As an athletic recruit, there are a lot of things to consider when making the big decision of choosing a school, especially when you have more than one scholarship offer sitting at the table. Remember, every recruit has different values and factors that determine their decision so personal preference will play a big role in your choice! Here are a few things you should think about that can make picking a school a little easier when all things are considered. 

1. Your Scholarship Offer's Fine Print 

The first important thing to do is to understand what the scholarship amount is, how much tuition costs are at your desired school, and how much the scholarship covers the overall price of attendance. If the scholarship covers some of the cost, but the school is still within your budget, then great! If not, it's worth discussing things over with your family and understanding that the other offers you have that might cover more costs and could be a better option. You should also understand the terms of each scholarship offer. If your scholarship is a renewable offer, meaning that it expires at the end of each academic year, it offers you less security than a multiyear deal and that's important to take into consideration when comparing offers.

2. Academics

As well as getting to participate in the sport you love every day, you must remember that you're also a student and academics are really important! Things that could sway your decisions could be what majors are available to take at the school, how well the professors are rated, the type of learning, the learning environment itself, and class sizes. Remember, your sport will more than likely last 4-5 years but your degree still matters well after you graduate.

3. Location & Size

A lot of key factors can be associated with location. How far away do you want to be from home? What type of climate do you want to live in? Do you want to live in the city or surrounded by nature? Thinking about these questions is important to understand what you like and where you can see yourself living for four years! 

A top tip: do your research. Knowing the size of the school and where you think you'll fit in is an important consideration. School sizes can vary from being large institutions with countless new people to meet or be a smaller school with a close-knit community.

Related: The Importance of Location When Choosing a School

4. People

Many students believe that the people at the college are the main reason that determines where they decide to choose. Looking at how the coaches and staff that you've met speak and how they come across, as well as the relationship you build with them can make the decision a lot easier. Going on day tours, meeting the coaches in person, and networking with current students, team members, and staff are all great ways of finding out a feel of how the people are at the school.

5. Program History

Being involved within a historic program can make you feel like a star at your new college. However, other students may want to pursue an athletic program that is more of a project or has a track record of developing athletes instead of having a history of success. After being in contact with coaches, you'll get a feel as to what the mentality is like at schools, whether it's a “win or die” mentality or more on the page of athlete development. Again, everybody has preferences and choosing where you feel like you'll fit in the most is vital.

6. Coach Ratings

Utilizing 2aDays' ratings and reviews on our site is a great way to find out more about the coaches at your desired college, in addition to the college itself. The ratings tool has provided thousands of reviews on different coaches at your disposal, so make use of this data and get to know whether you'd be happy to work under your favored college's coaches.

Related: Using Coach Ratings to Choose a College Team

7. Keep an Open Mind

Although not every school that has offered you a scholarship might tick every single box that you would like, it's important to remember that everywhere has its pros and cons. Keeping an open mind about a college and giving it a chance is all that it might need for it to find a place in your heart. There could be certain things that don't tick a box about a school, but once you're there and experiencing it as a student, those things may not even be of importance.

8. Go with Your Gut

Trusting yourself with the decision you make is key. The gut feeling you get about a school, whether good or bad, as well as your emotions, logic, insight, and advice that you receive will let you know whether a college is right or not for you. Being happy at your new college is the most important thing, and if your gut instinct is to choose a certain school, listening to it could be the best decision you ever make!

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* Originally published on April 20, 2023, by Rhys Davies