Did you know that the graduation rate for NCAA athletes was 88% in 2018?
As college athletes, juggling school-work and practices can be a major hassle. We try to figure out if there is some magic trick that helps us successfully balance the two, but there simply isn’t one.
We are often told “don’t procrastinate” or “go to study hall”. But is there more you should be doing?
However, with the help of my teammates, I have compiled a list of unique tips that have helped in the classroom.
1. Let your syllabus be your framework for time management.
While some of us look at our syllabus on the first day of classes and soon forget about it, it is actually an important piece of information. Our syllabus gives us a weekly outlook of the materials that will be covered, assignments, tests, projects, etc.
With having this information, we can easily outline our “game plan” for that class. Looking through the syllabus, we can figure out what weeks will be busier than others, and what days will be opportune times to study for the tests.
Most importantly, we can look at the syllabus to figure out what we will miss if we are traveling to away games, and the best way to make up that work.
2. Do your homework that is optional.
In college, we often have homework that is optional, and our first instinct is to simply not do it. I mean, it doesn’t count anyway, right? However, completing this homework is actually a great way to better prepare ourselves for tests and assignments that do count.
Let’s look at this from a game perspective. Although we don’t always enjoy practice, it is something that is pivotal for us to succeed when we face our competition.
While homework is never fun (especially when we don’t even have to do it) getting that extra practice will help us learn. We definitely won’t regret completing it when we get an A on a test.
3. Take Breaks.
A common misconception in our society is that taking breaks means that we’re lazy, but science says otherwise.
According to Psychology Today, breaks increase productivity and creativity. With taking breaks, our mind becomes refreshed, and we are able to make more adequate decisions.
For me, I tend to get stressed when I have been working on an essay for a long period of time, When I take a short break, I am able to gather my thoughts and work at a more efficient level.
What we do with that break is up to us. Whether it’s going for a walk, or taking a power-nap, breaks are important for us as athletes both in academics and athletics.
4. Make use of your bus/planes rides.
It’s never fun to do our schoolwork on the bus or airplane. It’s bumpy, and there’s many distractions. There is many times when I want to just sleep on the bus or watch a movie.
Instead of waiting to do your schoolwork until late at night in your dorm room, just go ahead and get it done when traveling. Leave your time in your dorm room for sleeping, and leave your time on the bus for being productive, not the other way around.
Even when none of your teammates are doing their work, find a way to stay focused, whether its sitting in the front of the bus, or putting your headphones on.
5. Communicate with your professors.
During my freshman year, I was afraid to talk to my professors, but as an athlete I quickly learned that had to change. Communication with your professors is key to success in the classroom.
Make sure your professors know you. After class is over on the first day, walk up to your professors and introduce yourself. Tell them that you are an athlete and give them a schedule of what days you will miss for games.
Being vocal with your professors not only helps you, but helps them as well. It also gives them a good impression of your athletic team.
Hopefully, these tips will help you achieve your goals as a college student. If you have any other unique tips, or any ideas for future posts, leave a comment below.
Speaking of Athletes 