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Here you will learn all the basics and have the resources to take the first steps in the college recruiting process.
College Sports
As a student-athlete in the US, not only do you get to play the sport you love, but you also get to earn one of the available college degrees from a top university.
But what exactly does that mean? How do academics work in America, and how can you make the most of it as a student-athlete?
Today we’ll dive into the world of combining academics and sports in the US to get your college degree.
Get ready to learn about how to have the best of both worlds!
Academics are essential for student-athletes for 3 main reasons.
1. A good education and college degree lays the foundation for future success and opens up many career opportunities.
2. Many universities and colleges have academic requirements that student-athletes must meet to be eligible to play sports. This means that academics are an integral part of the student-athlete experience, and can impact a student's athletic career.
3. Participating in sports and academics can also help student-athletes develop important skills, such as time management, organization, and self-discipline, which will serve them well in their future careers.
In short, academics are a critical part of the student-athlete experience and can provide the foundation for future success on and off the field or in court.
In America, student-athletes typically study to get one of the following 3 college degrees.
1. Associate’s Degree: It aims to give students the basic technical and academic knowledge and transferable skills they need for employment or further study in their chosen field. It is a 2-year program that sets you up to complete a Bachelor’s degree in 2 more years after graduating with an Associate’s Degree.
2. Bachelor’s Degree: The Bachelor's degree is the most common first degree in U.S. higher education and is the degree that gives access to advanced studies. U.S. bachelor's degrees are usually planned to take 4 academic years of full-time study to complete.
3. Master’s Degree: Master's degrees in the USA serve a similar purpose to those in other countries. They are postgraduate (or 'graduate') degrees following a related undergraduate course. Some offer the chance to study an academic subject in more depth. These programs typically take 2 years to complete.
GET EVALUATED to know which College Degree is best for you.
Explore the diverse range of study programs available to students at universities across the United States, catering to various interests and career goals.
Most universities offer a wide selection of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in fields such as business, engineering, arts, and sciences. These comprehensive academic catalogs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their chosen fields.
For an example of the specific programs and courses available, check out the Michigan State University Academic Catalog here.
Balancing sports and academics can be a real challenge, but it's essential for student-athletes’ success.
Finding the right balance means making the most of your time. Prioritize your responsibilities, and use resources like academic advisors and tutors when you need help.
It's also important to remember that both sports and academics are important parts of your college experience, and finding a balance can help you achieve your goals in both areas.
This means setting aside time for practice and studying, taking care of your physical and mental health, and being proactive about seeking support when needed.
With hard work and determination, student-athletes can excel in both the classroom and on the field or court and build the foundation for a successful future.
Now you know the basics about College Sports and what it’s like to earn a degree while playing college sports. At +31 Sports, we are experts in guiding future student-athletes through the process of getting recruited by a college.
If you want to start your recruiting process, reach out to us, and we will get you on the right track.
