Andrew Chabon

College workload👇 As an incoming freshman and track and field athlete in college, your workload will be a balancing act between academics, athletics, and personal life. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect: Academic Workload •Course Load: Most freshmen take 12–15 credit hours per semester (about 4–5 classes). Each credit hour typically translates to 1 hour of in-class time per week, plus 2–3 hours of outside work (studying, assignments, projects). Expect 30–45 hours per week on academics, including: ◦Classes: Lectures, seminars, or labs, varying by major (e.g., STEM majors may have more lab time). ◦Homework/Studying: Reading, problem sets, essays, or group projects. Freshman courses (e.g., intro to biology, English 101) often emphasize foundational skills. ◦Exams and Projects: Midterms, finals, and papers spread across the semester, with heavier workloads during peak times (mid-October, early December). •Time Management: You’ll need to adapt to less structured schedules than high school. Professors expect independent work, and syllabi outline deadlines early. Athletic Workload (Track and Field) •Practice: NCAA Division I, II, or III programs typically require 15–20 hours per week for practices, including: ◦Track Workouts: Sprints, distance runs, or field event-specific drills (e.g., pole vault, shot put) for 2–3 hours daily, 5–6 days a week. ◦Strength Training: Weight room sessions 2–4 times per week to build power and prevent injury. ◦Team Meetings: Strategy sessions, film reviews, or coach check-ins (1–2 hours weekly). •Competitions: Meets occur on weekends, with 1–2 per month during the season (indoor: Jan–Mar; outdoor: Apr–Jun). Travel for away meets can take full days, impacting study time. •Physical Recovery: Stretching, foam rolling, or physical therapy sessions (1–2 hours daily) are critical to avoid burnout or injury, especially for freshmen adjusting to higher intensity. •NCAA Regulations: Athletes are limited to 20 hours of “countable athletically related activities” per week during the season (less in off-season), but additional voluntary training or recovery can add up. Additional Responsibilities •Team Bonding/Events: Mandatory team-building activities or community service (a few hours per month). •Academic Support: Many programs require study halls (5–10 hours/week) for freshmen to maintain NCAA eligibility (minimum GPA, typically 2.0–2.3). •Social and Personal Life: Balancing friendships, sleep (7–9 hours/night is ideal), and personal errands (laundry, meals) requires discipline, as time is tight. Typical Weekly Schedule (Example) •Monday–Friday: ◦8 AM–12 PM: Classes (2–3 hours daily). ◦12 PM–2 PM: Lunch, study, or downtime. ◦2 PM–5 PM: Track practice + strength training. ◦5 PM–7 PM: Recovery (stretching, trainer visits). ◦7 PM–10 PM: Study hall, homework, or group projects. •Saturday: Morning practice or competition (4–8 hours if a meet). •Sunday: Light recovery run or rest, plus catching up on academics (3–5 hours). Challenges for Freshman Athletes •Time Management: Juggling academics and athletics is intense. Missing classes for meets means you’ll need to communicate with professors early. •Physical Demands: College training is more rigorous than high school, with higher risk of overuse injuries (e.g., shin splints, stress fractures). •Mental Load: Homesickness, social pressures, and performance expectations can add stress. Athletic departments often provide mental health resources. Tips for Success •Use a Planner: Track deadlines, practices, and meets to stay organized. •Prioritize Recovery: Sleep and nutrition are non-negotiable to perform in both academics and athletics. •Communicate: Build relationships with coaches and professors to manage conflicts (e.g., rescheduling exams due to meets). •Leverage Resources: Academic advisors, tutors, and athletic support staff are there to help you stay eligible and succeed.