Is an accelerated course right for you?

This one-page information sheet should help you to decide if an accelerated online course is a good idea for you.

Is an accelerated course right for you?

So, you are considering taking an accelerated VSC/CCV course (generally, a three-credit course that is taught in seven weeks). Here are some things you might consider:

Time Management Benefits: Accelerated courses are a great idea if you have a limited number of weeks in a given year or semester to devote to your education.
Course Stacking Benefits: Accelerated courses may also be a great option when you want to take both an advanced course and a prerequisite or companion course in the same semester (for example, Spreadsheets I and II).
Attention and Focus Benefits: Accelerated courses might also appeal to you if you are the sort of student that thrives in an environment where you can focus your attention more intently on fewer subjects.
Vacation and Travel Benefits: Summer accelerated courses may be attractive to you if you want part of your summer set aside for family vacation or full-time employment or travel.

And yet, though convenient for the above reasons, accelerated courses may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some additional considerations that might suggest you would be a strong candidate for accelerated courses.

You are not new to college studies: You might be a good candidate if …

You already know how to use Moodle or Canvas, the library, e-tutoring, the learning centers, etc.
You have already managed to succeed in traditional classes.
You have proven time management skills.
You have mastered basic academic skills (reading, writing, posting assignments, contributing to forums, etc.)

You have reliable online access: You might be a good candidate if …

You have a reliable computer (not just a phone)
You have demonstrative program skills associated with the class (Word, Browser, Excel, Adobe Creative Cloud)
You have consistently reliable high-speed internet
You have substantial periods of uninterrupted time to be online.

You assimilate new information easily: You might be a good candidate if …

You are an average to speedy reader
You write with a recognizable level of proficiency and fluency
You absorb new ideas efficiently
You assimilate new skills quickly

You come to the course with some background or experience: You might be a good candidate if …

You have worked in the field that you are studying
You have taken courses in the catalog that resemble this one in content and structure
You did well in the prerequisite courses that are required for this course
You have looked at the course description and matched the assessment methods to your present academic skills.

You have both time and time management skills: You might be a good candidate if …

You have time before the course starts to get yourself prepared and informed.
You have approximately 20 hours a week for each accelerated course that you take.
You are the sort of person who thrives on regular and frequent deadlines
You have no foreseeable vacations or distractions during the two months of the class.