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College Athletic Scholarships
Find out how to score a scholarship to pursue your collegiate athletic dreams.
By Roxana Hadad
How would you like to play your favorite sport on a college team and get financial assistance for it? You can! According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) about $1 billion worth of scholarships are awarded to around 126,000 student-athletes every year. Getting an athletic scholarship is challenging, but you can make it easier on yourself by learning the facts and making a game plan.
Myths and Facts of College Athletics
Maybe you’re not Michael Jordan. Still, don’t give up until you know the facts about getting and keeping an athletic scholarship.
- Some people think that in order to get an athletic scholarship for college, you have to be an all-star athlete in a major sport like football, basketball or baseball. But actually, there are scholarships for athletes who are good (not necessarily superstars) and who play sports like lacrosse, badminton, rowing, archery and volleyball. To make it happen, you need to plan ahead, research your options and pursue those scholarship dollars.
- Getting an athletic scholarship doesn’t mean you’ll cruise until you graduate. Athletic scholarships are awarded for one academic year at a time. While there are no guaranteed four-year athletic scholarships in NCAA Division I or II, one-year scholarships can be renewed annually for a maximum of five years within a six-year period.
- Don’t think that if you’re good enough to play in college, the colleges will contact you. There are 568,500 high school seniors playing football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. Across those three sports there are roughly 24,800 positions available for college freshmen. So if you want to be eligible for an athletic scholarship, you have to show recruiters that you’re the player they’ve been looking for.
Marketing Yourself
Someday, you may make your fortune as a sports superstar selling soft drinks and shoes. But for now, you need to concentrate on selling yourself to college recruiters. Here are some tips to help you promote yourself:
- Start early. Begin thinking about your collegiate athletic/academic plans in your sophomore year.
- Maintain good grades. You won’t be playing at a college unless you have the minimum requirements to attend.
- Collect news articles and videotapes that demonstrate your athletic performance.
- Talk to your high school coach about which athletic programs fit your qualifications.
- Select the schools that are right for you, taking into consideration the quality and admission requirements of the athletic and academic programs.
- Find the name of the coach of your sport at each college you are considering. Write letters stating your interest in their programs and your academic and athletic goals and achievements. Include statistics, records, honors, clippings and videotape, if applicable, and let them know you require financial aid.
- Apply. College coaches will take more of an interest in you once they see you are serious about coming to their school.
- Keep in contact with the coach by inquiring about the status of your application and by visiting the school.
Get Connected
Most collegiate athletic programs belong to an association. Each association has different regulations regarding eligibility and financial aid, so become familiar with the specific rules—you don’t want to ruin your chances on a technicality. Consult these Web sites for more information:
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
- National Junior College Athletic Association
If the school you are interested in is part of the NCAA, familiarize yourself with its particular division; there are different regulations for each division.
Like any sport, getting an athletic scholarship means playing by the rules and working hard. Keep this in mind and you might just win the athletic scholarship game!
See also FinAid’s page about athletic scholarships.
soccerchickdf
12 days ago
Hello my name is Daisy Fabian. I’m Peruvian and I play soccer for Eastside High School and outside of school because I enjoy playing soccer. I been playing soccer since I was little. I began playing with my brother along with my dad. Playing this sport with them made me become tough and learn to never give up no matter how many times I fall down. My junior year in High School I was nominated for 2nd team in northern counties in NJ for best defender. I am happy I accomplished that. My GPA for the whole year is a 3.375 I am currently a senior at International High School. I am planning to play soccer once I began my freshman year at Montclair State University. I am going to be majoring in Physical Education. I’m really looking forward for this scholarship if anything please email me at Soccerchickdf@aol.com
want_to_be_tech3799
23 days ago
Hello my name is Kaylie Castillo. Im a Junior at chimacum high school. Im kinda a cowgirl you might say. I've been playing basketball and softball for at least the last seven years. I played on the varisty basketball team for the last two years I've played everywhere on the court from pointgaurd to post. I've also played the same amout for softball I play catcher and 3rd base. Playing sports I always tell my self that I have more heart than anyone else and I live up to that statement! I havn't decided on a college yet but I hope to be succesful so email me at redneck_chick3799@hotmail.com
P.s told you im like a cowgirl
deshawn2011
26 days ago
Hi my name is Marcus Robinson and i attend Word of Outreach Christian Academy in Little Rock Arkansas. I am currently a junior in high school and i love the game of football. I have been playing since i was about 11 years of age and I plan to play on the next level. My college choice is Harding University in Searce Arkansas. Please contact me at james1861@sbcglobal.net. Thank you.
yes15
27 days ago
hi my name is Yesica Martin im a senior in high school Ive been playing soccer for twelve years i love it. I play forward/ midfield, I was MVP for my high school team. I also did track and swimming, my grade point average is 3.7. I'm on a club team called Neusport. I want to major in forensics science at SUU or Temple University
please contact me @ yesisoccer@gmail.com thanks
Mario22
about 1 month ago
Hey my name is Mario Gonzalez I play basketball at Homedale High School. I am pretty good at basketball. I play good defense.
