Balancing life, work, and school can be quite the juggling act for nontraditional students. When summer rolls around, taking online classes might seem like a great way to speed up your degree program. However, there are both pros and cons to consider before jumping into summer coursework. Let's break it down.

Pros:

1. Get Through Your Degree Faster

Taking summer classes can help you move through your degree program more quickly. By enrolling in summer courses, you can knock out prerequisites, core requirements, or electives that will get you closer to graduation. This is especially helpful if you’re balancing your studies with other responsibilities and are eager to start your career or move up in your current job.

2. Keep the Momentum Going

Another big plus of summer classes is keeping the momentum going. Since courses in a degree program build on each other, having only a short break between the spring and summer semesters means you’re less likely to forget what you’ve learned. This can make it easier to apply what you learned in the spring to your summer courses, making for a smoother learning experience.

Cons:

1. Heavier Workload

One of the downsides of summer classes is the shorter semester. Summer terms are usually 2-3 weeks shorter than fall and spring, so the same amount of material is crammed into a shorter period. This can mean a heavier workload with more frequent assignments, exams, and projects. If you’re already juggling a lot, this intense pace can be tough to manage.

2. Balancing Schoolwork with Summer Plans

Summer is prime time for travel and vacations, but trying to fit schoolwork around your summer plans can be tricky. Doing coursework while on vacation can be stressful and take away from your relaxation time. It’s often better to plan your vacations either before or after the summer semester to avoid conflicts and make sure you can focus on your studies when needed.

3. Limited Course Options

Another potential con is that not all courses are offered during the summer. This can limit your options and might mean you can't take the specific classes you need to stay on track with your degree plan. Planning ahead and talking to your academic advisor can help make sure the courses you need will be available.

Final Thoughts

Taking online summer classes as a nontraditional student has its ups and downs. The faster progress and continuity of learning are big benefits, but the heavier workload and trying to balance school with summer plans can be challenging. Think about your personal situation and academic goals before deciding to dive into summer courses. With the right planning and time management, summer classes can be a great way to reach your educational goals faster.