The cost of attending college is rising by 6.5% every year. If you are planning to attend a public university figure on spending around $80,000 for that undergraduate degree; twice that if you have your eye on a private education. Sure, you can seek an academic scholarship, financial aid, a grant and student loans, but what if that’s not enough to get you there? $1.2 billion in scholarship money is awarded every year to high school athletes for their commitment to continue playing at the college level. As you start to put your application packet together, here’s what you should know about the process:
1. Go straight to college after high school graduation. In order to be considered for an athletic scholarship, you have to be between’ and 24 years old, so if you dilly dally for a year or two after high school, you might blow it. Most scholarships are awards to those who go to college the fall after getting your diploma.
2. The NCAA (National College Athletic Association) recognizes 29 sports; therefore scholarships are available for them depending on the campus. Men’s sports include: Soccer, Baseball, Water Polo, Fencing, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor), Rifle, Basketball, Swimming and Diving, Golf, Football, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Tennis, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Lacrosse and Wrestling.
The men’s sports are: Wrestling, Baseball, Water Polo, Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor), Tennis, Fencing, Swimming and Diving, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Rifle, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Lacrosse and Soccer.
3. Only the most successful college sports programs have the resources to send recruiters out to high school games to check out the star players. For coaches and players in other scenarios, it’s a good idea for the player to be aggressive off of the field. Make sure you introduce yourself during your campus visit and drop off your sports bio and media clips.
4. Before you can be considered for an athletic scholarship, you need to have earned admission to the college based on your academic offering. (Note: The SAT is the entrance exam required for collegiate sports consideration.)
If you do land an athletic scholarship, there’s something to keep in mind. Playing at the collegiate level is a big commitment and you won’t have much free time for other things. Strongly consider the major you choose because in all likelihood you won’t be playing your sport of choice professionally after you college years have passed. Choose a career that fulfills you completely and look forward to success off the field as well.
John Barnett is a high school baseball and soccer coach. He earned a masters degree at an online college and is considering several online colleges for additional study.
