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Is it difficult to go to college and be a full time student and play sports at the same time? ?
Is it difficult to go to college and be a full time student and play sports at the same time?
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
It depends upon the class schedule and course load during the athletic season.
When I was an athlete I cut my required full load down to the minimum level required for eligibility.
I also took the more rigorous classes, required for my degree, in the off season, because of the increased time needs or lab schedules.
By finding the right course balance, and taking more difficult courses, outside of the sports season, I found I was able to do both sports and academics proficiently.
When I was an athlete I cut my required full load down to the minimum level required for eligibility.
I also took the more rigorous classes, required for my degree, in the off season, because of the increased time needs or lab schedules.
By finding the right course balance, and taking more difficult courses, outside of the sports season, I found I was able to do both sports and academics proficiently.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It's a question on your time management. Firstly, you need to find a time management tool, eg Google Calendar, MS Outlook, phone calendar, etc.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time every day for your assignment, projects, etc and also review the materials covered on the day
3. You can allocate the time on the sports activities
4. Make sure you have enough time to sleep
5. Find some time for leisure and family & friends gathering
Hope this helps!Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time every day for your assignment, projects, etc and also review the materials covered on the day
3. You can allocate the time on the sports activities
4. Make sure you have enough time to sleep
5. Find some time for leisure and family & friends gathering
Hope this helps!Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
Although I was not an athlete in college, I was a performance major for Acting (Theatre) and I can say the time requirements you will have are very similar to what I experienced and you can do it ! You have to be aware of a few things to make it work and it will also depend on what you major in and your dedication to sports and your academics, blending them to give you the optimum skills and experience.
My first advice is to really choose your major carefully. Something that is not going to conflict with the times you must dedicate to performing, practicing and training and playing events. Choose your college courses carefully, even if you have to take a course or two in the late afternoon or evening, at times when sports is not asking for your time. Also keep in mind what works for you - taking four courses a semester, going to summer session for general education required courses, etc. You know what your sports schedule will be, so work your classes around that. Be available for your sports team but make sure that you attend class and absorb the information so you can do well on the exams.
It can be challenging in some ways (what isn't ?), but you're going to see that you will know exactly what to do and it will all fit together. So many people do sports while in college, it's definitely doable. Just to share what my experience was like, it was at a time when there was no internet, no smart phones, no digital anything. The college I went to had heavy research term paper requirements for almost every course and that's where I found that I was staying up till the wee hours of the night, writing a lot and then having to type the multi-paged paper on an electric typewriter. Reading chapters in textbooks with book in hand. Having to make an appointment with professors at their office instead of e-mailing. But I managed very well, worked a part time Work Study job, had frequent social activity and it's a matter of letting things flow when you are passionate about a career or activity. Just let things happen naturally. Your sports schedule and your class schedule will indicate to you what to do and how to manage everything.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Although I was not an athlete in college, I was a performance major for Acting (Theatre) and I can say the time requirements you will have are very similar to what I experienced and you can do it ! You have to be aware of a few things to make it work and it will also depend on what you major in and your dedication to sports and your academics, blending them to give you the optimum skills and experience.
My first advice is to really choose your major carefully. Something that is not going to conflict with the times you must dedicate to performing, practicing and training and playing events. Choose your college courses carefully, even if you have to take a course or two in the late afternoon or evening, at times when sports is not asking for your time. Also keep in mind what works for you - taking four courses a semester, going to summer session for general education required courses, etc. You know what your sports schedule will be, so work your classes around that. Be available for your sports team but make sure that you attend class and absorb the information so you can do well on the exams.
It can be challenging in some ways (what isn't ?), but you're going to see that you will know exactly what to do and it will all fit together. So many people do sports while in college, it's definitely doable. Just to share what my experience was like, it was at a time when there was no internet, no smart phones, no digital anything. The college I went to had heavy research term paper requirements for almost every course and that's where I found that I was staying up till the wee hours of the night, writing a lot and then having to type the multi-paged paper on an electric typewriter. Reading chapters in textbooks with book in hand. Having to make an appointment with professors at their office instead of e-mailing. But I managed very well, worked a part time Work Study job, had frequent social activity and it's a matter of letting things flow when you are passionate about a career or activity. Just let things happen naturally. Your sports schedule and your class schedule will indicate to you what to do and how to manage everything.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Zoe’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
The level of difficulty depends on the person. For example, I am currently a Division 1 Athlete with an average of 18 hours of practice, but have consistently balanced the maximum credits (18 credits) at my college, while working a 4-6 hour per week job. Additionally, I have managed my time where I can still get at least 8 hours of sleep. If that also sounds like you, great! And if it doesn't, that's also okay! First, I want you to realize that you will not be just like me, and you will not be just like your teammates. If you feel like taking the maximum credits is too much, then take the minimum credits--or somewhere in between! I always tell everyone "If you love what you're training in, and you like what you're studying, you're going to make the time for it. And when you make the time for it, you are bound to do well."
My answer to your question is, yes, it will be difficult if you decide to goof off and forget that you are a STUDENT-athlete. Keyword on the student before athlete. All anyone can say is that in college, you will learn how to manage your time well and see where your priorities lie. It's up to you to decide how you want to live independently. Don't forget to always take a break, and to always call home. I hope you find an amazing group of friends--within or external of your teammates--to lean upon during your roughest times. You got this!
