Here are two factors to keep in mind.

First, summer courses are short but intense.

• Don’t sign up for more than 1 class at a time, or 2 if you don’t have other commitments.
• Taking individual classes is a great chance to catch up if you’re behind—or even get ahead.
• That intensive structure lets you focus on one class at a time, but it can also be harder to stay caught up or get help if you need it.

Second, it’s not just about whether to take classes but which ones to take, and where.

• You might be able to save $$ by enrolling at a different school. Just make sure the credits will transfer!
• Summer’s also a great time to get college requirements & prerequisites taken care of.
• In some cases, you can retake a class for a better grade.
• For classes in your major, summer classes can offer chances to get to know professors.

Build on these considerations by assessing your personal situation—including whether you have the time and energy—and you’ll make the right call.

Bonus tip: if you decide at the last minute to enroll in summer classes, many schools have late deadlines. If your school’s deadline has passed, you might still have time to enroll at a different school and transfer the credit.