Universities - Quarter versus Semester system

[StarOceanHouse]

Let's talk about those 2 different academic term systems.

In community college, the school I went to used the semester system and it was cool, just like high school. But after transfering to quarter system university, I had to get used to its fast paced approach. It wasn't too hard too adjust. In fact, I like that it was faced paced, since you do finish sections a lot quicker thus being able to finish school sooner. Unfortuntely, it also meant you have stay on top of things.


What kind of system does your school use?

Which one do you prefer or which one do you think is better?

 

[Chaos Butterfly]

Semesters. As far as I know, all Australian Universities use this system.

It works.

 

[OrneTTe]

All the schools around me are either semsters or trimesters, with the trimester schools being private. I go to a school with semesters and I like it better than quarters which is what my high school had.

 

[Rogue Robot]

Semesters. Our summer sessions (2 of them) are similar to quarter systems, and truthfully, no matter how hard I tried to stay on top of things, I really struggled. I'll take my 12-14 weeks any day.

 

[amanda_eats_pandas]

My college goes by quarters- ten weeks I believe.

For classes such as history and english it's perfect cause its just long enough to get the information but short enough that I don't get bored.

Math and science however make me want semesters. It feels like there's so much to learn and I don't have enough time.

 

[EnYAY]

CSULA - quarter system

I wouldn't have it any other way. its faced paced and keeps you on your toes.

I get "sluggish" in the semester system and by mid point i have zoned out and lost interest. With quarters you don't have time. it's HELLO-- MIDTERM-- HOW ARE YOU-- FINAL'S--GOODBYE

 

[**hAyzzZZ**]

My school has terms. But they do recognize semesters. Mid year we get 4 weeks off.

I prefer terms, but i think in terms (no pun intended) of fully grasping a subject, I would prefer to be taught it over a semester.

 

[ranma]

Somehow they worked it so that the 3 quarters were short (about 12 weeks). If you didn't take classes during the summer (most people didn't, and there weren't many classes anyway), you end up with a long enough summer in which to recuperate.

When the semesters are long, I lose momentum, get bored, and lose focus. I say do it, get it done fast, and move on to the next thing!

 

[_a_A_C_c_]

i prefer quarters. i find i have a hard time pacing myself on a semester system, there is too much lag between assignments.