4 answers
Sofia
Student
Albuquerque, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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As a college athlete and student, how do you balance studying and getting good grades when you have to train for your sport and travel for games or meets? #Spring23
I'm a high school senior who is competitive in sports and school. I want to pursue a career in either Psychology or Nursing and I don't know what to expect if I study for these careers and run for college track.
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4 answers
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Balancing the demands of being a college athlete and a student can indeed be challenging, but with the right strategies, it's definitely possible to succeed in both areas. As a high school senior who is competitive in sports and school, you're already demonstrating the dedication and time-management skills that will serve you well in college.
One of the key strategies is to create a detailed schedule that includes all your commitments, from classes and study sessions to training and travel for games or meets. This will help you visualize your time and ensure that you're allocating enough hours to each responsibility. Prioritizing your tasks is crucial; focus on high-impact activities that will yield the most significant results, whether it's an important exam or a crucial training session.
Communication is also vital. Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your coaches and professors. Let them know about your schedule and any potential conflicts well in advance. Many professors are understanding and may offer flexible deadlines or additional support if they know you're balancing athletics and academics.
Additionally, take advantage of any academic resources your college offers. Many schools provide tutoring services, study groups, and academic advisors who can help you stay on top of your coursework. Don't hesitate to seek help when you need it.
Self-care is another essential aspect. Ensure you're getting enough rest, eating well, and taking time to relax and recharge. Burnout can be a real risk when you're juggling multiple high-stress activities, so it's important to listen to your body and mind.
Lastly, stay focused on your long-term goals. Whether you choose a career in Psychology or Nursing, remember why you're pursuing these paths and how your athletic endeavors complement your academic ambitions. Running for college track can teach you resilience, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that are invaluable in any career.
By staying organized, communicating effectively, utilizing available resources, and taking care of yourself, you can successfully balance being a college athlete and a student.
One of the key strategies is to create a detailed schedule that includes all your commitments, from classes and study sessions to training and travel for games or meets. This will help you visualize your time and ensure that you're allocating enough hours to each responsibility. Prioritizing your tasks is crucial; focus on high-impact activities that will yield the most significant results, whether it's an important exam or a crucial training session.
Communication is also vital. Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your coaches and professors. Let them know about your schedule and any potential conflicts well in advance. Many professors are understanding and may offer flexible deadlines or additional support if they know you're balancing athletics and academics.
Additionally, take advantage of any academic resources your college offers. Many schools provide tutoring services, study groups, and academic advisors who can help you stay on top of your coursework. Don't hesitate to seek help when you need it.
Self-care is another essential aspect. Ensure you're getting enough rest, eating well, and taking time to relax and recharge. Burnout can be a real risk when you're juggling multiple high-stress activities, so it's important to listen to your body and mind.
Lastly, stay focused on your long-term goals. Whether you choose a career in Psychology or Nursing, remember why you're pursuing these paths and how your athletic endeavors complement your academic ambitions. Running for college track can teach you resilience, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that are invaluable in any career.
By staying organized, communicating effectively, utilizing available resources, and taking care of yourself, you can successfully balance being a college athlete and a student.
Nikolaos Zormpas
Global Manager – Digital Services Offerings / Technology, Software & Services Offerings Marketing
88
Answers
Athens, Greece
Updated
Nikolaos’s Answer
Hi Sofia,
Balancing the demanding schedules of both college athletics and academic programs like Psychology or Nursing can indeed be challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. Think of this balance as a carefully choreographed dance where each step, requires focus, discipline, and a touch of flexibility.
Having said that, your journey will be much smoother with a well-organized schedule. For example you can identify your peak productivity times and align your most demanding tasks with those periods. Equally important is to ensure you have moments of recovery, both mentally and physically, to prevent burnout.
I guess traveling for games adds another layer of complexity, but it’s also an opportunity. You can use travel time wisely and think of airports, buses, and hotel rooms as study halls!! Remember, everything is possible! Embrace technology to keep up with coursework, leveraging e-books, online lectures, and study apps that allow you to stay connected with your academic responsibilities no matter where you are.
