Summer or Fall Semester?

Student Lounge College Life
1

Hello,

I’m writing to ask for advice on how to restart college on the right track.

I’m attending University of Montana (transfer student), and I’m pursuing a general associate of arts degree. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to college, and I’ve been studying like crazy for the last several months to catch up on math and writing skills.

I’m enrolling part-time to ease back into the college experience. I was interested in taking two courses this summer, but from what I’ve researched on CC, summer courses are fast-paced and are much shorter than Fall or Spring courses.

I know I’m not that prepared for college (I should probably start enrolling in Fall semester courses by now). Should I enroll for a class this summer? Or should I enroll for two classes starting this fall?

There are a few classes to choose from this summer that are familiar or interesting. Some on-campus GERs are Intro to Art, Intro to Film, Intro to Theater, and some online electives such as Intro to Computers, Intro to Computer Modeling, and Intro to (Adobe) Photoshop. I’m not interested in applied technology, but I wouldn’t rule it out because I’m familiar with computer technology. I’m interested in Art courses available this summer. I’m concerned I won’t retain effective knowledge applicable to my degree emphasis, though, as I’m under-preapred at the time.

I’m avoiding Math, Writing and Science this summer; I’m predicting a big pitfall taking those paths.

I’d like to get a head start on college, but I don’t want the experience blowing up in my face. Should I start one on-campus or one online course this summer from the list above? Or should I start enrolling in Fall Semester courses instead. Any advice is appreciate.

2

If you feel that you can handle online courses well, especially in a shorter time frame from the typical fall/spring semester, I would take a class online over the summer. For me, summer usually means I have to work, so online classes would be easier for me. Online classes can be a lot of work in a normal semester, so I’d imagine they’d be a lot of work in the summer, too, on top of the short time frame.

Ultimately, it boils down to how you learn. Do you learn better in a classroom or online, or does it not matter? That’s something only you can answer.

3

I can take courses on-campus or online. I think either way of learning is effective, has pros and cons, etc.

4

Talk to your academic adviser. You should be assigned one. Ask what they think.