The P.E. Effect

Every semester, college students meet with advisors about which classes to take for the following semester. In the first two years of college, the majority of those classes, if not all of them, will be core classes that satisfy state requirements for that institution (for example – English, Mathematics, Social Sciences requirements).  As important as the English, Science, and Math courses are, physical education (P.E.) credits are not only required, but can actually save a student’s grade point average (GPA). Here are a few reasons why P.E. should not be overlooked, but rather, strategically placed:

• If P.E. courses are placed in the correct semester schedule, they create mental, physical, and emotional balance. While courses like Chemistry, Statistics, or Psychology can require extensive reading and studying, Physical Education is usually centered on familiar activities – running, jumping, playing, etc. that can serve as a break from day-to-day routine. That break can refresh both the body and mind, and give students a better attitude to handle the other courses.
• Most P.E. courses are only one credit hour (and you must obtain 3 credits total), but some just require attendance and effort. No one is expecting you to be a supreme athlete, but just simply come to class, dress out, and participate. That makes an easy A, and those 4 credit points can only aid a GPA. (For every A, a student gets 4 points per credit hour of that class. For every B, 3 points per hour, and so on.)
• Many P.E. courses are only 7 weeks (out of 15 week-long semesters). These are called mini-term courses. If a student can take and pass the class in the first half of the semester, he/she will already have an A and can use the time that becomes available after the 7th week to study for other courses or Midterm exams. This also gives a student optimism to finish strong for the remainder of the semester. On the other hand, if a student is struggling in the first half of the semester and either needs a “pick-me-up” or replace a class that is dropped, taking 1-2 mini-term P.E. classes and making an A in each will help the GPA somewhat. By knowing where you are at Midterm, adding a P.E. class in the latter 7 weeks can act as “insurance” that your semester won’t be horrible.
• For those who like to work out daily, place a P.E. course during the times you would normally attend a gym (especially if the gym is off-campus). Doing so helps a student keep daily routine, but also can save money on gym fees. If you are a student, why not put your activity fees and athletic fees to use?

I hope you have enjoyed this week's post. Check out any previous posts you may have missed. It is my hope that my words inspire you to be great. Take care. God Bless.