2 answers
Bryson
Student
Pottsgrove, PA
1
Question
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How to study as a athlete?
How do I create a good study routine as a student athlete?
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I strongly advise against cramming, because it as an ineffective and physically draining approach to learning. You might try using the following analogies and principles:
The Marathon Analogy: Long study sessions and cramming is like "running a full marathon the day before an actual marathon competition". Basically, if a student is physically and mentally exhausted from last-minute overexertion, their actual exam performance will suffer significantly.
Mental Fatigue Limits: The brain, is much like the body, and it has a specific endurance limit. It can only process new information effectively for about 20 minutes before fatigue sets in. So, study for 20 minute intervals, and then take a small break to refresh the mind.
Declining Returns: When students try to cram for long, uninterrupted stretches (such as an hour), they typically only remember the first third of what they read. Once the brain is fatigued, it stops processing new information entirely, making the remaining time spent "studying" wasted effort. If you want to test this concept, try reading a book for an hour. You will find that you only remembered the first one third of what you read. The rest was not processed because your brain got fatigued and stopped processing the information you read.
Light Review Alternative: Instead of cramming, I recommend performing only light reviews the day before an exam to alleviate fatigue and ensure that the student is at "peak performance" on the day of the test.
Success through Preparation: I can also cite the John Wooden maxim that "failing to prepare is preparing to fail," which means that that organized, interval-based schedules are the only reliable way to achieve high results.
The Marathon Analogy: Long study sessions and cramming is like "running a full marathon the day before an actual marathon competition". Basically, if a student is physically and mentally exhausted from last-minute overexertion, their actual exam performance will suffer significantly.
Mental Fatigue Limits: The brain, is much like the body, and it has a specific endurance limit. It can only process new information effectively for about 20 minutes before fatigue sets in. So, study for 20 minute intervals, and then take a small break to refresh the mind.
Declining Returns: When students try to cram for long, uninterrupted stretches (such as an hour), they typically only remember the first third of what they read. Once the brain is fatigued, it stops processing new information entirely, making the remaining time spent "studying" wasted effort. If you want to test this concept, try reading a book for an hour. You will find that you only remembered the first one third of what you read. The rest was not processed because your brain got fatigued and stopped processing the information you read.
Light Review Alternative: Instead of cramming, I recommend performing only light reviews the day before an exam to alleviate fatigue and ensure that the student is at "peak performance" on the day of the test.
Success through Preparation: I can also cite the John Wooden maxim that "failing to prepare is preparing to fail," which means that that organized, interval-based schedules are the only reliable way to achieve high results.
Katie Jacobs
Consultant
12
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hey Bryson, I was a student athlete in college and I am happy to answer this question. I think it comes down to effective time management. For example, if you anticipate that your homework or studies will take two hours a day you can set aside a schedule of two hours in your evening specifically dedicated to prioritizing those studies. If you have to do additional tutoring in the evening or go in for a training session, you can plan in advance to work around both your academic and physical commitments. I would say it’s definitely a balancing act that you learn as you go nobody is perfect and there will be times that you feel squeezed if you feel like you need some support please use your Use your network to understand how you can better manage your time or re-prioritize.
Katies answer is spot on Bryson. I would add that consistency also plays a large part in being able to balance the student athlete life. You could also ask teammates for assistance if they have taken the class previously or take the same class.
Mike Barros
