Have you been wondering if a summer semester is right for you? Sometimes it鈥檚 not always clear if you should spend your summer hitting the books or taking a break from them. To help you make this decision, here are some pros and cons of enrolling in a summer semester.
Cons
Less Downtime
If you鈥檙e like many students, when you think of the summertime, you may think of relaxing, going on trips, and having fun with your friends. Instead of focusing on your studies, summer break allows students to forget about their homework, courses, and exams for a few months. However, if you choose to enroll in a summer semester, you鈥檒l have less time to enjoy leisurely activities. Doing three semesters in a row could mean you鈥檙e more likely to maintain high stress levels or experience burnout.聽
Think about it: Once you enter the working world, you probably won’t get a summer break anymore. So, consider enjoying it while you can!
Less Variety
During the school year, a vast selection of courses are offered. If you don鈥檛 want to study ancient civilizations, you can enroll in European history instead! However, summer semesters don鈥檛 offer the same variety. If you鈥檙e unsure about signing up for a few courses this summer, be aware that you won鈥檛 have the same selection of:
- Courses
- Professors
- Timeslots
Even general education courses (also known as electives) are often program-specific in the summer, meaning your options are limited. Also, many students take summer semesters, so courses can fill up quickly. You鈥檒l need to research, select, and sign up for your courses even further in advance than during the fall or spring semesters.
Less Time to Work
Many students depend on working full-time hours in the summer to cover their fall and spring semesters’ expenses. Those who take on a summer semester will have less time to work part-time jobs, and may find themselves struggling financially during the school year. Some places of employment may not even hire you for the summer because of your inability to work certain hours.聽
If you鈥檙e a student planning to gain work experience in your field of study, you may find it challenging to find an employer willing to work with the scattered schedule that typically accompanies summer semester classes. So, if you鈥檇 like to build up your resume or make your life more financially comfortable for your upcoming semesters, a summer semester may not be the best option.
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Pros
A Shorter Semester
Most students have a course they aren鈥檛 looking forward to taking, but must complete in order to graduate. As a summer semester is shorter in length compared to those during the school year, it may be smart to enroll in these dreaded courses during the summer semester. That way, you won鈥檛 have to study the subject you dislike for as much time. Not to mention, you can earn a credit while still having a chunk of your summer open for work, travel, or relaxation.
Note: The semester’s shorter timeframe doesn鈥檛 mean the course material or instruction time has been reduced. So, expect each class session to be longer, and to complete the same course objectives during your summer semester as you would during the school year.
Lighten Up Your Fall and Spring Semesters
Are you looking to ease your study load for your fall and spring semesters? If so, a summer semester could be an excellent option. Students who take three semesters back-to-back will have fewer courses in their following school year. If you鈥檙e coming to the end of your degree and find the coursework is becoming more complex, enrolling in summer courses will mean a more manageable workload in your other semesters.聽
Tip: Enrolling in a summer semester is a great idea if you鈥檙e behind on credits and want to graduate on time. Or, a summer semester can help you get ahead on credits and graduate early.
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Sticking to a Routine
Throughout the school year, most students will establish a routine for themselves. Routines can help you keep your momentum and work ethic up. It鈥檚 easy to fall out of your routine after a long summer break and lose the of having one. Consider a summer semester if you want to reap the following benefits all year long.
Students who have a routine will:
- Handle stress levels better.
- Having a plan can help you feel more in control of your life, as you鈥檒l make many decisions in advance. This allows you to focus on making good choices for the decisions that remain, and ultimately help you control your stress.
- Sleep better.
- Creating a sleeping schedule and establishing a nighttime routine can help you feel more rested.
- Be happier.
- Having a schedule will help you build out your days and identify time slots that you can dedicate to fun and relaxing activities that bring you joy.
After weighing the pros and cons outlined above, you鈥檒l have a clearer picture of whether a summer semester is right for you!
