Are you getting the most out of your time as a student-athlete? College days consist of practice, classes, training, eating, studying and – when possible – having fun, but mostly it’s a lot of work.
Some student-athletes with the gumption to do it all use day planners to manage their lives. They know that, for now, excelling on the field and in the classroom is their job, and they’re determined to succeed. With willpower and planning, student-athletes make their mark on the world and prepare for the road ahead.
Read on for 4 tips that can help student-athletes navigate these and other challenges.
Tip 1: Pursue Scholarship Opportunities
With the demanding workload of college and sports, it’s unlikely that learners have time for jobs. Still, research shows that 86-percent of college athletes are from households that are below the poverty line and cannot afford to pay all tuition and expenses.
A typical NCAA scholarship student-athlete pays $3000 in annual school expenses. This is after cost-of-living stipends and family contributions. Yet, college expenses for student-athletes surpass $20,000 per year on average. As a result, scholarships play key a role in securing enough funds to make it through the year. For most student-athletes, this is a necessity.
Tip 2: Select an Interesting College Major
Many student-athletes focus their attention on sports and give little thought to the long-term outcome of choosing a major. It’s important that student-athletes don’t allow others to convince them to pursue an easier learning track so that they can focus on their sport. This is a mistake. Sports teams cannot hire every talented athlete. Student-athletes need a plan B.
Students must recognize that their athletic pursuits are as equally as important as learning. Choosing a major in a growing field, such as psychology, kinesiology or healthcare, is a wise choice.
Tip 3: Keep Your Head on and Grades Up
It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of athletics, but it’s important that student-athletes focus on excelling in the classroom. Hard work is just as important in the classroom as it is on the field or in the arena. Just as student-athletes train nearly every day, aspiring sports professionals must study intently and consistently. They must also set goals, and work to achieve them. Finding a balance between sports, life and school may prove challenging, but it will pay off in the future.
Tip 4: Socialize Beyond Your Team
Most athletes are comfortable spending time with their teammates and a limited circle of friends, rarely taking the initiative to meet new people. However, it’s important that athletes step out of their comfort zone to expand their professional and social networks. In the future, these networks will serve as a foundation for career advancement and a fulfilling personal life.
Student-athletes shouldn’t feel as though they’re different from their non-athletic school mates. They must cultivate friendships beyond their small circle of team members. New connections can bring value to their learning institutions and their lives.
Sometimes, the more that student-athletes excel in their sport, the more likely they are to feel comfortable with their athletic identity and neglect their academic roles. However, this can limit their future career and life options. They must realize that their time in college represents a fleeting moment in their lives. Now is the time to make smart decisions that will ensure a bright, satisfying future.
Earning an athletic scholarship can represent the realization of a dream for some, especially when awarded funds to attend their desired institution. However, it’s rare that athletic ability alone is enough to guarantee an award, making academic excellence essential.
For more great info about athleticism and scholarships, visit the following links.
8 Tips for the Student Athlete
Finding Alternative Scholarships for Student-Athletes
Maryville University’s Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Practice Management
The Relationship Between Athletic Identity and Academic Major Chosen by Student-Athletes
