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Mastering Time: A College-Bound Student-Athlete

Leaving high school and transitioning to collegiate athletics is a monumental step. Beyond just the sport, student-athletes must navigate academics, training, competition, personal responsibilities, and rest. If you're considering becoming a student-athlete, understanding your time commitments is essential.


 


Understand Your Time Demands by Division

Division I Student-Athletes (2015 GOALS Study Insights):

  • Report spending 4 to 9 hours per day on athletic-related activities (practice, competition, film review, strength training, meetings, media, compliance, etc.).

  • Surprisingly, 67% said their off-season athletic time matches or exceeds their in-season hours.(NCAA, Cloudinary)


Division II Student-Athletes (2019 GOALS Study):

  • Also, 63% spend as many or more hours on athletics in the off-season.

  • One-third work about 9 hours per week alongside sports and academics.(NCAA)


Division III Student-Athletes (2019 Data):

  • Median weekly breakdown:

    • ~40 hours for academics

    • ~28 hours for athletics

    • ~15–17 hours for socializing and other commitments

  • Half reported athletic time remained consistent off-season, and most saw no negative academic impact—many noted positive effects on academic and co-curricular involvement.(NCAA)


NCAA Rules: Balancing Act on Time

All NCAA divisions define CARA (Countable Athletically Related Activities) such as practices, film sessions, strength training, team meetings, and compliance sessions. These are strictly limited by NCAA regulations.(NCAA)


Real Impact: Sleep & Well-Being

A related NCAA study on student wellness found that many collegiate athletes average just 6 hours and 15 minutes of sleep per night, well below the recommended 8 hours. The result? 61% report daytime fatigue at least three times a week.(NCAA.org)


Practical Time Management Tips

  • Build a Weekly Calendar: Block time for classes, workouts, study sessions, and rest.(North Central College, tuitionrewards.com)

  • Prioritize Wisely: Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance.(University of Bridgeport)

  • Plan Ahead & Use Downtime: Leverage travel time for study, start assignments early, and use libraries or quiet spaces for focused work.(tuitionrewards.com)

  • Use Campus Support: Tap into tutoring, study hall, academic advising, counseling, and athletic support systems.(tuitionrewards.com)


Summary: Division-by-Division Time Snapshot

Division

Sport Time (weekly)

Academic Time (weekly)

Other Commitments

D-I

28–63 hours (4–9 hrs/day)


High off-season consistency

D-II

Similar to D-I


~9 hrs paid work/week

D-III

~28 hrs

~40 hrs

~15–17 hrs social/leisure


This data isn't meant to scare you away from becoming a student-athlete, but rather give you insight into what to expect. For example, if you're worried about managing athletic time and workload, it is worth considering D-III athletics. There is a right school and athletic program for every student and College Hive is here to help. Reach out to one of our Consultants today!

 
 
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