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. There's an age cut-off. If you're past 24 years-old you've missed the opportunity to earn a scholarship in exchange for playing sports. The range is from age' to 24, so it makes sense for you to go straight to college after high school.
2. There are 29 sports recognized by the National College Athletic Association, or NCAA. Women are eligible to win scholarships in the following categories: Synchronized Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Water Polo, Ice Hockey, Gymnastics, Archery, Squash, Lacrosse, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Rowing and Field Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor), Soccer, Tennis, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf.
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. Get accepted first. You can't be considered for an athletic scholarship until you've been accepted to the university in the first place based on your SAT and overall application packet.
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.
1. There's an age cut-off. If you're past 24 years-old you've missed the opportunity to earn a scholarship in exchange for playing sports. The range is from age' to 24, so it makes sense for you to go straight to college after high school.
2. There are 29 sports recognized by the National College Athletic Association, or NCAA. Women are eligible to win scholarships in the following categories: Synchronized Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Water Polo, Ice Hockey, Gymnastics, Archery, Squash, Lacrosse, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Rowing and Field Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor), Soccer, Tennis, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf.
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. Get accepted first. You can't be considered for an athletic scholarship until you've been accepted to the university in the first place based on your SAT and overall application packet.
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.
About the Author:
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.
