I Wish I'd Known for Athletes

Before reviewing these checklists here are some points student-athletes reported wishing they had known before starting college as freshmen:

• The competition, academically and athletically, was going to be tough.
• How to handle my time better.
• Some teachers would not be concerned about me personally.
• Some of my teachers would be graduate students.
• College teachers are not trained the same as high school teachers. Consequently, some of them know the stuff they teach, but they don’t know how to teach it very well.
• For some classes, no one gave me individual attention unless I asked for it.
• I could choose a "quiet" dorm and avoid the late night parties.
• Some of my classes have 200 or more students.
• I get two tests in the semester to establish my grade.
• The odds of making a living in professional athletics are poor. Getting an education has to come first.
• It takes many athletes five years to graduate.
• I must get to know about many special services such as financial aid, counseling, career planning, placement, and the learning resources center.
• If I’m not careful, I could really believe some of the kids who think I’m big time because I’m a jock.
• What to do if my roommate and I are not compatible?