The Reality of Athletic Scholarships

The Reality of Athletic Scholarships and Recruiting

So you want to go for an Athletic Scholarship, eh?  What are the true odds of receiving athletic aid, or some for of a college scholarship for sports?

We are in a society that lacks reality.  As my children have gone from grade school to high school, I continue to witness absolute insanity, usually at the hands of parents.  From countless dollars spent on camps, excessive training and club sports, to the relentless father filming his 6 year old at an indoor soccer competition.  I overheard the same father talking about the "film review" process they do after every game.  You have got to be kidding me.  

For a few gifted athletes, there are coveted scholarship spots out there.  The reality is, about 2% of High School athletes will obtain a sports scholarship.  The New York Times did a fantastic study called "Slicing the Pie" in which they analyzed the total number of athletes participating in High School sports, the number of scholarships rewarded, the total amount given and the % of a full scholarship.  A graphic can be viewed here with all the information:  Athletic Scholarship Breakdown by Sport.

The biggest myth our there is the "full ride".  Almost no full rides are given out there in the college world today, in fact the majority of athletic scholarship aid provided is in the 30-40% range.  Many Seniors will find that when they examine their expected family contribution at most schools, along with other types of aid, they will far exceed what they can achieve from an athletic perspective. Here is a calculator to figure out the type of aid you can receive:  EFC Aid Calculator  

Understand that sports can be a path to aid, but can also help your son or daughter get into an institution that otherwise may be a far reach for them if they applied through standard channel.  You need to look at it from both angles, and be fully informed.

Listing of DI, DII and DIII Schools and Their Athletic Websites

Listing of DI, DII and DIII Schools and Their Athletic Websites

NCAA Division 1, 2, 3 Listings and Athletic Sites

Compiled a list of schools and their athletic programs for reference.  I am also working on a sports specific list for those looking for athletic scholarship information.  This is a good reference for any college recruiting research as well:

DI College Listing and Athletic Sites

DII College Listing and Athletic Sites

DIII College Listing and Athletic Sites

ERG Times for a Rowing / Crew Scholarship

What ERG Time do I need for a Rowing Scholarship?

ERG for a Scholarship?

There has been a great rise in rowing participation in the U.S., with many high school students focused on the dream of rowing in college.  This site has some fantastic stats on the number of rowing scholarships and schools that offer them, as well as some eye opening percentages:

Rowing Scholarship Statistics

So what kind of ERG times do coaches look for?  Below is a summary of 2K ERG times I could glean from the web:

Heavyweight men: 6:30 and below gets you noticed, 6:10 will get them calling
Lightweight Men: 6:40 and below gets you noticed, top recruits are sub 6:30
to 6:20.
Heavyweight Women: 7:20 – 7:30 is considered good, 7:15 – 7:10 very good, 7:09 and below
is excellent
Lightweight Women:  Below 7:50 is good, 7:40 and under is considered excellent

Here are some other links:

School with Rowing Scholarships

I am constantly researching the subject and providing tips to fellow rowing parents and athletes through my core site.  Sign up if you would like to get email notifications on rowing scholarship tips: Recruiticus Rowing Athlete Registration  and follow us on Facebook here:  Recruiticus Facebook

2012-2013 NCAA Recruiting Calendars and Dates

2012-2013 NCAA Recruiting Calendars

Important Recruiting Dates

2012-2013 Division I Recruiting Calendars

2012-2013 Division II Recruiting Calendars

Overview Chart (PDF) Cross Country - Track and Field Printable Calendar Football Printable Calendar Men's Basketball Printable Calendar Women's Basketball Printable Calendar Baseball Printable Calendar Softball Printable Calendar Women's Volleyball Printable Calendar Men's Lacrosse Printable Calendar Women's Lacrosse Printable Calendar Other DI Sports (PDF) Football Guide (PDF) Men's Basketball Guide (PDF) Women's Basketball Guide (PDF) Other Sports Guide (PDF)

Football Printable Calendar Men's Basketball Printable Calendar Women's Basketball Printable Calendar Other DII Sports (PDF) Recruiting Guide (PDF)

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Choices: Colleges, Athletic Scholarships and Recruiting

How do you choose your college for an athletic scholarship?

