5 collegiate recruitment tips for student athletes


If you’re looking to go to college on an athletic scholarship, it can be a nerve-wracking time trying to figure out what’s going on. There are so many schools to choose from, how are you supposed to know which one to pick? To help you get your head around how colleges recruit student athletes, we’re giving you these five tips to make things a little clearer.

Be patient

You’ve been eagerly waiting for the phone to ring once the colleges are allowed to contact you, and you expect to be speaking to coaches non-stop. Do not be disappointed if the phone isn’t ringing on day one, these things take time. July 1 is the day when you can be contacted, but you might find it takes a few days, or even a week, before the calls start coming. Don’t think the call isn’t coming just because you haven’t received it right away.

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Pick up the phone yourself

Although the coaches are meant to be calling you, there is no harm in picking up the phone and calling them yourself. Many coaches appreciate you taking the time to call them, and they will like your enthusiasm to be part of their team.
Just because the coach hasn’t contacted you yet doesn’t mean they aren’t interested, and giving them a timely nudge isn’t going to hurt. Don’t pin all of your hopes on one college though as sometimes recruitment doesn’t always work out the way you’re hoping it will.

Everywhere should be an option

Remaining open-minded to any and all universities is important. You might have your heart set on one college in particular, but be prepared have your mind changed by somewhere else. If a school gets in touch with you that you’ve never heard of, don’t dismiss them immediately. Do your research and check them out, you never know, it could be the school of your dreams. Maybe the majors they offer are exactly what you’re looking for.

Treat the coaches with dignity

You might not have heard of the college coaches are calling from, or have any interest in enrolling, but that doesn’t mean you should be rude to them. These coaches are just doing their jobs by trying to improve their college’s chances of success. Consider the offer flattering, then thank them but politely decline.

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Try and have some fun

Life is all about experiences, and there probably won’t be another time in your life where people are fighting over you; at least not until the big leagues come calling! Colleges might pressure you to join them, or your family wants you to go to a particular school, but the decision is yours. Try not to stress about what you could have done, instead focus on the hard work you put in and the fact that so many schools want you with them.
If you follow these college recruitment tips the application process won’t feel anywhere near as much of a headache. Try to enjoy it, keep your options open, and don’t forget to treat everyone with the respect they deserve.

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