College cheerleaders have  a lot on their plate. From class to cheer practice to extra workouts to games and other appearances, it seems like they never stop going, so they have to be organized and efficient to keep track of their busy lives. Check out these tips from a University of Alabama cheerleader on how to have a balanced schedule.

1. School Comes First — Make sure not to get caught up in your sport and forget about classwork. Academics should be your first priority: remember, there are GPA requirements that all athletes must meet to be eligible to participate in college athletics.
2. Plan Ahead — Buy a student planner and make yourself familiar with the syllabus for each of your classes. Make note of all important assignments such as papers, projects, quizzes and tests, and hold yourself accountable for all due dates.
3. Find Your Daily Routine — Try and stick to a stable routine every day in terms of school work, practices and workouts. Try to go to bed around the same time every night in order to get your body adjusted to your daily routine.

By following these tips, you will free up time in your schedule to do whatever you choose, whether it be hitting up the gym or hanging out with your friends and teammates. Improving your time management skills will help relieve stress and make your time as a college cheerleader that much more enjoyable. Get the whole scoop in the October issue of AC!

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