When I used to play high school soccer, I had to practice almost every day till 9:00 PM before I could come back home. So naturally, I needed to stay up till midnight to complete my homework and more. But, finishing up my stuff wasn’t the hardest part, focusing on what I’m doing was.
Even though I was successful in maintaining a decent GPA, not everyone gets to be as lucky as I was. And honestly, juggling between sports and classes is something I wouldn’t want to work on or experience again. However, if you are dealing with something as such, I can help you out.
The GPA Story – What You Need to Know about It?
Starting from the 1970s, the U.S. has implemented GPA criteria for high school student athletes. School leaders have been debating the overall effectiveness of academic requirements for a few years, leading to some schools enforcing stricter policies while others eliminating them.
While both sides agree on the importance of education for student athletes, they differ on whether GPA requirements improve academic performance or disconnect some athletes from educational opportunities in favor of sports.
Another important aspect to consider regarding academic standards for student athletes is whether it encourages equality by requiring them to meet the same expectations as their peers, or if it is placing extra pressure on these students.
Why is GPA Important for Young Athletes?
Many people consider not studying so much, because they’ll obviously become an athlete in the future, as they are athletes. However, life doesn’t work that way.
No one knows what will happen after a year or two. So predicting the future is almost impossible – no matter how good you are. That’s why studying is important for every student.
- Meeting GPA requirements can enable students to secure admission into institutions of higher education. By meeting specific criteria, students can achieve better grades, leading to increased opportunities for higher education and potential career advancement.
- A higher academic bar offers student-athletes an improved learning experience. Athletes are required to prioritize their education by meeting academic standards in school.
- It could enhance students’ readiness for the actual world. Student athletes will be more equipped for life outside school since they must follow a strict schedule, focusing equally on academics and sports.
- It guarantees equity among the students. Athletes being exempt from GPA requirements creates an overwhelming discrepancy in academic standard among students, causing division when they are given privileges without meeting academic benchmarks.
- Student engagement may be enhanced by raising academic standards. The eagerness of student athletes to engage in their sport can motivate them to actively participate in class.
How to Balance Sports and Studying?
Balancing education and sports are frequently a difficult task.
Students who find an equilibrium between their academics and athletics achieve success. The importance of excelling in sports could outweigh the core importance of excelling academically. Studies indicate that student-athletes perform well academically.
A lot of them acquire the ability to efficiently handle their time and collaborate with others. They gain experience in handling pressure, leading to enhanced performance. It is possible to achieve success in college by maintaining a balance between academics and athletics.
1: Use a Study Calendar
It is important to have a digital calendar on your smartphone or a traditional desk calendar to stay organized and effectively manage your schedule. Ensure that you mark all homework, papers, projects, and other school assignments in the calendar.
In addition to academic responsibilities, try to incorporate your practices, games, tournaments, and team events. Make sure you check your calendar every week to ensure it stays up to date.
Once you have organized all your appointments in your schedule, you can then set aside time to concentrate on studying and finishing homework.
Being able to schedule alarms is advantageous when using a smartphone’s digital calendar. Setting an alarm for 4 p.m. during weekdays to prompt studying of Spanish vocabulary can be highly advantageous.
2: Study While Traveling
In times of high activity, utilizing any available free time is highly crucial. Traveling to school, practices, or games offers enough time to be used for studying or reading.
Some student athletes choose to take the bus to school in the mornings to have a significant amount of time to review their materials before classes, without interruptions.
During transportation to a competition, there are typically extended periods of time available to be productive in the car or bus.
Listening to an audiobook of a novel that was required reading for an English class can really enhance a lengthy car journey.
Most traditional books are available as audiobooks on Audible.com or similar websites.
3: Manage Your Time and Plan the Upcoming Events
Frequently, you will need to get ready for future sports competitions.
The organizers frequently allow enough time for preparation. In this scenario, you may choose to prioritize getting ready for sports.
During another period, you could be facing upcoming exams or essays that may still need to be completed. In this situation, give more importance to academics than to athletics.
In addition, developing time management skills is crucial.
Some students may have sufficient time for studying. Nevertheless, there will always be a cap on your time. Develop timetables for your class sessions, athletic training, and academic review. Maintain discipline to consistently adhere to your schedules.
4: Use the Weekends Effectively
Try to get ready for the upcoming week on both Saturday and Sunday if you can. After all, you do not want to dedicate your entire weekend to work.
However, it is advisable to set aside a few hours to finish homework that is due soon. Starting on Sunday night with your assignments will simplify the rest of your week.
5: Enjoy Your Sports Life
In weeks with high levels of activity, attending practice may seem like a chore. Contrary to school duties, engaging in sports is an activity you opt for because it brings you pleasure.
Occasionally, student athletes should pause and acknowledge the joy of playing a sport.
Spending quality time with your teammates and putting in maximum effort on the field is a great way to relieve stress accumulated throughout the week. Following a successful game or practice, you should feel significantly improved in your ability to effectively manage your time.
The Bottom Line
Sports and education both hold significant importance in a student’s life. Sports aid in the growth of numerous interpersonal skills in the individual.
Education equips them with the necessary knowledge for life. Balancing academics and athletics are crucial. Master the skill of time management and use the student resources at your disposal.
Formulate SMART objectives and have the self-control to adhere to them. Comprehend your approaching events and determine which ones to prioritize.
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So, I’m sure it will be helpful for you as well!
