The road to obtaining a college scholarship is one with many obstacles and challenges. Because of this, it is important to acknowledgeand correctcommon mistakes in the recruiting process. In order for both student-athletes and parents to take full advantage of recruitment opportunities, these 3 mistakes must be avoided.

 

1. The number one mistake parents and student-athletes make in the recruiting process is overestimating their ability. They believe that they are more talented and sought after than they actually are. Because of an overestimation of talent, parents and student-athletes wait too long before contacting coaches and trying to get scholarships. By this time many coaches and schools have already allocated most of their scholarship money and roster spots. 



Solution- It is important for parents and student-athletes to be proactivewithin the recruiting process. Athletes should realistically assess their athletic skill level and aim for programs that match their desires, skills, and needs. Rather than simply waiting to be recruited by college programs, it has become more and more necessary for parents and athletes to contact coaches and market themselves.

 

2. Many parents and student-athletes also tend to feel that anything less than a Division One scholarship is unacceptable. Ignoring interest from Division Two and Three schools can severely limit recruitment opportunities. 



Solution-A common misconceptionin the world of collegiate sport is that Division 2 and 3 schools are far less talented athletically and competitively. Although the overall talent pool of Division 1 players is of higher caliber, D2 and D3 schools still acquire many high-level athletes. It is important for parents and students to realize that although the prestige of a Division 1 program is absent, D2 and D3 schools do offer highly competitive athletic opportunities along with very strong academic backgrounds.

 

3. Finally, parents and student-athletes do not understand how rarea full scholarship is. As they are caught up in the search for a “full ride” many potential collegiate athletic opportunities are overlooked. 



Solution:The majority of D1 and D2 scholarships are only partially funded. Besides major revenue generating sports such as Basketball and Football, full scholarships are very rarely given away. Athletes and parents need to realize the reality and probability that a full scholarship is not a likely outcome. Instead, they must embrace the opportunities they are presented with; whether it is a partial scholarship to a D1 school or a generous financial aid package from a D3 program.