I'm a high school junior specializing in track and field, and I'm really looking to earn a scholarship for college. What are the key steps or strategies I should follow to get noticed by colleges? Any advice would be awesome!
To get noticed by colleges for a track and field scholarship, here are a few key steps that could work in your favor:
1. Improve Your Performance: This is probably the most straightforward point. The stronger your performance in track and field, the higher your chances of getting noticed by colleges. Practice regularly with a coach and set performance goals for yourself. Participating in camps or specialized training can also improve your skills.
2. Compete at High Levels: Participate in state, regional and even national competitions as much as possible. The higher the level of competitions you're taking part in, the more attention you're likely to attract from college scouts. Moreover, performance at higher levels of competition often provides a reliable measure of an athlete's abilities.
3. Marketing Yourself: Reach out proactively to coaches at colleges you're interested in. Share a digital track and field resume that includes your personal records, athletic achievements, competition video footage, and even academic records. Remember to follow up on any communication, showing your continuous interest in their program.
4. Build a Diverse Profile: Colleges look for more than just athletic abilities. They want students who excel academically and contribute to their campus in other ways. Highlight other notable achievements such as leadership roles, volunteer work, or honors in academic subjects.
5. Academic Standing: Always remember that athletic scholarships often require maintaining a certain academic standard. Therefore, keep your grades up to remain eligible for any potential scholarships.
6. Use Online Recruitment Networks: Use sports recruitment networks such as CaptainU, Fieldlevel, or even Appily to get your profile in front of college coaches.
7. Narrow Down Your Choices: Rather than casting a wide net, it might be helpful to research and target a handful of schools that you're genuinely interested in and where your performance aligns with their track and field program's standards.
Remember, the process can be highly competitive so it's important to stay patient, persistent, and optimistic. Best of luck!
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