With practices and games frequently taking place daily, a student athlete may struggle to squeeze all the necessary classes into his schedule. At Georgetown University, for example, student athletes do not receive preferential treatment when choosing classes. This means student athletes may be unable to join a required class in a time slot that also fits their sport schedules. Additionally, a student athlete must coordinate with his professors to ensure he does not miss tests or assignments while at a game.
College sports sometimes require a 12-month commitment. As such, a student athlete may miss out on a variety of extracurricular activities. These can be as minor as a school dance or campus event and as extensive as a summer internship required for graduation. Participating in extracurricular activities is an effective way for students to build relationships on campus or further their education.
With the NCAA's passing of Proposition 62, student athletes are allowed to hold a part-time job while playing college sports. However, due to the time commitment of athletics, finding a suitable job is difficult. This can have a significant financial impact on an athlete who is trying to pay for his own schooling. A scholarship athlete hoping to earn some spending cash may struggle to find a job that fits into his schedule.
Playing sports gives college athletes the ability to be a part of a team. Students form friendships with teammates while competing in a sport they enjoy playing. Students learn many qualities associated with team sports, including cooperation, goal attainment and leadership. These positive effects help student athletes both on and off the field.
In some cases, playing college sports prepares a student for an athletic career after graduation. Finding a career path is one goal of going to college. Student athletes sometimes find that this path can be through their favorite sport. Student athletes receive access to top-of-the-line fitness equipment and facilities, instruction from some of the top coaches in the country and the ability to test their skills against premier collegiate athletes.