How to balance college studies and sports during exam season?

[AceRunner]

Hey guys, I'm really struggling to keep up with both college studies and sports practice now that exam season is here. I don’t want to fall behind in either. How do you manage your time and stay on top of both without burning out?

 

[Maximilian Hart]

Balancing sports and academics is hard. Been there, survived that, got the degree AND the medals to prove it. Looking back from 4 years post-graduation, that student-athlete hustle prepared me for real life more than anything else. What worked for me?

Sunday planning sessions. Literally mapped out EVERY hour of my week including travel time between classes/practice.
Micro-studying > cramming. I'd bring flashcards everywhere and knock out 15-20 mins of review during random downtime (waiting for food, before practice, etc). Those small sessions add up.
Finding my peak focus hours. For me it was 5-7am. Would hit the library before most people woke up, then practice, then classes. Figure out when your brain works best and protect that time religiously.

Your future self will thank you for pushing through. The discipline you're building right now is the secret weapon most people never develop.

 

[Jonad Devis]

32-year veteran here - coached college track while teaching biology for most of my career. Seen hundreds of student-athletes navigate this exact challenge.

The most successful students I've worked with never treated academics and athletics as competing priorities. Instead, they viewed both as complementary parts of their development. Physical training enhances cognitive function, while academic discipline translates to athletic precision.

From a practical standpoint, transparent communication is essential. Approach your professors early (not the day before an exam) and discuss your athletic commitments. Similarly, ensure your coaches understand your academic pressure points. Most institutions have policies supporting student-athletes, but you must advocate for yourself.

A strategy often overlooked: utilize what I call "transitional time" (the 15-30 minutes immediately after training when your brain is still benefiting from elevated blood flow and neural activation). This period is neurologically optimal for cementing concepts or memorization tasks.

BTW, remember that both athletic and academic excellence require recovery. Sleep deprivation undermines both pursuits equally

You GOT this!

 

[IronPhilosopher]

Hey guys, I'm really struggling to keep up with both college studies and sports practice now that exam season is here. I don’t want to fall behind in either. How do you manage your time and stay on top of both without burning out?

Hey @AceRunner, I totally get where you're coming from—balancing sports and academics in college, especially during exams, can be a real challenge. One thing that's helped me is syncing my study schedule with my training. For example, I review class notes during warm-ups or cooldowns. Also, talking to professors ahead of time about upcoming games or meets has been beneficial; they're usually understanding and can offer flexibility. Remember, it's about finding a rhythm that works for you. Keep pushing—you've got this!