5 reasons college students should take an online class over the summer
Summer session is in full swing, but there is still time for students to take an online class over the summer. Summer classes offer students tons of opportunities including getting closer to graduation and exploring elective subjects. Unfortunately, most students don’t live on campus over the summer and end up missing out on summer session. Nearly every college and university will offer online courses that count towards graduation or may even accept online courses from other colleges if the student can make a good case for the content of the course. Students who take a class over the summer often find that the academic year is a lot easier – our private Los Angeles college tutors are here to help you stay on track .
1. Get closer to graduation
It seems like it’s more difficult with each year for students to graduate on time. Classes are impacted, and students have to work more to pay for increasing tuition costs. Summer classes, however, generally offer a more relaxed environment and are sometimes held on an eight-week basis, allowing students opportunity to travel, work part time, or just spend time with family and friends. Diligent students may even be able to take both summer sessions, making their school year more balanced and easier to navigate.
2. More attention from the instructor
Digital communication is easier than ever, and students will have a chance to interact with their professor or TA regularly during an online course. When taken over the summer students often have the opportunity to get to know the professor more and learn about the intricacies of their subject. This is a unique opportunity because, during the academic year, professors might have up to 300 students in any given course, making it difficult to give anyone one-on-one attention (READ: Tips from an Irvine Math Tutor: Why You Should Focus on Math Over Summer Break).
3. Explore electives
Students will have a set schedule during the year because they need to make sure they have taken all of their prerequisites and are on a path to graduation. Most students need several elective units to graduate, but they can pretty much choose which ever course they want. Summer is a great time to take an interesting elective course that a student has always been interested in but maybe didn’t have time to take during the year. When taking courses, online students have the opportunity to live at home and work a part-time job while still exploring different aspects of their education.
4. Convenience
Online education is extremely convenient in that students can study in the peace and quiet of their own home. Some instructors offer live interaction with students and usually allow an entire week to complete an assignment so students can mold their class assignments around other responsibilities. As long as students are diligent and go online regularly make sure they’re up to speed, they’ll be able to complete the course quickly in a convenient environment.
5. Affordability
In many cases, online courses are less expensive than brick and mortar classes because the university doesn’t have to provide a classroom or other physical materials for students to take the course. Additionally, as long as there are adequate teaching assistants online courses can accept more students than a physical classroom. Students taking online classes directly from the university should consider also investigative any scholarship or financial aid that can help them with summer school. Each person’s financial aid package will be different, so it’s important to check ahead of time before paying for any courses.
Our private Los Angeles college tutors will help make sure you are on track to graduate on time. Call us today for more information.