When you start researching colleges, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Based on your grades and test scores, where can you apply? As a family, what can you afford for tuition? As an athlete, what level can you compete and succeed at? These are important questions that can help you get started as you look for possible schools. Remember: where you end up attending college can have a huge impact on the rest of your life, so make sure you are finding the best fit for you, both athletically and academically.
Here are some other things to consider when you are looking into schools:
Does the school have your major? What you want to study and get your degree in should have the most impact when choosing your college.
Where is the school located? Think about the climate/weather and distance from home, family, and friends…this can affect how happy you are at a school.
Do you like the coach/team/athletic department there? If you want to compete in college, how much you enjoy your athlete experience is an important aspect to consider.
Do you see yourself at this school if you couldn’t participate on a team? Things happen in college and many athletes don’t play all four years on their college team, so it’s crucial to be able to finish your degree and still be happy if you can’t play.