Holidays and break times are organized differently in the quarter system and semester system. In the semester system, there is a winter holiday break between the fall and spring semesters that usually lasts at least two weeks. Summer break is usually two months long and falls between the spring and fall semesters. In the quarter system, there are short breaks between each of the four quarters. Many students take one quarter off for a summer or winter break.
The amount of classes taken during a school term depends on the type of schedule the college or university uses. In the semester system, students going to college full time take four to five classes a semester. Classes may meet three times per week, twice a week, or once a week for a longer period of time. In the quarter system, full-time students usually take three to four classes during a quarter, but many classes meet more often than in the semester system.
In the semester system, students' schedules are broken into two blocks, often termed the fall and spring semesters. These semesters usually last about 15 weeks with breaks between each. In the quarter system, a quarter usually lasts about 10 weeks, plus one week for finals. Students often take three of the four quarters offered a year; taking four quarters a year allows students to complete their degrees early. Quarter systems start later in the fall than semester systems.
Semester and quarter systems create a different work load for students. Semesters last longer and classes meet more times than in the quarter system. This creates the ability for students to miss classes due to illness and still catch up on their work. In the quarter system, there is less time due to the speed at which a quarter passes -- classes are condensed into a shorter time frame. When students miss classes, it can be difficult for them to catch up with their classmates.