The Process Is Hard—But Choosing the Right School Is Worth It
Let’s be honest—deciding on a college is not easy.
There’s pressure. There’s uncertainty. There are decisions that feel bigger than anything you have faced before. And the truth is… it should feel that way…because you’re not just choosing where to play. You are exploring your goals, your values, and your future.
The Hard Part No One Talks About Enough
Before the athletic side of college even comes into play, there are important decisions that every student has to make.
Choosing a course of study- Selecting a major can come later, yet making sure you are at a school that gives you the right options is important. A liberal arts school, technical college, social sciences, hard sciences? Your sport may be part of your experience, but your education will be your foundation.
Choosing the Right Location- When you’re choosing the right college, location matters. Do you want to stay close to home or go somewhere new? Are you comfortable being far away from family? Does this campus feel like home? Remember, when your sport ends for the day, this is still where you live. And where you live will shape your experience just as much as where you play.
Financial Conversations
This is one of the most influential—and often most difficult—parts of the college selection process. Families need to have honest conversations about:
Knowing what is financially realistic
Understanding athletic scholarships
Exploring merit-based scholarships
Filling out the FAFSA
These conversations are not always easy—but they are essential when choosing the right college.
And We Haven’t Even Talked About the Athletic Side Yet
Now layer in the athletic portion of the college recruiting process, and the list of questions that need answers gets significantly longer.
Finding the Right Coach- Do you connect with the coach? Do they communicate in a way that motivates you? Strong communication with college coaches is a key part of recruiting—and so is finding someone you trust.
Team Culture Matters- When you go on a visit, pay attention. Is there a cohesive feeling to the team? Did you feel welcomed? Did you feel like you received honest answers when you asked current players about the team, coaches and the campus environment?
Culture plays a huge role in your experience—and your success.
Reaching Out to Multiple Schools- One of the biggest mistakes in college athletic recruiting is limiting your options too early. Reach out to more than your top 2 or 3 schools. The goal is to find the right fit—not force one.
Opportunity to Play- Be honest with yourself: Do I see a path to playing time in college sports? Can I realistically compete at this level? Understanding your role is part of being truly recruitable.
It All Comes Together
After all the emails, visits, conversations, and decisions—there’s a moment where everything clicks. You’ve done the work. You’ve explored your options. You’ve learned how to navigate the process. And then—you choose.
The Joy of Choosing the Right School- When you find the right fit, you feel it. You’re excited about your future; you feel confident in your decision; you can picture yourself there; you know you belong. This feeling of belonging makes the entire college recruiting process worth it.
Before You Commit- Choosing where to apply was a big challenge. Receiving acceptance letters leads to the next part – determining where you want to commit.
Prepare to revisit now, some of the questions from before:
Does this school support my academic goals?
Can I see myself here for four years?
Would I go here without my sport?
Do I trust the coaching staff?
These questions help ensure you’re truly choosing the right college for you.
Final Thought
The college selection process is hard for a reason.
It challenges you to grow, think critically, and make meaningful decisions about your future. When you approach it with honesty, awareness, and the right support— The reward on the other side is something special!
