7 Things You Need to Know About Sports Scholarships

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Athletegirl:

Most of Lynn's article is dead on accurate. Fortunately for you, your coach may intend to honor a scholarship for all 4 years, however coaches are not bound to do so. Lynn is absolutely right in saying that athletic scholarships are renewable year to year. During the year in which the scholarship is offered, you are right in saying that we as coaches cannot revoke it without cause. However, once the academic year ends, the scholarship expires. The coach can determine to re-issue it, increase, decrease, or extend it to anybody that he or she sees fit.

Secondly, it terms of division 3 scholarships, once again Lynn has valid information. There are a lot of schools with good merit scholarship programs or financial aid packages based on need. Most often division 3 institutions that are state schools offer very low (relatively speaking) tuition rate for in state students and some of the more expensive and elite schools often offer the best need based financial aid packages due to their endowment size (although the current economy is starting to have a negative impact here).

Where I will make one small addition to Lynn's piece would be in regards to the highlight reel. Yes, I agree, youtube is a great tool, but don't throw out those DVDs just yet. A lot of coaches are starting to ask for full game footage of prospective student-athletes. Many of us would rather see what a player can do across an entire match. Yes it can (and should be) one of their best matches, but the information we get from a full game is far more useful than a 5 minute collection of brilliant goals, although don't be afraid to send us that stuff either.

soccercoach of AL 1:20AM May 20, 2012

Ok - I am a division I athlete, and I do not mean to be rude here, but you have a couple of things wrong.. Where you talk about full rides - you are not including tennis (or golf). Maybe this bothers me because it is my sport, but look at any womens tennis team in the united states who attends a division I school. Almost every single girl who has a scholarship on the team (6-7 girls) are on full rides. Really, any womens sport who is small and does not consist of a large amount of players have this privilege because the scholarships are not having to be divided among so many players. However, mens tennis is not like this because of title 9. Next, where you talk about how it is not guaranteed that the athlete will keep receiving the scholarship - that is only going to happen if the athlete does not perform (show effort) or act as they should in practice, competition, and school. Last, when talking about division III, you say this is where the best places for money can be? I agree to an extent, but either the kid has got to be extremely smart, or very good at their sport for the school to come up with the money. I have been through the process, and it is very exhausting and time consuming. To me, I feel like you are being a bit of a debbie downer.. I agree, it is difficult and you must be dedicated to your sport, but there is no need to discourage the ambitions of young athletes out there that are GOOD at their sport.

AthleteGirl of AR 4:07AM April 30, 2012

If you are a UK based soccer player then Soccer Scholar Academy is the company that can help you achieve your scholarship ambitions. We provide American soccer scholarship opportunities to excelling players who have not yet managed to obtain a professional contract. For more information visit www.soccerscholaracademy.com

Simon 1:03PM April 29, 2012

Here's another great resource to find where scholarships can be in your area. Give a call to 877-625-1077 .

NCSA has helped student athletes earn over $2.4 billion in scholarship money. Last year, 85% of NCSA athletes received athletic scholarship offers. Our system works. Call Now to learn more about how we can help you.

Scholarship Guru of FL 3:12PM April 26, 2012

Sports scholarships are very important when considering where to attend college, but if you're not a high ranking competitive athlete and like playing sports, check out what a school has to offer for intramural sports. Many colleges offer great non-competitive leagues that are fun and give a great workout.

Check out what Union College's Athletic Director has posted about college athletics on Union College's Guidance Blog at http://www.unioncollegeguidance.com/.

Aly of NY 10:56AM April 12, 2012

This is ok but there is alot more to it. I didnt know about clearing house at all. One of my kids getting recruited but didnt qaulify for clering house. when i went to coachesconnect.net they explained more it to me. Highlight tapes etc etc. One thing i learned is that there are alot more scolarships for kids than just divisions school. i suggest you guys check them out

mike watson of CA 8:15PM March 24, 2012

Babe, good must read

love, sus

Brendan McCarthy of TX 12:49PM March 10, 2012

I want to get a respond as soon as possible

Angelo of FL 1:11PM February 16, 2012

Hey guys, join NCSA They're recruitting college athletes now Call now - 877-790-5289.

s westfield of NY 9:12AM February 11, 2012

you have to be very careful. the lure of a fancy school is enticing. however, everything has a price tag. i have two daughters, one went to an expensive college and the other to a less expensive state school. both are doing great, except one has a ton of loans and the other has a nice little nest egg already.

tracy jones of NJ 11:31AM December 16, 2011

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The College Solution

Lynn O'Shaughnessy is a higher-ed journalist, speaker and consultant, who is focused on helping families with teenagers find the right colleges at the right price. Lynn is the author of The College Solution, an Amazon bestseller, and a new eBook, Shrinking the Cost of College: 152 Ways to Cut the Price of a Bachelor's Degree. In addition to her U.S. News college blog, Lynn also shares her knowledge about college strategies at her own blog, TheCollegeSolutionBlog, as well as one at CBSMoneyWatch. Got a question? E-mail her at collegesolution@usnews.com or follow her on Twitter.

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