|
So You Want To Play Football in College!
If you are considering playing football in college,
"prepare early", say the experts. Begin in your sophomore year
to educate yourself about the subject. Consider the commonly given advice
of counselors and recruiters listed below. Also check out the sampling of
books and web sites that follows. It’s a complex subject, made easier by
asking questions and studying the resources.
Common Advice: (Scholarship or not, you
need to be eligible)
 | Let your high school counselor know that you are
considering playing sports in college. Make sure that you are taking the
right classes. Find out what the NCAA "Core GPA" is, and keep
track of yours. |
| Tell your Coach that you would like to play in college,
if you ever have the opportunity. |
| Write for the NCAA "Guide for the
College-Bound Student-Athlete". This free booklet is essential for
knowing the requirements, schedules, and method of preparing for NCAA
eligibility. |
| Attend one of the free seminars sponsored by the NCAA
each year in your area. Ask your high school counselor for the date, or
contact the NCAA by phone, mail, or better yet, on the web. |
| Practice taking the SAT or PSAT as often as possible to
improve your score. (The Career and Guidance Center, in San Juan
Capistrano, offers a free, ten hour computer class on bettering your SAT
score.) |
| If you are anticipating the possibility of a
scholarship offer, read one of the many good books on the subject. See
what you need to do to improve your chances, and when you need to do it. |
Books:
- How to Win a Sports Scholarship – by Hastings
and Caven, First Base Sports, Inc. ($14.95)
A good, simple primer, with sample letters for the
student athlete to send.
- The Real Athletes Guide: How to Succeed in Sports,
School, and Life - by Isenberg, and Rhoads,
Athlete Network Press ($15.95)
All round good advice on a multitude of aspects.
On the World Wide Web:
- Athlete Network: (www.athletenetwork.com)
Lots of Q & A’s, from well know athletes who have "been
there". Academic tips, articles, and a wealth of advice.
- NCAA: (www.ncaa.org) The official site, and your first
stop.
"College Scholarship
Recruiting" Services
Some people consider "college scholarship
recruiting" services to be either controversial, or a practically a
scam. Others swear by them. You decide. Ask parents whose sons are college
(scholarship) bound if they have had any experience with them. Check
recommendations carefully. Go to the WWW, and type in "college
recruiting services". Read before you buy.
Good luck! - B.C.
|
