Key takeaways
- Many students choose to take summer classes to get a head start on earning credits while they work, while others choose them to catch up on academic work and ensure they graduate on time.
- Summer classes may be shorter, lasting between two and six weeks, while others are longer, lasting up to 10 weeks.
- Before enrolling in a summer course, you should focus on choosing one that counts toward your major, matches your interests and strengths, and is one you can exert time and energy into.
Flickr user Andy
“Summer” and “classes” probably aren’t words you planned to pair together. While most students imagine their summer spent in the sun and not inside a lecture hall, sometimes taking summer courses can be a smart move. Although you have to give up some free time, summer classes can help you graduate earlier, lighten your upcoming semester workload, or help you catch up on required courses. This guide shares practical tips for taking summer classes in college so you know what to expect.
What are summer classes?
Summer classes are college courses taken during—that’s right—the summer months. They can be taken in person or online, it just depends on what you are needing to take and what your college offers. If you’re wondering why students would willingly sign up for class during summer, there are a few practical reasons. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- They want to graduate earlier: Taking summer classes can help shave off a semester or more, helping students graduate earlier.
- They want less work during the school year: Completing classes during the summer can help the fall and spring semesters feel more manageable, especially if extracurriculars are demanding of time.
- They need to catch up: If a class didn’t go as planned, summer classes can help students get back on track with their academic timeline.
Many colleges open registration for summer classes as early as January. For example, North Carolina State University and Harvard University both offer extensive summer course options, with Harvard providing more than 400 courses in 60 subject areas. Start researching ahead of time and review your college’s summer schedule to figure out if it is the right fit for you.
How long are summer classes?
The good news about summer classes is that they aren’t very long—so you’ll still get some of your summer vacation! While the duration of summer classes varies from one college to another, one thing remains the same: summer classes move fast. Here’s what to expect.
- Shorter sessions: These classes last between two to six weeks and move at a faster pace. For instance, you may meet three to four times a week for a long period of time in order to cover all of the required material.
- Longer sessions: These classes last between eight and 10 weeks and are more spread out. For instance, you may meet twice a week for only a few hours.
Knowing how long summer classes in college are can help you create a schedule that allows you to catch up with your academics and manage your workload without compromising your summer fun.
Pros and cons of taking summer classes
Summer classes can be a great option for some, but they do require a few trade-offs. Here are some of the pros and cons of taking summer classes to help you decide if it’s the best use of your summer vacation.
Pros
You won’t have to overload your fall and spring semesters
With summer courses in the mix, you can decrease your credit hours during regular school semesters. This can make your course load much more bearable, allowing you more time to engage in extracurriculars, work, and self-care.
You can graduate earlier
For students who are motivated to finish school early, summer classes can open up different opportunities for employment and even give you an edge over fellow applicants.
It’s a great way to deal with gen eds
Once you finish your general education courses, you get to take the fun classes, otherwise known as the courses that are actually related to your field. So, the sooner you finish the mandatory classes, the sooner you can take the classes you’re interested in!
You can catch up on credits
Maybe a class didn’t go as you hoped, or your plans changed along the way. Taking summer classes can help you get back on schedule so you don’t fall behind.
Cons
Summer classes can get expensive
Although there are some scholarships that do help with summer classes, financial aid can often be limited. This means many students have to pay out of pocket per class. There are other options, such as community college courses, but you’ll want to make sure those credits will transfer.
Summer courses can be super intensive
It’s important to keep in mind that summer classes include just as much information as your normal classes, but in a much shorter timeframe. That faster pace can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared to keep up.
Sometimes you need a break to avoid burnout
There is a summer break for a reason. Many students rely on this time to recharge and prepare for the upcoming fall semester. If you continue to take classes with no break, you might find yourself burning out quicker.
It can be hard to balance school and life
Taking summer classes may mean giving up some downtime. If you choose to do so, it’s important that you protect your limited time outside of class.
Is there financial aid available for summer classes?
In most cases, yes. You can often find financial aid or apply to scholarships to help you take summer classes. If you are considering summer classes, talk to your financial advisor to see if there may be financial aid available to you.
What summer classes should you take?
You know you want to take a summer class, but which one is best for you? Before enrolling, ask yourself these questions:
- Does this class count toward your major? Prioritize taking required courses that move you closer to graduation.
- Does it match your interests and strengths? Summer classes move fast, so it’s important you choose something you enjoy or feel confident in.
- Are you mentally ready for an accelerated course? Summer is the time that many students like to check out—and for good reason! You need to ask yourself if you have the energy and time to stay focused and consistent.
How to succeed in your summer classes
When considering summer classes, you’ll want to make sure you set yourself up for success. Here’s how:
- Plan ahead: Build a schedule before summer begins so you know how classes, work, and personal plans will fit together. It will also help you mentally prepare for coursework all summer.
- Find ways to stay motivated: It can be hard when your peers are studying abroad, traveling, or just having fun all summer. Remind yourself why you chose to take a summer class and don’t lose sight of your goals.
- Get good at time management: Find ways to study effectively and prioritize your important tasks first. Summer classes move fast, so you’ll need to stay organized.
- Stay healthy to avoid burnout: Make sure you plan to take breaks and get enough rest before the fall semester. Constant learning can take a lot out of you, and burnout can linger for a long time.
Are summer classes for you?
Summer classes aren’t a perfect fit for everyone. They move fast, require focus, and take up part of your summer break. However, if you’re looking to graduate early, catch up on credits, or ease your workload for the upcoming semester, then summer classes might be worth looking into. It’s important to know your priorities and make sure this option is realistic for your academic goals.
Whether you’re planning summer classes or mapping out your full college journey, the right classes start with the right college. Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to discover personalized college matches just for you.
