Applying for college is tough enough as it is but the process can get more complicated if you are applying as a student athlete, given other course requirements and considerations. Below are some tips to better streamline the process and make it easier to get in.
First off, know the deadlines: each and every one of them, per school you’re applying for. Certain colleges have fixed deadlines while some have more flexible admissions. Prioritize those that have set deadlines or have special meetups of potential recruits with coaches. Keep in mind that most top-level schools would want would-be athletes to apply early. In other words, make sure your itinerary of meetups and applications is well-organized.
You’ve to make it a point to inform the schools’ respective coaches of your application. Alerting them early may aid in your admission, as they can flag your application with the admissions office and offer special considerations. It’s assumed that your GPA and test scores meet the school’s admission criteria, of course, but coaches who are keen on recruiting you will go out of their way to help with the paperwork and perhaps even get the school to waive your application fee. In any case, they can’t help you if they don’t even know you applied.
Finally, while applying early is key to get a variety of options, early action is always better than early decision. Early action simply means getting into a non-binding deal with the school that gives you the leeway not to attend, should you decide otherwise. Early decision forces you to commit to the school and give up any other applications. Unless, of course, if you have already made up your mind that you’re committing to that school.
Hello, there. I’m Ryan Shephard, a student at the University of Michigan hoping to become an expert sports rehab and training professional someday. For similar reads, visit this blog.
Ryan Shephard 