So, I want to make one point clear, YOU choose the school, the school does not choose YOU.  For gifted athletes looking at obtaining an athletic scholarship, the options can be overwhelming.  I have witnessed on far too many occasions, gifted athletes with the grades to go to any school they choose sit back and wait for the phone to ring.  Here is the problem:  If a coach doesn't know you are out there, he or she will not call you, nor make you an offer.  I would argue that the whole college selection process should mirror how you would choose if you did not have the athletic option.  I told my son and daughter, imagine you were injured and unable to play during your first year, is it somewhere you would like to be or be from?  So here is a list of evaluation criteria for any college:

1. Athletics - by no means should this be the first in the order, but if you are going to compete, you want to be happy with the coach, the program and the team.  Your official visit will give you great insight to the "feel" of the school from an athletic perspective.  Trust your gut, and your parents as well, it is always right.
2. Size - Big schools are not for everyone, and large state schools can be intimidating, and at times not the greatest learning environment for certain types of students.  Talk this out with your parents and teachers, and narrow down your choice to large, medium or small.
3. Location - will you be comfortable 2000 miles from home?  Will the weather on the East Cost drive you crazy?  Does going to school in a farm town suit you?  These are all items that need to be examined.
4. Private or Public - there are benefits of both types of schools, and definitely a different feel.
5. Academics - Are University rankings important to you?  Do your choices have the right majors in line with your career goals?
6. Extra-curricular - What types of activities, clubs and organizations do your target schools have.  Sorority or fraternity?
7. Cost - When evaluating your options, obviously you want to make sure you can afford the price tag.  Most athletic scholarships are just a percentage, and most private school tuition after scholarship can be greater than public tuition.  Make sure it fits your budget.

There are some absolutely fantastic sites that let you specify your criteria, and then hone down  your options.   The College Confidential Search tool has a Sport and Division criteria if you are searching for Athletic Scholarship options..  Here are some links to help you with your choices:

CollegeBoard Big Future College Selection Tool

College Confidential's College Search (Includes Athletics)

College Prowler College Search Tool

Also, if you are just looking for schools that meet NCAA Division Scholarship criteria, search below for the school and the athletics they offer:

NCAA Member College and Universities and Divisions

Anything to add?  Please comment.

Introduction: Who I am and Why I Built This Site

Why build an athletic scholarship and college recruiting site?

The year was 2008.  My oldest son's Freshman year in High School was coming to an end, and he was somehow recruited to do Track and Field.  Coach David was an interesting man, he would watch the incoming Freshman walk onto campus, and set out to recruit the kids with the right frame.  Stephen was 6'5",   and quite thin.  Coach approached him, and said "I want you to throw shot put and discus for me".  Stephen resisted, a lover of football and basketball, he just didn't see the point.  But Coach was persistent, never let up, and there he was, in his second meet.  Without really any strength training or technique, and still quite wary of the whole Track thing in general, he popped a 50' throw with his 10lb. shot.  Coach David, a very serious man, pulled me aside after the meet, and informed me of Stephen's potential.  In so many words, he said, "I have never had a Freshman with so much raw potential and power."  And thus began a long an glorious high school throwing career that landed him several scholarship offers to a host of D1 schools, and eventually, a Scholarship at Duke University (His first choice), where he throws today.

When working with Stephen through the whole process, I found no central site for this information.  I had to pull from various resources, avoid people who wanted to take my money as a "consultant", and really educate myself.  This Blog is a road map to help any parent/student who wants to reach for the stars, and continue their athletic career in college and beyond.  It is a central reference for all things athletic scholarship and college recruiting related.  It is also my effort to help avoid something I saw over and over:  Highly talented, smart young adults who settled for schools well beneath them because they just didn't know how the process worked.  I am a Sales and Marketing Guy by trade, and I will share some methods to get the attention of those who YOU want, not that want YOU.  Enjoy, and please send me any questions, additions, omissions or lessons learned that you would like to share with others.

