So as the end of the first summer session rolls around (June 25th) I’m joining the many committed and exhausted souls scrambling around SMU campus to prepare for final exams and finish off long research papers.
Summer sessions are not for everyone. They’re great because the time flies…but can be so difficult because the time flies! Most summer courses are usually 6-weeks long, or in some cases, only 3-weeks long.
I am taking one on-campus course this session and one course online – and its intense because the material is condensed and fast-paced. I have no idea how anyone can do more than three, but I know you crazy people exist – love you Mom!
For those adventure seekers willing to give up some of their summer fun in order to brave the next summer session, (beginning July 5th), I have a couple of tips for you:
Go to every class.
Seems simple right? Not so easy to do during the BBQ and bikini season. During the Fall/Winter sessions, you might be able to get away with missing a class here or there because you have more time to catch up. However, each summer lecture typically covers the course materials of a whole week, missing/skipping classes may cause you to fall-back.
Know your deadlines.
SMU provides Summer Session deadline information on the Registrar’s webpage, make sure and check it out. You might find that the summer course you have chosen is not for you, and should know the withdrawal date so you don’t waste your money. Also, if you are taking courses in both summer sessions, knowing the deadlines will help you plan your annual summer camping trip.
F.Y.I. Summer Session II runs from July 5- August 20, 2010.
Read your text.
Don’t expect the professor to cover everything in the book in six weeks, it’s just not possible. So…read the book as much as possible and pay close attention to any hints your professors give you about what material is covered on the test.
Use your professor and Teaching Assistants.
When a 3-hour-long lecture of a summer course covers the materials of one week, you might have a few questions. Before you get lost in the shuffle…talk to your TA’s and your prof. Email them, schedule appointments, bring them a cupcake – anything that will help you stay on track, especially if you are taking more than one course during the session.
So my advice is to keep checking in with yourself and your progress. Tune into your stress levels and your levels of comprehension. Chat with other people in your class to see how they are doing, chances are most of you are in the same boat. Study together if you can. And as hard as it is to do during the summer, read and re-read. Lay out next to a pool, or out on the deck, prepare an ice cold virgin daiquiri and pretend the 1000 page text book is your favourite novel. (Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.)
Summer sessions are quick and dirty, but just like any short-cut in life, it can get you where you need to go faster. Just make sure and map out your journey before you start and expect that it won’t always be a smooth ride.
