College Athletes and Recruiting

Thinking about playing a sport in college? Have you thought about how to make your current involvement in athletics improve your chances of admission? Here are some guidelines for prospective college athletes:

  1. Consider the “broken leg rule” when you choose a college. If you were suddenly unable to play your sport, would you still want to attend that school? If the answer to that question is no, that school shouldn’t be your top choice.
  2. Strive for good grades. You may receive letters of interest from selective schools, but they won’t continue the recruiting process unless they feel you can perform just as well academically as you can on the field, ice or court. SAT and/or ACT scores are also critical. Highly selective schools will most likely require those scores and a GPA that exceed the NCAA eligibility requirements.
  3. Be realistic. Talk with your coaches about their honest assessment of your chances of playing in Division I, II or III. Research the stats of current players at your schools of interest.
  4. Be proactive. Begin the process early. Look for colleges that meet your criteria for not only athletics but academics as well. Include schools that have sports programs in at least two divisions. Try to contact current coaches at these schools to express your interest in their programs.
  5. Make yourself marketable. Don’t rely on colleges finding you–make yourself visible by playing at regional events, showcases, etc. When visiting campuses, see if you can meet with coaches while you’re there.
  6. Be sure to register on the NCAA Clearinghouse website by the end of your junior year. You can do so here.

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