Advising Hub

Wendy Thorup-Pavlick | Advisor, Social/Behavioral Sciences and the Library

Let’s be real—summer is supposed to be a break. The sun is out, the days are longer, and the last thing on most people’s minds is school. But here’s the thing: if you have educational or career goals you’re serious about achieving, taking even one summer class could make a major difference.

I’ve worked with thousands of students as an advisor, and I’ve seen firsthand how summer courses can open doors, create momentum, and reduce stress down the line. So, if you’re on the fence, let me break down a few ways a summer class might be exactly what you need.

1. Stay on Track (or Even Get Ahead!)

One of the biggest benefits of summer classes is staying on track with your degree or certificate program. Sometimes, life happens—you drop a class, switch majors, or work more hours during the semester. A summer course gives you the chance to catch up or knock out a required class so you’re not overloading yourself during fall or spring.

In some cases, summer can even help you graduate early. That means entering the workforce or transferring to your four-year college sooner—and who doesn’t want that?

2. Lighter Load, Better Focus

Most summer sessions are shorter and more focused. Yes, they move fast, but you’re usually only taking one or two classes, which allows you to really focus in on the material. Students often tell me they perform better in summer courses because they aren’t juggling as many responsibilities at once.

So if you’ve struggled with a class in the past, summer might actually be the ideal time to give it another shot.

3. Flexible Scheduling

Summer classes tend to be more flexible. Many are offered online or in hybrid formats, which means you can still travel, work, or enjoy your summer while making progress toward your goals.

Whether you’re working full-time, taking care of family, or just trying to keep your options open, summer sessions usually offer more variety in how and when you learn.

4. Boost Your Confidence and Motivation

Taking a class during the summer shows you’re committed—and there’s something empowering about that. It helps keep your brain engaged and your routine structured, which can make the transition into the next semester a lot smoother.

Plus, completing a course during a time when most students aren’t in class? That’s something to be proud of.

5. Smaller Class Sizes and More Support

Here’s a little-known secret: summer classes often have fewer students. That means more access to your instructor, more opportunity to ask questions, and a better chance at forming real connections. Whether you’re trying to improve your GPA or just understand the material more deeply, that extra attention can go a long way.

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Summer classes aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you’re serious about staying on track with your goals—or even getting ahead—it’s worth having a conversation with your advisor (hey, that’s me!) to see if summer makes sense for you.

It might just be the smartest move you make this year.

And don’t worry—you’ll still have time to enjoy some sunshine.

Need help choosing the right summer class? Let’s talk! Your future self will thank you.