Go to our flagship site, www.recruiticus.com, and get busy now!!!

Sincerely,

Steve

Complete Recruiting Checklists for All High School Athletes

Athletic Scholarship and College Recruiting Checklists

I built these out from a ton of different internet sources when I was working with my oldest son's athletic scholarship quest.  These were a great help in making sure we did not forget anything in the college recruiting process, and were a great overall reference in beginning my daughter's quest for a D1 Scholarship.  They have a bunch of links as well to NCAA sites that have some great scholarship and recruiting information.  Please shoot me a note if you think there is anything missing, or you find any errors.

Freshman High School Athletic Scholarship and Recruiting Checklist

Sophomore High School Athletic Scholarship and Recruiting Checklist

Junior High School Athletic Scholarship and Recruiting Checklist

Senior High School Athletic Scholarship and Recruiting Checklist

Like these checklists?  Sign up at Recruiticus and get them in downloadable form.

Senior Year Athletic Recruiting Checklist

Senior Year High School Athletic Recruiting Checklist

Senior year is here!!  This is the most exciting time for college recruiting, and is key to your Athletic Scholarship.  Some keys are Official Visits, National Letter of Intent (NLI) or Singing Day.  Below is your recruit checklist:

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Focus on finishing strong, some school scholarships are contingent on good final grades.
All Year	Academics	Depending on how your test scores have come out, schedule retakes and make sure you have sent scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
All Year	Activities	Continue to focus on extra curriculars by participating in clubs, community and leadership activities
All Year	Academics	Identify any problem areas immediately and seek teacher or tutor assistance to make sure you have a solid foundation for future classes
Fall	All	Set goals for the year in both academics and athletics.
Fall	Academics	Begin to examine all Financial Aid Requirements.  Check with target school admissions/financial aid.
Fall	Academics	Narrow down your list to 10 schools, and focus on the application process for these.  Just like any other non-athletic applicant, make sure you have some safety schools, as well as some reach schools on the list.  If you have no solid opportunities, you may need to rebuild your list.
Fall	Recruiting	Download or Purchase the latest version of the  NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete, check for changes
Fall	Recruiting	Review the latest NCAA Academic Requirements to make sure you are taking the correct courses: NCAA Student Athlete Worksheet and NCAA Academic Quick Reference Guide
Fall	Recruiting	Make sure your  NCAA Eligibility Center information is all complete, and you have directed your SAT and ACT scores to code "9999".
Fall	Recruiting	Download and learn your recruiting timeline.  Here is the NCAA Calendar:  NCAA College Recruiting Timelines and Calendars
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure you are on track for all requirements.
Fall	Recruiting	Plan and organize official visits.  If one has not been offered at your target schools, call and inquire.  Be prepared with questions, and also prepared to respond to offers.
Fall	Recruiting	Negotiate and compile all scholarship offers.
Winter	Academics	Finalize and Submit all application materials
Winter	Academics	The FAFSA becomes available January 1st, and most schools require it submitted in late winter/early spring.  Check with Financial Aid Office at each school for deadlines.
Winter	Academics	Work with your target school coaches to see examine your offers and figure out your best financial aid options.
Various Times	Recruiting	Know your National Letter of Intent (NLI), or signing day.  Make sure you have all your offers, and know your final choice.  Coordinate with your school, coach and athletic director.  Here for more info:  National Signing Day
All Year	Athletics	Ask for additional evaluations from high school and club coaches for a reality check
All Year	Athletics	Define strength, benchmark and competitive goals with coaches for the year
All Year	Athletics	Work with outside strength / agility programs and outside coaches / clinics to enhance skills
All Year	Social Media	Make sure you use Facebook, MySpace and all other internet accessible sites in a mature manner.  Coaches look!!!
All Year	Social Media	Make sure all your target school coaches have all your social media links, and update all sites with stats, footage, pictures, records, etc.
In Season	Athletics	Make sure you keep a log of all your stats, collect all photos and video clips and any newspaper clippings.
In Season	Athletics	Coaches look for good athletes, but also want leadership and good sportsmanship.  Make sure you rise to the occasion.
In Season	Athletics	Evaluate your performance pre, during and post season, and perform a reality check (do you make the cut)
In Season	Athletics	Utilize your social media and send periodic updates on new records, milestones, pics, etc.
In / Post Season	Recruiting	Update accounts on BeRecuited, Takkle, etc. and make sure your profile is complete and updated.
Post Season	Recruiting	Continue to communicate with your target school coaches through email and phone.  Get a true feel of where you stand.
Post Season	Recruiting	Continue to organize your email folders with one for each school.  Make sure you place all your messages for that school into the folder.
Post Season	Recruiting	Update your Microsoft Excel Log for all communications with school representatives.  Include calls, email, Tweets, etc.
Spring	Recruiting	Work with your counselor to make sure your final transcripts are sent to the Eligibility Center and your destination school.
Summer	Recruiting	Keep in contact with your new coach and ask for any focus areas.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport, and target school.

