Being prepared for success in college recruiting

"No recruit was ever too prepared or started too early in the recruiting process."

The feeling of being prepared for coaches to call is like the feeling you get when you step on the floor, mat or field and knowing you are ready.  There's nothing like that feeling right?  You feel like you can give it your best shot---like you can't be beat.  It's really the same thing in life, when you're not prepared, and you get called to play...you'll stutter and fumble. 


So, I've developed some questions that you should ask, so that you're prepared to make one of the biggest decisions of your life.  Remember, you go to college for 40 years or more...not just 4.  I've gotten these questions from blogs like blog.captainU.com, NCSA, Laxlessons and more...and also through my own experiences with the families we've served.  Don't stress out though, no need for memorization...just keep a handwritten index card near your home phone so when your nerves strike...you can go right down the list, take notes, and make an informed decision later. 

Doing these exercises will also allow your subconscious mind to start working now, and by the time you get the call...you'll hopefully have hired a highlight video production company --- and they've finished the job...or you're almost done doing it yourself.

By then, you'll also be able to say to yourself "I know what to ask" and you'll be able to answer for yourself "is this the right place for me?"---it will also show the coaches and recruiters that you're not "some dumb jock" (sorry for the bad word) and that you've thought out the process...and have a list of criteria that YOU feel is important.

This is invariably separate YOU from the pack of kids that have mom and dad call, or don't ask anything...which is the #1 complaint of coaches.

Again, you don't have to have them memorized...but you should let your brain start working now, and by the time you get the call...you'll be ready.
 
Questions to think about asking a coach or recruiter early in the process:
-What information do you need from me to jumpstart the recruiting process?
-Can I send you a highlights video or a recruiting tape?
-Based on our conversation, am I the type of player that can fit well into your team?
-How would I get in touch with you again to get you see me play?

Questions to ask on another call or later on in the process:
1) Do you have mandatory study halls for athletes?
2) If there a part of my application that I have a shortfall in, can you tell me so I can improve it in order to be accepted?
3) What forms should I complete to make sure you have all of my information?
4) Do you have incentives or grants that my family could receive---besides college scholarships?
5) How many spots are open at my position?
6) Do you get walk ons too, or is it just recruiting?
7) What are the days like during the season?  Morning runs?  Watching film?  Give me some examples....
8) How many scholarships are left for your team for this year, is there a chance I could be awarded one?
9) Do you experience a lot of transfers?  How many kids stuck around last year after their freshman season?
10) Is it possible that I can work a part time job if needed, or should I expect all of my free time being used for the team?
11) Do teamates generally live together off or on campus?
12) Do you intend to invite me for an official visit at one point?

GetU Recruiting Tip #1: Coaches don't want you to transfer...then they have to start all over again.  They want a great kid, with great grades...great talents that fit their team, that WANTS to go to their school, and stay at their school...get it?

GetU Recruiting Tip #2: Always email a coach a "thank you" letter after a phone call from them or any part of their staff.  Write it from your own personal email and not some "hotshotkid@aol.com" account.  Make a new semi professional email account, like johnsmith@gmail, or hotmail.  Make sure you include in your full name, phone number and details of the conversation in the email.

If you have any specific questions, you may contact us at questions@geturecruited.com, as we have over a dozen families that have been recruited to play in college that are eager to help you achieve the same level of success and would help answer your direct questions.

Michael Bucci
National Director
GetUrecruited.com