Thought of the Day: College Recruiting
It’s a bummer that most parents and student-athletes won’t even know they’re making mistakes in the college recruiting process until it’s too late.
If you’re child is already in high school and you haven’t done much (or anything) and don’t already have a plan in place, you’re headed down that path.
NCSA is a company that helps simplify the recruiting process for you. Can you do everything yourself? Yes, you can. There’s a lot to know and a lot to do. Whether you get help or not, you must be proactive in this process. For most it’s not a cake walk. There will probably be a number of ups and downs. There’s a lot to do (did I mention that already?). I know quite a bit about the process and still I know there is tons more to know. I’ve been through the process myself and signed with a DI school and yet I will get help when my oldest daughter starts her college recruiting journey next year. There’s so much to do! (in case you didn’t get the point earlier)
People get help with many major decisions in their lives: financial planners for retirement, wedding planners for their big day, academic advisors just to decide which classes to take, etc. Yet I find that many people are reluctant to have an advisor on their side during the college recruiting process. Parents, just remember one thing. This college decision…it’s not a 4-year decision, it’s a 40-year decision. Your child’s choices in if/where they go to college will likely impact the next 40 years of their lives. Many people meet their spouse in college. Others grow roots and end up living where they go to college. Others make lifetime friendships and bonds that serve them well for years and years beyond college. And some miss out on opportunities that should be there because they didn’t make the right decisions. This decision has affects much further down the road than just 4 years. Do you have a plan? Waiting until the last minute only brings about uncertaintly, stress, and anxiety during a time (end of high school years) that should be filled with wonderful memories. Don’t wait. Start now. And if you need help, I work with NCSA. I represent them here in Hawaii and speak on their behalf at youth sports events. They are the ones I will turn to for guidance when my kids get a little older.
Want to educate yourself more? Download the NCAA’s Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete. It’s FREE and I believe they just updated the publication for 2009-2010. Google it and you should be able to find the download link pretty easily. Start there! Then feel free to read the other college recruiting articles I have posted HERE.