The level of difficulty depends on the person. For example, I am currently a Division 1 Athlete with an average of 18 hours of practice, but have consistently balanced the maximum credits (18 credits) at my college, while working a 4-6 hour per week job. Additionally, I have managed my time where I can still get at least 8 hours of sleep. If that also sounds like you, great! And if it doesn't, that's also okay! First, I want you to realize that you will not be just like me, and you will not be just like your teammates. If you feel like taking the maximum credits is too much, then take the minimum credits--or somewhere in between! I always tell everyone "If you love what you're training in, and you like what you're studying, you're going to make the time for it. And when you make the time for it, you are bound to do well."
My answer to your question is, yes, it will be difficult if you decide to goof off and forget that you are a STUDENT-athlete. Keyword on the student before athlete. All anyone can say is that in college, you will learn how to manage your time well and see where your priorities lie. It's up to you to decide how you want to live independently. Don't forget to always take a break, and to always call home. I hope you find an amazing group of friends--within or external of your teammates--to lean upon during your roughest times. You got this!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sophia,
Are you finding it tough to juggle college, sports, and being a full-time student simultaneously?
Indeed, it can be a tough act to balance, but with the right strategies in place, it's absolutely doable. Here are some key factors to consider when you're trying to manage your academic and athletic commitments:
1. Time Management: This is the cornerstone of successfully handling both college and sports. You'll need to craft a well-planned schedule that sets aside enough time for classes, studying, practice sessions, games, and personal activities. The key here is to prioritize tasks, set achievable goals, and strike a balance between your academic and athletic commitments.
2. Support System: A robust support system can make a world of difference. This could include your coaches, academic advisors, teammates, friends, family, and tutors who can offer guidance, motivation, and help when you need it. It's also a good idea to keep your professors in the loop about your sports commitments so they can help manage your academic workload.
3. Academic Performance: To keep up your grades while playing sports, you'll need discipline and focus. As a student-athlete, it's important to stay organized, attend classes regularly, finish assignments on time, seek help when necessary, and proactively communicate with your instructors about any potential scheduling conflicts due to sports events.
4. Physical and Mental Well-being: Balancing college and sports can take a toll on your health, so it's vital to take care of yourself. This means eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising outside of sports practice, and practicing mental wellness techniques like mindfulness or stress management.
5. Flexibility: As a student-athlete, you'll need to be adaptable to changes in schedules due to games, tournaments, or academic requirements. Being flexible and able to manage unexpected situations or conflicts can help maintain a healthy balance between your studies and sports.
In conclusion, while it can be a challenge to balance college studies with full-time sports, it's definitely achievable with effective time management, a robust support system, dedication to both academics and athletics, prioritization of tasks, looking after your physical and mental well-being, and being flexible in handling various commitments.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): The NCAA offers guidelines and resources for student-athletes trying to balance academics with sports at the college level. They stress the importance of academic performance alongside athletic commitments.
American College Health Association (ACHA): The ACHA provides insights on promoting student-athlete wellness by addressing physical health concerns related to balancing academics with sports. They underscore the importance of holistic well-being for student-athletes.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA): The NAIA sets standards for student-athletes competing at the college level in terms of academic eligibility requirements while participating in sports programs. Their guidelines focus on maintaining academic success alongside athletic pursuits.
God Bless You,
JC.
Are you finding it tough to juggle college, sports, and being a full-time student simultaneously?
Indeed, it can be a tough act to balance, but with the right strategies in place, it's absolutely doable. Here are some key factors to consider when you're trying to manage your academic and athletic commitments:
1. Time Management: This is the cornerstone of successfully handling both college and sports. You'll need to craft a well-planned schedule that sets aside enough time for classes, studying, practice sessions, games, and personal activities. The key here is to prioritize tasks, set achievable goals, and strike a balance between your academic and athletic commitments.
2. Support System: A robust support system can make a world of difference. This could include your coaches, academic advisors, teammates, friends, family, and tutors who can offer guidance, motivation, and help when you need it. It's also a good idea to keep your professors in the loop about your sports commitments so they can help manage your academic workload.
3. Academic Performance: To keep up your grades while playing sports, you'll need discipline and focus. As a student-athlete, it's important to stay organized, attend classes regularly, finish assignments on time, seek help when necessary, and proactively communicate with your instructors about any potential scheduling conflicts due to sports events.
4. Physical and Mental Well-being: Balancing college and sports can take a toll on your health, so it's vital to take care of yourself. This means eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising outside of sports practice, and practicing mental wellness techniques like mindfulness or stress management.
5. Flexibility: As a student-athlete, you'll need to be adaptable to changes in schedules due to games, tournaments, or academic requirements. Being flexible and able to manage unexpected situations or conflicts can help maintain a healthy balance between your studies and sports.
In conclusion, while it can be a challenge to balance college studies with full-time sports, it's definitely achievable with effective time management, a robust support system, dedication to both academics and athletics, prioritization of tasks, looking after your physical and mental well-being, and being flexible in handling various commitments.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): The NCAA offers guidelines and resources for student-athletes trying to balance academics with sports at the college level. They stress the importance of academic performance alongside athletic commitments.
American College Health Association (ACHA): The ACHA provides insights on promoting student-athlete wellness by addressing physical health concerns related to balancing academics with sports. They underscore the importance of holistic well-being for student-athletes.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA): The NAIA sets standards for student-athletes competing at the college level in terms of academic eligibility requirements while participating in sports programs. Their guidelines focus on maintaining academic success alongside athletic pursuits.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Absolutely, mastering time management is key and it will undoubtedly pave the way to your success.