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May 1997 Newsletter Article

Title: Three Keys to College Success

Author: Ray Lauenstein, with Kevin Lyons of Boston College Athlete Support Services

Succeeding in the college classroom- The 3 keys to Success

Making the jump to the college classroom provides many, if not more, challenges then the adjustment to college athletics. Kevin Lyons, the Director of Academic Support Services for Boston College Athletics identified three major points which are your keys to success in the college classroom.

I. Go to Class. If you go to class you will pass. You have the opportunity to keep up with course work, ask questions, and meet other students who can be assistance.

II. Time on Task. Study time outside the classroom is important. Most first year college students underestimate the amount of time they need to study each day and week. Budget your time and stick to your schedule when possible.

III. Seek Help When Needed. It is not natural for an athlete to admit difficulty. You are trained to try harder, not necessarily smarter. Yes it’s hard to ask for help but get over it. You are not a failure, in fact you are a winner for taking action to improve your situation. Do not lose eligibility because you were too proud to seek help. The resources are there for you, use them.

According to Lyons the reason for most athletes academic failure is usually a controllable factor, most commonly one of the three above.

Before you can go to college, you need to take care of business in your Junior and Senior year. Lyons stated that an improvement in your grades throughout high school is important to college admissions’ officers, especially in your senior year.

Student Athlete Inform Yourself!

Did you know that most colleges will not recruit you if you are not academically qualified, and have not taken the SAT? The NCAA has established qualifying standards for all student athletes. You need to obtain this information from your coach, guidance counselor or the NCAA. Sophomores and Juniors do it today.