Classes, practice, road trips, homework: what a day in the United States looks like, and how to keep up all season long.
In the United States, nobody asks you to choose between sport and school: you are asked to succeed at both. That is the great strength of the American system, and also what makes it demanding. Here is what to expect, and how to get organised.
A typical day
Every school has its own rhythm, but a day often looks like this:
- morning: classes;
- afternoon: team practice, sometimes after a weights session;
- evening: dinner, then homework and revision;
- weekends and some weeknights: games, at home or on the road.
Your grades decide whether you play
This is the most important rule to remember: to play, you have to stay eligible, and eligibility depends on your grades. A player who falls behind in class can be kept out of games, or even lose their scholarship. Coaches know this, and they keep a close eye on their players' grades.
You are not on your own
American schools are used to student-athletes and often provide support:
- an academic advisor to help you choose your classes and follow your progress;
- tutoring or supervised study sessions in many programmes;
- professors who understand athletes' constraints, as long as you let them know.
Our tips to keep up
- Use a planner: write down your classes, practices, games and every assignment deadline.
- Get your homework done before a road trip: on the bus or in a hotel, you get less done than you think.
- Tell your professors in advance when a game clashes with a class or an exam.
- Ask for help as soon as you fall behind in a subject. Waiting only lets the problem grow.
- Protect your sleep: without recovery, neither your body nor your mind can keep up.
For parents
You can help from a distance: take an interest in classes as much as games, and regularly ask how exams are going. A player who feels their family values their studies puts more into them.
A dual project from day one
At UFM, we build your project with both your athletic level and your academic record in mind, and we stay in touch once you are there, including on the academic side. To talk about it, book your free call.
