College Athletics
When it comes to college athletics, colleges are divided into four basic categories: Division I, Division II, and Division III teams, which are governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and teams governed by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA). The main website for the NCAA is www.ncaa.org and for the NAIA is www.naia.org.
Division I and Division II schools recruit athletes and award scholarships, either total or partial. (One caveat: Ivy League Schools are in Division I but they do not award scholarships. However, being a recruited athlete can be an advantage in admissions at these schools.) Division III schools do not award scholarships.
If you plan to participate in Division I or Division II intercollegiate sports, it is imperative you read the pamphlet entitled "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete." This guide can be found at www.ncaaclearinghouse.org under the menu "General Information." It covers such topics as academic eligibility, amateurism eligibility, registration with the NCAA eligibility center, and financial aid and recruiting rules. Eligibility and registration requirements are complex and subject to change, so be sure to read the most recent Guide and abide by all the rules and regulations. You must take charge of your athletic future. We simply cannot list all athletic requirements here.
Here is some basic information. Beginning your freshman year, make sure the classes you take are on the MCHS approved core-course list. Confirm you are taking approved core-courses each year.
All prospective Division I and Division II athletes must also be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center. Go to www.ncaaclearinghouse.org and follow the directions on how to be certified. You will also need to send the scores from your standardized tests to the Center. When you register to take the SAT or ACT, send your scores to the Center at code 9999. Be sure to register junior year. After junior year, send a transcript to the Center.
If you are applying to a Division III school, you should contact that school regarding its policies on admissions, financial aid, practices, and competitions. Division III schools have limited recruiting budgets, so they tend to favor students who show an interest in them. For more information, go to www.collegestudentathletes.com.
Remember that you are one injury away from not becoming or continuing on as a college athlete. And a very small percentage of college athletes move on into professional sports. That's why it is important to choose a school based on academic and other factors, not just sports. Ask your current coach to suggest schools for you to consider in all divisions.
After researching schools and coming up with a list of those you are interested in, write to the coaches at these schools directly. Include an athletic resume with your test scores and GPA, sports statistics, individual and team honors, references, and contacts. You can also include a short video highlighting your skills.
The process of becoming a college athlete is complex and filled with mine fields. Be sure to read all information for prospective college athletes carefully. Also, be realistic about letters of interest from college coaches. They may or may not indicate a genuine interest in you. And they may or may not have the ability to get you admitted. Ask coaches directly where you stand.