| Official visits (or recruiting
trips) are perhaps the best way for you to find out where you
will best fit in, and where you want to study. The rules
regarding official visits differ upon the school's division. For
Division I, II, and III official visits, the university can pay
for your transportation and 48-hour stay. You are allowed to
take official visits to five (5) different Division I and II
universities or schools. There is no limit to the number of
official visits you may take to a Division III school.
If you are going to apply
early, make sure you plan your trips as early as possible, to
leave yourself enough time to make an informed decision.
You only have 48 hours to visit
the campus, so make the best of every minute. Try to plan your
trip so that your official visit starts on a Friday morning.
This allows you to go to some classes and see what a typical
weekend is like. If you plan your visit far enough in advance
you should make sure you can sit in on some of the classes that
interest you. Make sure to inform the coach of your preferences.
While attending classes, notice
their size and atmosphere. Notice the ability of the professor.
Would you feel comfortable learning in this environment?
Don't be afraid to ask lots of
questions. Ask about which classes are interesting or fun. Ask
about how difficult it is to balance academics, athletics, and
social life. Ask the team members about the practices and weight
program. Ask them if they have improved while at this school and
whether or not they have enjoyed themselves. Ask what other
schools they applied to and why they ended up at that particular
school. Keep your ears open- you may learn something important.
Ask the coach what the average
GPA and SAT is on the team and the university as a whole, and
see if you could handle the academics of the school. Try to see
if the coach's style is compatible with your personality and
with your goals. Make sure you see the athletic facilities and
try to meet as many people on the team as you can. See where
your athletic ability would put you on the roster and in
conference play. Be sure to talk to your fellow recruits.
Most importantly make sure you
are happy and you can see yourself living at the college for the
next four years. Ask the coach what percentage of his/her
players stay on the team all four years. Look around you and see
if people are enjoying themselves.
Don't fell pressured into to
being someone you're not. Just be yourself and have fun!
|
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College Recruiting Advice: College Recruiting Trips