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For the prospective student-athlete, making a campus visit can be a wonderful
opportunity to gather information and experiences that help you make a better
college choice. Think of it like a trip to your local car dealership: Sure, you
could buy a car sight unseen, but you’ll probably make a wiser purchase
if you get behind the wheel and take it for a test drive.
From an academic standpoint, an athlete should consider factors such as the curriculum
offered at a given school, the reputation of the departments, and student-to-faculty
ratio. From an athletic standpoint, they should focus on the coach and the resources
provided for athletes to maximize their talent. The campus visit is the single
best chance to judge whether you can achieve your collegiate goals at a particular
university.
The campus visit may be formal or informal, but student-athletes who have received
interest from coaches should look into making “official” visits—those
that are paid for by the school and regulated by the NCAA. Under such rules, students
may only “officially” visit a school once and no more than five schools
in total. Furthermore, official visits may last no longer than 48 hours and can
occur only during an athlete’s senior year in high school. During these
visits, students receive official tours, speak with coaches and players, and may
stay overnight on campus.
Unofficial visits, on the other hand, occur when student-athletes choose to visit
the university on their own and pay for the trip themselves. The student is free
to visit coaches and speak with whomever he or she chooses, and can make repeat
visits. During each visit, they can also stay on campus as long as they wish.
Regardless of whether a visit is official or unofficial, a campus visit provides
the opportunity to get a feel for a university’s academic, athletic, and
extracurricular programs to gather information that will help you to decide whether
or not it will be a good fit for you. For those student-athletes who haven’t
been planning our college careers since we were toddlers—probably most of
us—it’s also an opportunity to discover more about what you’re
seeking from a college.
On a campus visit, it’s critical to ask a lot of questions and do a lot
of active listening. In addition to speaking with members of the athletic department,
you should speak to faculty and students involved in admissions, financial aid,
housing, and the academic fields and extracurricular activities that interest
you. You will, of course, want to tour the athletic facilities, but remember that
it is equally important to visit the housing and academic facilities you will
be using on a daily basis.
Next, you can get a sense of how happy student-athletes are in a particular athletic
program by observing their attitudes and assessing their overall morale. You should
have ample opportunity to interact with athletes in a variety of settings, including
practices and games. You may even be able to stay with an athlete during your
visit. Use the opportunity to get the inside scoop from the athlete’s point
of view.
As for the academic side of things, ask yourself whether the school is suitable
for your academic goals and conducive to exploring newfound interests. Take note
of what services and resources are provided for athletes, such as computer facilities
or tutors. Learn the routines and practice schedules of the athletes at the school,
and pay careful attention to how much time is allotted for activities besides
sports, such as classes, studying, socializing, and other extracurricular activities.
After your visit, consider the following questions:
- How big is the time commitment necessary to participate in the sport?
- Are tutors and other services provided to athletes?
- Will I lose my scholarship if I become injured or sick?
- What portion of tuition, books, and fees will be covered by their scholarship
offer?
- Did the coaches seem concerned about academics?
- What are my realistic prospects for advancing on the team?
Remember that besides being a great athletic experience, college is an opportunity
to explore your interests, uncover hidden talents, challenge your weaknesses,
and discover who you really are and what you’re passionate about. It’s
not just a gateway to bigger sports… it’s a gateway to the rest of
your life!
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