Student-Athletes: Start Early to Prep for College

​As a student athlete, you need to prepare for college as soon as you start high school. Work hard in the game, in the gym, and in the classroom, ask the right questions, and complete the NCAA Eligibility procedure. From there, be sure to keep these three tips in mind as you dive further into the process:

Grades — To be eligible to play sports at the college level, you’ll NEED to get good grades in high school. Even in the word student-athlete, the STUDENT comes first. Improve your chances by having a high class rank and scoring well on the ACT or the SAT test. (And yes, you’ll qualify for more student aid and scholarships as well!).

Contact — Opposite of what pop culture wants you to believe, college coaches will NOT be knocking on the door of your family’s home. It’s up to YOU to reach out to them…keep in mind as well that there are SO many athletes competing in your sport that you’ll need to find additional ways — like this contact — to separate yourself. Contact some college coaches and invite them to come observe you in a game, camp, or showcase.

Do Research — Depending on your sport and desired level of play, there will be a varied number of colleges from which you can choose. Narrow down your decision by looking at everything each school (not just athletics!). Look at the ‘big picture’ of what each school offers you — academics, athletics, social opportunities, location, and even financial aid and scholarship potential.Questions on the college admissions process for student-athletes? Do not hesitate to contact us today!

Originally published at www.leonardandrew.com.