QUESTIONS FOR ATHLETES TO ASK

  This provides a framework of questions for athletes to ask coaches, when being recruited by colleges.  Most questions were developed by the athletic department at Purdue University.  Some questions were added by the Pottsgrove Guidance office.  Not all questions may pertain to all athletes.  Use this as a guide when visiting campuses and speaking with coaches.

  Also refer to the NCAA Clearinghouse web site for additional eligibility information.

**Before signing a letter of intent-check scholarship details!!!!

 

1. Is it a fully accredited, highly rated institution?  Is it in a conference? Does the conference have an automatic qualifier to the NCAA?

2. Does it offer my major?

 

3. Are my high school grades good enough for the school to admit me?

 

4. What does my guidance counselor think about the college with respect to my academic ability and the major I plan to pursue?

 

5. How many hours a day will athletics and the other responsibilities involved in maintaining my scholarship take me away from my studies?  What are the arrangements for missed classes? 

 

6. Will the athletic department pay for any tutoring I may require?  Are there tutors on away trips?  Are there required study halls.

 

7. Are they offering a four-year scholarship, or can they terminate it anytime they choose?  Do I need to maintain a certain GPA to keep scholarship?

 

8. What happens to the scholarship if I am injured and unable to play?

 

9. How much will it cost me to go to school on top of the scholarship?  Are books included?

 

10. Must I work for my room and board?  What are the hours of this job?

 

11. (Student-Athlete)  Can I afford to travel home during vacation periods, and can my parents afford to travel to the college to see me play as often as they wish?

 

12. Would I like to play for the head coach who is recruiting me?  Will he be the coach next year?  Is she a full-time coach?

 

13. What do the present and former athletes have to say about the athletic department and the institution in general?

 

14. Does my high school coach feel that I can play at this level?

 

15. Am I as big, fast, and strong as the player now occupying the position I desire to play?

 

16. Do my particular skills fit their style of play?  How many players are you recruiting for the position I would play?

 

     17.(Student-Athlete) A college athlete is usually a person who participated in a highly
          competitive high school league, has unusual physical abilities, and a burning desire to
          excel.  Do I have at least two of these attributes?

     18. Is the present varsity team composed of students who  played as freshmen?

 

     19. What do the players do in the preseason?

    

     20. What is your typical practice schedule?

 

     21. What are your off season expectations?

 

     22. What are the living arrangements for players?