Want more? These are available for download at the Recruiticus Athletic Scholarship Site

Junior Year Athletic Scholarship Recruiting Checklist

College Recruiting Checklist for Juniors

The Junior year in High School is very important for those pursuing an Athletic Scholarship through the college recruiting process.  Grades, always the most important, as well as many items to complete for the NCAA Eligibility requirements are foremost on the checklist.  

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Junior year can be a difficult year academically, focus on the grades.
All Year	Academics	Continue to take challenging classes, AP and Honors
All Year	Activities	Continue to focus on extra curriculars by participating in clubs, community and leadership activities
All Year	Academics	Identify any problem areas immediately and seek teacher or tutor assistance to make sure you have a solid foundation for future classes
Fall	All	Set goals for the year in both academics and athletics.
Fall	Academics	Begin preparing for the SAT and ACT.  Sign up for a focused prep course for both.  These tests are critical!!!
Fall	Academics	Examine your target list, and see which tests they require: SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests
Fall	Academics	Examine the SAT/ACT tests dates and decide when you will take them.  Plan to take the SAT in early spring for the first time.  The ACT is curriculum based, so the later you take it (Late spring / summer), the better.
Fall	Recruiting	Download or Purchase the latest version of the  NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete, check for changes
Fall	Recruiting	Review the latest NCAA Academic Requirements to make sure you are taking the correct courses: NCAA Student Athlete Worksheet and NCAA Academic Quick Reference Guide
Fall	Recruiting	Begin your NCAA Eligibility quest officially through the amateur certification process.  Create an account here:  NCAA Eligibility Center  This is a great resource site, and will provide you with a wealth of information.
Fall	Recruiting	Download and learn your recruiting timeline.  Here is the NCAA Calendar:  NCAA College Recruiting Timelines and Calendars
Fall	Academics	Re-evaluate your target list of schools that offer your sport.
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure you are on track for all requirements.
All Year	Athletics	Ask for additional evaluations from high school and club coaches for a reality check
All Year	Athletics	Define strength, benchmark and competitive goals with coaches for the year
All Year	Athletics	Work with outside strength / agility programs and outside coaches / clinics to enhance skills
All Year	Social Media	Make sure you use Facebook, MySpace and all other internet accessible sites in a mature manner.  Coaches look!!!
All Year	Social Media	Make sure all your target school coaches have all your social media links, and update all sites with stats, footage, pictures, records, etc.
In Season	Athletics	Make sure you keep a log of all your stats, collect all photos and video clips and any newspaper clippings.
In Season	Athletics	Coaches look for good athletes, but also want leadership and good sportsmanship.  Make sure you rise to the occasion.
In Season	Athletics	Evaluate your performance pre, during and post season, and perform a reality check (do you make the cut)
In Season	Athletics	Utilize your social media and send periodic updates on new records, milestones, pics, etc.
In / Post Season	Recruiting	Update accounts on BeRecuited, Takkle, etc. and make sure your profile is complete and updated.
Post Season	Recruiting	Continue to communicate with your target school coaches through email and phone.  Get a true feel of where you stand.
Post Season	Recruiting	Continue to organize your email folders with one for each school.  Make sure you place all your messages for that school into the folder.
Post Season	Recruiting	Update your Microsoft Excel Log for all communications with school representatives.  Include calls, email, Tweets, etc.
Spring	Recruiting	Plan unofficial visits during Spring Break, and layout a visit plan for summer.
Spring/Summer	Recruiting	Be prepared for Phone calls, and know when they will come.
Summer	Recruiting	Begin to plan official visits.
Summer	Recruiting	Ask coaches where you stand on their recruiting lists.
Summer	Athletics	Attend Nationally recognized camps and events for exposure.  If possible, attend a camp at a target school.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport
Summer	Academics	If available, take advantage of summer school to knock an additional class out, especially one that may require additional focus.
Summer	Recruiting	Contact coaches from your target list and visit campuses.  Coordinate with Coach/Athletic Staff, and inform of your desire to attend.
Summer	Academics	Build a spreadsheet or get a whiteboard with your target schools, application requirements and all application deadlines.
Summer	Academics	Retake / Take ACT/SAT and subject tests to get your best score.

