Whether you choose to attend summer school to get ahead in college or find a summer job, it’s a personal decision. It’s nice to get required classes out of the way quickly, but many students use the summer to earn spending money for the coming school year. Take these concerns into account as you research and make the decision that’s right for you.

• If you’re attending college away from home, where will you live during summer school? Some dorms allow summer residents, so check with your college.
• Consider your family situation. If you have family across the state or country who you would like to visit, staying at school might not be the most realistic option.
• If you’re receiving financial aid, you likely will need to fill out a separate application for summer school. Most colleges have deadlines for this, so check to make sure yours hasn’t passed.
• Summer classes are condensed, meaning they cover the same material in a much shorter time period. Are you up for the challenge?
• Does your school offer online coursework? This will allow you to go home, take classes and maybe even work part time.
• Underclassmen might benefit from attending a local community college to get required English or math courses out of the way. Check to make sure the classes will transfer to your university before registering for them.
• Have a vacation planned? Summer jobs are typically more flexible than rigorous summer curricula.

Summer is a great time to rest, relax and rejuvenate from a tough year of college. But it’s also the perfect time to earn some extra cash or get some classes out of the way. The decision is yours to make. But make that decision based upon what’s best for you and your situation. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before making your choice.