If you wanna know more just email me at
marioagonzalez2010@hotmail.com
Aguilar14
about 1 month ago
My name is Luis Vega and im currently s senior in High School . I play soccer and i played for 3 years and i'm the captain of the varsity soccer team. i took them to playoffs by scoring the goals. Also i was selected as a good player and i made it to county, regional, conference, and state. my GPA is a 2.7 and i have good grades. if there's any colleges wondering more about me or interested in me contact me at luisvegaaguilar@yahoo.com
dchaconIV741
about 1 month ago
Hello my name is David Chacon. I am a junior. I play baseball for my high school. I have been on the varsity sqaud since i was a freshman. i currently have a 3.1 . I have a passion for baseball, But when it comes to school. Its a whole different story. I place school first than any other activities. I am 5'10 and i weigh at 165. I am a pitcher and third baseman. I have dreams of going to Cal St. Fullerton. Every day that passes by is a day closer i will be walking on that campus. you can contact me at josedchacon@yahoo.com
Arees247
about 1 month ago
Hello my name is Arees Zadoian i am from Iraq and i play soccer i have been playing soccer since i was 5 years old and know i am 17 i played for my high school during my junior and senior year and this year is my last year. i play as a forward i am 5'3 and very fast player. I also have a 3.0 GPA and love to practice everyday and improve my game i will not let anyone down. you can contanct me at Thegames201@yahoo.com
luisavave33
about 1 month ago
hello my name is luisa vave im tongan and i play basketball at summit high school in fontana. i been playing football since i was young but my dad didnt let me play football in high school so i joined basketball and i learn and kept practicing my g.p.a is 3.6 current but it 3.8 i work hard in school and sports beside that i attend seminary which is a bible class at my church because im mormon in the morning every day but im also in band marching and other and track i do field shot putt and disic and i very strong i bench 205 max and dead lift 2 plates and 35 max but short and big im a sophmore and looking for sports or music scolarships . i want to major in law to become a judge but im looking for a scolarship for byu utah but if your interested in me my email is vaveluisa@yahoo.com i will except
Arte485
about 1 month ago
Hello my name is Pedro Arteaga, I am a senior student at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena Texas. I have been playing soccer since around the age of 6. I am very interested in playing in any college for any scholarship available to me. I am a very outgoing student that never rests. Im part of the marching band, and im also part of the Spanish Honor Society in my school. I have a 3.24 GPA, and would like to get a major in electrical engeneering. Any college can reach me at any time at Vanessaarteaga@ymail.com
s_king1891
about 1 month ago
my name is Lashawn King Im a high school senior student with a 2.60 GPA. I love playing basketball I am very interested in playing college ball. I will be graduating in may. I got an idea on my dream college but not so sure. any colleges interested you can reach me at....... s_king1791@yahoo.com......Thanks
BradleyJ81
about 1 month ago
Hello,
My name is Brad Jameson, I am a senior at Kaufer High School in Riviera Texas. I love the game of football and I am very interested in playing it on a colliegate level. I'm a 6'3 tight end/ defensive end. I can catch, hit, run, anything you need me to do. Like I said I love the game and I would love to continue my carrer. If you would like to contact me you can email me at teamramrod_5@hotmail.com.
Thank you
crystle24
about 1 month ago
hello my name is crytsle conant i am a varsity cheerleader i been cheering for aslong i remeber i also been in gymnastics to i am a really awesome tumbler and i would like to proced it father if u give me a chance u wont regrete it
crystle24
about 1 month ago
hello my name is crytsle conant i am a varsity cheerleader i been cheering for aslong i remeber i also been in gymnastics to i am a really awesome tumbler and i would like to proced it father if u give me a chance u wont regrete it
ashleyredden00
about 1 month ago
Hello my name is Ashley Redden, i started out playin t-ball when i was 4 years old, then i went on to coach pitch, then kid pitch, then fastpitch softball. I have never missed a year of playing softball, i lhave been on 2 tournament teams, i love getting dirty, i can play any position, i have been one of the best players on every team i have been on. I love 3rd base and Shortstop, i can pitch also, but i like to be in all the action.! I am an awesome base runner, i know the game very well.!!!! My GPA is a 3.7 i have made the Honor Roll almost every year. And I am from Ardmore, Ok. If any colleges are interested you can contact me at ashmash_12@hotmail.com