2 answers
Taylor
Student
Mabank, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to study efficiently for a busy student athlete?
I know that college work is a lot and can be a handful. I have taken AP courses and high school, so I am some what familiar to the work load. Is the same as actual college classes?
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2 answers
Amy Marie
Consultant
16
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Taylor, Balancing academics with the demanding schedule of a student-athlete requires efficient study strategies. Here are some tailored tips to help you manage your college coursework alongside your athletic commitments.
Prioritize Time Management
- Create a Schedule: Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your daily and weekly activities, including classes, practices, games, and study sessions. Block out specific times for studying.
- Use Downtime Wisely: Take advantage of travel time or breaks between classes and practice to review notes or read course materials.
Develop a Study Routine
- Consistent Spots and Times: Study in the same place and at the same times when possible to establish a routine.
- Brief, Effective Sessions: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain concentration.
Active Learning Techniques:
- Engage with Material: Instead of passive reading, use techniques like summarizing, teaching back, or creating flashcards.
- Practice Testing: Regularly test yourself on the material you’ve learned to enhance retention and understanding.
Leverage Resources:
- Tutoring and Study Groups: Join study groups or seek tutoring early to keep up with coursework.
- Office Hours: Take advantage of professors’ office hours to clarify concepts you're struggling with.
Integrate Academics with Athletics:
- Study with Teammates: If possible, study with teammates who are in the same classes or have similar schedules.
- Adjust Study Topics: Match what you study with your energy levels; do lighter review during busier athletic times and focus-intensive work during less busy periods.
Stay Organized:
- Organize Materials: Use folders or digital tools to keep track of assignments, notes, and deadlines.
- Regularly Review: Set aside time weekly to review and organize class notes and materials.
AP courses in high school do offer a taste of college-level material, yet college workloads can be more challenging due to larger volumes of material, greater self-directed learning, and additional activities. Here are some differences:
- Depth and Pace: College classes often go deeper into subjects and move more quickly.
- Self-Directed Learning: There is more emphasis on learning outside of class through readings and assignments.
- Assessment: Grades may rely more heavily on fewer assessments, such as midterms and finals, compared to the more frequent testing seen in high school.
Stay focused, but remember balance is key, and it may take time to find what works best for you. Good luck!
Prioritize Time Management
- Create a Schedule: Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your daily and weekly activities, including classes, practices, games, and study sessions. Block out specific times for studying.
- Use Downtime Wisely: Take advantage of travel time or breaks between classes and practice to review notes or read course materials.
Develop a Study Routine
- Consistent Spots and Times: Study in the same place and at the same times when possible to establish a routine.
- Brief, Effective Sessions: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain concentration.
Active Learning Techniques:
- Engage with Material: Instead of passive reading, use techniques like summarizing, teaching back, or creating flashcards.
- Practice Testing: Regularly test yourself on the material you’ve learned to enhance retention and understanding.
Leverage Resources:
- Tutoring and Study Groups: Join study groups or seek tutoring early to keep up with coursework.
- Office Hours: Take advantage of professors’ office hours to clarify concepts you're struggling with.
Integrate Academics with Athletics:
- Study with Teammates: If possible, study with teammates who are in the same classes or have similar schedules.
- Adjust Study Topics: Match what you study with your energy levels; do lighter review during busier athletic times and focus-intensive work during less busy periods.
Stay Organized:
- Organize Materials: Use folders or digital tools to keep track of assignments, notes, and deadlines.
- Regularly Review: Set aside time weekly to review and organize class notes and materials.
AP courses in high school do offer a taste of college-level material, yet college workloads can be more challenging due to larger volumes of material, greater self-directed learning, and additional activities. Here are some differences:
- Depth and Pace: College classes often go deeper into subjects and move more quickly.
- Self-Directed Learning: There is more emphasis on learning outside of class through readings and assignments.
- Assessment: Grades may rely more heavily on fewer assessments, such as midterms and finals, compared to the more frequent testing seen in high school.
Stay focused, but remember balance is key, and it may take time to find what works best for you. Good luck!
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
12
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
I’ll say this as someone who was a dual-sport college athlete and above average student. College academics can be harder than AP classes, but in a different way. There is less hand-holding and fewer assignments, but the work matters more and adds up fast if you fall behind. Build relationships with your professors/instructors. Make sure they know you for good reasons, and not for missing assignments or late work.
The biggest thing that helped me was studying efficiently, not longer. I never had hours to spare, so I used short, focused study sessions. Thirty to forty minutes with a clear goal worked better than sitting for hours while exhausted. I treated my schedule like part of my training. I studied between classes, right after practice, and on travel days. Waiting until night usually did not work because my brain was done by then.
AP classes help because you already know discipline and time management. College just requires more independence. No one checks in until grades are posted. If you approach academics the way you approach your sport with consistency, preparation, and recovery you will be fine. You already know how to balance pressure. That skill carries over.
The biggest thing that helped me was studying efficiently, not longer. I never had hours to spare, so I used short, focused study sessions. Thirty to forty minutes with a clear goal worked better than sitting for hours while exhausted. I treated my schedule like part of my training. I studied between classes, right after practice, and on travel days. Waiting until night usually did not work because my brain was done by then.
AP classes help because you already know discipline and time management. College just requires more independence. No one checks in until grades are posted. If you approach academics the way you approach your sport with consistency, preparation, and recovery you will be fine. You already know how to balance pressure. That skill carries over.