Looking to get ahead academically, cut down on tuition costs, or deepen your knowledge of class material? Summer classes are a great way to do all of this and more. Here are some reasons to take summer classes! 

Before you enroll

It’s important to know that you can take summer classes at a two-year college, even if you’re enrolled full-time at a four-year college. However, before enrolling, it’s essential to make sure your credits will transfer over from the two-year college to your degree at your four-year college. You wouldn’t want to spend both time and money on a class just to find out your credits can’t be used toward your degree! We recommend talking to your academic advisor or counselor to make an informed decision that will work best for your academic success in the long run.

Retake a class

If you took a challenging class during the school year that you didn’t perform well in, summer is a great time to retake it. Many colleges offer makeup classes in the summer for students who want or need to pass them in order to advance in their degree. There is no shame in retaking a class; it shows that you have the commitment to succeed, further your education, and understand concepts you may have struggled with before.

Cut down on tuition fees and get ahead

Summer classes can be a great option for students looking to cut down on tuition costs, since they’re usually less expensive than those offered during the school year—especially at two-year colleges. If you’re attending a four-year college, you should be able to take prerequisite or general education classes at a local two-year college during the summer. By doing so, you will be able to free up your schedule during the school year, focusing on classes required for your major. You may even be able to take less credits in a given term and potentially graduate early, depending on how many summer classes you take. However, as mentioned above, it’s very important to make sure your credits will transfer from one school to the other. We recommend talking to your academic advisor before enrolling to ensure that you’re on the right track.

Interact with professors more

Since summer classes are usually smaller than those during the school year, you will likely have more face time with your professors. This time is really valuable, especially if you attend a large college where it's harder to interact on a more personal level with them. Try to build a working relationship with your professor by taking advantage of their office hours and asking questions. Not only will this help you succeed short-term in the summer class you’re taking, but long-term, especially if you plan to take future classes with this professor. They will remember you and your dedication to the subject material, be invested in your success, and could even mentor you or be a reference in the future!

Learn more about majors and programs that interest you

Choosing a major is an important step of your college journey, so having confidence in your choice before investing a good amount of time and money in it is key. Try taking a prerequisite class during the summer for the major you’re interested in to decide whether or not you enjoy the subject material and want to continue pursuing it. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, take anatomy and physiology; if you are curious about journalism, take intro to communications. Having a better idea of what will be required of you once you commit to a major can help you make an academic plan for fall term and beyond!

Take classes outside of your major for personal exploration and growth

Whether you want to dabble in painting, coding, or ballet, there are so many opportunities for you to broaden your horizons in college! Taking classes outside of your major is a great way to pursue your interests, try something new, pick up a new hobby, and maybe even make some new friends! One of the biggest benefits is that you can count the credits you've received toward your required elective credits needed to graduate.

Have any questions about taking summer classes? We're here to help! Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!