Want more? These are available for download at the Recruiticus Athletic Scholarship Site

Sophomore Year Athletic Scholarship Checklist

Sophomore Year College Recruiting Checklist

The Sophomore year in High School for student athletes is one to hit the books, make sure you are on track, and in many ways resembles the Freshman Year from a checklist perspective.  Contacting recruiting college coaches, and making sure you are in line with NCAA Recruiting Rules are paramount, and establishing yourself as a top recruit for an athletic scholarship is your main priority in this recruiting checklist.

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Continue to focus on the grades, contribute to that GPA!!
All Year	Academics	Continue to take challenging classes, AP and Honors
All Year	Activities	Continue to focus on extra curriculars by participating in clubs, community and leadership activities
All Year	Academics	Identify any problem areas immediately and seek teacher or tutor assistance to make sure you have a solid foundation for future classes
Fall	All	Set goals for the year in both academics and athletics.
Fall	Recruiting	Download or Purchase the latest version of the  NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete, check for changes
Fall	Recruiting	Review the latest NCAA Academic Requirements to make sure you are taking the correct courses: NCAA Student Athlete Worksheet and NCAA Academic Quick Reference Guide
Fall	Academics	Re-evaluate your target list of schools that offer your sport.
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure you are on track for all requirements.
Winter	Academics	Make sure you are scheduled to take the PLAN and PSAT tests.
All Year	Athletics	Ask for additional evaluations from high school and club coaches for a reality check
All Year	Athletics	Define strength, benchmark and competitive goals with coaches for the year
All Year	Athletics	Work with outside strength / agility programs and outside coaches / clinics to enhance skills
All Year	Social Media	Make sure you use Facebook, MySpace and all other internet accessible sites in a mature manner.  Coaches look!!!
All Year	Social Media	Establish a Twitter Account, YouTube Account, Acceptable Email Address (no inappropriate words) and setup a BLOG.  If you don't have Facebook, do that as well.
In Season	Athletics	Make sure you keep a log of all your stats, collect all photos and video clips and any newspaper clippings.
In Season	Athletics	Coaches look for good athletes, but also want leadership and good sportsmanship.  Make sure you rise to the occasion.
In Season	Athletics	Evaluate your performance pre, during and post season, and perform a reality check (do you make the cut)
In Season	Athletics	Utilize your social media and send periodic updates on new records, milestones, pics, etc.
In / Post Season	Recruiting	Update accounts on BeRecuited, Takkle, etc. and make sure your profile is complete and updated.
Post Season	Recruiting	Establish contact with your target school coaches through email and by filling out candidate questionnaires
Post Season	Recruiting	Send a handwritten note on professional stationary to each coach and assistant coach at your targets schools.
Post Season	Recruiting	Organize your email folders with one for each school.  Make sure you place all your messages for that school into the folder.
Post Season	Recruiting	Create a Microsoft Excel Log for all communications with school representatives.  Include calls, email, Tweets, etc.
Summer	Athletics	Attend Nationally recognized camps and events for exposure.  If possible, attend a camp at a target school.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport
Summer	Academics	If available, take advantage of summer school to knock an additional class out, especially one that may require additional focus.
Summer	Recruiting	Contact coaches from your target list and visit campuses.  Coordinate with Coach/Athletic Staff, and inform of your desire to attend.

