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College Athletics: What You Need to Know

college athletics student athlete
College athletics

One of the most popular activities a student can participate in during their college career is athletics. College athletes make up a large population of each university. Students all over the country are recruited by colleges at different levels depending on multiple factors. The levels include divisions one, two, and three, with division one being the highest level of competition. 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is an organization that divides conferences of schools based on region. Student-athletes are required to maintain a minimum GPA to remain eligible for participation in sports. While this requirement may not faze some students, it can be overwhelming to manage your time. College Consulting services offer personal college coaching and planning to help student-athletes develop a plan to approach college.

We have helped students throughout the U.S. with admissions essays, academic planning, and financial aid resources. Our expert college consultants are here to provide you with information to help you manage your time as a college athlete.

How To Manage Success as a Student Athlete

Being a college student is demanding enough. After leaving home to attend on-campus schooling, students face a new kind of independence that requires them to be more self-disciplined. No matter what division or sport they participate in, their regular coursework remains the same–and if a student is a member of one of the most popular college sports, they may deal with extra pressure from coaches and the rest of the student body. This can quickly become overwhelming. To become a successful student-athlete, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Academic Workload Balance

Successful student-athletes must learn to practice patience. The pressure to perform physically can become mentally taxing on top of coursework. Understanding the balance between several commitments makes it easier to manage your stress. Try not to take on more than you can handle and always utilize resources on campus.

Athletic Pressures

Many misconceptions surround the college athlete experience, but you do not have to be measured solely on your athletic ability. Participating in a popular college sport can be an added pressure. The spotlight on your every move during games can be enough to burden an athlete.

Knowing when to take a break is pivotal as a college student.

Tips To Maintain Success

To maintain your mental well-being, plan ahead. Here are some important tips and skills to implement:

  • Create a schedule - Write down things you would usually forget about, specifically dates and assignments
  • Create goals - What do you want to achieve in the next month, week, or hour?
  • Communicate - Communication is key; try not to skip classes, assignments, or practice without first communicating your reasoning

College comes with its own set of obstacles, but planning does not need to be one of them. Whether you are a student or a parent of an incoming freshman, there are resources to help you.
College consultants take the stress out of planning. Here at Clark College Consulting, we have the tools and resources to guide students through the admissions process and keep them motivated.

 

Photo by Mikhail Nilov