<p>I know that many engineers probably see the summer as a period of relaxation from the difficulties of the school year.</p>
<p>But for those who try and take advantage of summers, is it possible to take summer classes thus alleviating the difficulties of the school year. By taking 1-2 classes during the summer, students will have plenty of time to spend on hard classes which would make the regular school year easier. </p>
<p>Or would it be more valuable to intern over the summers?</p>
<p>I would vote for interning over the summer. Doing research and having hands-on engineering experience are a large part of getting into grad school. Plus, there's the obvious benefit of getting paid for an internship versus having to pay for summer classes.</p>
<p>I personally would rather intern over the summer and leave my classes during the regular school year. But maybe that's just me. It depends on which is more important to you I suppose.</p>
<p>i'm doing both. i'm taking a combo orgo/biochem course at a community college and doing research with a family friend who is a professor @ Umichigan. its actually pretty nice because my school doesn't count the grade in which you get at other colleges ( i get credit, but no gpa consequences).</p>
<p>seconding jeffl... don't just cruise through it with a C- or you're going to get some raised eyebrows.</p>
<p>Also seconding the internship experiences... It's really nice to be able to put on your resume that you actually have some work experience, and an internship will give you business contacts within your field. Might pan out into something more, too! I ended up working part-time for a year or so at the firm that I started out interning at, and they offered me a job and a full ride through my masters degree if I'd stay on and work for them. Hey, if I wanted to do transportation engineering and go to UHouston instead of UIUC, I might have taken them up on it! ;)</p>
<p>If you're planning to work right after graduation, it's better to get internships. If you're planning to go to grad school, it's better to get research experience. If you're planning to go to med or law school, it's better to just take classes so you can spread everything out and get a higher GPA.</p>
<p>I think it's a good idea to take some summer classes. We tell our students not to get overloaded during the school year and to take summer classes when they get behind. Often times they can fit work with summer classes.</p>
<p>well i'm not getting a C or anything in the class. the way my school does it is the credit comes in as if you placed out of the class. besides organic/biochemistry doesn't even go towards my major, so if i were to apply to law school and i didn't do that hot on that class i'm assuming i could just choose to not send it.</p>