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Sports Pages
I am interested in playing soccer in a Division I or II program. Where can I obtain information regarding specific soccer programs, including information regarding scholarships granted, coaches, and contact information?
Two books you might want to investigate are Peterson’s Sports Scholarships and College Athletic Programs found in your local bookstore; and the National Directory of College Athletics available by calling (216) 835-1172. The men’s copy is $27.95 and women’s copy is $19.95 plus $2.50 shipping. Perhaps a better approach would be to find colleges which offer the academic program of interest to you first and then investigate their sports programs. I think this makes a lot of sense for any student who won’t be making a living after college from their college sport (and that’s most college athletes). The admissions office at any school should be able to help you navigate the athletics prospects at that school. I’ll watch for you on the sports pages.
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My son is potentially a scholarship athlete. Where can I get information on the NCAA regulations concerning high school athletes?
Contact the NCAA at (913) 339-1906.
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I am a freshman at a small school in Texas and am an involved student, as well as being at the top of 90 in my class. I was recognized nationally for my 710 in math in the Duke TIP. However, I sincerely love playing basketball, and start for my J. V. I don't feel that I would be prepared to play Division I basketball by my senior year. I have heard of players starting out at a junior college and transferring to a university. How do you feel about this and my situation?
Well, you’ve certainly got some time to think this over, and to see how your basketball skills develop. MANY basketball programs at Division I schools do not accept junior college transfers, so this route may not land you into the school of your choice. Junior college is often the right choice for students whose skills are good enough to play college ball, but who are not yet ready academically. My advice would be to explore four-year colleges that field Division II and III basketball teams. This includes some of the top schools in the U.S.and would allow you to play ball and get a great education. Head to your local bookstore. There are a number of college choice publications that will help you identify the right school...and be sure to send me tickets to your first college game!
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If I have not joined any sports during freshman or sophomore year, is it too late to start something like cross-country or track junior year for it to look good on my college application?
It's not at all too late. I actually joined the cross-country team myself in my junior year and ended up really enjoying it. If one of these sports at your high school accepts students who have not previously been involved, then go for it! But make sure that joining a sport is not just for looking good on your college application and nothing else. You probably want to actually like it, too, and be able to devote meaningful time to it.
Since joining a sport is usually a pretty big time commitment, make sure that it doesn't interfere too much with the other extracurricular activities you may already have been more strongly involved with. A basic principle to remember: Colleges are interested in seeing meaningful involvement in a few activities you care about, rather than sporadic involvement in a bunch of different activities. If you think joining a sport will be meaningful to you and help challenge you in new ways, then by all means, zip up your track jacket and take on that challenge.
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I know that extracurricular activities are important, but I was wondering if, for instance, sports are only important to the college application if you play in school. Is it still good if you play sports for the city?
Your involvement in city sports will definitely be an asset to your college application. Just make sure you mention your involvement in community sports rather than just your school-related activities. You may even want to explain why you valued participating in city sports (e.g. the chance to interact with students from other schools, greater interaction with the community in which you live, etc.). And as far as financial aid goes, even though you probably won't get scouted out by university representatives at your high school, you may still be eligible for lots of athletics-based scholarships. You'll want to search some scholarship engines for community scholarships; many scholarships are offered to students involved in city sports. And why not continue your athletic participation in college? Join intramural sports or even a club or league team. I bet you'll love it. Good luck and congratulations on your community involvement!
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