<p>First year freshmen with 16 units, working 10-15hrs a week, 8 practices per week for crew (5 of them for 2hrs, 3 are 1hr). Right now, it's really difficult to management my time, but I know if I quit crew I'm giving something up that I'm really interested in, yet also give me more than enough free time.</p>
<p>Well, you must be getting up for practice at 4:42 am! I think you should honestly ask yourself if it is a time management issue. It is a busy week, but my son has a similarly busy week, too. Maybe it depends on how much work is required for your classes...how much reading, how many research papers, how many problem sets, how long for labs or computer programs. </p>
<p>My son finds that he needs that break from school work to relax and enjoy his extracurricular activities. It gives a sort of balance to his busy week. You could say that in your "free" time, you choose to row. You really have no choice about classes or about crew...you might consider dropping your work hours down to one day/8 hours?</p>
<p>It's heartbreaking that I will end up dropping crew from my schedule. I know if I stay I will have lots of fun, but it's cutting into my sleep. =[</p>
<p>unlimitedx,
I hate to sound like a mom, but if you have to get up at 4:30 to row (as our high schools do) you need to be sleeping before midnight. Lecture aside, if your sleep is going to be compromised you will be susceptible to illness. Nobody wants that. Are you sure that you're efficiently using your daylight hours? If rowing is important to you, you may have to give up TV, video games, partying and other nonproductive time-wasting activities.</p>
<p>I advise my own son to prioritize. First is health and safety. Second is success in academics. Third and fourth are music (lessons and ensembles) and work, in whatever order he wants. Fifth is his hobby, target shooting. Maybe it would help you to prioritize, too. I think if you take care of your health, you will be able to accomplish more is your other areas.</p>