Friday, April 10, 2009
After the torturous week of finals has ended in mid-May, many students prepare for a summer of freedom. Traveling, employment and moving home are just a few options for young adults during the three months between the spring and fall semesters. Except for a select group, who choose to return to class a mere two weeks after finishing finals.
The idea of summer school receives an instant cringe and an astonished “Why would you do that?” from many students. But the fact of the matter is, there are numerous reasons for taking a course over the break, and doing so doesn’t have to be as painful as many imagine. As someone who took classes the past two summers, and as a strong advocate for them, I can personally speak of the benefits.
I’ll start with the most obvious — it’s one less class you’ll have to take during the semester. But aside from just knocking out some credit hours in June and July, consider the small time frame. Summer courses meet for longer class periods than those in fall or spring, but they are also completely finished in two months. Imagine being done with a course you’ve been dreading in half the amount of time. I, for example, was avoiding a particular English class I am required to take for graduation. However, I can guarantee spending two class periods talking about Native American origin stories was far less painful than spending two full weeks on it. If there is a subject you really can’t stand, sucking it up and taking it during summer may be a huge relief.
Summer courses also provide a little more leeway for students during the semester. This past semester, I enrolled in a non-Western course that was way over my head. By February it was obvious that Chinese emperors and I were not gelling. I was able to drop the course without getting behind on credit hours, because of past summer courses.
Also, I’ll let you in on a secret. Don’t apply this to every course, but, though they cover material more quickly, I have found summer school courses to be much easier than those during the regular semester. As long as you keep up on your work, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.
Summer classes don’t have to cramp your style, either. The University has many options for class times, including some that meet only twice a week, or last for only one month. Students can still easily hold a job and travel. A local community college may be an option if you plan on moving home for the summer. If you’re really worried about the time constraints of summer courses, consider online classes. Many universities offer them, and Barton County Community College in particular is quite popular among KU students. Always remember to check whether your course will transfer to the University to avoid frustration down the road.
When you’re making your plans this summer be sure to consider summer school. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and Mom and Dad will likely be impressed with your initiative and responsibility.
— Buser is a Columbia, Ill., junior in journalism and English.
Buser: Soldiers spend summer break training for ...
Summer looks different for students in the military.
Buser: Internships, for a price
Instead of earning internships, many people simply buy them.
What do you think?
What are your plans for the summer?
Buser: Keep your resume clear of "truthiness"
Fibbing on your resume may not be worth the risk
Hudson: Study abroad should offer more summer ...
Money, homesickness and time are a few reasons why some students prefer ...
University to begin offering online summer classes
Students interested in summer school will no longer be restricted to on-campus ...
Buser: Homecoming has something for everyone
This year’s festivities will not disappoint if the past three years are ...
Nichols: How to set goals for the ...
Get in the swing of the semester with self-help advice from Nichols.
Tutoring services available for students
Help rooms and office hours help take away pressure from big assignments.
Buser: Sleep well, avoid stress
College students are putting rest on the back burner.
Overworked students' dangerous race against time
Is too much work and too little time putting students' health at ...
Minster: The summer that (sort of) was
How do you liven up up a summer spent in calculus class? ...
The Rise of the E-book
Textbooks or a Tablet: What would you prefer?
Editorial: Being productive this summer is easier ...
With the summer coming up, it is important to be productive to ...
Bitch and Moan
Buser: Facebook and GPA staying connected
Whether Facebook helps or dooms your grades is largely up to you.
Dent: Rush’s best choice may be to ...
When the staying at Kansas and going pro are placed side-by-side, Brandon ...
Edwards Campus provides summer school opportunities
Face off: third person references
Two columnists debate the merits of speaking in third-person.
'Personal Finance' enrollment rises
Enrollment in the financial course is at its maximum limit.
Data shows study abroad myth is untrue
Students who study abroad are more likely to graduate in four years ...
Nichols: Gain procrastinating skills at upcoming seminar ...
At conference, learn all the tricks of the trade as you hone ...
Editorial: 6 ways to spend your summer
The Kansan's suggestions for a break to remember
Esposito: Fall fashion advice
How to prepare your wardrobe for the cooler weather.
Buser: Universities should leave laptop decision to ...
It's inappropriate to punish responsible laptop users for others' messing around in ...
Online book exchange rescues students' pockets
The inevitable, pocket-wrenching doom that is the purchasing of textbooks is here ...
Proposal aims to shorten the school year ...
For the policy to change, other sate universities will have to support ...
Balancing act
Students prove that attending class and working a job on the side ...
Orientation assistants show passion for University
The NSO office encourages students with varied campus interests to apply for ...
Kick your semester into gear
Try a variety of martial arts for empowerment, health and self-defense
Shape Up for Spring
Pursuing the elusive beach body.
Becoming a brewmeister
The Real World: KU
As we settle into another school year, students realize that college life ...
Get to know your freshman Student Senate ...
Here are the freshmen running for Student Senate. The polls open on ...
Top ten: dos and don’ts to start ...
A few pointers to follow as the semester begins. Freshmen, take note.
Online option makes program more accessible
Social welfare master’s program adopts long-distance learning format to reach more students.
KU students adjust to life abroad
Several departments at the University offer resources for students far from home.
Students should treat break-ups responsively
Back to the grind
What to think about when preparing to apply for graduate school
Beyond office hours
Getting to know your professor is more than standard protocol if you ...
From left: Kimberlee Hinkle, Libby Johnson and Hannah ...
1 comment
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID