If you are a high school athlete striving to get a college sports scholarship, there are some crucial facts you need to know. Only about 3% or so of all high school athletes make it to the college level, so knowing these facts can be a big advantage for you.
Fact #1 – Scholarships Are Not Just Given Out At The Big Schools
Everyone knows the big schools have athletic scholarships available, but many athletes neglect to consider many of the smaller schools across the country who also have scholarship money available. These smaller schools can be lower Division I, Division II, or NAIA schools. Scholarships are not given at Division III schools, but financial aid is available.
Fact #2 – Most College Sports Scholarships Are Partial Scholarships
Many athletes and their parents think they will get a full scholarship to play a college sport. However, most scholarships are only partial scholarships. They only pay a portion of your college costs. Only the elite top level athletes usually get a full ride scholarship.
Fact #3 – Scholarships Are Given Out On A Year-To-Year Basis
There is no such thing as a four year scholarship. You may be given a scholarship to a four year school, but your scholarship must be renewed each year. If you get a scholarship but you perform poorly or you don’t keep your grades up, your scholarship may not be renewed.
Fact #4 – Grades Play A Vital Role In Determining Scholarship Money
Student-athletes are students first, or at least they should be. Many people will tell you that grades are not that important in the scholarship process, but nothing could be further from the truth. Coaches take a good look at a student’s performance in the classroom before deciding who to award their scholarship money to.
Fact #5 – Coaches Do Want To Hear From You
Coaches at the smaller schools need players just like the big schools. However, they don’t have the big budgets available to go out and find players. They love to hear from players who have the talent, skills and grades to play at their school.
Getting a college sports scholarship is not an easy task. The competition is fierce. One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself is to take responsibility for your own recruitment and start making contact with coaches at the schools where you feel you can play. On the other hand, if you leave your recruitment in the hands of others, even your high school coach, you most likely won’t receive a college sports scholarship. It is up to you!