pool over the summer, and those who honestly have nothing better to do. Taking online courses is a great way to challenge your mind over the summer, and stay in the flow of school without having as many classes to account for or weighing on you. Learning keeps your mind active and focused on what you have to do.
For anyone who is thinking about taking summer courses themselves, for fun or for necessity, here are some dos and don't.
Do: Keep a planner.
Planner's aren't just for the regular school year. They help a lot when keeping up with scatters tests and due dates that happen during the summer, or assignments that you're likely to forget while you're out having fun.
Don't: Take more classes than you're willing to work for.
I took two classes over this summer, and if I had taken more, then I wouldn't have done nearly as well in them. Having less classes still leaves time to go out and have fun, or to lay around on the couch. I don't judge.
Do: Check your email for any changes.
I almost missed one of my midterms because I didn't check my email very often! Professors tend to use your email to contact you, so make sure you regularly check it.
Don't: Go long stretches without doing homework.
It's easy to get lost in the flow of summer after regular classes end, but this can be as catastrophic in summer courses as fall and spring courses. Falling behind does not have any benefit and adds more stress than you need.
Do: Plan for any known vacations.
Depending on your professor, you may have to turn in any assignments early that you will be unable to turn in because you are out of town on vacation. So make sure you're prepared in your courses before you leave for your vacation.
Don't: Expect classes to be a breeze.
Summer courses are typically just as challenging as regular courses, and sometimes more challenging if you do not have a good work ethic. In two months, you learn the same amount of material as in a semester.
Do: Work ahead, if possible.
Getting assignments done easy takes a huge load off, and also helps whenever a surprise summer adventure pops up. If you work ahead, you won't be worrying so much about getting assignments in on time. However, you still need to make sure you don't fall behind!
Don't: Go without studying.
Summer courses have exams that affect your grade just as much as courses in the regular spring and fall semesters. You cannot go without studying and succeed in the class! Even just half an hour before going to bed each night is beneficial for any tests or finals. That way, you can still enjoy your summer and help yourself for the next school year.
Do: If you are taking the course at another college, make sure it will transfer credit before you enroll in the class.
This is huge if you're trying to get further into your degree. Certain classes will not be accepted by other colleges, so talk to your official college adviser before enrolling into the course. If you take the course without checking and it doesn't transfer, you will have paid and taken that class for nothing. Ain't nobody got time for that.
I have enjoyed taking summer classes this year. I feel like I have benefited myself enormously in double the trouble journey without any regrets. Alongside taking these classes, I have worked, planned and went on a vacation to Mexico, and made countless memories with my friends. By following these do's and don'ts, I have made A's in both of the courses I have taken and still had a summer worth remembering.
