A semester is a division of the academic year used by many educational institutions, such as colleges and universities. Typically, a semester lasts around 15 to 18 weeks and is designed to organize the academic schedule. Students usually take multiple courses during this time, with classes meeting several times a week. At the end of a semester, students often take final exams to assess their understanding of the material. Grades are then assigned based on performance, which contributes to their overall academic progress. Semesters are commonly divided into fall and spring sessions, with some institutions also offering a summer semester.