As the summer is approaching, many students are considering taking summer classes, which can include anything from US History to college-level math like multivariable calculus. Taking core classes over the summer can be beneficial for students who want to study ahead or take more advanced classes later on.
Freeing up class slots by taking summer classes grants students greater flexibility in their course schedules. By having the space to take more electives or other classes during the school year, students can better pursue their interests or passions without being burdened with classes they have no interest in. In senior year, these class slots can also become senior open periods, which can allow even greater flexibility in their schedules, whether it be for additional extracurricular or personal activities.
Additionally, for a class such as math, which encompasses multiple levels, taking a class during the summer is also a great way to get ahead in your studies. By taking these classes during the summer, students can advance to higher-level classes the next year. Taking math over the summer can also help students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Considering that many students already skip math levels entirely, taking the math class over the summer instead will be far more beneficial.
Furthermore, taking classes over the summer can also allow students to boost their Grade Point Average (GPA), which allows them to demonstrate their motivation and effort to colleges as well, which can be hugely beneficial during the competitive admissions process. Since many of the summer courses are taken through the community college, which grades on a 5-point scale, students benefit from a huge GPA boost if they choose to take the class, but with less time and effort than an AP class. The GPA boost and the initiative to further your education over the summer can show colleges greater motivation to learn.
Students can also sign up to summer courses for free, which can allow students to further their education without having to pay any tuition fees. Plenty of other classes that can be taken over the summer almost always include a pricey tuition fee. Coupled with the fact that these summer courses are generally online, the flexibility of these courses make it extremely convenient for any student that wants to travel to other places during the summer.
Of course, skipping core classes can be risky as students may not fully grasp the proper understanding of certain subjects, which can be a detriment to their education instead. Students should still properly communicate with their counselors when they do consider taking core summer courses over the summer.
Ultimately, taking core summer classes during the school year can be beneficial to students and should be seriously considered, especially if students want to simply get ahead or take more advanced classes in the future.