School is ending and so many people are pumped for summer break. I don’t blame them. Summer is a time where you can sit out in the sun and work on your tan, get a summer job and earn some extra cash or even sit around in your pajamas all day and binge-watch TV shows (not that I don’t do that already). The last thing on anyone’s mind is school, and that is why people are so hesitant when it comes to summer classes.
I am currently taking my first summer class ever. It is in the form of a May-mester. Basically, they cram 15 weeks’ worth of material into two weeks. This is a more intensive course. There are also eight week courses throughout June and July (class options vary from university to university). Now, most people may think, “Why the heck would I want to waste my summer stuck in a classroom?”
I will tell you why: it is the best thing you could ever do for your college career. I am not saying you have to cram as many classes in the summer as you can or take summer classes every year, but taking one or two every other summer will help you so much.
For those of who are transferring to other schools, it is a perfect way to give your GPA an extra boost before the new school reviews your transcripts to make a decision.
For those of you have failed a class or two (believe me it happens to a lot of people), summer classes are a great second chance for the ones you did not complete, and you can catch up and get right back on track for graduation. Summer classes are even a great way to get ahead of the game and move your graduation date closer! We all know we want to graduate a soon as possible (especially those seniors).
Maybe you need to complete one more class in order to be admitted into a certain program, and you do not want to waste a whole semester taking that one class. Take it during the summer so you have plenty of time to apply.
Most of the time you can get college credit for taking a class in another country. Summer study abroad programs are a great way to expand your cultural knowledge and earn a few credits towards your degree. Plus, you will probably get to travel to a place that is much more interesting than your couch for the summer. I hear Switzerland and Italy are beautiful this time of year...
Yes, summer is time to hang out with friends, go to the beach and save up for the new iPhone that’s coming out, but those things can wait. Your education is more important.
The possibilities and opportunities you have to better yourself with a summer class are endless. I know it can be scary to think about, but it can really help you with your college career.
