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What are some tips on how to manage academics, social life, work and athletics in college?
I am participating in a sport in college and I am looking for some tips on how to manage everything when I get there.
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
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Tacoma, Washington
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Paul’s Answer
To be a successful college athlete, you must be able to balance your commitment to your sport with excellent academic performance by managing your time effectively.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources, Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources, Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
That's a lot! You want to prioritize the things that are non-negotiable - like school work. Make sure you have clear time set aside to study and get to class. Honestly the next priority is your health. You need to get 7-8 hours of sleep and you need to get some exercise in - even if that's just walking to class. Then, sport - esp if you're playing for a team at your school. This will likely also be the people you hang out with the most - so social will take care of itself. Having said that - you'll have lots more opportunities for social things then you have time for. It's OK to say "no" to a party...you can catch the next one. Lastly - your work schedule needs to be light enough that you can ensure school work gets done and you get your sleep. As a young person you may think...sleep?? I don't need sleep! But this will catch up to you - and at the worst moments. If you must work a lot of hours because you're paying for school, then you should consider taking fewer classes and taking summer school to make up for that. In fact, my brother in law took a long time to finish college because he worked for a semester to earn the money he needed for school....then he went to school for a semester, then worked, etc. And now he's an exec at Apple. Entering the official "work force" a little later than his friends didn't hurt him at all. In summary - prioritize school and your health....then work other stuff in :)
Updated
Gus’s Answer
Here are 3 tips:
1. Do time splitting: split tasks into individual “splits” based on categories (reading/social/activity) to eliminate task switching burdens
2. List out and prioritize the most important tasks - organization is key
3. Set mini deadlines for yourself to help you achieve small goals of larger projects/activities
1. Do time splitting: split tasks into individual “splits” based on categories (reading/social/activity) to eliminate task switching burdens
2. List out and prioritize the most important tasks - organization is key
3. Set mini deadlines for yourself to help you achieve small goals of larger projects/activities