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The College Application Process
As if the recruitment process wasn’t hard enough, the college application process can be just as time consuming and difficult. There are several things a prospective student-athlete should know when applying to a college.
The first step is to make sure a coach knows that you are applying to their college/university. There may be special steps a coach wants you to take, such as sending the application directly to him/her or applying online. Sometimes there are special applications for recruited athletes.
A coach may also have a specific time frame during which he or she would like you to apply. Determine whether a coach wants you to apply before or after a visit or at any other specific time. An excellent time to ask questions about applying to a college is when you call the coach to set up your official or unofficial visit.
Also follow up with the coach regarding the application fee. The cost of applying to numerous colleges/universities can mount quickly so ask about fee waivers. Not every college/university can waive application fees for prospective student-athletes, so if a coach declines your request do not take it personally. You can also ask your high school guidance counselor for a Fee Waiver Request Form/Financial Hardship Waiver. The request form can also be downloaded at www.nacac.com/feewaiver.html.
In some cases, special circumstances may arise such as a coach asking you to apply for early decision. In this situation make sure to know whether it is a binding early decision application or not. If it is binding, make sure that the college/university you are applying to is your number one choice because if you are accepted you must withdraw all applications to other colleges/universities. The early decision situation usually occurs at more selective colleges/universities and can be a good way to show the coach that you are committed to their college/university. In return, the coach is more likely to assist you in the admissions process.
Keep in mind that each student-athlete is recruited on an individual basis. A coach asking you to apply before or after your visit does not reflect the coach’s interest or lack of interest in you.
Although applying to colleges can be a daunting task, you do not have to go through it alone. The National Collegiate Scouting Association has soccer Recruiting Coaches who are familiar with the application process as well as all of the rules and regulations of the NCAA.
ABOUT NCSA
NCSA, the Official Scouting Organization and Provider of Recruiting Education for Cal South, is the premier source for matching high school scholar – athletes with colleges and universities across the country. NCSA is the "Eyes & Ears" of more than 40,000 college coaches, who rely on NCSA's experienced scouting team and instant response capabilities to provide them with quality prospective recruits. NCSA prides itself in educating high school student-athletes and their families about the college recruiting process. Please visit www.ncsasports.org for more information about NCSA.
