Sunshine, warm weather (and by that, I mean in the 80’s or higher!), not having to wake up at 7am daily to get ready for class, no homework, no exams, maybe work, maybe not, friends, bonfires, beach, camping, bike rides, barbecues... sounds awesome, right? The quintessential summer break for any college student is one that involves zero responsibility as a student. We put the books in a closet somewhere and don’t acknowledge anything until (maybe) the week before the Fall semester starts. Why would we ruin our coveted 4 months of vacation over taking summer classes? Who cares if that means you may get to graduate quicker, or have less to worry about? Classes still suck, even more so when we have to do it in the summer. But what if I told you there was a way to take one (or more) summer classes where you don’t have to hate it? If you have the time over your summer break… why not get some responsibility out of the way?
As a biology
major at Stockton University, I decided to take full advantage of the Tropical Marine Biology course they
offered for the Summer 2016 semester. Yes, I have to report to class. Yes,
I have reading and writing assignments. Yes, I have to do something every
single day for this class. Yes, it counts as 4 credits for an
upper level biology course, as well as a writing requirement. Yes,
it costs money. Yes, supplies are required.
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Photo Credit:
http://www.fla-keys.com/pennekamp50/
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Why?
Well, the prep course is over the Spring semester, where just about every other Friday morning, we report to class for prep work. It’s really just informative sessions to prepare us for the trip. During the actual summer class, we only go to class for 4 days for 2 hours each day. Then comes the fun part. We get to learn in the tropical Florida Keys for 7 days. No classroom. No textbook. Just hands-on experiences and learning. Snorkeling, diving, shark tagging, research and sampling, and education. We are outside in a tropical paradise. We have some journal articles to read. We have some writing assignments. We have a blog we have to write which updates our family and friends back home. I think I would be doing that anyway. We get 3 meals a day. We are with some of our closest friends and awesome Stockton University professors. It’s casual, it’s fun, it’s learning. Supplies? Just pack your summer clothes, get some snorkeling (or diving) gear, and waterproof notebook and pen, and you’re on your way.
Well, the prep course is over the Spring semester, where just about every other Friday morning, we report to class for prep work. It’s really just informative sessions to prepare us for the trip. During the actual summer class, we only go to class for 4 days for 2 hours each day. Then comes the fun part. We get to learn in the tropical Florida Keys for 7 days. No classroom. No textbook. Just hands-on experiences and learning. Snorkeling, diving, shark tagging, research and sampling, and education. We are outside in a tropical paradise. We have some journal articles to read. We have some writing assignments. We have a blog we have to write which updates our family and friends back home. I think I would be doing that anyway. We get 3 meals a day. We are with some of our closest friends and awesome Stockton University professors. It’s casual, it’s fun, it’s learning. Supplies? Just pack your summer clothes, get some snorkeling (or diving) gear, and waterproof notebook and pen, and you’re on your way.
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| Photo Credit: http://www.lifehack.org |
Money.
Finances in the way? There is a way to pay for it on your own. First, see if you can apply for any scholarships or grants. Your college’s financial aid office should have a or you and/or your parents can’t afford the out of pocket costs, apply for a private student loan through an institution like Sallie Mae, or your own personal bank. They usually have a lower interest rate under 10%. If you are working, open up a credit card or take out a personal loan with a bank or credit union with a promotional rate for 1 year, and pay that off before the promo period ends. Why pay 10% interest on a student loan over several years, when you can pay 0% (NO INTEREST!!!) in under one year? It’s a no brainer. Of course, speak to those appropriate banks for more information and if you are eligible.
Finances in the way? There is a way to pay for it on your own. First, see if you can apply for any scholarships or grants. Your college’s financial aid office should have a or you and/or your parents can’t afford the out of pocket costs, apply for a private student loan through an institution like Sallie Mae, or your own personal bank. They usually have a lower interest rate under 10%. If you are working, open up a credit card or take out a personal loan with a bank or credit union with a promotional rate for 1 year, and pay that off before the promo period ends. Why pay 10% interest on a student loan over several years, when you can pay 0% (NO INTEREST!!!) in under one year? It’s a no brainer. Of course, speak to those appropriate banks for more information and if you are eligible.
Choosing.
College doesn’t offer anything fun? You can even look at other colleges! If you haven’t transferred in more than 64 credits to your current college, you can absolutely take a class elsewhere, so long as it is a transfer equivalent! Take a summer class you will enjoy working on and being in and you won’t miss any action all summer long!
College doesn’t offer anything fun? You can even look at other colleges! If you haven’t transferred in more than 64 credits to your current college, you can absolutely take a class elsewhere, so long as it is a transfer equivalent! Take a summer class you will enjoy working on and being in and you won’t miss any action all summer long!
Abbreviated.
- Survey how much available time you have this summer.
- Look over what classes you need for your degree.
- Out of those classes, see what is offered over the summer.
- Pick the class that you think is going to be the most enjoyable or memorable (that also counts towards your graduation requirements).
- If your college does not offer a class you like, take a look at other colleges nearby and what they have to offer. Make sure that any class you are interested in will actually transfer to your current institution. Consult with your preceptor or other on-campus authorities for transfer information.
- Analyze financially if that class is affordable to you (or your parents).
- If Financial Aid is unavailable or if you cannot afford to pay for the class out of pocket, apply for a private student loan, private loan, or open a credit card with promotional rates to pay for tuition and any expenses. You can always consult with on-campus financial services or your local financial institution.
- HAVE FUN!
Add all of these tips together and you get a fantastic
utilization of college credits and tuition costs while also getting to enjoy
your summer vacation!
Additional
Information.
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Photo Credit:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2013/entries/204988/view/
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