How to Become a College Athlete

by | Mar 13, 2020 | 0 comments

Do you have what it takes to play sports in college?  Many students do – either at the varsity level or in clubs and intramural sports.  Each athletic division has its own athletic and academic eligibility requirements. More competitive divisions may want to see videos of your events.  It’s a good idea to keep a record of all your stats, awards and accomplishments.  Fill out the athletic questionnaire on each college website and call or email the athletic director/coach.  Game on!

Varsity Sports 

NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association 

The NCAA includes schools in Div I, Div II, and Div III.  They follow academic eligibility and recruiting rules.  Div I and Div II schools can provide athletic scholarships, but full ride scholarships are rare.  Div III schools do not provide any athletic scholarships.  But don’t rule them out.  These colleges may offer merit scholarships to make up for the lack of athletic scholarship money. 

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, if you are interested in a Div I or Div II school 

NAIA – National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 

Made up of smaller 4year colleges across the US and Canada.  The competitive level is described as being equivalent to the NCAA Div II.  The NAIA offers athletic scholarships. 

Register with the NAIA Eligibility Center 

NJCAA – National Junior College Athletic Association 

The NJCAA’s mission is to promote and foster two-year college athletics in an affordable and competitive environment.  Many scholarship opportunities are available. 

Club and Intramural Sports 

Colleges also offer clubs and intramural sports leagues.  These are typically less competitive than varsity sports.  Club teams usually play against other colleges while intramural teams play other teams within the college (“intra” meaning within, “mural” (or muralis) meaning the walls).  Students take part in these teams to compete, have fun, and stay fit.  

Questions? Let’s chat!

Bettina Weil

Founder, Weil College Advising, LLC.

Weil College Advising

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