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Lots of people perform better when allowed to focus on one task at a time.

Generally, these people would rather face a single, highly challenging task than two or three simpler ones.

It should be no surprise that these same folks almost always adapt well to a one-course-at-a-time calendar, particularly if they are enrolled in a degree program while juggling family, professional, and/or other responsibilities. For that reason, online degree programs are often offered in a one-course-at-a-time format.

But, you might be surprised to learn that three traditional colleges offer the same structure. One is Colorado College, a highly selective institution which adopted what it calls the Block Plan in 1970. The Block plan divides the academic year into eight terms, each three and a half weeks long. Depending on the material to be covered, students may take a single course for one block, two blocks, or more.

Iowa's Cornell College, not to be confused with Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, uses an identical calendar and an identical one-course-at-a-time system.

Tusculum College's "focused calendar" also divides each semester into four terms of three and one half weeks, with a four day vacation at the conclusion of each. Students may also take one-course-at-a-time during one or more of three optional summer terms.

The three colleges are very different in terms of selectivity, location, and other factors, but their academic calendars set them apart from every other college and university in the United States. And the web pages of the three highlight the same advantages their academic calendar affords students. The ability to continue a good discussion without the constraints of a 50 minute time limit. The freedom to remain in a laboratory as long as you wish. And, the ability to develop mastery of a subject by focusing on it without other demands.

Like the idea of focusing on one course at a time? If so, take some time to learn more about these three unique colleges.