Summer Class Questions

christina731 · May 21, 2014

I took four classes one summer while working full time. They were US History, NV History, Medical Math and Communications. Each were 3 credits each and I had a 3.5 GPA that semester but I had to get permission from the dean because of the high credit load for summer (this was a 4 week session). You should be ok because those will likely be relatively easy classes without work to worry about. Good luck!

RunBabyRN · May 21, 2014

I don't think that's something anyone else can answer for you. My own experience was last summer taking 3 courses (3 units apiece), but only two were at the same time. There were two short sessions (I believe 3 or 4 weeks each), and I took one class the first session and two the second. It was intense as can be.

A few years ago I took my 5 unit microbiology class in a 6 week summer course, and that was incredibly intense as well.

I'm not sure what christina731 means by "relatively easy classes without work to worry about", but every class I've taken in college required at least SOME homework. Never assume a class will be easy.

christina731 · May 21, 2014

I don't think that's something anyone else can answer for you. My own experience was last summer taking 3 courses (3 units apiece), but only two were at the same time. There were two short sessions (I believe 3 or 4 weeks each), and I took one class the first session and two the second. It was intense as can be.
A few years ago I took my 5 unit microbiology class in a 6 week summer course, and that was incredibly intense as well.
I'm not sure what christina731 means by "relatively easy classes without work to worry about", but every class I've taken in college required at least SOME homework. Never assume a class will be easy.

Sorry, I meant work outside of school. The OP stated that they will not be working. I didn't mean no work as in no school work.

RunBabyRN · May 21, 2014

Sorry, I meant work outside of school. The OP stated that they will not be working. I didn't mean no work as in no school work.

Ah, okay! I was like, Um, these courses probably have some work to them! :)

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 21, 2014

I think that's very do-able, especially if you're not working! :)

goldenanchor · May 21, 2014

I think it's definitely possible if you manage your time correctly! I am doing two summer classes, I work PT and I'm a mother. But I know I can do it- I'm used to the intensity of summer classes, so I know what to expect. And thankfully one class is during the first part of summer session and the second is the latter half - so they only overlap by two weeks. It would be even better to not have work taking up a good chunk of time - so I think you can do it! Good luck

pmabraham, BSN, RN · May 22, 2014

Good day, boipoka72:

The general rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of two hours per credit hour for study time. So if you are taking 10 credits over the summer, you would be looking at a minimum of 20 hours of study time per week. So you are looking at a minimum of 30 hours. Now through in any travel time, meal time, sleep time, etc.

I'm taking speech this summer, and finding the 2 hour per credit hour isn't working; it's too low as speeches require practice, practice, practice (at least 7 times rehearsing a speech). Then you have speeches that require doing library research for credible sources. Add in more time. For math, you generally have homework that needs to be taken into account as well; above and beyond study time.

Only you know if you can fit it all in. If you can do so, go fir it.

Thank you.

christina731 · May 22, 2014

Good day, boipoka72:
The general rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of two hours per credit hour for study time. So if you are taking 10 credits over the summer, you would be looking at a minimum of 20 hours of study time per week. So you are looking at a minimum of 30 hours. Now through in any travel time, meal time, sleep time, etc.
I'm taking speech this summer, and finding the 2 hour per credit hour isn't working; it's too low as speeches require practice, practice, practice (at least 7 times rehearsing a speech). Then you have speeches that require doing library research for credible sources. Add in more time. For math, you generally have homework that needs to be taken into account as well; above and beyond study time.
Only you know if you can fit it all in. If you can do so, go fir it.
Thank you.

Good point! I forgot how much research was involved in speech.

boipoka72 · May 23, 2014

Thank you everyone for such wonderful feedback and tips :) I have just signed up for those classes. It'll will be tough but I'm willing to push through those 8 weeks. Wish me luck!!