Benefits of taking Spring/Summer Classes: Why Bother?
Written by Julia Yurchesyn
@julia.yurchesyn
Thumbnail Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash
For most of us, summer is a time away from school, where the burdens of papers and exams are far, far away. Many students may be working, doing an internship, or taking the time to relax and recharge. Because of this, not everyone considers the possibility of taking spring/summer classes. Despite the negative connotation associated with ‘summer school,’ taking classes in the spring/summer semesters actually has a lot of benefits. Here are five reasons why you may want to consider enrolling in a class or two during the spring/summer semesters.
Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash
1. Working towards your degree
Firstly, you are able to get some credits out of the way. Some of your general graduation requirements may be available in the spring/summer and these are courses you need to finish your degree (classes related to your major). If you plan well, you could potentially graduate early, making you stand out to employers. Another possibility is that you don’t need to take as many courses in the fall. If you find that the usual four/five courses per term lead to you feeling burnt out and overly stressed, then spring/summer courses could help you find a better balance during the traditional academic semester. Additionally, summer classes are a good way to take make-up courses if you didn’t do as well as you hoped the first time. Both grades will show up on your transcript, but only the higher grade will be included in GPA calculations.
Another thing to consider is some people take summer classes to have more time to study for difficult classes required for their major. Although these classes are accelerated (spring/summer semesters are shorter than fall/winter semesters), you won’t have other classes also demanding your time and energy. It’s no secret that student life can be stressful, so why not use summer to get ahead?
2. Flexibility
Another way classes in the spring/summer are potentially a good option is that you can better balance your education with other commitments since students only take one or two courses during summer. Even if you take just one class, working a job, going out with friends, and other activities are still manageable! Additionally, if you take a class from May-June, this means you have July-August to take a break from school.
It’s important to remember that summer classes are still classes with course material and due dates, and as they are accelerated at a much faster pace there is not as much time to spend on each topic. If you are not organized and do not manage your time, it can be easy to fall behind and get overwhelmed! However, at the same time, there’s not the same amount of work as if you were taking 4-5 classes during the fall/winter semesters. This makes the spring/summer semesters a viable option for many people!
3. Class Sizes
Of course this depends on which class you take, but generally there are less people taking classes in the spring/summer semesters than in the fall or winter. If you’re someone who prefers a smaller class size, take a look at the classes being offered, the class capacity, and how many students are registered. For in-person classes, a smaller class size makes it easier for the Professor and students to connect with each other, and when the spring/summer classes get to be on campus again you will enjoy a smaller cohort of people. Why not make some new friends?
Keep in mind that this might be a little different with online classes, and the spring/summer courses at SMU this year will be offered in the same blended model that was used this semester.
Photo by David Lezcano on Unsplash
4. Keeping our brains active
After finals in April, many students do not return to classes until September. That’s four months of no school work! And while yes, right now that sounds amazing, how many of us return to classes not mentally prepared for the readings, papers, and exams that come our way in September? If you’re someone who wants something to do to help keep their brain active during the break, taking a class may be helpful.
Additionally, especially because of COVID-19, not all of us have big plans for the summer. It can be easy to lose track of the days, and some of us may even get bored if there’s nothing stimulating going on in our lives. If nothing else, the spring/summer semesters offer something productive if you want something else to do besides working and seeing friends.
5. Opportunity to take new/interesting classes
With all the degree requirements students need to get through, it can be tricky to make time for the extra classes you have always been interested in. It’s easy to fall into the idea that university is just about completing the requirements and getting the grades, rather than actually learning material you’re interested in and you’re passionate about!
Have you always wanted to take a language class but could never fit it into your schedule? What about that philosophy class that has always sounded fascinating to you? The spring/summer semesters are the perfect time for these. Let yourself take classes that you never would be able to otherwise. For language courses, in particular, the spring/summer semesters are a great time to take these classes since the accelerated pace means you have to practice regularly. Additionally, taking a broad range of courses makes you a well-rounded student, and this makes you attractive to employers. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to minor in a certain area! Let yourself get excited about classes again!
While spring/summer classes are not the right option for everyone, there are some compelling reasons why it might be the right option for you. Take some time to go through the classes being offered, and decide if this is right for you. If you’re still unsure, you can always talk to an Academic Advisor and ask any questions you may have about the courses and your degree requirements! You can find more information about the spring/summer academic semesters here. Regardless of whether or not you decide to take a spring/summer class, make sure you enjoy the summer and take time to do the things you love!
References:
https://www.smu.ca/virtualuniversity/spring-summer.html
https://www.smu.ca/academics/final-exams-gpa-calculation.html
https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html