Showing posts with label the recession and summer college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the recession and summer college. Show all posts

To Summer School or Not to Summer School... that is the question...

This original photo is from jdurham@Morguefile.com. I have cropped it some.

Summer School or Not...


At least one student has written me about a decision NOT to go to summer school this year. Why? Because the money just wasn't there. She plans to work this summer, then go back to part-time school in the Fall. It's just more affordable for her right now.

Why go to summer school?
Some students MUST go to summer school because they need a class in a certain order, and the class is offered at a time that suits them. Either that or they don't have a job lined up and figure they may as well do something positive with the time, and get a few classes ahead.

The nuts and bolts
Some universities offer two summer sessions, and others just one. The pace can be harder or about the same. The classes I took in the summer seemed harder for me because the same amount of work had to be done in a lesser amount of time. The teachers did NOT dumb down the class just because there was less time for learning.

Assistantships or working at school in the summer
A summer job may not be as easy to find in this recession year. The common sense advice I would give is to apply for assistantships, student work, or other jobs in or out of school as early as possible. You may find a lot more competition this year, so hopefully a nontraditional student's out-of-school and life experience will be a plus factor in getting that job that could make a big difference.

Making do with your regular job
Hopefully you have an understanding boss and a job with flexible hours, because your summer school class hours may not jibe with your regular hours during "regular" school semester time. This CAN work out though, as can a new job in the summer. OR if you have plenty of money or a supportive spouse, you can work out a vacation this summer. (Or if you are like me, you can always DREAM about a vacation and do needed work around the house instead.)

Other ideas
Write me with other ideas for this summer. Do you plan to go to summer school? Have you got a summer job lined up? Or perhaps you are continuing with the same job you had Spring semester. Or do you just want to relax and have a Staycation?

Write a comment on this post to let people know what you decide to do. Share your plans. Thank you!

Other links of interest:
The Photographer's Blog - Photodaisy
http://photodaisy.blogspot.com/
What to Expect from Summer School in College from Associated Content
Summer School Pros and Cons from U.S. News
Have a Staycation - from CNN.com