THE MOST IMPORTANT SUMMER IS BETWEEN JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEAR

For those athletes who have not made a final choice, the summer between your junior and senior year of high school is a key time to demonstrate your athletic development to prospective college coaches and make college campus visits.

Be sure to share with prospective coaches your full summer schedules and video links with metrics showing your performance at key events. Again, recruiting coaches have limited time and sharing information with them in real time is key to getting their attention. 

For those that are already on a schools radar, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and to update prospective coaches on how you are progressing as a player.

What to Ask to Help Make Your Final Decision and COMMIT!

You will interact with many individuals when you make a campus visit; coaches, admissions counselors, and current players. It is best to be prepared so that you get the most out of your visit.

Academic Fit?

• What is the most common major on the team's current roster and does it align with your interests?

• What academic resources are available to the team; advisors, tutoring, study tables?

• Are there specific majors that are not feasible to pursue for athletes in my sport at this school?

• What academic goals do you set for your team?

Athletic fit?

• Can you tell me about your recruiting class for my grad year?

• How would you prefer that I share updates with you on my progress?

• Do you have any recommendations for camps, combines, or showcases that I should attend where you might attend?

• Where do you typically evaluate your athletes?

Cultural Fit?

• What is the current team dynamic like?

• Does the team interact outside of practice and competition?

• What is the housing situation for athletes?

• Is it typical for athletes to stay on campus during the summer?

Financial Fit?

• Does the program have athletic/academic scholarships available?

• Does the school offer work-study opportunities to help supplement scholarship aid?

• What specific expense are covered by the financial aid and/or athletic scholarship package?

• What factors do you consider when determining an athlete's financial aid and/or athletic scholarship package each year?

Things to Consider Before Making A Verbal Commitment

For many athletes and coaches, a verbal commit means something and holds some value. However, before you make that decision you should consider the following:

Am I done with campus visits?

Once you make a verbal commitment there is an expectation that all other recruiting will cease. So make sure that you have taken all of the college visits that you intend to before making this commitment.

Have I done all my research?

Sometimes the temptation of a significant scholarship can make students lose sight of their original goals for a program or school. Make sure that you are considering whether or not the school meets your academic and campus size needs.

Have I seen all of my options?

Nowadays verbally committing may happen before an athlete has a chance to see all of their options. Seriously consider if you’ve seen all your options before you verbally commit. If you do have a few years left in high school, you may have more opportunities out there. Don’t rush the recruiting process, because you never know what else could be out there. Maybe you’ll receive a better offer if you wait a year and better your skills.

For most athletes, the recruiting process only happens once. Don’t cut it off early if you aren’t 100% sure with your choice. Verbally committing can be a great thing, but if not done right it could end up not working out.

5 Most Common Questions about Verbal Commitments

• Is a verbal commitment binding?

  A verbal commitment is not binding with the athletic department, but it's considered similar to a legal contract by 99% of colleges. 

• Does a verbal commitment guarantee an athletic scholarship?

  No, a verbal commitment does not guarantee an athletic scholarship. 

• What should I consider before making a verbal commitment?

  In addition to asking about the program from the coach, you should also consider the school's academic fit and whether you like the team. You can also ask the school's Academic Counselor questions. 

• How can I get a financial pre-read?

  A financial pre-read can help you determine if you'll receive athletic aid, academic aid, or other merit-based scholarships. 

• What is a National Letter of Intent (NLI)?

  An NLI is a legally binding commitment that requires a student-athlete to attend the institution full-time for one academic year. If you sign an NLI and then change your mind or decide to transfer, there may be consequences.