How to Find and Apply for Athletic Scholarships?

I'm a high school junior, and I'm very involved in sports. I've heard about athletic scholarships and I'm wondering how I can increase my chances of getting one. What are the typical requirements for these scholarships, and are there specific things I should be doing now to prepare? Also, are there any resources or organizations that provide extra support for athletes seeking scholarships?

Athletic scholarships are a fantastic way to help finance your college education and there are several steps that you can take to make yourself a strong candidate:

1. Showcase Your Athletic Talent: Athletic scholarships are merit-based and typically awarded by colleges and universities to outstanding athletes. Therefore, honing your talent in your specific sport is a high priority. Participate in school and club sports, attend offseason training camps and showcase tournaments, and consider hiring a personal trainer to improve your performance.

2. Academics Matter: Maintaining solid academics is crucial. Athletes must meet certain GPA standards to remain eligible for most scholarships, and some scholarships may even factor in standardized test scores. So, make sure to balance your time between athletics and academics.

3. Create a Highlight Video: A great way to get noticed by college coaches is to create a highlight video showcasing your skills and abilities in your sport. This video can be shared with college recruiters as part of your athletic portfolio.

4. Start Early with Recruitment: Reach out to coaches at schools you're interested in – this demonstrates your interest and drive and keeps you on their radar. Start doing this in your junior year if you haven't yet.

5. Complete the NCAA Eligibility Center Registration: If you're looking to play sports at a Division I or II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, which will verify your amateur athlete status and academic qualifications.

As for resources and organizations to support you, there are a few that stand out. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a good starting point for information about athletic scholarships at the Division I and II levels, while the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers opportunities for smaller colleges and universities.

Also, be sure to check out websites like Appily that can help you find scholarships based on your specific athletic abilities.

However, remember to always check with your coach or athletic director for advice about the recruiting process, as they can offer valuable guidance.

Keep in mind that being proactive and organized throughout this process is critical. Getting an athletic scholarship is competitive and it's important to put your best foot forward not just on the field, but in the classroom and during the application process too. Best of luck!