Tips for Scoring an Athletic Scholarship for College?

I'm a high school junior and I want to play sports in college, but I'm not sure where to start with athletic scholarships. Any advice on the process or any insider tips to help stand out? Appreciate any help!

Your interest in playing college sports is exciting, and you're already on the right track by thinking about athletic scholarships. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify Your Interests and Skills: Start by identifying which sports you're most interested in and skilled at. Focus your efforts on these sports in order to increase your chances of qualifying for an athletic scholarship.

2. Improve Your Athletic Skills: It’s not enough to simply play sports; you need to excel in your sport of choice. This may require additional training, participating in high-level competitions, or attending sports camps to hone your skills and be noticed by scouts or coaches.

3. Get Visibility: Attend sport-specific camps, showcases, or tournaments where college recruiters or coaches are likely to be present. Another way to gain visibility is by creating a highlight reel of your sporting achievements and sending it to schools that interest you.

4. Stay Academically Strong: Remember, even athletic scholarships require a certain level of academic performance. Many universities require student-athletes to maintain a GPA minimum and meet certain standardized test score benchmarks. Good grades could also open up academic scholarships alongside athletic ones.

5. Start Early: Start researching schools and their athletic programs early. Reach out to college coaches during your junior year, expressing your interest in their program and sharing your sports resume. The NCAA has specific regulations regarding when and how coaches can contact prospective athletes, but there's no rule against you contacting coaches.

6. Register With the NCAA Eligibility Center: If you aim to play at an NCAA Division I or II school, you should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This will help colleges know that you are eligible to play sports at the collegiate level.

7. Apply Broadly: Don't limit yourself to just one dream school. Apply to multiple schools where you could potentially play and enjoy your sport, increasing the chances of an offer.

Finally, while it’s important to put your best foot forward, remember to find a school that works for you academically and personally, not just athletically. The goal is to receive an education and college experience that will benefit you long-term. Good luck!