How to Decide Whether to Go to Summer School

You study for nine months out of the year, so why keep studying in summer? It can be a tough decision to make, but sometimes summer school is the way to go.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Academic Counselings
• Personal Organizers

1. Look over your school transcript and consider the following two questions: Do you have enough units to graduate on time without summer school? Are there electives that you want to take but can't fit into your school-year schedule?

2. Consider summer school if you answered "yes" to either of these questions, especially the first one.

3. Think about other reasons to go to summer school: to take a certain class from someone who doesn't teach it during the school year, to brush up on a rusty subject, or just to keep your brain active over the summer months.

4. Balance these factors against the downside of summer school: spending money instead of earning it, missing out on summer fun, not getting a break from the school-year grind.

5. Consult with your academic counselor, explaining the factors you've been weighing. He or she will be able to offer you additional advice.

6. Choose a program that's right for you, if you decide to go (see Related eHows).

Tips & Warnings

• Start thinking through these questions as early as you can so that you're mentally prepared for summer school, should you decide to go.
• Remember that the short-term sacrifice of going to summer school can net you long-term benefits that you'll thank yourself for down the road.
• Think about whether you're going to summer school just because you feel you should. If you aren't motivated, it's likely to be an unpleasant experience.