Ten Key Facts-Student Athletes Need to Know
Fact 1
An athletic scholarship is typically a one year agreement. There are a few athletes who receive a four year agreement. It is very rare to see college coaches offer a four year scholarship. It is up to the coach to renew a scholarship every year.
Fact 2
NCAA Division I and Division II have been allowed by the NCAA a certain number of scholarships. All NCAA colleges and coaches must follow the allowed number of scholarships to offer. Most college coaches will offer players a partial athletic scholarship. College coaches will divide the amount of scholarship money among his team roster.
Fact 3
Athletic students need to know what "redshirt" means to a recruited athletic student. "Redshirt" simply means the college coach wants the athlete to prepare for college competition or because the athlete is recovering from an injury or as a freshman you did not meet academic eligibility requirements. The athlete will still keep their athletic scholarship and practice and train with his team but will not be permitted to play in any games. "Redshirt" will still allow the athlete four years to compete at the college level. It allows the athlete to take five years to graduate. You also should know the average college student takes five years to graduate.
Fact 4
College coaches will help athletic students who the coaches want on their team roster with other scholarships and financial aid from the college. College coaches are very aware and up to date on the entire college process.
Fact 5
A verbal commitment is meaningless. There is NO Guarantee that an athletic student who verbally commits to a college coach will receive an athletic scholarship. A college coach can change his/her mind about a prospect.
Fact 6
The number one reason most athletes do not get recruited or offered an athletic scholarship is the Lack of Exposure. College coaches need to know who you are. Do not just sit and wait for college coaches to find you. Too many good student athletes end their athletic career in high school due to the lack of exposure to college coaches.
Fact 7
Most important to every student-athlete is finding the right college. As a student-athlete, you will spend 4 - 5 years at your chosen college to earn your degree. As of 2018, there are 350 Division I, 309 Division II and 451 Division III colleges across 49 states.
How do you know which college is best for you and which offer scholarships for your sport?
You need to find the right college at the right location for the right price of admission. Every student-athlete needs a precise college Match. Your Match must consist of the following:
1. college location 8. Div. I, Div. II , Div. III, NAIA and JUCO
2. classroom size 9. live on or off campus
3. small, medium or large college 10. cost of admission
4. major (choice of 3) 11. any special interest
5. average GPA for freshmen 12. religious affiliation
6. average SAT/ACT scores 13. cars allowed on campus
7. sports offered
Fact 6 & 7 are covered by CPI Steps 1 & 2. A professional student profile (Step 1) sent to 30 colleges and coaches, in a 5 state area, from your college Match (Step 2).
Fact 8
Student-athletes and parents need to know how the college process works. The college process consist of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), EFC (Expected Family Contribution), NCAA Eligibility, financial aid, student loans, grants, endowments, applying for admission and so much more. You will spend 50-100 hours trying to understand the college process sitting at a computer. CPI Step 4 is a College Solution Book that teaches and explains in detail the college process. Every student-athlete and their parents need to know what to ask and what to say when talking to college FAOs (Financial Aid Officers) and college coaches. You must know how financial aid works, how loans work and how grants work.
Fact 9
Student college debt can easily be $26,000 - $100,000 after graduation. An athletic scholarship combined with an academic scholarship will be a huge financial help. There are also Private Scholarships available. Be careful searching the web for private scholarships. Many scholarships turn out to be bogus. CPI Step 5 will give you the legitimate, secure websites who offer every student the opportunity to apply. Many students, over the years, have qualified or have been awarded private scholarships.
Fact 10
A letter requesting information or certain colleges is important for learning about the college scholarships, grants, endowments, and financial aid available. Plus a letter requesting information about the college coaches' athletic program, showcases and camps will become a huge value to the student athlete. CPI - Step 3 connects the student athlete to financial aid officers and the college coaches from your college Match, CPI Step 2.