Joining a College Cheer Team

I've been a cheerleader all throughout high school and want to keep it up in college. I know that some squads are very competitive, but are there schools where it's easier to make the cheer team? Any help would be appreciated!

Absolutely! Balancing college academics with cheerleading can be a commitment, but it's a rewarding way to maintain your passion and possibly get involved in competitions or high-energy sports games. It's important to note that the competitiveness of cheer squads can vary greatly from college to college.

Some large universities, particularly those with big sports teams, may have highly competitive cheer squads – think Division I schools in the NCAA like the University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, or the University of California, Los Angeles. These teams often require extensive cheerleading experience and have rigorous tryout processes.

On the other hand, there are many schools where the cheerleading squads might be less competitive, particularly smaller colleges or those whose sports teams are not high-profile. Many Division II, Division III, or NAIA schools may have cheerleading squads that are more about school spirit and less about competition.

Another factor to consider is whether the school has a competitive cheer team apart from their sidelines team. Sometimes, the competitive team is more difficult to make than the sidelines team.

Take time to research the schools that interest you, not only for their academic offerings but also to explore the culture and atmosphere surrounding their cheerleading program. Look for opportunities to attend cheer clinics or tryout prep courses offered by the university's cheer program. These events can give you hands-on experience with their coaching style, expectations, and can give you insights into what will be expected at tryouts.

In conclusion, while there is certainly a range in the selectiveness of college cheer teams, there are indeed schools where it might be less competitive to make the cheer team. It's always best to do some research on the particular colleges you're interested in to gauge the level of competition.