As the spring semester gradually comes to a close and summer break approaches, you are probably already making plans for the summer. For most of you, summer is a time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and work and save as you anticipate and prepare for the upcoming school year.
While it is something that most college students should consider, attending summer school is probably the last thing in anyone's plans for the summer, especially those who see it as an inconvenience due to the time and commitment it requires.
However, summer school does not have to be an inconvenience, especially if you choose to enroll online this summer. Here are 7 reasons why you should take online classes this summer.
1. You need to retake a failed or dropped course
Whether taken online or in-person, college is hard so failing or having to drop a course is nothing out of the ordinary. If this is your current situation, summer school would be the best time to re-enroll and give yourself another chance to get it right.
The great thing about this is that you will be able to complete the course in a shorter period of time as many summer courses only take 4-8 weeks to complete.
2. You would like to graduate early
Summer school appeals greatly to students who would like to get ahead and graduate early. If you are one of those students, but cannot commit to staying on campus or commuting this summer, taking classes online this summer would be the perfect option for you.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to get ahead.
3. You would like to keep your brain sharp
Again, no one really wants to be studying over the summer, but summer learning loss is a real problem. Many studies have shown this to be true for K-12 students and this could very well be the case for you as a college student as well.
If you love learning and would like to keep your brain sharp over the summer, go ahead and enroll in an online course.
4. You need prerequisites for a particular school or program
Certain majors do not always put you on the right path to taking the necessary courses needed in order to get into a certain school or program. This is especially the case if you are a student who frequently changes majors.
Maybe you've decided you would like to go to nursing school but have yet to take any of the higher-level science prerequisites needed to get in. Taking classes online this summer would be the perfect way to get some of those prerequisites done and out of the way.
The sooner you complete your prerequisites, the sooner you will be on your way to getting into that dream school or program you've been eyeing.
5. You're interested in exploring new courses
One thing that I wish I knew earlier on in college was that exploring different courses is a great way to determine what you would like to pursue as a career. If you are currently finding it hard to commit to a major, diversifying your courseload just might be the boost you need to establish a new path.
Thinking about becoming a mental health counselor? See if your school offers a psychology course over the summer. Thinking you might want to go into marketing? Take an introductory marketing course over the summer and so on and so forth.
The great thing about this is that if you decide not to commit to any of the subjects, the courses can still be used as extra electives toward the completion of your degree. It is hard to go wrong, here.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels |
6. You would like to develop a new skill
Many schools, especially community colleges offer skills-based courses over the summer, which can be very beneficial beyond your journey as a student. For example, proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is a highly valued skill in today's job market.
This reason is also great for established professionals who would like to learn a new skill in order to land a promotion at work.
Wanting to develop a new skill is a smart reason to take an online class this summer.
7. You've always wanted to experience taking classes online
Although many students are not fond of online classes, I personally believe every student should take at least one during their time in college.
If you are curious about the online learning landscape, the summer term would be the perfect time to dive in and see how you like it. Who knows, you may actually enjoy it!
----
If any of these reasons have been swirling around in the back of your head concerning summer school, lately, you should definitely go ahead and register for an online class (or two) this summer. Choosing the online route is not only more convenient than commuting or living on-campus, but it is also a lot more flexible, giving you the ease to study while also living your best life this summer.
Is summer school in your plans for the summer? If so, what courses will you be taking and why? Start the conversation below. (anonymous commenting available)
Cover Photo Credit: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
0 Comments