I'm still laughing at the catchy title I came up with for this post. I know it's cheesy but it's true, I'm so done with Summer C and I'm proud of myself for doing it! When you first graduate high school you might think to yourself "but this is the first summer I won't have summer assignments" or "all my friends are leaving so there are gonna be so many parties" (no parties... ever) or the plain, lazy "I just want to take this summer off". No no no!! Take the summer classes! In today's competitive world, there is no time for "a whole summer off". If you're not working, doing an internship, or studying.. you're wasting your time! You might THINK every one is sitting at home just like you but they're actually not and you'll end up being the only bored loser who sat at home all summer. Sorry, but I'm just here to save you from it.
I originally decided to take summer classes at MDC because I wanted to get ahead on my AA so I could transfer out of FIU as soon as possible. Thank goodness I did it because I ended up loving MDC and decided to stay for fall. In this post I will share some of my mistakes, tips, and overall experiences:
1. I personally learn better in the morning than in the afternoon so I decided to choose an 8am class and a 10am class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. That way I could go out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights and still enjoy a beach day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Tip: I recommend a 9am class because that extra hour makes a huge difference if you're going out on weekday nights.
2. If you decide to do morning classes, stay in school until you have all your work done for next class (It's not like anyone wakes up before noon in the summer any way). This way, by the time your friends decide on plans for the rest of the day you're class and homework free. Do NOT even look at your phone till everything on your agenda is scratched off.
3. Choose your classes early!! This one is a bit long but here's the story:
I signed up for my classes late so I had to take them at West campus (which is NOT okay.. don't do this) and I waited till the first day of Summer C to drive over to the Kendall Campus and ask if I could switch my classes here. Of course, it was the first day of Summer C and a lot of other irresponsible students (like myself) were in line for advisement. If you were guessing four hours of waiting time in advisement... you were right!! I almost shed a tear before they called me in. The advisor was obviously over worked and gave me the classic: "there's nothing you can do now". I called anyone I knew who had attended MDC to see if there was a way to solve this (talking to students who have already been in your situation is the best thing you can do). To my surprise, there is a such thing as an override (if they tell you there isn't, there is). An override means you have to go to the subject's department head and give them your reasons for transferring classes. If you have a good school record, this helps them to know you're not just an irresponsible delinquent. Flash them a sad excuse and big smile and you should be on your way with a new schedule.
Tip #1: Of course, if I had done my research on the campus and professors (ratemyprofessors.com) I wouldn't have had to change classes. It's all about coming prepared to the set-up.
Tip #2: Be nice to your advisor. Greet them with a smile. Don't be distracted by your cellphone while they are talking to you. Be intrigued in the conversation. Remember they are only there to help you but if you are rude to them they can choose not. If they are rude to you, continue being nice and genuinely interested in their advice. A "thank you so much for your time and help" after the meeting wouldn't hurt either. It will help them remember you for next time.
4. Don't drop a class because it's "boring", give it time. You might find something later on that made you glad you stayed.
Tip #1: if you come to class tired and slouchy there are few chances you will get anything it. I don't suggest a hoodie and leggings or sweats. First, because it gives the impression that you didn't change this morning and/or are going straight to bed after class. Second, it will make it harder for you to stay awake. Third, getting nicely dressed in the mornings wakes you up a bit more. Fourth, you never know where you need to go after class and you don't want to look like a bum. (if you live in Miami, I suggest a bathing suit in your car at all times)
5. DO WELL! It's really satisfying to know you are already two A's into your transcripts. Remember how badly you messed up in high school and don't make the same mistake twice. Be productive. Every college grade counts. Think of how great it will feel to get your master's fully paid for when you graduate with good grades.
I think that's all I leave you with today! Oh and like I said in the last post, take the time at the end of the course to thank your professors. Remember, it was their summer too. I hope you enjoyed your Summer C or I hope you decide to do Summer C in the future.
I originally decided to take summer classes at MDC because I wanted to get ahead on my AA so I could transfer out of FIU as soon as possible. Thank goodness I did it because I ended up loving MDC and decided to stay for fall. In this post I will share some of my mistakes, tips, and overall experiences:
1. I personally learn better in the morning than in the afternoon so I decided to choose an 8am class and a 10am class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. That way I could go out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights and still enjoy a beach day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Tip: I recommend a 9am class because that extra hour makes a huge difference if you're going out on weekday nights.
2. If you decide to do morning classes, stay in school until you have all your work done for next class (It's not like anyone wakes up before noon in the summer any way). This way, by the time your friends decide on plans for the rest of the day you're class and homework free. Do NOT even look at your phone till everything on your agenda is scratched off.
3. Choose your classes early!! This one is a bit long but here's the story:
I signed up for my classes late so I had to take them at West campus (which is NOT okay.. don't do this) and I waited till the first day of Summer C to drive over to the Kendall Campus and ask if I could switch my classes here. Of course, it was the first day of Summer C and a lot of other irresponsible students (like myself) were in line for advisement. If you were guessing four hours of waiting time in advisement... you were right!! I almost shed a tear before they called me in. The advisor was obviously over worked and gave me the classic: "there's nothing you can do now". I called anyone I knew who had attended MDC to see if there was a way to solve this (talking to students who have already been in your situation is the best thing you can do). To my surprise, there is a such thing as an override (if they tell you there isn't, there is). An override means you have to go to the subject's department head and give them your reasons for transferring classes. If you have a good school record, this helps them to know you're not just an irresponsible delinquent. Flash them a sad excuse and big smile and you should be on your way with a new schedule.
Tip #1: Of course, if I had done my research on the campus and professors (ratemyprofessors.com) I wouldn't have had to change classes. It's all about coming prepared to the set-up.
Tip #2: Be nice to your advisor. Greet them with a smile. Don't be distracted by your cellphone while they are talking to you. Be intrigued in the conversation. Remember they are only there to help you but if you are rude to them they can choose not. If they are rude to you, continue being nice and genuinely interested in their advice. A "thank you so much for your time and help" after the meeting wouldn't hurt either. It will help them remember you for next time.
4. Don't drop a class because it's "boring", give it time. You might find something later on that made you glad you stayed.
Tip #1: if you come to class tired and slouchy there are few chances you will get anything it. I don't suggest a hoodie and leggings or sweats. First, because it gives the impression that you didn't change this morning and/or are going straight to bed after class. Second, it will make it harder for you to stay awake. Third, getting nicely dressed in the mornings wakes you up a bit more. Fourth, you never know where you need to go after class and you don't want to look like a bum. (if you live in Miami, I suggest a bathing suit in your car at all times)
5. DO WELL! It's really satisfying to know you are already two A's into your transcripts. Remember how badly you messed up in high school and don't make the same mistake twice. Be productive. Every college grade counts. Think of how great it will feel to get your master's fully paid for when you graduate with good grades.
I think that's all I leave you with today! Oh and like I said in the last post, take the time at the end of the course to thank your professors. Remember, it was their summer too. I hope you enjoyed your Summer C or I hope you decide to do Summer C in the future.