Any advice on finding sports scholarships for college?

I'm an athlete and considering using my skills for a sports scholarship. What sports tend to offer the best chances for scholarships? Curious if anyone's navigated this process and can share insights about eligibility or recruitment?

The opportunity for securing sports scholarships can vary significantly based on the sport you play and your achievement level. Typically, sports like football and basketball offer numerous full-ride scholarships because these are revenue-generating sports for many colleges. Non-revenue sports, on the other hand, often have fewer scholarships or only partial scholarships available.

However, remember that going for a sports scholarship also means a commitment to keeping up with both your sports training and academic responsibilities. The athletic commitment is often very time-consuming, and student-athletes must be able to maintain good academic performance for eligibility.

To increase your chances of getting a sports scholarship, it’s crucial to start early. You should:

1. Highlight your sports achievements: Make a sports resume or sports profile detailing your achievements, stats, and even notable game performances. Include any records you may have broken or leadership roles you've held on your teams.

2. Reach out to coaches: You can email coaches at colleges you're interested in attending or even try to meet with them during campus visits. They'll be able to give specific advice on how to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship at their institution.

3. Get a skills video: A well-made skills video can be a good supplement to your applications. This will allow coaches to see you in action, something that's particularly important if they can't come to see you play in person.

4. Keep up your grades: Athletes need to meet certain GPA requirements to be considered for sports scholarships. Even if the school you’re interested in tends to be more flexible, a strong academic record can only help your application.

5. Register with the NCAA eligibility center: If you plan on participating in sports at a college affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), you'll need to register with the NCAA eligibility center, which certifies athletes for participation.

6. Utilize the Appily (formerly Cappex) recruiting free tool: This tool lets you create a profile that college coaches can browse. Coaches can contact you directly if they’re interested in recruiting you.

Remember, it's possible that you may not receive a sports scholarship, or it may not cover all expenses. Therefore, it's a good idea to prepare for other types of financial aid, such as academic scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities. Good luck!