Why is the College Academic Year Important?

More than 50% of U.S colleges and universities operate on a semester system, but there are several other calendar systems as well.  For most students, the calendar system is not important, but perhaps for some, it should be.  It may not be at the top of your list of concerns when choosing a college, but you should understand what you are getting yourself into when you enroll.

In a typical semester system, students take 5 courses at a time.  Many colleges operate on a quarter or trimester system where the school year is broken into three terms and may or may not have a summer option, and students take 3 or 4 courses at a time.  

There are other calendar options such as 4-1-4 (two full semesters with a long break in January) 4-4-1 (two full semesters with a month in May before summer begins), or block (one course at a time).  Many students love the long break on the 4-1-4 calendar because they can take advantage of internship or work opportunities.  Some simply like the long break to travel or spend time with family.  Only a few colleges are on a block where students take one class at a time, but the opportunity to have a unique learning experience when there are no obligations other than to the one class can be very appealing to some students.

Regardless of your feelings about what will work best for you, it is worth consideration as you explore colleges.  Ask students on campus what they like or dislike about their school calendar.  Think about what it means to take 5 classes at a time as opposed to 3 or 4 (or 1!).  What worked for you in high school?   

You will want to know that the school you attend will work for you.