Misconception: My Coach/Guidance Counselor is helping us with the recruiting process. They are committed to my best interest and actively promote me to as many colleges and universities as possible.
Coaches and Guidance Counselors do have your best interest in mind. However, the reality is most do not have the time or resources to actively promote you to the largest number of colleges and universities where you would be a good fit. Many coaches are only able to make contacts for their top athletes due to time restrictions.
Misconception: I have already received correspondence from a few schools and feel I will get more. I'm confident this is just the start and I will continue to be recruited.
Having received correspondence does not mean you are being actively recruited. It means you are being considered as a potential recruit. When you have been made an offer you should consider yourself recruited. Your choices will be limited to only the offers you have received. If you would like to have a choice between many different colleges or universities you must actively promote yourself to as many as possible. Choices put you in control. Does the school that has shown an interest in you have the course of study you want to major in? Will you play as a freshman or be behind a sophomore that plays your position? Will you like the Coach? Are you comfortable with where it is located? These choices to find what will work best for you are increased by the number of options you have through exposure. The more offers you receive the more bargaining power you have in obtaining the maximum amount of money for scholarships, grants and self-help funding. Typically, due to the need to work within their budgets Coaches recruiting you have no choice but to offer what is absolutely necessary for you to commit to their program.
Misconception: Most athletes that compete in college sports are on full ride scholarships.
Some athletes do receive a complete expense paid college education. It is important to realize that a very small percentage of all athletes receive this level of assistance. Generally a combination of academic aid, grants and self-help money are combined to secure the athlete.
Misconception: I'm not interested in Division III because they cannot give athletic scholarships.
Although athletic scholarships are not available at the Division III level they do provide academic scholarships, fellowship grants and self-help money that make education affordable. Often these packages are very substantial and exceed those offered by larger colleges and universities. Athletes increase the income and exposure of the school. Often they are given admission priority. Coaches at all levels need the best players for their programs to be successful. They will do everything possible to be sure you play for them once you indicate you are interested.
Misconception : I don't really need to be concerned about being recruited until my senior year in high school.
Over 45% of all high school athletes are recruited during their junior year and 25% as sophomores. When you consider how many freshman are now being actively recruited it is certain the vast majority of athletes have been recruited before they are seniors.
Misconception : Coaches have large recruiting budgets and will be able to find me if I am good enough to play for them. With the amount of money my family has spent sending me to showcases Coaches are sure to recruit me.
Often, only the very best athletes at showcases get noticed by college scouts and coaches. If you are among those few you could get their attention. Playing in off season leagues or tournaments such as AAU, Junior Olympic or American Legion/ACME that are often attended by college scouts and coaches will give you an opportunity to stand out against excellent competition at much less cost to the family. Every year there are many athletes that go completely unnoticed. In truth, even Division I non-revenue sports (those other than men�s football and basketball) have very limited budgets. Many talented athletes, some even better than those that are recruited, get left behind because they lacked exposure.
ASK YOURSELF