To Take Summer Courses or Not, That Is the Question

Summer is a great time to slow down and relax, but four months could be a little too much time! If you still have some energy left from the year, consider these pros and cons as you decide whether taking summer courses is the right fit for you.

Consider Some Reasons to Take Summer Courses

1. Reduce Your Winter Workload

Taking summer courses can reduce your workload for your next academic year and help you maintain a good school-life balance. If you are completing a double major or a minor, you can also fulfill some of your program requirements during the summer. 

2. Focus on One (or Two) Course at a Time

If you are expecting to take a challenging course in the winter semester, you may want to consider taking it in the summer instead. With fewer courses, you'll have more space to focus and a better chance of doing well. Some professional and graduate programs don't include summer courses when calculating your GPA, which means you can complete the challenging course without worrying about it affecting your GPA.

3. Have More Flexibility in Planning Free Time

The summer session includes two terms, each lasting roughly two months. Because summer courses tend to be shorter than winter session courses, you have some flexibility. Taking a summer course can be a great way to keep your momentum going, while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy your summer. 

Some Reasons You Might Choose to Take a Break Over the Summer

1. Some Graduate Programs Consider Full Course loads in Admissions

Many professional/graduate programs want to see that you can handle a full course load. Even though taking a full course load may be stressful, you may not want to reduce your course load in the winter session as a result. If you're in an honours program, you may be required to take a certain number of credits each winter session, even if you complete extra courses during the summer.

2. Limited Courses and Class Times Offered Over Summer

Course offerings are more limited in the summer. The course you want may not be available, or the scheduled class time might not fit with your plans. For example, some courses may be offered in late evenings, which is not a great fit for students living farther from campus. 

3. Longer, Fast-Paced Lectures & More Condensed Workload

Summer terms move quickly. With only two months to cover a full course, classes are usually longer, faster, and have more frequent assessments. A week's worth of content may be taught in just one day. Think about your workload, energy, and personal commitments to decide if this pace is manageable for you. 

4. Job Opportunities or Free Time in the Summer

There are plenty of meaningful ways to spend your summer beyond just taking courses. You might want to work full-time to gain experience and save up, or use the time to travel. Choose what will best help you reset and get ready for the year ahead. The summer is yours, and you should not feel obligated to take summer courses just because other people do it.

Note that there is a date to drop your summer course if you change your mind after registering. Make sure to review the date if you think you might drop your course. 

Questions?

Check out frequently asked questions about summer course registration. If you still have questions, drop into Science Advising.