Trying out for College Sports

I am a rising junior and a pretty decent athlete, wondering if you can try out for college sports after getting into a university? Or do you have to be scouted first? Would love to hear about your experiences with this process.

Attempting to try out for college sports once you're already accepted to a university varies depending on the level of the athletic program. For many sports, particularly at the NCAA Division I or Division II schools, the recruitment process often begins before you even apply to the university. Coaches will typically scout high school athletes during their junior year, or even earlier, and make recruitment decisions based on that.

Still, walk-on tryouts do exist for certain sports at some universities, and each institution may have its unique process. Often, these are for non-scholarship positions, and you could earn a spot on the team without having been recruited. However, landing a spot on the team through a walk-on tryout can be quite competitive.

If you're eyeing a particular school or sport, it's best to do your homework. Research the universities you are interested in attending, check out their athletic department's website, reach out to the coach of your sport, and express your interest. You can express that you'd like to try out for the team and inquire about the process, timelines, and requirements.

Remember, you can also look into club or intramural sports. These often require less of a time commitment than varsity athletics, but still provide opportunities to compete and stay active.

Bear in mind that while athletics can enrich your college experience, academics should always take precedence, especially when your sport isn’t funding your education.