ACTION PLAN FOR SUCCESS
Myth vs. Reality
The majority of students and parents believe that talented high school student athletes are actively recruited and give full sports scholarships by Division I coaches. The reality is that less than 2% are “actively recruited” by leading college coaches, leaving the other 98% left to “recruit themselves” via their own self-directed efforts.
A Parent’s Promise
83% of all parents’ say that the most important promise they make to their children is a college education. FACT: Today college costs the average family $122, 350, and in 15 years, the cost of college will exceed $204,375 (Source: U-Promise).
You are a Student, First. ANYTHING ELSE, Second.
When you begin to consider colleges or universities, consider the following factors:
- Admissions (SAT/ACT, Class Rank, GPA)
- Size of the school (Student to Faculty ratio, on-campus housing, etc.)
- Location of the School ( distance from home, geographic location, climate, urban or rural)
- Cost of Attendance (academic/ athletic scholarships available, student loans, FAFSA)
Understanding the Different Types of Institutions.
There are several different types of institutions of higher learning.
- State Institutions
- Private Institutions
- U.S. Military Academies
- State or Private Military Academies
- Junior Colleges
Getting Noticed
As a prospective student athlete you need to take a proactive interest in your college selection process, with encouragement from your parents. Your action plan involves five steps to effectively contact a school:
- Build your resume
- Write a cover letter
- Send direct mail to college coaches
- Telephone coaches to follow up
- Make official and un-official campus visits
Be sure you give college coaches a schedule of upcoming events where you might best showcase your talents.
There Is More Than Just Division I Athletics!
So many high school student athletes and parents only look to NCAA Division I athletic programs when consider schools to attend. But in fact there are several athletic associations of accredited college/universities that compete Intercollegiantly and offer athletic scholarships. These athletic associations are as follows:
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
- 3 divisions ( I, II, and III ) . Division I and II offer athletic scholarships
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
- NAIA schools compete in several sports and offer athletic scholarships
- National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
- NJCAA are always 2 year schools and often offer athletic scholarships
- National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
- NCCAA schools always will have a religious affiliation and often offer athletic Scholarships.
NCAA Clearinghouse
If you intend to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Students should register immediately after their junior year in high school. More information is available from the NCAA website: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Action Plans
Develop your own action plan for successful recruitment by:
- Performing in the classroom and on the field.
- Assessing your strengths as a player and student athlete.
- Beginning the college identification process early during your freshman and sophomore years in high school.
- Selecting 7-10 compatible college programs base on your needs and ability.
- Narrowing the list to you top 3-5 choices by eliminating those programs that are not a good fit for you academically, athletically or financially.
- Communicating your abilities directly to college coaches through your resume and cover letter.
- Evaluating your options as a student first and an athlete second.
- Choosing the one college or university that best fits your needs and abilities. The right choice for you means that it fully meets your objectives for a degree plan and athletic program, all at a cost you and your family can afford.