How to Earn College Credits at Summer School

Whether you're repeating a class you've previously failed or you're just looking to work ahead and earn your college degree early, you may choose to enroll in summer school. The schedules and course outlines for summer school may differ slightly from those offered throughout the rest of the academic year, but it's relatively easy to earn college credits at summer school.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Compute the progress you've made towards earning your college degree. Work with your faculty advisor or guidance counselor to see which credits you've completed and which credits you still need to earn.

2. Review the catalog of summer courses being offered. Find some courses that will work with your schedule.

3. Enroll in summer classes as early as possible to make sure you get a spot in the class. The space in summer classes may be somewhat limited, so you'll want to save a spot for yourself as soon as possible.

4. Study the syllabus to understand all that will be expected of you in the summer course. Get a clear idea of the assignments and exam schedules so that you can plan your summer accordingly.

5. Buy all the required and recommended books to help you complete all the course assignments. As an alternative, consider finding similar books from your university's library. While the presentation and organization may differ between books, the information will be the same.

6. Adhere to your professor's attendance policy. All your academic work will wasted if needless absences diminish your grades. Depending on your professor's rules, tardy arrivals to class can be considered as absences.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider earning your course credits through online summer school classes. By interacting with your teachers and fellow students in a virtual classroom, you'll have more free time in your summer schedule.

• Establish a relationship with your professor. Introduce yourself and make him aware of any special needs you may have as a student. If you're struggling with a course, a professor may grant you some leeway with your grades if he thinks you've put forth a serious effort.

• Not all credits are transferable between colleges. You'll need to check to make sure that your college is officially accredited and that the summer school credits you earn will be honored by other institutions to which you may transfer later in your academic career.

• While you may be able to earn college course credit through summer school, that won't necessarily help you earn your degree. You'll need to make sure that the summer courses you take are applicable to your specific degree requirements.