What Is the Quarter System?

The quarter system divides the academic year into terms of about ten weeks each. Most colleges that use it have three main quarters, fall, winter and spring, with an optional summer quarter, which together make up four quarters in a calendar year. Some well-known US universities use this system, including several in California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as a few elsewhere.

How it works

Each quarter is about 10 weeks of classes plus a final exam week. Students usually take three or four courses per quarter, and a typical course is worth three to five quarter credits. A bachelor's degree often requires about 180 quarter credits, compared with 120 semester credits.

Because quarters are short, courses move quickly, and midterms come early. A missed week is a larger share of the course than in a semester, so staying on top of work matters.

Credit conversion

A quarter credit is worth two thirds of a semester credit. For example, 45 quarter credits convert to 30 semester credits, and a four-quarter-credit course converts to about 2.7 semester credits. Colleges differ in how they round and apply converted credits, so check the policy of the college you plan to transfer to.

Advantages and drawbacks

Advantages: more courses overall, which can help you explore and complete requirements, with earlier starts to internships because the spring quarter ends in June in many cases, and a clean break if a course does not suit you.

Drawbacks: a fast pace, more frequent exams, shorter time with each instructor and, for transfers, possible credit mismatches with semester schools.

Tips

Start strong, read the syllabus on day one and plan study time weekly. Use office hours early, and keep an eye on the add/drop and withdrawal deadlines, which come quickly.

Related terms

See semester, trimester, credit hour, academic calendar and term.