Are you having trouble picking out the right school for you due to different scholarship offers? It can be difficult to weigh all the factors in a decision like this. So how do you decide which school is right for you? Here are some tips that may help you decide on the school for you. 

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Look at the Overall Price

The word “scholarship “is tantalizing to many athletes looking to play at the next level in college. But, just because you have received a scholarship offer from one school and not another does not mean that they should be your automatic first choice. It's important to look at the price of yearly tuition for the schools recruiting you. If a DI school offers you a scholarship but the remaining costs are still higher than a DIII school it may make the most fiscal sense to go DI.

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Consider Potential Debt and Student Loans

​​ The average price at a college can be a breaking point for some kids and turn them away from certain schools. Taking out student loans is something important to remember. Ask yourself, “Would one school leave you in less debt than the other?” or “How much am I willing to take out in student loans?” These questions can drive the conversation on finances and help you come to an understanding as to what you feel comfortable with taking out in student loans. 

Ask Yourself: Do You Like the School Itself?

Also, remember to think about the schools themselves that are recruiting you. The size and location are two key factors when deciding on the right school. Ask yourself, “Do I prefer a city school?” or “Do I prefer a more rural school?” The size of the school matters as well. Think about class size and the number of undergraduates at each institution. Again ask yourself, “Would you rather have a smaller school with smaller classes?” or “Would I rather have a bigger school with more kids on campus?” Asking yourself these questions can help drive the process as you narrow down your search and decide on a school.

Remember, Academics are Key!

Another thing to consider is the academic reputation of the schools that are recruiting you. Determining the quality of the education for the price is important to consider when making your choice. Schools with higher academic reputations tend to be more expensive so earning scholarship money from those schools could put them in contention to be some of your top choices.

Related: Understanding Athletic Scholarships

Consider the Athletic Fit

One last thing to consider is the athletics situation. The coaching staff and your teammates are going to be the people that you spend the most time with during your college years. Ask yourself, “Can I grow as a player and a person under these coaches?” or “Is the culture of the team sustainable and something I am interested in joining?” These questions can help you sort out the athlete side of the process as you look to find the best school that fits you in every way.

In the end, it's important to remember that your school is your decision. All of these factors play a role in deciding the right school for you. It's your job to think about which factors are most important and how you want to make your choice. Is the location of the school top on your list? or would you rather choose a school with a better academic reputation? 

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* Originally published on August 15, 2022, by Max Brown