How Many Summer Classes Are Too Many?
I shared this on r/college earlier, but it got taken down, so I’m trying again.
I’m currently a sophomore in college and I’m eager to knock out my general education requirements so I can concentrate on my major classes next year. To finish my GEs, I would need to take four courses: Philosophy, Creative Writing, Social Studies, and History. They seem manageable on paper, but I’m worried about the overall workload. Should I go for it this summer, or would it be wiser to spread them out over the next academic year?
It sounds like you’re trying to strike a balance between getting your GEs done and managing your workload effectively, which is really important in college. Taking four summer classes can be quite a lot, especially since summer sessions are usually more condensed than regular semesters. Here are a few things to consider:
Workload: Even if the classes seem manageable on paper, the reality of summer classes can be intense due to the shorter time frame. Make sure you’re prepared for the pace.
Personal Time: Consider how much free time you want during the summer. Will you still have time for relaxation, a job, or other commitments?
Learning Style: Think about how you learn best. Do you thrive under pressure, or do you prefer to take your time with assignments and projects? Summer may not leave as much room for deep dives into topics.
Prior Experience: If you’ve taken summer classes before and found them manageable, that could be a good indicator. But if not, maybe starting with fewer classes would help you gauge how you handle them.
Future Schedule: If taking four classes means you’ll take fewer next year, make sure that won’t overload you with your major classes later.
If you’re still unsure, maybe consider starting with three classes this summer and see how that feels. You can always adjust your plans for next year if you find that you can handle more at once. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance for you!