College Athletic Scholarships: How to Apply?

I'm a high school athlete hoping to get a scholarship for college. How do I start applying for athletic scholarships? Any advice on creating a sports resume or contacting coaches?

To apply for athletic scholarships, you'll need to be proactive. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:

1. Research: Start by looking at colleges that offer sports scholarships for your respective sport. This could be Division I, II, or III schools. Remember, however, that only Division I and II schools can offer athletic scholarships.

2. Create a Sports Resume: Develop a resume with detailed information about your athletic and academic achievements. Include your Personal Information, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, Sports Statistics, Tournament Participation, Awards and Recognition, etc.

3. Make a Highlights Video: Apart from your stats, coaches are keen on seeing you in action. Create a succinct but impactful highlights video of your game performances. The video should really speak to your skills and potential.

4. Reach out to Coaches: Take the initiative and reach out to the coaches of the schools you are interested in. You can find their contact information on the school's athletic site. When you write to them, provide information about your academic and athletic qualifications, express your interest in their program, and include your sports resume and highlights video.

5. Fill Out Questionnaires: Some colleges have athletic questionnaires on their websites that you can fill out. These questionnaires help college coaches assess potential recruits and come in handy when scholarships are being considered.

6. Register with the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers: To receive an athletic scholarship from a Division I, II, or NAIA school, athletes must register and get certified with the respective eligibility center. It's also a way for college coaches to ensure that prospective athletes are eligible to compete at the college level.

7. Apply to Colleges: Apply to the colleges you're interested in, even if you're waiting to hear from the coach. There's no guarantee you'll land an athletic scholarship and your academic application remains crucial.

Remember, be patient and persistent. It could take some time before you start getting responses from coaches. Keep working on your athletic and academic skills in the meantime. Good luck!