Beginning your push towards securing a college roster spot, and perhaps a scholarship, is like the kick-off to a football game, the first pitch to a baseball game, the tip-off to a basketball game or the face-off to a hockey game. Every game has to have a beginning. The recruiting game is no exception.
In college recruiting, the first play is to identify the colleges where you have a realistic shot at not only being accepted academically but also to have a real opportunity to play your sport. And, never forget the ultimate goal is to earn a meaningful college degree.
Today, we begin a series considering the six key components of creating your targeted list
of qualifying colleges:
- Academic
- Cultural compatibility
- Social interests
- Geographical preferences
- Athletic level
- Financial need
Over the next six blog posts we will consider each item in detail, but let’s begin with an overview.
The first four qualifiers generally won’t change much during high school years. Numbers five and six are dynamic, and won’t be well defined until later.
Academic:
By the time you consider college, your academic record is fairly well set. You need to take a realistic look at academics and then consider the colleges whose acceptance track record matches your grades.
Cultural, Social and Geographic:
You have been raised in a certain way and know what you like in your living arrangement. You have personal interests to keep life fun.
You will be leaving home for the first time, so where you go and how far from home you are is important to you and your family.
Athletic:
Identifying your athletic level is much less certain. Peak athletic performance is considered to be reached in your mid- 20’s. However, the majority of athletes peak by the age of 16. Why? Because reaching peak performance is fueled by an intense work ethic and strong desire. This is challenging to prospective college coaches.
No one really knows which path incoming college freshmen will take. Recruiting athletes is a calculated gamble on the coaches part. Identifying the athletic level where you will make a contribution and enjoy success is an ever-changing consideration.
Financial:
Sure, very important to everyone. But not in the early going. Every college will view your qualifications and treat your value differently. While we are mindful of financial needs, a lot of things can and will happen to affect the financial outcome, much of which you have in control.
awesome post! Keep up the good work!