Many training programs and colleges will be announcing their summer class schedules over the next few weeks. Even in a challenging economy, most students will want to take some kind of vacation in the summer, and that can make it harder to fit classes into your schedule.
The same can be said for students who have children in elementary or high school— when school’s out in the summer, it can be harder to find time in July or August to go to class or study if the kids are at home.
Many training schools and colleges try to work around your needs by offering accelerated, or “double up” classes. As an example, a course in auto repair that meets once a week for three hours in a 15-week semester may only meet for eight weeks in the summer—but the class meets twice a week, rather than once.
By taking accelerated classes, you can keep your career dreams on track and still have part of your summer free for other activities—a perfect combination!
Students who have found success with summer classes offer these words of wisdom as you plan your summer schedule:
Plan far, far, ahead
A class that meets twice a week frees up part of your summer, but it also means you have to spend twice as much time studying when the class is being held. This means the rest of your home and work schedule has to be especially free for that intense time when class is meeting.
Look at your schedule now, and make sure this will work. If you’re thinking about taking a class while you make your daughter’s prom dress and plan a graduation party, you might want to think again.
Choose the class carefully
Once you know you have the time to make a double-up class work, make sure the subject of the class is something you’ll grasp pretty easily. New ideas often need more time to sink in, and the same is true for classes that have challenged you in the past.
If you know your way around an engine already, an accelerated auto repair class will probably be just fine this summer, but if you’re thinking about taking a math class and math doesn’t come easy to you, you might want to take something else, and pick up the math in the fall.
It’s twice the work in half the time
Some students think a summer class means the teacher will require less homework or fewer tests, but that’s almost never the case. An English class that requires five papers over a 15 week semester will most likely still require five papers of the same length and quality over an 8 week semester. This is probably the biggest mistake summer students make, so be sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Ask the teacher ahead of time
Suppose you decide accelerated classes aren’t for you. Does this mean you have to choose between taking a summer-long class and going to the family reunion in July? Not necessarily! Most teachers require the same work in a summer class, but they often give students a little more flexibility with dates for papers and tests.
Contact the teacher now, and tell them about your plans. Chances are you can work something out ahead of time, and the teacher will appreciate your asking now.
Not all learning occurs in a classroom, but with a little advanced planning, you can make the most out of the classroom and a relaxed summer schedule.
