Summer is my favorite time of year in Colorado. There’s always so much more to when the days are longer and the warm weather draws me outside.
Summer can also be great opportunity to take an additional class or two. This is particularly important if you need to catch up on a few classes from fall or spring semester. Summer classes, which run a bit shorter than a traditional semester, can really make your time and money go farther and get you closer to your ultimate goal: GRADUATION!
Here are some recommendations for how to prepare for summer classes:
Map Out Your Classes
In order for a student to be able to graduate in two years (from a 60 credit-hour program), a student must earn 30 credits per year.
Maybe you didn’t take 15 credits in the fall, or one of your classes didn’t turn out as expected. Summer could be the perfect opportunity to take that course (or two) you still need for your program, and get caught up!
FRCC students can use our Degree Check software (through eWOLF) to determine what courses they may still need—and to search online for what’s being offered. Even one class could make a difference.
Prepare to Pay
Paying for classes can always be a challenge, no matter what semester you attend. The cost of six credits for a resident, on-campus (once you subtract the College Opportunity Fund stipend) is estimated at approximately $1,000.
It’s worth stopping by the Financial Aid Office now to look into what types of financial aid eligibility could be available for summer semester and you might use to help cover expenses.
(FRCC students can always consider a monthly payment plan to help spread out their balance throughout the summer term.)
Be Realistic About Your Summer Plans
Summer days fill up fast with barbeques, hiking, trips to the pool or even a vacation. But school work still has to be a priority if you commit to summer classes. Map out your summer plans now and think ahead about how you will prioritize your summer classes.
Some things to consider:
- Taking an online course could allow you to do your schoolwork more easily while you have family and friends visiting.
- Can you prioritize fun activities (think baseball games!) only on the weekends, so that you have time to study during the week?
- Or you might choose to skip a vacation this year to get ahead.
However you schedule it, this is your opportunity to make the most of your summer term.
Understand—and Prepare for—Shorter Classes
The majority of summer classes run for just 10 weeks, instead of the usual 15. (There are even some options for five-week classes as well.) You’ll learn the same amount of information and earn the same amount of credit per class, despite not being enrolled for that extra five weeks. That saves you time!
Some data even suggests that students end up being more successful in classes that run less than 15 weeks. Just remember, without those extra weeks, you’ll need to make sure are you prepared and ready to learn on the first day of class. Check out these tips for making the first day count.
As the end of spring semester approaches, don’t lose out on your progress and momentum from this year. Summer semester can be a key time to get ahead—so consider enrolling soon. And remember… you can always study outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
