Am I good enough for an athletic scholarship?

CHECKLIST

Here are four steps to help you snag that scholarship:

1. Contact the school formally. Once you have made a list of schools you are interested in, get the names of the head coaches and write to them. Include:

• A factual resume of your athletic and academic accomplishments.
• 10 to 15 minutes of video highlights of your athletic performance (with your jersey number noted).
• Letters of recommendation from your high school coach and off-season coach.
• Your sport's season schedule.

2. Ace the interview. When you meet with a recruiter or coach, offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. According to recruiters, the most effective attitude is quiet confidence, respect, sincerity and enthusiasm.

3. Ask good questions.

• Do I qualify athletically and academically?
• If I were recruited, what would the parameters of the scholarship be?
• For what position am I being considered?
• What level of interest do you have in me?

4. Follow up. Persistence pays off and timing can be everything. There are four good times when a follow-up letter from your coach or a personal letter from you is extremely effective:

• Prior to the senior season.
• During or just after the senior season.
• Just prior to or after announced signing dates (conference-affiliated or national association).
• Late summer, in case scholarship offers to other athletes have been withdrawn or declined.

This article taken from Peterson's/Next Step Magazine's Checklist edition 2003.