6 answers
Isabella
Student
Shrewsbury, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How do I find a good balance between academic, extracurricular and personal goals in college?
I want to thrive in all three aspects in order to be happy. #Spring25
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6 answers
Arun Vadali
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Arun’s Answer
I would recommend to begin with a yearly planner and timebox all possible times you want to plan an activity. Keep few colored pens to mark things that you do and you could not. Its ok to miss few or several goals, but essentially it will train your mind to plan multiple things ahead of time. Plan at least for a month in advance. This is what I do with all my runs and how many miles I need to run on which day etc. And most important, I believe if you do things for 60 days, most likely it will become a habit and after all habit is second nature.
Lulia Barakat
Engineer
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Lulia’s Answer
Goals stem from your values - learning, being healthy and having social interaction are all part of the college journey. Creating a weekly block schedule where you can slot time for those meaningful activities means you can realistically see how much time to choose what you want to spend energy in, versus what may have to be deprioritized. Remembering to set your boundaries and know that it's ok to say no sometimes to protect your time to achieve your goals, then not feeling guilty about the no can help with the balance. Structure can greatly help with making time, but giving yourself and others grace when more flexibility is needed can help stay positive when things don't seem to stay on track. Schedule in self care where you can do relaxing things that help recharge.
Theresa Marie Rivera
Principal Engineer
2
Answers
Cranford, New Jersey
Updated
Theresa Marie’s Answer
**Prioritize and Plan:**
1. **Identify Priorities:** Clearly list what matters most in your studies and activities. Decide what needs your attention first.
2. **Create a Schedule:** Use a planner or app to set aside time for studying, classes, activities, and personal time.
3. **Break Down Tasks:** Turn big assignments into smaller tasks with clear deadlines.
**Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries:**
1. **Don't Overcommit:** Know your limits and say no when necessary.
2. **Set Achievable Goals:** Break big goals into smaller, doable steps.
3. **Prioritize Self-Care:** Schedule time for breaks and activities that refresh you.
1. **Identify Priorities:** Clearly list what matters most in your studies and activities. Decide what needs your attention first.
2. **Create a Schedule:** Use a planner or app to set aside time for studying, classes, activities, and personal time.
3. **Break Down Tasks:** Turn big assignments into smaller tasks with clear deadlines.
**Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries:**
1. **Don't Overcommit:** Know your limits and say no when necessary.
2. **Set Achievable Goals:** Break big goals into smaller, doable steps.
3. **Prioritize Self-Care:** Schedule time for breaks and activities that refresh you.
Jeffrey Peyser
Network Planner and Engineer
3
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
My advice would be to think carefully about what your priorities are and act accordingly! People who are good academically can study so much that they miss out on opportunities to do the things you mentioned like extra-curriculars and focusing on other personal goals. So keep an eye on how much of your time you're devoting to your priorities try to maintain a balance. It's great to do well in school, but remember that after you've finished school and start your career, your GPA will become less important over time.
Sam Scruggs
Manager, Network Engineering
4
Answers
Gainesville, Virginia
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Finding balance as a college student can feel like juggling flaming torches, but it’s totally doable with some structure and self-awareness. Here’s an approach that worked for me:
1. Know Your Priorities
- Academics first: This is usually the foundation—your GPA can affect scholarships, internships, and job prospects.
- Extracurriculars with purpose: Choose clubs or activities that align with your interests or career goals.
- Personal goals: These might include fitness, creative hobbies, learning a new skill, or part-time work. They matter too!
2. Use a Planner or Calendar
- Time-blocking works: Schedule classes, study time, club meetings, workouts, and even breaks.
- Color-code by category: Makes it easier to visualize the balance.
- Plan weekly check-ins: Adjust based on how the previous week went.
3. Don’t Overcommit
- Say no to things that don’t add value or joy.
- Choose quality over quantity: Being deeply involved in 1–2 activities is better than spreading yourself thin over 5.
4. Combine Goals When Possible
- Join clubs that align with your career goals.
