IvyWise Live: Making the Most of Your College Experience
Summer is a great time to reflect on what you want your college experience to look like and take the next steps to prepare for the fall. Join IvyWise graduate school admissions counselor Nellie and academic advisor Rachel as they discuss how to approach your time at college intentionally and strategically to graduate on time.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 4pm ET
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As the traditional spring semester winds down, a unique academic opportunity known as Maymester emerges at many colleges and universities across the U.S. This accelerated college term, typically held in May, offers students an opportunity to engage in intense study, explore new subjects, or even embark on exciting study abroad programs — all within a focused timeframe.
What Exactly Is a Maymester?
A Maymester is an intensive academic session offered by many colleges and universities that takes place during May and sometimes extends into June. Think of it as a supercharged mini-semester similar to the January Term (J-Term) that many colleges and universities offer, though some schools may include it as part of the spring or summer term.
Unlike a traditional academic term, Maymesters involve more frequent and longer class meetings to cover the required material within a shorter timeframe. You must be prepared for a fast pace! Unlike full semesters or even typical summer sessions, Maymesters usually last between two to four weeks. However, the duration can be even longer depending on the school.
Because Maymesters are short and intensive, students generally take one or two courses instead of a full course load. However, most institutions award the same number of college credits as a comparable course in a regular semester. You can find on-campus, fully online, and even study abroad Maymester programs.
You can find many schools that offer a Maymester, including Vanderbilt, Penn State, USC, UNC-Chapel Hill, College of the Holy Cross, Providence College, the University of Georgia, and more
Why Choose a Maymester?
Of course, Maymesters are not for everyone. Students must be motivated and prepared to engage in accelerated learning — often in a more close-knit environment with other students and faculty. However, taking a Maymester can offer many advantages:
- Accelerate graduation: By earning extra credits in May, you can potentially graduate early, saving time and tuition costs.
- Catch up on credits: If you’ve fallen behind or need to retake a course, a Maymester provides a concentrated opportunity to get back on track.
- Explore new interests: The shorter commitment allows you to delve into a subject outside your major without dedicating a full semester. It’s a great way to test the waters in a new academic area.
- Flexible scheduling: For students with summer jobs, internships, or other commitments, online Maymesters may offer flexible learning options.
- Intensive focus: With fewer courses to juggle, you can immerse yourself deeply in the subject matter and potentially achieve a better understanding.
- Study abroad opportunities: Maymesters are a popular format for short-term study abroad programs, offering an unforgettable international experience without a semester-long commitment.
- Smaller class sizes: Often, Maymester classes have fewer students, leading to more personalized attention from professors and enhanced class discussions.
- Strategic use of summer break: Instead of a complete academic pause, a Maymester allows you to stay engaged intellectually and make productive use of your summer.
Ultimately, choosing a Maymester can be a strategic decision that not only enhances your academic progress but also enriches you personally.
Popular Maymester Course Options
The types of courses offered during a Maymester can vary widely depending on the institution, whether you want to complete general education requirements, electives, introductory courses, or enroll in specialized workshops and seminars. Some institutions may offer just a few courses, while others may offer several.
Here is a general list of courses you might find, organized by subject area:
- Humanities: Intensive courses on literature, history, philosophy, and religious studies, sometimes including cultural excursions.
- Social Sciences: Focused study on anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics, potentially with field research components.
- Business: Short, intensive courses on international business, marketing, finance, and management, often incorporating case studies and company visits, especially in study abroad contexts.
- Sciences: Field-based courses in biology, environmental science, and geology, taking advantage of specific geographical locations for hands-on learning.
- Arts: Immersive programs in visual arts, performing arts, and music, often including workshops, performances, and visits to cultural institutions.
- Languages: Intensive language immersion programs, frequently combined with cultural studies in a country where that language is spoken.
Examples of Maymester Programs
Maymester programs are diverse in their subject matter, format, and location. Whether you want to study away from campus, on campus, or online, you are sure to find a program that aligns with your needs and academic goals. Here are just a few examples of the types of courses colleges and universities are offering:
- At USC, students can enroll in the Maymester program through the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability and live on Catalina Island for four weeks while taking courses in marine biology and coastal sustainability.
- Penn State offers students the opportunity to study abroad for Maymester through the Smeal College of Business, with programs in Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, and the U.K.
- Providence College offers on-campus and online courses for either a one-week or a three-week duration. Topics include Business Ethics, Women & Christianity, American Health Care System, and Sociology of the Family.
- The Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia offers both undergrads and grad students the opportunity to participate in the NYC Maymester Program. Students live and study in New York City for three weeks, visiting museums, galleries, and artist studios.
Finding the Right Maymester Program
If a Maymester sounds like a good fit for you, here are tips for finding the right program:
- Start by exploring the Maymester offerings at your own college or university. Look at their website under “Summer Sessions” or “Special Programs.”
- Consider other institutions. If your school doesn’t offer what you’re looking for, other colleges and universities allow visiting students to enroll in their Maymester programs.
- Explore study abroad programs. If you’re interested in international travel, search for “Maymester study abroad” programs offered by various institutions and organizations, such as CIS Abroad, AIFS Abroad, and API.
- Pay attention to deadlines. Maymester registration deadlines are typically earlier than regular summer sessions, so check these dates carefully.
- Review course syllabi. Understand the intensive nature of the course, the meeting schedule, and the workload before enrolling.
- Consider costs and financial aid. Maymester courses have tuition fees, and study abroad programs have additional costs. Investigate available funding sources.
Supercharge Your Education with IvyWise
Whether you’re aiming to stay on track for graduation, explore new academic avenues, or study abroad, a Maymester is a great way to propel your academic journey forward. But you likely have many additional resources and opportunities you can take advantage of to give yourself an academic boost and enhance your college experience.
It can be challenging to make informed decisions about which programs will be most beneficial. At IvyWise, our academic advising services are personalized to your unique needs and goals, giving you the confidence to choose the best courses and programs for shaping your future.
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