Underestimated Summer Classes

[Dreamer05, BSN, RN]

Clearly I've underestimated summer classes. Let me explain why. I started my first set of prerequisites on yesterday evening right after work. Which are English Comp 1 & Probablity & Statitics. I didn't find the work itself hard. It was more if trying to jot down everything that the professor said. She was only talking 50 mph (I'm exaggerating). She does talk really fast.

Maybe I was tired and my brain couldn't keep up. I remember thinking " oh no! Is this what I signed up for? It's only gets worse". Luckily I regrouped, after our 15 minute break. I felt better.

I do still wonder if I'm taking too many prerequisites over the summer. (Art Appreciation in summer semester two). This is my first actual college experience. I have children and husband. I know the importance of a good gpa. I don't want to become overwhelm and fail either classes.

Any suggestions/ tips would be helpful.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hang in there for a while but make sure you are aware of the "drop" deadlines ... when you can drop a class without any penalty to your GPA. You may discover that it's perfectly manageable for you. In the long run, if you can cope well with the fast/intensive pace of Summer classes, you can be sure that 'regular' classes certainly won't be a problem.

Congratulations on making the leap! Best wishes on your nursing education journey.

[Smitty11]

I have underestimated, too! I've never taken classes during the summer before (never needed to), and now I'm taking Psych and a math course. One is an 8 week course, and the other a 10 week course. After writing all of the due dates and exam dates in my planner, it looks jam-packed and insane with exams every other Thursday for math, and quizzes and discussion boards due every Wednesday and Sunday for Psych. I also work full time and have two kiddos. It's going to be a lot to juggle! But I figured exactly what Hou,TX said.....if I can work my tail off and handle this insanity, then the classes in the "regular"/full semesters will seem easier to manage later on.

My suggestion would be to get a planner and try to schedule days/times to read, write, and study, and jot down the class calendars. I know how ridiculous it may sound because when you have a job and family to take care of, your schedule can be pretty unpredictable in the evening after work and on weekends. But just try to stick to what you plan. Also, don't get behind. Stay ahead of the game, if possible. With these short summer courses, once you're behind, it looks like it would be a struggle to catch up. I'm taking one course on campus and the other online. After work, I'd go straight to the campus, come home and put the kiddos to bed depending on husband being days/nights, and then stay up and read ahead for the next class. Use the time after class to stay up and review what you learned that day! It can be hard....I was falling asleep trying to read for Psych....but it can be done. Thankfully, the professors have posted all of the quizzes/HW that will be due for the semester, so I'm able to work ahead as much as I can. Classes started Monday, and I've been able to read and quiz on chapter 1 in Psych, and complete 3 units of homework for the math course. These aren't due until Sunday and next Thursday, respectively. So I'm ahead of even my own planner. Don't get stressed, and remember to breathe.

Work hard. Hang in there. Good luck.

[Livetoride]

Summer is an overwhelming semester. It is the content of a normal length semester compacted into shorter time. My advice is t breathe, hang in there. Enjoy it. classes are smaller and more one on one. Just be aware, if you absolutely cannot handle it all, get help immediately. The faculty wants you to succeed.

also, study outside. I feel like I'm more relaxed and happy when I do.

[NerdyKnitter, CNA]

Do your instructors put their slides, notes, or recordings online? I have a wonderful professor for Chem 1 right now who has all her lecture slides and previous recordings online that are so helpful. If not, you could try making a friend in the class who perhaps is a great note taker and will share. You could also ask the instructor if you can audio record the lectures. I always say use every resource available and ask for help EARLY. If you do that, the instructor will respect you for speaking up, and appreciate that you did so before you were drowning.

[Dreamer05, BSN, RN]

Do your instructors put their slides, notes, or recordings online? I have a wonderful professor for Chem 1 right now who has all her lecture slides and previous recordings online that are so helpful. If not, you could try making a friend in the class who perhaps is a great note taker and will share. You could also ask the instructor if you can audio record the lectures. I always say use every resource available and ask for help EARLY. If you do that, the instructor will respect you for speaking up, and appreciate that you did so before you were drowning.

My English Comp instructor does give us links to help us understand the particular lecture. However, she doesn't upload a recording of her self actually going over the lectures. I do find her being helpful in many ways. For instance, she uploaded passing essays from a previous semester. Which gave us insight of what she expects of us. She's strict but fair. On the other hand, my Probablity & Statistic's professor doesn't upload a darn thing, but homework. I emailed him twice, and he has not replied to my emails. I've used YouTube, Google, family, & friends to help with things I don't understand.

[NerdyKnitter, CNA]

Khan Academy is wonderful as well. I had to take an algebra class last term so I could take chemistry and I found our math tutoring center extremely helpful. I was there nearly every day. I would bring my homework there and if I had a question all I had to do was raise my hand. See if your campus has a math lab/tutoring center.

Good luck! You can do this!