Questions to ask during visits

[JAM26]

Daughter's taking an official visit. Looking for some questions to ask that
we might not have thought of.

[EVR585]

Here is what we have posted on our organization website to help our athletes when making visits. Hope it helps.

What To Ask During Recruitment Visits



A Few Softball Questions:

1. What positions will I play on your team?? It's not always obvious. Most coaches want to be flexible so that you are not disappointed.

2. Describe the other players competing at the same position. If there is a former high-school all-American at that position, you may want to take that into consideration. This will give you clues as to what year you might be a starter.

3. What is the "redshirt" policy?? Find out how common it is to redshirt and how that will affect graduation. Does the school redshirt you if you are injured?

4. What are the physical requirements each year?? Philosophies of strength and conditioning vary by institution. You may be required to maintain a certain weight.

5. How would you best describe your coaching style?? Every coach has a particular style that involves different motivational techniques and discipline. You need to know if a coach's teaching style does not match your learning style.

6. What is the game plan? For team sports, find out what style of offense and defense is employed.

7. When does the head coach's contract end?? Don't make any assumptions about how long a coach will be at a school. If the coach is losing and the contract ends in two years, you may have a new coach.

8. Describe the preferred, invited, and uninvited walk-on situation. How many make it, compete and earn a scholarship? Different teams treat walk-ons differently.



A Few Academic Questions:

1. How good is the department in my major?? Smaller colleges can have very highly rated departments. A team's reputation is only one variable to consider. Your degree is what really matters!

2. What percentage of players on scholarship graduate in 4 years?? This will tell you about the quality of their commitment to academics. The team's grade-point average also is a good indicator of the coach's commitment to academics.

3. Describe the typical class sizes?? At larger schools, classes are likely to be larger and taught by teaching assistants. Average class size is important to the amount of attention you receive.

4. Describe in detail your academic support program?? For example: Study hall requirements, tutor availability, staff, class load, faulty cooperation. This is imperative for marginal students. Find a college that will take the 3.0 students and help them get a 3.5 GPA.

5. Describe the typical day for a student-athlete. This will give you a good indication of how much time is spend in class, practice, studying and traveling. It also will give you a good indication of what coaches expect.

6. What are the residence halls (dorms) like?? Make sure you would feel comfortable in study areas, community bathrooms and laundry facilities. Number of students in a room and coed dorms are other variable to consider.

7. Will I be required to live on campus for all four years?? If the answer is yes, ask whether there are exceptions. Apartment living may be better than dorm living.



A Few Financial Aid Questions:

1. How much financial aid is available for summer school?? There is no guarantee. Get a firm commitment. You may need to lighten your normal load and go to summer school in order to graduate in four years. You can take graduate courses and maintain your eligibility.

2. What are the details of financial aid at your institution?? What does my scholarship cover?? What can I receive in addition to the Scholarship and how do I get more aid?

3. How long does my scholarship last?? Most people misinterpret that a "full ride" is good for four years. Financial aid is available on a one-year renewable basis.

4. If I'm injured, what happens to my financial aid?? A grant-in-aid is not guaranteed past a one-year period even for injuries. It is important to know if a school has a commitment to assist student-athletes for more than a year after they have been injured.

5. What are my opportunities for employment while I'm a student?? Find out if you can be employed in-season, out-of-season or during vacation periods: NCAA rules prohibit you from earning more than the value of a full scholarship during the academic year.

Good luck!!!

Ernest V. Robles
Houston Power 14u

[JAM26]

Thanks that really helps! Daughter is nervous and scard. Now that the realization is here
that she could actually be going to college and playing softball far away from home I want to
cover as much as I can.

[Tucson]

Is there fund raising? Am I required to work at concession stands for other sports?

Can I pursue my major? Can I pick my own classes? (I know too many athletes that have ended up with a degree that they can't use and didn't want.)


(I also need to say that I have heard of some departments that aren't going to like being asked all of these questions.)

[CityLawyer]

Jam, I hope this helps:

http://www.eteamz.com/RECRUITINGTIPS/ne ... cat=550459

But a word to the wise about meeting with the coach. Most college coaches will ignore the parent during this initial meeting. This is not done to be rude. It is a test on multiple levels. Not only is the coach evaluating your daughter, he/she is also evaluting the parents. If the parents tend to butt in or interfere with the meeting it is a major turn off for most coaches.

[JAM26]

Thanks for all your suggestions. Visit went well. Daughter verballed and will be signing NLI tonight at dinner!

[watcher]

Thanks for all your suggestions. Visit went well. Daughter verballed and will be signing NLI tonight at dinner!

Congrats. It is a great feeling to have crossed that bridge, I can only imagine the relief that our DD's feel. It is bittersweet though, Both of minwill be on the other side of the country. Although it does give me a reason to visit Florida again, Palm Springs will seem like old times.


Best of luck to you & yours

[PLCSara]

For anyone who is interested, I have a list of questions that I would be happy to email you. Please drop me a note - sara@powerlineconsulting.net - for more information.

Sara