When it comes down to making the right college decision, there is not always a right or wrong answer. Your right fit for college depends on who you are and what you want to get out of your college experience. In addition to good academics and athletics, atmosphere will ultimately make or break your time at college. It's the difference between loving the community you are given or regretting the environment you chose at 17 because a coach gave you an incredible offer. When you attend school in an environment you appreciate, you want to put yourself out there, meet new people, try different activities, and do better to make your years memorable. Here are some points to consider when finding the perfect fit for you.
Atmosphere Is A Go
1. Coaches feel genuine: They put in the time and effort to get to know you as a player and show they care about your well-being.
2. You like the on-campus community: A school should feel like they have a good sense of community and meet your expectations as a student.
Related: Social Factors You Need to Consider When Picking a College
3. You like the off-campus community: Loving the surrounding community off-campus is just as important. In most cases, this is where you will live after Freshman year. Make sure you enjoy the outside community and can see yourself making fun memories in the long run.
4. Team values match yours: Do the rules set in place on your future team meet up with how you want to act? Some team values consist of giving 110%, always providing constructive criticism, or leaving it all on the field.
Top schools for your sport
5. Welcoming environment: Do people seem friendly and open for conversation and networking, or do people seem to keep to themselves?
6. Distance fits your desires: Would you want to visit home often, or are you okay with going back home only every once in a while?
Related: Homesickness: The Effect on Schoolwork, Athletic Performance, and Social Life
7. Your major is provided: As a student-athlete, it's important to remember you are a student first, then an athlete. Make sure your desired major is offered so you're happy with the academic atmosphere too.
8. The unofficial visit was everything you dreamed of: Before you step foot on campus for your official or unofficial visit, think about what you hope to get out of that day. If the campus visit leaves you feeling stoked to go to school there, that's a pretty good sign.
Rate your Campus Visit
9. Will you be challenged as much as you want: College is all about growth. If you believe your future school will challenge you in the best way possible, it's an atmosphere you want to be in.
10. Surrounding neighborhoods are safe: As you research schools, do a quick google search on the surrounding cities. If there is a chance you may be in danger, then you should think about your other options. Many schools offer safety packets on your visit so you can understand the safety protocols, as well as crime rates.
11. Picture yourself there for the next four years: After coming back from a visit to your campus, ask yourself if you can imagine yourself living there for the next four years. If you believe you will be happy in years to come, that's a good sign.
Related: 5 Ways to Maintain a Social Life as a College Athlete
Atmosphere Is a No GO
12. Coaches try to pressure you: Your decision of picking which school to attend should never be a rushed experience
Check coach ratings for your sport
13. Judgemental teammates and students: If you immediately notice teammates are not welcoming on a visit, there is a good chance that they will continue to be that way when it's time to report to campus.
14. The vibe on campus makes you feel down: College is not easy, especially when you are an athlete. It's vital to be in an atmosphere that will increase serotonin when you go out and participate on campus.
15. The weather is not for you: Know what weather suits you best. If you hate the cold or snow, looking at schools on the East Coast is probably not a good idea.
16. Not a fan of the facilities: A great deal of your time will be in spent the athletic facilities. This includes the locker room, gym, training room, weight room, basketball court, field; the list goes on. If you hate the look of the facilities and would not want to come in there every day, the school is not for you.
Rate your Facilities
17. You only want to commit because of the sport: Would you attend the school if you happened to get injured and could not play anymore? Do the vibes of the campus and the community fit your needs and make you happy as a student alone?
18. Coach talks poorly: If a coach is bad-mouthing players or staff to your face as a recruit, then they probably do it daily. It shows their character when a coach speaks poorly about someone, especially when a recruit is present.
Related: Recruiting Horror Story™: No One Likes a Back-Stabber as a Coach
19. The athletes talk poorly of the coach: If the athletes are talking poorly of the coach, or telling you to not commit because of the coach, you should probably listen to them. You don't want to spend the next four years with a coach you will likely not trust.
20. The visit seems rushed: Visits with coaches should be a day of learning. This time should be to answer your questions and concerns. Take your time and enjoy your visit. If they are rushing it, that's not a good sign.
21. Coach makes you uncomfortable: There should always be an open line of communication with coaches, trainers, and athletes. You should not feel uncomfortable about an authority figure you will have to see daily.
Top coaches for your sport
22. Your Intuition Says NO: The majority of the time, your gut feeling does not lie. If you feel uneasy about a scholarship offer given to you, the coaching staff, or the community, that's a sign.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on March 3, 2022, by Daesha Harper
