How to Maximize Your College Scholarship - Part 2

Knowing how to shop yourself and your skills to various college programs can help increase your chances of getting an offer.

In the first part of this blog, we discussed how to maximize the amount of money you can get toward college tuition through various channels irrespective of athletics.  Those students who also participate in sports have a unique opportunity to obtain additional scholarship dollars.  Knowing how to shop yourself and your skills to various college programs can help increase your chances of getting an offer as well as increase how much of your expenses that offer will cover.

At ACES Nation we partner with sports organizations and clubs to provide sport performance training and a scholarship program, so part 2 of this blog will address the things an athlete and their family can do to maximize their chance of receiving an athletic scholarship.  Although athletic scholarships are difficult to obtain and almost always less than a full ride, there are actions you can take to make sure you are putting yourself in the best possible position to increase your opportunities.

1. Research Eligibility Requirements:

   - Understand the eligibility criteria for different sports scholarships.

   - Know the academic and athletic standards required. This will vary per university, so reach out to coaching staff and research college/university websites to find the unique standards for each.

2. Maintain Academic Excellence:

   - Many athletic scholarships consider academic performance.

   - Maintain a strong GPA to enhance scholarship opportunities.

3. Create a Sports Resume:

   - Develop a comprehensive sports resume highlighting achievements, stats, and awards.

   - Include academic accomplishments and extracurricular activities.

4. Build an Online Presence:

   - Create an online profile showcasing athletic achievements and skills.

   - Use platforms like Sports Recruits to connect with college coaches.

5. Attend Showcases and Camps:

   - Participate in sports showcases and camps to showcase skills.

   - College coaches often attend these events to scout potential recruits.

6. Connect with Coaches:

   - Initiate contact with college coaches via email or phone.

   - Express genuine interest in their program, show that you have done your homework on their program, and inquire about scholarship opportunities.

7. Explore Multiple Colleges:

   - Broaden your search to include various colleges and universities.

   - Consider factors like location, size, and academic offerings.

8. Understand NCAA/NAIA Rules:

   - If applicable, familiarize yourself with NCAA or NAIA regulations.

   - Ensure compliance with their rules throughout the recruiting process.

9. Seek Guidance from High School Coaches:

   - Consult with high school coaches for advice on the recruiting process.

   - They can provide valuable insights and help with connecting to college coaches.

10. Attend College Fairs:

    - Attend college fairs where multiple institutions are represented.

    - Interact with representatives to learn about scholarship opportunities.

11. Apply for Financial Aid:

    - In addition to sports scholarships, explore general financial aid options.

    - Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.

12. Improve your Skills and Athleticism:

• Track your performance improvements over time to show coaches your ability to develop as an athlete and player.  See an example of how to do this here.

• Work with qualified and certified coaches to continue to develop your game by improving strength, speed, and power.

13. Be Proactive and Persistent:

    - Take initiative in the recruitment process.

    - Be persistent in following up with coaches and submitting required documents.  

14. Visit College Campuses:

    - Schedule visits to potential colleges to get a feel for the campus and sports facilities.

    - Attend games or matches to witness the team's dynamics.

15. Prepare for Interviews:

    - Be prepared for interviews with college coaches.

    - Showcase not only your athletic abilities but also your character and commitment.

16. Stay Informed about Deadlines:

    - Be aware of application deadlines for both the college and scholarship applications.

    - Submit all required documents well in advance.