College Advice: Summer Classes Online!

Summer is both a time to relax and catch up with friends.  It’s a time to recover from academic stress and get ahead for next year.  Summer is also the time for summer school. 

Often college students use the summer to retake classes for a better grade or to take online classes that will move them ahead for the next year. I love the spirit of students who plan carefully and take action.  There are a few caveats to taking summer courses, however.  By following the advice below, you’ll improve your chances for having a successful online summer school experience.

1.    Choose your online school carefully. Whether you choose Oregon State University’s E-Campus, BYU, or your local junior college for online learning, make sure that your units will transfer. Check by calling your registrar.

2.    Choosing your class. We do recommend taking just one class over summer because of the intensity of summer learning. For this reason, choose a class that motivates you. Maybe you are retaking a class for a higher grade and feel the spirit of determination.  Maybe you would like to take a writing course or math course for your core requirements. Whatever the reason, choose carefully and watch for the “drop” date, just in case.

3.    Show up to class. This is an important point.  Online classes take time. You’ll be sitting at your desk either watching or listening to class for hours a week.  While it’s also wonderful that you can be anywhere and still "attend" class, it’s also easy to be distracted. As Woody Allen said, “90% of life is just showing up.”

4.    Plan your time. Summer seems to be chock full of free time, but when you’re taking a class online, time for both classwork and homework might be hard on your scheduled fun.  Allow generous blocks for both.

5.    Attend class twice, if necessary.  Some online classes have recorded “in class” lectures.  This is a great opportunity to learn everything because you’ll have time to listen to lectures twice. What fun!

6.    Take notes.  It goes without saying that students should take notes while taking college classes.  It amazes me how many students, with good study habits, forget all about taking notes when watching or listening to online lectures.

7.    Outline your reading. If you’re reading texts online, the same thing goes.  Take notes as you read.  Read the material twice, as necessary.

8.    Make your own tests. This is an excellent study habit for online classes as well as in-class lectures. After each class, take a few minutes to write yourself a few “test” questions. Make an answer sheet and compile your mock test for occasional review and pretest study.

9.    Be your own teacher. Online classes are often lonely pursuits.  You are alone for class and probably won’t have a relationship with your online teacher. In order to be successful, you need to do the work, but also find your inner love for the material. Whenever the pursuit of knowledge drives you forward, you will be successful.

Whether you hang with friends, travel, or take classes online this summer, we hope your time is well spent and enjoyable.  After all, whatever you choose to do, you will be learning something!

All the best for your college success from www.PerfectFitCollege.Net