- Socialize through study groups or team-based activities.
- Turn personal development (like learning coding or a new language) into part of your routine.
5. Take Care of Yourself
- Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are non-negotiable for sustainable balance.
- Mental health breaks are just as important as deadlines.
6. Reflect and Adjust
- Ask yourself monthly: What’s working? What’s draining me?
- Don’t be afraid to shift focus as your interests or priorities evolve.
I hope this helps and good luck!
1. Know Your Priorities
- Academics first: This is usually the foundation—your GPA can affect scholarships, internships, and job prospects.
- Extracurriculars with purpose: Choose clubs or activities that align with your interests or career goals.
- Personal goals: These might include fitness, creative hobbies, learning a new skill, or part-time work. They matter too!
2. Use a Planner or Calendar
- Time-blocking works: Schedule classes, study time, club meetings, workouts, and even breaks.
- Color-code by category: Makes it easier to visualize the balance.
- Plan weekly check-ins: Adjust based on how the previous week went.
3. Don’t Overcommit
- Say no to things that don’t add value or joy.
- Choose quality over quantity: Being deeply involved in 1–2 activities is better than spreading yourself thin over 5.
4. Combine Goals When Possible
- Join clubs that align with your career goals.
- Socialize through study groups or team-based activities.
- Turn personal development (like learning coding or a new language) into part of your routine.
5. Take Care of Yourself
- Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are non-negotiable for sustainable balance.
- Mental health breaks are just as important as deadlines.
6. Reflect and Adjust
- Ask yourself monthly: What’s working? What’s draining me?
- Don’t be afraid to shift focus as your interests or priorities evolve.
I hope this helps and good luck!
Carol Werner
Program Management
1
Answer
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Hi Isabella. That's a great question. After working so hard to get into college, it's important to keep focusing on your classes to prepare for your future. But it's also good to have fun outside of schoolwork. Hopefully, when you picked your college, you thought about not just the classes for your major but also the clubs and activities they offer. When I chose my college, I wanted a strong Business and Accounting program, but I also wanted to join intramural sports, professional clubs, and cultural activities. A bigger university gave me those options.
When picking my elective classes, I tried to find ones that matched my interests and could help my business career. I love history, so I took a Business History class about successful companies. For physical education, I chose golf because business deals can happen on the golf course. For a science class, I picked one about energy technologies, which showed me different industries for future jobs.
For extracurriculars, I joined a business fraternity. It helped me make friends and attend networking events outside of regular classes. We also did service projects to volunteer and raise money for local groups. This was a great way to give back and learn event planning. We organized fun events like fundraising softball tournaments and partnered with a local business to donate a portion of spa package sales to charity.
Most importantly, use your college time to try new things you haven't done before. I learned to ski, play racquetball, and went to campus movie nights for films I wouldn't usually watch. The more activities you try, the more people you'll meet, which gives you more chances to learn and make connections.
So, my advice is to remember that while studying is important, it's just as important to do something fun each day. You've already shown you can work hard to get into college. Stay true to your values, but don't forget to enjoy yourself too!
When picking my elective classes, I tried to find ones that matched my interests and could help my business career. I love history, so I took a Business History class about successful companies. For physical education, I chose golf because business deals can happen on the golf course. For a science class, I picked one about energy technologies, which showed me different industries for future jobs.
For extracurriculars, I joined a business fraternity. It helped me make friends and attend networking events outside of regular classes. We also did service projects to volunteer and raise money for local groups. This was a great way to give back and learn event planning. We organized fun events like fundraising softball tournaments and partnered with a local business to donate a portion of spa package sales to charity.
Most importantly, use your college time to try new things you haven't done before. I learned to ski, play racquetball, and went to campus movie nights for films I wouldn't usually watch. The more activities you try, the more people you'll meet, which gives you more chances to learn and make connections.
So, my advice is to remember that while studying is important, it's just as important to do something fun each day. You've already shown you can work hard to get into college. Stay true to your values, but don't forget to enjoy yourself too!