Do some college students just take one or two classes during summer?

Question

I ask because I am in my second semester of college and this semester I am taking five classes, and one of the classes is three hours long. My workload is really heavy, and I'm barely passing any of my classes because I just have way too much to do. I was wondering if students sometimes take one or two classes during summer so that they don't have to take five or more classes during the fall and spring semesters. Or do students also treat summer like a regular semester and take five or so classes during it?

Thanks for any info, I hope my question made sense I worded it the best I could.

Answer 1

Speaking as a college professor who generally will teach during summer, let me pass this along. Many students think that because summer sessions tend to be shorter than the rest of the semester / quarter, the classes won't cover as much material.

However, they're in for a real shock when we do! And this means that you often need to work even harder than if you had taken it during the regular year when there's more time to devote to things.

Why do we do this? Well because it's the same class, but it's simply being offered in a shorter timeframe, but it's still the same exact class.

Now I don't mean to scare you off, but I do want you to understand what you might be getting yourself into by taking something during the summer.

Perfect example, when I was an undergrad, I dreaded having to take chemistry, and so I decided to take it during a 5 week summer session thinking we won't be able to get through it all. Boy was I wrong!! We covered 20 chapters and it was tough as can be.

And so my advice to students, don't take a summer class that you think will be too tough during the regular year when it's longer. Otherwise, you may struggle even more due to the shortened schedule.

Answer 2

Yes most people take only one or two classes in the summer because the classes are accelerated and it would be almost impossible to successfully complete a full load during that time! Think each class is only 6 weeks!! But I recommend only doing one summer session not both, so that you can enjoy your summer!!! and get a break before its back to school... see if you can finish all you lower division requirements at a community college during the summer, it will get you done quicker and save you money... if you take two class ever summer that 6 classes out of the way... or you can go both sessions and take 4 classes a summer which would knock out 12 classes or 36 semester units which is a full year of school!

Answer 3

summer sessions are short and you shouldnt' take more than 2 classes. If you are already struggling failing some of your classes like you had mentioned i wouldn't take more than 2. summer school is a lot of work on very short time most schools don't allow you to take more than 15. only you can answer how much school load you can take if you are working full time and going to school also you shouldn't take more than 2. but if you are on scholarship the minimum is 6 or 12 credits that is 3 classes. have you thought about taking a W (withdraw) its better than making a F in the course withdrawl doesn't affect your GPA but an F does. good luck

Answer 4

You can do either, I've had friends that took a full course load and others that only took one class.