Ways to Prepare for Summer School
Meta Description. Is this the first time you are going to a summer school? Or maybe not, but you just want to be more prepared this time. Then read our tips on how to do it.
Summer school isn’t the dull, remedial setup you might have imagined it to be. It’s not just about catching up or getting ahead with coursework. Instead, it’s like a bonus level in a game – an extra round to gain XP, master new skills, and level up for the future.
While your classmates are snoozing their summer away, you’re pofering up. You’re taking interesting elective courses that might not fit into your regular semester, exploring new subjects that catch your fancy, or getting a head start on major-related classes. It’s like having a sneak peek into the future semester or exploring a parallel universe where you’re studying something different.
Plus, you’re not in this journey alone. With numerous resources, including essay writing service, you can get support for any challenging essays or research papers that come your way. EduBirdie is an online academic support platform that understands what students need. One of the coolest things about this platform is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all service. They understand that every student is unique. That’s why they offer personalized assistance.
Summer school is also a great way to meet new friends who share your interests. Your future co-author for a groundbreaking research paper or your partner-in-crime for a start-up might just be sitting next to you in your summer class.
So are you ready to prepare for a summer school? Let’s discuss how you can do it.
Set Clear Goals
Ask yourself why you want to attend summer school. Is it to explore a new interest, sharpen your skills in a particular subject, or maybe to get ahead in your coursework? Once you understand your ‘why’, you can set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
When we talk about setting goals, we’re not talking about vague, undefined aspirations like “doing well” or “learning a lot.” While these are positive sentiments, they lack the specificity needed to truly guide your actions. Instead, we want to formulate SMART goals.
Here’s how you might ask yourself the essential questions to create these goals.
Specific – What exactly do you want to achieve at summer school? Is there a specific topic you’re passionate about, like coding, literature, or physics? Are you looking to get a head-start on a particular subject for the next academic year? Or maybe you are just interested in summer camping?
Measurable – How will you know when you’ve reached your goal? If your goal is to improve your coding skills, for example, perhaps your measure of success is being able to build a basic website by the end of the course.
Achievable – Is your goal realistic? There’s no point setting a goal to become fluent in Spanish if you’re a complete beginner and the course only lasts six weeks. Make sure your goals are challenging but within reach. Relevant – Does this goal align with your longer-term academic or career aspirations? If you’re planning to study engineering at college, a summer school course in advanced calculus might be highly relevant.
Time-bound – When exactly do you hope to achieve your goal? By the end of the summer school session is an obvious answer, but some goals might be shorter-term. For instance, if one of your goals is to become comfortable with public speaking, you might aim to participate actively in class discussions every week.
Keep Your Mind Open
Having an open mind is not just about welcoming new concepts and topics, but also about embracing the entire summer school experience, including receiving feedback on your work. For instance, you might encounter “grading college papers” differently than what you’re used to during the regular school year. This might be a change, but it’s an opportunity to learn about new grading styles and expectations. Take it as a chance to grow and adapt your academic skills.
Also, be prepared for diverse “teacher comments on students’ writing.” Feedback is an essential part of learning, and each instructor will have a different style. Some might be more direct, while others may provide more constructive criticism. Either way, take these comments as tools for improvement.
Make a Schedule
Allocate time slots for focused studying, but also remember to include periods of rest and leisure. Balance is the keyword here. Yes, you’re there to learn, but it’s also summer, a time traditionally reserved for a bit of relaxation and fun. Don’t rob yourself of that. Take a break when needed, go out and enjoy the sun, read a book for pleasure or engage in your favorite hobby.
Also, keep in mind that summer school days can be long and intense. You may find that the usual study methods aren’t enough, and you might need to adjust your tactics. This is where resources like EduBirdie can become incredibly valuable. It can help you manage your workload, freeing up some time to explore other aspects of the summer school experience without sacrificing your academic progress.
Mind Your Health
It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of assignments, lectures, and exams. But remember, your health is important too. So make sure to eat right, get enough sleep, and take regular breaks. Physical activity can also help to keep your mind sharp. It will help you during classes and you’ll be much more productive as a student. Don’t neglect this advice.