It's equally important to foster open lines of communication with your coaches and professors. They will understand the unique challenges you face and can offer flexibility and support if you proactively engage with them. Whether it’s arranging for early submissions, makeup exams, or seeking advice on managing your time and commitments, these relationships are vital.
Keep in mind that your journey is not just about achieving grades or winning races. It’s about growth, resilience, and the joy of pursuing what you love. Keep sight of your long-term goals, celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and nothing will be able to stop you!!!
Best of luck!!
Best regards,
Nikolas
Balancing the demanding schedules of both college athletics and academic programs like Psychology or Nursing can indeed be challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. Think of this balance as a carefully choreographed dance where each step, requires focus, discipline, and a touch of flexibility.
Having said that, your journey will be much smoother with a well-organized schedule. For example you can identify your peak productivity times and align your most demanding tasks with those periods. Equally important is to ensure you have moments of recovery, both mentally and physically, to prevent burnout.
I guess traveling for games adds another layer of complexity, but it’s also an opportunity. You can use travel time wisely and think of airports, buses, and hotel rooms as study halls!! Remember, everything is possible! Embrace technology to keep up with coursework, leveraging e-books, online lectures, and study apps that allow you to stay connected with your academic responsibilities no matter where you are.
It's equally important to foster open lines of communication with your coaches and professors. They will understand the unique challenges you face and can offer flexibility and support if you proactively engage with them. Whether it’s arranging for early submissions, makeup exams, or seeking advice on managing your time and commitments, these relationships are vital.
Keep in mind that your journey is not just about achieving grades or winning races. It’s about growth, resilience, and the joy of pursuing what you love. Keep sight of your long-term goals, celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and nothing will be able to stop you!!!
Best of luck!!
Best regards,
Nikolas
Joel Curt
coach
2
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Joel’s Answer
As a former D1 athlete managing time is crucial. Not just time but workloads for school with training loads. Meaning class difficulty
should be balanced and not overly time demanding. Know signs of overtraining and burnout. Have fun, if you are not having fun reevaluate your expectations and goals. You will develop friendships in sports and often create good study companions.
Sleep...sleep sleep, I recommend reviewing materials daily before bed and when waking. that apple technique can help you remember materials immensely as well as going over in your mind previous lectures while going to another class. Walking meditation on remembering lectures saved me time in actual sit down study time.
Best of Health
should be balanced and not overly time demanding. Know signs of overtraining and burnout. Have fun, if you are not having fun reevaluate your expectations and goals. You will develop friendships in sports and often create good study companions.
Sleep...sleep sleep, I recommend reviewing materials daily before bed and when waking. that apple technique can help you remember materials immensely as well as going over in your mind previous lectures while going to another class. Walking meditation on remembering lectures saved me time in actual sit down study time.
Best of Health
Ishaan SAHNI
Software Engineer 1
8
Answers
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Updated
Ishaan’s Answer
Hi Sofia,
I can help you with this.
Being a student and a dancer I too had to manage my studies, attendance and my dance competitions.
What you need is a strategic approach. Sometimes you'll have to decide and give precedence to studies or your trainings/competitions and vice-versa.
TBH, you'll always have to put in those extra hours whether it is in your studies or in your trainings.
Be grateful, that you are living your college life to the fullest. Its all part of the journey, embrace it.
One key thing which can help you: If you have a good relation even with one of your teacher, try to talk to him/her make your teacher understand your case that sports is also equally important and see if he/she can give you some extra attendance or some extra classes.
Managing your time is key. Decide which class is important for your studies and attendance than your competition/training and vice-versa.
All the best for your sports and studies.
I can help you with this.
Being a student and a dancer I too had to manage my studies, attendance and my dance competitions.
What you need is a strategic approach. Sometimes you'll have to decide and give precedence to studies or your trainings/competitions and vice-versa.
TBH, you'll always have to put in those extra hours whether it is in your studies or in your trainings.
Be grateful, that you are living your college life to the fullest. Its all part of the journey, embrace it.
One key thing which can help you: If you have a good relation even with one of your teacher, try to talk to him/her make your teacher understand your case that sports is also equally important and see if he/she can give you some extra attendance or some extra classes.
Managing your time is key. Decide which class is important for your studies and attendance than your competition/training and vice-versa.
All the best for your sports and studies.