FIND A COLLEGE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

It is very important to note that these are just guidelines, they are not written in stone and there are exceptions to everything.  If you have a dream, go for it!

1. If you are not in high school, stop here - colleges do not care about you yet, but they will someday. 

Grade 9:  Go to Step 2
Grade 10 and Grade 11: Go to step 3
Grade 12: Go to step 4

2. Freshman: Is your vertical touch at least 9’4”?  If it is not, then most colleges will not spend a lot of time recruiting you as a freshman.  There is no solid rule, but 9’4” is about where Division I schools lose interest and other schools do not usually recruit freshman.  You can continue the process if you want, but my suggestion is to worry about Skill and Athletic development until next year. 

If you continue at this point - Go to step 5

3. All setters and DS’s go to step 5.  All hitters, measure your vertical touch.  If a sophomore is below 9’6” or a junior is below 9’8” you can probably eliminate most ESTABLISHED division I schools from your list. 

4. All seniors: Eliminate all established Division I schools from your list.  They have already used their scholarships.  If you wish to walk on at a Division I school, then keep them on your list.

5. MOST IMPORTANTLY - Do you know what your major will be and how certain are you?  Some degrees are very limiting, while others are not.  There are very few STRONG engineering programs, for example.  If you know what your intended degree is, then eliminate schools that do not have that degree.  Also, the larger the school, the more opportunities you will have if you switch majors.

6. Choose one or more of the following statements:

a. I would like to live at home during college

b. I would like to be able to drive home during the week for dinner/do laundry/visit my parents or see my friends when I am away at school

c. I would like to be able drive home a weekend, but not most weekends when I am at school.  The thought of my mom dropping by unexpectedly frightens me.

d. I would like to get away from this area and go someplace new.  I will probably only drive home on holidays and for the summer.

e. I really have always wanted to live someplace _______(fill in blank, warm/sunny/out west/ out east/by the mountains/by the ocean/etc).  I realize that I will probably have to fly home if I come home anytime other than winter break and over the summer.

f. I don’t care

Then eliminate schools outside of your distance comfort zone.  Choice a = within 45 minutes.  Choice b = within 90 minutes.  Choice c = 90 minutes to 4 hrs away.  Choice d = 4 hrs to 10 hrs away.  Choice e = more than 10 hours drive.

7. Junior colleges (2 year schools): These can be an excellent way for athletes to get 2 years paid for.  Some people question the prestige of your degree or they are afraid that some of their classes will not transfer.  Please choose one of the following:

a. I WANT a junior college

b. I am indifferent

c. I will not attend a junior college

8. Are you interested in playing without a scholarship?  If not , you can eliminate Division III and Division IAA schools.  They do not offer scholarships, though some will argue they are among your strongest academic programs.

9. School size is important.  Usually, there are more scholarships from smaller schools; however, both small and large schools offer different advantages.  Talk to someone about this if you are unsure.

10. Think about anything else that would be important to you and write it down.  Some examples might be:  A School’s ethnic makeup, rural vs. urban, proximity to a city, sororities (some schools don’t have any), on/off campus housing, etc.

 Add in any schools that you know you find interesting and then look back over your worksheet.  This should give you an idea of what you are looking for.  Save this and return to the checklist.