How to Survive the Horrors of Summer School

Let's face it - for most of us, summer school is a drag. No matter how enticing the topic, how brilliant the instructor or how much you desperately need the class, it's unlikely your idea of a great summer is sitting in a college classroom.

Dry your tears. You, too, can survive summer school. Read on to find out how.

1. Before you register, think about how you best tolerate pain. Would you prefer to hurt a lot, but get it over with in fewer days? Or would you rather hurt a little, but have it go on for a longer time? Not great choices, true, but at least you do have a choice if the class you need is offered in a couple different summer school formats.

2. Seriously consider online classes. This is probably obvious, but there are still people out there who are afraid of cyberschool. Most online classes let you work at your own pace, whenever you want, which is a nice flexible schedule for summer. Don't assume online classes are less work, though. Often it's just the opposite.

3. Take either a subject that you love (it will make time go faster) or that you hate (you'll be glad later that you got it out of the way quickly, rather than having to suffer through it during the long fall or spring semesters).

4. Find a picture that represents your goal, the reason you're in college to begin with. Magazines are good for this. See if you can find a photo of someone working in your future profession, or certain material objects you want to own, or symbols that represent the inner or outer life you want to achieve. Put the picture where you'll be able to see it several times a day. This will help you remember why you are putting yourself through the aggravation of summer school. Ringo was right - "it don't come easy." A big goal will involve some sacrifices along the way.

5. Remember, you're not giving up summer forever. You're just giving up this one, and if you're lucky and don't have too much else filling your time (like a job, or a family, or both) you're only giving up part of this one. Keep summer school in perspective. Try to plan something really great for this summer, even if it's just one activity. If you can't do even that, plan something fabulous for next summer. If you'll be in school next summer, too, go back to #4 and God bless you.

5. Expect to study a lot. One of the things that's a killer about summer school is that several months worth of coursework are squeezed into a few weeks (I've seen classes that are normally an entire semester compacted for summer into as little as 2 weeks). You might be in class from 8 a.m. - noon, then have to go home and read three chapters and be ready for a test in two days. The pace can be wicked. Expect to be doing a lot of reading and homework in your free time. There's no way around it, not if you want a high grade, and sometimes even just to pass.

6. Ask questions in class if you don't understand. You'll be whizzing through material pretty quickly, so if you don't "get it," be sure that you do before you leave that day. Like interest added to the principal of a student loan, your confusion is only going to grow when new material is piled on the next day and the next.

7. Bring something especially good to eat. Summer school classes have such long and weird hours that most professors will understand if you discreetly unpack breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and have at it during class. They might even give you long breaks so you can eat outside in the fresh air. Having something delicious to eat will be a treat to look forward to. If you can, bring something especially yummy for the entire class, like fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies. This will create a lot of excitement, and for that moment and probably longer, everyone will adore you, which isn't bad either. Usually this starts a trend, with others bringing in goodies for the duration of the course. Bad if you're on a diet, but fun if you're not.

8. As tempting as it might be, don't skip any classes if you can possibly help it. Summer school truly is a case of miss one day, miss a lot. Keep one absence in reserve in case you need it for illness or an emergency. As always, if your kids really need you, stay home! Otherwise, be there.

9. Be alert and especially aware of your surroundings on campus. Compared to the rest of the school year, colleges don't have many people around in the summer, and criminals can make their move. As I left my summer class at dusk one day, I had someone accost me with the old, "I just got out of prison and need some money" ploy. Not fun. Especially if it's a night class, walk in pairs to your cars (you can always go to one, then drive together to the other).

10. Pat yourself on the back for doing something cool this summer. Anyone can sleep in, hang out, or play in the sun, but summer school is an investment in your future and a wise use of your time. Keep your eye on that degree, and don't let the aroma of barbecue or the roar of the surf distract you from your goal. Summer will come again. I promise!