Top colleges for swimming scholarships?

I'm a competitive swimmer hoping to get a scholarship for college. Can anyone recommend some of the best colleges that offer swimming scholarships? What criteria do they usually look for in athletes?

The best schools for collegiate swimming with scholarships often depend on your specific stroke/style and your qualifying times, but here's a list of colleges renowned for their swim programs where you might be considered for a scholarship:

1. Stanford University

2. University of Texas

3. University of California - Berkeley (Cal)

4. University of Michigan

5. Auburn University

6. University of Florida

7. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

8. University of Georgia

9. Indiana University Bloomington

10. University of Southern California (USC)

Colleges typically consider the following criteria when recruiting athletes for swimming:

1. Speed: This is evidenced by your competitive swimming times which they will compare to the NCAA or NAIA qualifying times. Student-athletes seeking swim scholarships must have swimming times that fall within these top times.

2. Academic performance: This matters because you're still a student first, athlete second. You'll be required to maintain a certain GPA to compete, so doing well academically can make you a more attractive prospective athlete.

3. Versatility: Being versatile and able to swim different styles can work in your favor.

4. Endorsements from your coach: This can make a significant difference. A solid recommendation from your former or current coach who can vouch for your skills, capability, dedication, and teamwork can be a convincing argument for your suitability for a scholarship.

5. Ability to perform under pressure: Meet performance, especially big meets, is important. Coaches are interested in how an athlete performs under pressure, so consistently performing well in high-pressure situations like championship meets could be a differentiating factor.

Remember, apply broadly, keep your grades up, stay versatile, and always keep your swim times updated in your recruiting profile. Best of luck in your search for a swimming scholarship!