A look at the myths and realities of college athletics, scholarships, and recruitment. Rockland High School – March 11, 2013

There is more money available in academic scholarships than athletic scholarships. Most NCAA Division 1 student-athletes are not on ‘full rides’ All NCAA athletic scholarships are only good for one year Many NCAA Division 1 schools do not use full allotment of available scholarships. In many sports there are more athletic scholarships available to females.

Athletic scholarships are available. Many schools do not use their allotment of athletic scholarships. Local Division 1 Schools: B.C., Providence College, Univ. of Massachusetts-Amherst, Univ. of Connecticut-Storrs Ivy League Schools are NCAA Division 1, however they, DO NOT give out athletic scholarships NCAA Division 1 are almost always the highest standard in collegiate sports.

Athletic scholarships are available Many schools do not use their full allotment of athletic scholarships. Local Division 2 Schools: Bentley, Stonehill, St. Anselm’s, Franklin Pierce, Assumption, & Merrimack

Athletic scholarships ARE NOT available. Student-athletes may be able to use athletics to gain entrance to schools that otherwise may not be an option academically. Local Division 3 Schools: NESCAC schools, most small schools in Boston, Wheaton, and Roger Williams. NCAA Division 3 schools are very numerous throughout New England.

Minimum GPA’s and SAT/ACT scores need to participate on the NCAA Division 1 and 2 Levels GPA’s based on core classes only See handout for sliding scale of GPA’s vs. SAT/ACT for NCAA Division 1 schools (changes 8/1/2016) NCAA Division 2 schools do not have a sliding scale NCAA Division 3 schools do not have GPA/SAT/ACT standards for eligibility. If you find that you fallen behind in core courses please contact the guidance department on course recovery options.

A= 4 pointsC= 2 points B= 3 pointsD= 1 point Convert each of your final grades to this scale English A,A,A-,A = 16 points Math B+,B,C,C= 10 points Science B+,B,A, = 10 points Social Studies B,C,C+ = 7 points Spanish B,C = 5 points 16 Core Courses GPA= 48/16 = 3.0 Core Course GPA Honors Courses can add to GPA AP courses may also add to GPA

Students may be approved by NCAA after 6 semesters Div. 1 & Div. 2 have to a minimum SAT of 1000 or ACT of 85 For Div. 1 they must have a GPA of 3.0 in 13 core courses (must be 3 English, 2 science, 2 math, and 6 other core courses) For Div. 2 they must have a GPA of 3.0 in 12 course courses (must be 3 English, 2 science, 2 math, and 5 other core courses)

NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete Naviance Also NCAA Division 1, 2, & 3 manuals Duxbury Athletic Department website

A prospect receives letters/questionnaires from college All students become prospects when they enter the 9 th grade A prospect is not a recruit A recruit is contacted by the coach A recruit is offered an opportunity to visit A recruit is encouraged to apply

Understand different NCAA divisions as well as NAIA and junior colleges Basic understanding of eligibility guidelines Peruse useful websites Begin to understand difference in levels and expectations.

Identify factors that should be considered in assessing program Understand NCAA initial eligibility including core courses, GPA, SAT/ACT) Recruiting Services, carefully evaluate services to ensure needs are being met Students start to contact coaches

Understand specific rule relating to contact with college coaches Register with NCAA initial eligibility center Honest in evaluation of talent level Enroll in correct classes Consider wants and needs for a college beyond athletics

Understanding of NCAA Division 1,2, & 3 levels Unofficial and official visits Have questions ready for coaches College is about academics first, the college selection process should be based on a combination of academic and athletic fit.

NCAA Division 1 & 2 rule 13.6 NCAA Division 1 and 2 schools can only allow 1 official visit to their school. Official visits must occur during senior year. Student-athletes may only have a total of 5 official visits. Visit can last a maximum of 48 hours Student must present ACT/SAT/PSAT score Student must register with NCAA initial eligibility center. School must register student with NCAA for an official visit.

NCAA Division 1 & 2 rule 13.7 A prospective student-athletes may haven an unlimited amount of unofficial visits to NCAA Division 1 or 2 schools. A prospective student-athlete may make unofficial visits before their senior year. Visits must be at own expense.

What positions are you recruiting me for? How many players are currently in this position? How many incoming players are you recruiting at my position? Where do I rank among those incoming players at my position? What is the average size of scholarships in your program? A scholarship is guaranteed for one year. How is it renewed? What happens if I’m injured and cannot play the rest of the year? Do you provide academic counseling?

Most college athletic websites have questionnaires for prospective student-athletes. Student-athletes may always contact coaches. Visit schools to get a feel for environment. Attend camps at school (if applicable) Surf websites for schools, conference, etc. to see if you are a match for schools. Talk to coaches, guidance counselors, athletic directors, and alumni

Don’t go to a school just because of the coach. Whether or not to go early decision? Decide how far from home you really want to go to college. Urban/suburban/rural? Big/small/medium size school? Overall cost of school? (private/public) Type of school (business/liberal arts) Campus life