Should I Take Summer Classes in College?

Updated May 13, 2025

A group of summer students talking, looking at a laptop, sitting in a classroom. While summer may mean a break from academics for some, many students find it’s an ideal time to complete their required coursework, earn more credits, explore new areas of interest, or connect with a different college community.

Taking summer classes doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal summer plans for vacations or time off. With online and flexible on-campus academic options, you can create a rewarding summer that allows you to study when and where it’s most convenient for you. For instance, at Johns Hopkins University, you can choose from over 80 online or on-site Summer Term courses for undergraduates with a schedule and format that best fits your needs. (And won’t take away from your vacation!)

Benefits of Taking Summer Classes

Summer classes often offer many benefits for college students. These include:

Accelerate Your Graduation

Taking summer classes is a great way to earn your required credits. Fewer classes in the fall and spring semesters can make your schedule easier to manage. And, by completing your required credits in the summer, you accelerate your path to graduation.

Focus on More Challenging Courses

If you work best when focused on just one or two courses, the lighter summer course load allows you to do some of your best academic work. This proves beneficial when you have more challenging courses among your required graduation credits.

Summer is also an excellent opportunity to improve your GPA by retaking courses in which you received a less-than-stellar grade. By focusing on just this one class, you have the chance to earn a better grade and bring up that GPA.

Try New Things

While graduation requirements often drive fall and spring course selections, the summer term is an ideal time to explore a new area of interest. Take a painting class, dive into digital photography, or round out your liberal arts studies with an introduction to sociology. Whether you study online or on campus, you’ll find electives that pique your interest and broaden your knowledge.

Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience

A five-week on-campus course offers time for travel or work before the fall term, while online courses provide even greater flexibility for completing coursework. The asynchronous delivery of many online courses, and the ability to log in from almost anywhere in the world, will help you fit summer courses comfortably into your travel, work, or internship plans.

How Many Classes Should I Take in the Summer?

Taking a summer course or two as an undergrad can be an ideal way to knock out a course requirement, pay focused attention to one or two courses, explore new topics and communities, and even boost your GPA. But how do you know how many courses you should take?

Consider Your Needs and Circumstances

Only you know the complexity of your unique summer situation. As you prepare to enroll in summer courses, consider:

The level of difficulty of each class
How long the class will take to complete
Your personal bandwidth, including other summer plans or obligations

Remember that summer college classes provide numerous benefits, but these advantages are meaningless if it eats into the relaxation that the summer often brings.

Typical Course Load for Summer Terms

Most undergrads typically take five to six classes per semester throughout their college career. During the summer, however, you’re free to take just one or two courses at a time. This lightens your mental load so you can focus more intensely on the subjects you tackle.

Who Should Take Summer Classes?

Many students affirm that taking summer classes in college is highly beneficial. While it’s not for everyone, consider whether you might be a good candidate for summer classes:

You want to graduate early
You need extra support in specific subjects
You want to try a subject outside of your major
You want to redo a course
You want to focus on one course

Tips for Success in Summer Classes

The brief summer term demands a strategic approach to balance academics with your personal life. Here are some tips to help you manage your time and stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.

Time Management Strategies

Create a Schedule: The accelerated pace of summer courses requires outstanding organizational skills. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out class times, study sessions, and deadlines.
Set Priorities: Make sure to concentrate on the most important tasks and set aside a specific time each day for your schoolwork. This will help you prioritize your studies and stay on track.
Plan Breaks: Include short brain breaks to prevent burnout, especially during intensive study sessions.

Staying Engaged and Focused

Actively Participate: Engage in class discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with your peers.
Limit Distractions: Create a distraction-free study environment and turn off phone notifications during study time.
Leverage Resources: Use your school’s online resources, including tutoring help, to address any challenges as quickly as possible.

Balancing Coursework with Personal Time

Set Realistic Goals: If two classes are too many, stick with just one so you can make sure you give it your all.
Stay Active: Recharge your energy with physical activities or hobbies occasionally.
Communicate: Let your family and friends know about your summer study commitments. Enforce the boundaries you create so you can achieve your goals.