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本篇博文作者：EdithYuh, Master of International Affairs, 2016, University ofCalifornia-San Diego
Semester vs.Quarter System at U.S. Universities
Schools in theU.S. go by two main calendar systems—semester and quarter. In themore typical system, the semester, students take three to fourclasses for 15 weeks. In the quarter system, students take three tofour classes for 10 weeks.
Which schools arequarter and which are semester?
Most schools inthe U.S. are on the semester system, but many schools on the WestCoast, includingOregonState, University of Washington, Stanford, and all Universities ofCalifornia besides Berkeley and Merced are on the quartersystem.
How does thecalendar system impact my studies?
Under the quarter system, students can take more classes, allowingthem to explore other fields and making it easier to double majoror minor. Since students take more classes, a low grade in oneclass will not alter the GPA as much as it would under the semestersystem. From a financial standpoint, students pay the total tuitionin three segments instead of two, so they do not have to pay asmuch each time.
However, thesemester system allows for more in-depth study in each class.Unlike the quarter system, where midterms come every two weeks, thesemester system gives students more time to study for tests, andmore time to build strong relationships with their professors andteachers. Financially, students only have to buy textbooks twice aquarter instead of three times.
Which system isbetter?
Both systems comewith their advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing a school,look up its calendar system, and take advantage of theopportunities such system offers to improve your studyexperience!
