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Typically, colleges will divide the academic year using either the semester system or a quarter system. The two are very different, and if you’re not ready for the switch, it can be very tough on you.

Most high schools use the semester system: you receive one set of permanent grades after the first semester ends (around Christmas) and one set of permanent grades at the end of the school year. Between semesters, you might switch a few classes around.

However, some colleges opt for what’s known as the ‘quarter system’ instead. The quarter system is far more fast-paced than the semester, and getting used to the difference can be a bit tough.

So what’s the essential difference between the two? Is one better than the other? It really comes down to your study habits as a student and your own preferences.

Different systems for academic terms can take some getting used to.

Semester System

• The academic year is divided into two large blocks, called ’semesters’. One semester is usually about 15 weeks long plus one week for finals, so that puts you in school for 32 weeks.
• In one semester, you’ll take usually around five classes, give or take. With two semesters in a year, that’s about 10 classes a year.
• Most colleges on the semester system start earlier — around mid-August — and get out earlier as well. You’ll usually have a major break around Christmas.
• The length of a semester gives you more time to make up class work and get the hang of things. It also means if you don’t like a class, you’re stuck with it for a lot longer, plus if you like to procrastinate, the amount of time makes it even easier.

Quarter System

• While colleges offer four quarters in a year (fall, winter, spring, summer), only three are actually needed to make one academic year. So even though it’s called ‘quarters’, your year is actually divided into thirds instead of fourths, unless you choose to take summer classes.
• A quarter is usually 10 weeks long plus one week for finals, keeping you in school 33 weeks (about as long as your semester friends).
• With only ten weeks, if your class meets only on Tuesday and Thursdays, then you’re only in that class twenty times. Think back to high school where twenty times going to a class was only four weeks. Now twenty times makes up a whole class.
• What this means is that the pace is MUCH faster. In those few meetings, you have to cover a whole topic. Missing a class can leave you way behind. If you have a lot of work, you’re going to need to work hard to get it done in time. The quarter system is much less-forgiving and, as a whole, more challenging than the semester system.
• However, because the length is less, if you hate a class, you don’t have to suffer through it as long as you would on a semester system.
• In one quarter, you’ll usually enroll in three or four classes. With three quarters, that ranges from 9 to 12 classes in a year.
• Colleges on the quarter system tend to start later — mid-September — and stay in school until around mid-June. Typically, you’ll have a nice break in December and a brief break in late March.

And what about the trimester system?

Though not as typically as used as the semester or quarter system, the trimester system is worth mention. Basically, your year is divided up much like with the quarter system: you go to school for three terms. Only it’s more similar to “year-round” school: you don’t have one big block of time off, just a month or so here and there. Trimester terms are typically 10 or 11 weeks long.

Which is best for me?

Well, that’s up to you to decide. The best way to decide is to think of your strengths and weaknesses during high school, as well as what system your high school used.

If you’re a heavy procrastinator that has a hard time being motivated, the quarter system will quickly leave you in the dust. You need to be prepared to work hard and keep on top of assignments to avoid falling behind.

On the other hand, if you do your best work under pressure and are always eager to move to the next big thing, the quarter system might actually be up your alley. You might find that the semester system makes things too long, draining you of motivation.

Deciding the school for you

You shouldn’t base your college decision much at all on what system the school uses. A college’s reputation, opportunities, and other aspects are much more important, but the system is still worth taking into account, especially if you know that you will not be able to make it in one of the systems.

Both systems definitely have their merits, but both can also take some getting used to.

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