There are countless reasons why you as a recruit like a specific school, what makes you interested in it, and, in the end, why you choose it. One of the biggest reasons is definitely scholarships and a scholarship has a huge impact on what school an athlete chooses. However, making a decision based solely on scholarships could be a huge mistake and leave you miserable and looking to transfer. With that in mind, here are the reasons why you should choose a school as a recruit.

Academics First

As a recruit, many people think that athletics is the main reason you should choose a school. But in reality, the biggest reason you should pick a school is the academics. The university has to have the major you are interested in and the minor if you are wanting to do that. Beyond having the right major, the academics should be suited to your level. You shouldn't be reaching or settling and college should be challenging, but not overwhelming.

Related: 5 Reasons Grades are Important as an Athletic Recruit

Atmosphere Second

Furthermore, you should like the school itself as well as the surrounding area, the campus, the facilities, the fellow students, the extracurricular options, the staff, the teachers, etc. Finding a school that you like without taking athletics into account is extremely important. In an interview withIllinois Wesleyan women's soccer head coach Oz Bakirdan, he said, “I always told my players to find the school they would go to whether they play the sport or not.” He goes on to explain how if a player isn't getting the playing time they want or is injured, the player is going to be miserable if they don't like the rest of the school and it could be terrible for that player's mental health. 

Related: Rate Illinois Wesleyan University

Athletics Third 

After looking at the academics and making sure it's a fit along with deciding that you actually like the school, you should then look at the athletics. Make sure you like the training facilities and the stadium you will call home. Make sure you like the coach, assistants, and athletic staff. In addition, make sure you meet some of the team, get to know them, and ask some questions about the program and make sure you like them, too. Make sure you are a fit for the program, the playing style you like, the number of people in your position and their year in school, and the commitment level based on what division you want to play. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

There are countless reasons to pick a school as a college athlete. But your main focus should be getting to a school that fits what you need academically as well as finding a school that you will enjoy.

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* Originally published on September 23, 2022, by Scott Abramson