Summer can feel like the shortest season of the year. Between work, vacations, family responsibilities, and trying to enjoy some time off, adding college classes to your summer schedule might seem like a lot.
But summer classes can also be an opportunity to make progress toward your degree, certificate, or transfer goals without waiting for the next fall or spring semester.
So, should you take summer classes?
The answer depends on your goals, your schedule, and how much time you realistically have available.
Why Take Classes During the Summer?
Summer enrollment can give you another opportunity to complete courses outside of
the traditional fall and spring semesters.
You might consider taking a summer class if you want to:
- Complete a required course before the next academic year
- Make progress toward your degree or certificate
- Get ahead on your educational plan
- Retake a course you need to complete
- Take a class while your fall or spring schedule is already full
- Continue your education while working toward a specific career or transfer goal
At Lemoore College, classes are offered in different formats and schedules, including online options and courses at different lengths. The Lemoore College Class Schedule lets you explore available courses and find options that may fit your schedule.
"But I Work During the Summer."
Having a summer job doesn't automatically mean summer classes are off the table.
Instead of asking, "Can I take a summer class?", start by asking, "What does my summer schedule actually look like?"
Write down your work hours, family responsibilities, planned trips, appointments, and other commitments. Then look at how much time you realistically have available for attending class, completing assignments, and studying.
Lemoore College offers classes during different times of day as well as online courses, which can give students additional scheduling options.
If you work during the day, an evening or online course may be worth exploring. If your work schedule changes from week to week, however, you'll want to make sure the course requirements can realistically fit your availability.
Remember: Summer Classes Move Quickly
One of the biggest differences between summer and a traditional semester is the pace.
A summer course may cover material in a shorter period of time, which means assignments, readings, exams, and other coursework can come more frequently.
That doesn't necessarily mean a summer class is harder. It does mean you'll want to be prepared to keep up with the course from the beginning.
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
Do I have enough time each week?
Make sure you have time not only to attend class but also to complete assignments
and study.
Will I be working?
Consider whether your work schedule will conflict with class meetings or study time.
Do I have travel or family plans?
Look at the course dates before registering so you know whether planned trips or other
commitments could interfere.
Is this class important to my educational plan?
Make sure the course supports your degree, certificate, transfer, or career goals.
You Don't Have to Take a Full Summer Course Load
Taking summer classes doesn't mean you have to fill your entire summer with school.
For some students, one class may be enough to make meaningful progress while leaving time for work, family, and other responsibilities.
The right course load depends on your individual circumstances and educational goals. If you're unsure how many units you should take, talk with a Lemoore College counselor before registering.
Lemoore College Counseling & Advising can help with educational planning, course selection, degree and certificate requirements, registration, and balancing school, work, and life. General Counseling & Advising can be reached at 559-925-3130.
Check the Class Schedule Before Making Plans
Summer course offerings can vary, so don't assume that every class you need will be
available during the summer.
Start by checking the Lemoore College Class Schedule. Look at the course dates, meeting times, instructional format, and length before deciding whether a class fits your summer.
You can also review Lemoore College's Featured Classes for current course options.
If you aren't sure which course you need, talk with Counseling & Advising first. A counselor can help you review your progress and plan for future terms.
What About Financial Aid?
If you're considering summer enrollment, don't forget to look into how your summer
classes may affect your financial aid.
Lemoore College's Financial Aid Office can help you understand available financial aid and your individual eligibility. You can visit Lemoore College Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office at 559-925-3310.
The California College Promise Grant also covers an academic year beginning with the summer term for eligible students, so summer enrollment can be connected to the same academic year as fall and spring. Eligibility requirements apply.
Because financial aid eligibility can depend on your enrollment and individual circumstances, it's a good idea to talk with Financial Aid before making assumptions about how summer classes will affect your aid.
Pay Attention to Summer Deadlines
Summer courses can move quickly, and so can their registration and drop deadlines.
Don't wait until the first day of class to figure out whether your schedule works. Review the course dates and important deadlines before registering.
Lemoore College notes that short-term summer courses have different refund deadlines than full-term fall and spring courses. For summer and other short-term courses, the full refund deadline is generally within the first 10% of the course, so students should review the specific deadline for their class.
If you need help with registration, Lemoore College's Class Registration Assistance can help you search and enroll in classes, navigate the student portal, understand instructional options, and troubleshoot registration problems. Registration assistance is available through Reg365 at 559-925-3317.
So, Should You Take Summer Classes?
Summer classes can be a good option if they fit your educational goals and your real-life
schedule.
If you're working all summer, caring for family, or already have a busy schedule, you don't have to force yourself into a course load that isn't manageable. On the other hand, if you have some flexibility and want to make progress toward your goal, a summer class may be worth considering.
The key is to plan before you register.
Before You Enroll, Ask Yourself:
Does this course fit my educational plan?
- Can I realistically manage the workload?
- Does the class schedule work with my job?
- Do the course dates conflict with travel or family plans?
- Have I checked the registration and drop deadlines?
- Have I talked with a counselor if I'm unsure what to take?
- Have I checked with Financial Aid if I need assistance paying for summer?
Make Your Summer Work for You
Summer doesn't have to be all work or all school.
With the right course, schedule, and plan, you may be able to make progress toward your educational goals while still making time for work, family, and the other things that matter to you.
Start by exploring the Lemoore College Class Schedule, then connect with Counseling & Advising if you need help choosing your next class.
If you're ready to register but need assistance, get registration help or contact Reg365 at 559-925-3317.
Your summer may move fast—but with a little planning, you can decide whether a summer class fits into it.