Want more? These are available for download at the Recruiticus Athletic Scholarship Site

Freshman Recruiting Checklist for Student Athletes

Freshman Year Recruiting Checklist 

I found creating these checklists from a variety of sources online a great reminder set to follow for the whole college recruiting process.  If you think that you are going to pursue an athletic scholarship, these are great guidelines to follow, and can even help in college planning in general, even if the college athletic career does not work out.  Below is the first in a series of checklists to follow, and it focuses on athletic, academic and seasonal items you should follow your Freshman Year:

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Hit the ground running in School, and give 100% in all areas.  Good grades plus stellar athletic stats = More Options
All Year	Academics	Take challenging classes, AP and Honors
All Year	Activities	Round out your overall resume by participating in clubs, community and leadership activities
All Year	Academics	Identify any problem areas immediately and seek teacher or tutor assistance to make sure you have a solid foundation for future classes
Fall	Recruiting	Download or Purchase the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete and read it with your parents.
Fall	Recruiting	Review NCAA Academic Requirements to make sure you are taking the correct courses: NCAA Student Athlete Worksheet and NCAA Academic Quick Reference Guide
Fall	Academics	Begin to build a target list of schools that offer your sport, and meet your criteria.  The College Board has a great tool that lets you enter your criteria (size, location, etc.) and gives you a list: College Board School Selector
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure your courses will meet your goals
Fall	Academics	Start researching your target schools academics and testing requirements and compare to your curriculum and Counselor path
Fall	Athletics	Use the Internet to research your sport and find out what type of marks, times and benchmarks are required to be considered for athletic scholarship
All Year	Athletics	Ask for evaluations from high school and club coaches for a reality check
All Year	Athletics	Define strength, benchmark and competitive goals with coaches for the year
All Year	Athletics	Work with outside strength / agility programs and outside coaches / clinics to enhance skills
All Year	Social Media	Make sure you use Facebook, MySpace and all other internet accessible sites in a mature manner.  Coaches look!!!
All Year	Social Media	Establish a Twitter Account, YouTube Account, Acceptable Email Address (no inappropriate words) and setup a BLOG.  If you don't have Facebook, do that as well.
In Season	Athletics	Make sure you keep a log of all your stats, collect all photos and video clips and any newspaper clippings.
In Season	Athletics	Coaches look for good athletes, but also want leadership and good sportsmanship.  Make sure you rise to the occasion.
In Season	Athletics	Evaluate your performance pre, during and post season, and perform a reality check (do you make the cut)
In Season	Athletics	Utilize your social media and send periodic updates on new records, milestones, pics, etc.
In / Post Season	Recruiting	Create accounts on BeRecuited, Takkle, etc. and make sure your profile is complete and updated.
Summer	Athletics	Attend Nationally recognized camps and events for exposure.  If possible, attend a camp at a target school.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport
Summer	Academics	If available, take advantage of summer school to knock an additional class out, especially one that may require additional focus.

Want more? These are available for download at the Recruiticus Athletic Scholarship Site