Written by: Geoff Raives, CFF Director of Partnerships, and beNOTICED
As we all navigate these uncertain times, we want to do our part in ensuring your recruiting journey stays on course.
In times like this, when you are unable to connect with coaches on the field, it's important that you are still pressing forward with recruiting and connecting with coaches off the field. Remember, things are uncertain for college coaches too, and there could be huge opportunities if you are doing the right things to help yourself stand out.
We have put together a 4-part series that we will cover in the next two months with tips to help prospective student-athletes create a college recruiting plan to follow. We will look in to the following:
Tips for Building Your Top College List
What You Need to Know before Contacting College Coaches
Pointers for Creating a Highlight Video
Develop a Follow-Up Strategy with College Coaches
Part 1: Building Your Top College List
Take some time to create your Top College List – you should initially start targeting about 40-50+ schools so that you can whittle down the ones that don’t work out, or add new ones to the list as your priorities change. Below are some criterion that can help you generate your list. Hint: The majority of these filters are available in College Fit Finder when you’re searching for good-fit schools!
ACADEMICS - Making sure your grades and test scores allow you to get into a school you put on your list.
DIVISION - Talk to one of your coaches/trainers about the list and make sure the schools are within reach of your playing ability. This allows you to get a coach’s perspective about where you can make the largest impact.
SCHOOL SIZE - What campus size best fits you and your lifestyle? How many undergrads attend? Do you like large or small class sizes? Are classrooms and dorms close together or a far walk?
SPORTS PROGRAM - Learn what you can about your future program. Look at the roster. What types of athletes do coaches recruit? What is the style of play or philosophy? Does this line up with your style?
LOCATION - What weather do you or don’t you enjoy? Are you able to fully perform in snow? In excessive heat? Will a drastic change in weather impact your mental health?
FINANCIAL - Are you able to afford it? If not, come up with a plan to making it affordable for you and your family. Keep in mind that you may (or may not) receive a scholarship or financial aid.
QUALITY OF LIFE - What events, clubs, and social activities are available to engage students on and off campus? Going to college is more than playing sports, it gives you a great chance to find yourself and your future.
Create a pros and cons list, as you uncover details about various colleges to build your list. If you find out that a school is no longer of interest to you, then remove it from your list. It’s important to keep this list up-to-date as you move forward with your process.
Keep in Mind: The majority of the colleges on your list should be realistic options both athletically and academically.
Need help with your college search, compiling college coach emails, and keeping track of your favorite schools? Stop wasting time using Google to find this information. College Fit Finder has it all for you!
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