Clarification on quarterly system in colleges

I've been looking at colleges and some of them operate on a quarterly system instead of semesters. I'm not entirely sure what this means - like how does it change the pace of the classes or anything else I should be aware of? Any input or personal experiences would be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

Colleges that operate on a quarter system typically divide the academic year into four parts: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each quarter is around 10 weeks long and students usually take about 3 to 4 classes per quarter, which basically results in 10-12 courses over the three main academic quarters in a year.

A significant characteristic of the quarter system is the faster pace of courses. With only ten weeks, classes that would typically span a semester are condensed. This may mean more intensive workloads in a shorter period of time, dealing with final exams more frequently, and potentially having less time to focus on each individual subject. For some students, this fast-paced environment can be exciting and engaging.

On the upside, the quarter system can offer you more flexibility and variety. You have the opportunity to take more classes over the course of the year, which can be beneficial when trying to fulfill general education requirements or if you want to explore a wide range of subjects. It can also make it more feasible to recover from a poor grade or withdrawn class, since fewer weeks are invested in a single course.

While the summer term is typically optional and used for additional courses, internships, or taking a break. Some students take advantage of this to graduate early or to lighten their course load during the traditional academic year.

Keep in mind, every student's experience with the quarter system varies. It is important to assess your own learning style and preferences when considering schools with this type of academic calendar.