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Isabelle
Student
Angola, New York
1
Question
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How do I know that college is the right next step for me?
I am a senior in high school looking to continue sports in college and become a teacher. However, I’m not sure if I should go right into college or take some time off to save up money for room and board.
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1 answer
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
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Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would go on a campus tour, for each college, to determine if the college (you are applying for admission to) is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. These can usually be schedule through the college websites.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
I would actually explore and see if there is a possible opportunity out there, for you to participate and play sports in college. One thing you do not want to do is have regrets, later in life, and wish that you had investigated the opportunities of playing college sports.
Sometimes, college coaches may not come to us, because they might not be aware that we are interested in exploring the possibility of playing sports in college. So, in your case, you will need to go to them.
I would look up the athletic programs of the various college and university athletic programs in your area (including NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA and Junior Colleges). Get the addresses and names of the coaches, and learn more about their programs and the academic and financial possibilities of playing with their college teams.
Then create what is called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to these coaches.
It is exactly what it sounds like. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying our for the sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about academic possibilities on their campus.
I did this with many of my advisee, over the years, with a great amount of success. College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
I would actually explore and see if there is a possible opportunity out there, for you to participate and play sports in college. One thing you do not want to do is have regrets, later in life, and wish that you had investigated the opportunities of playing college sports.
Sometimes, college coaches may not come to us, because they might not be aware that we are interested in exploring the possibility of playing sports in college. So, in your case, you will need to go to them.
I would look up the athletic programs of the various college and university athletic programs in your area (including NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA and Junior Colleges). Get the addresses and names of the coaches, and learn more about their programs and the academic and financial possibilities of playing with their college teams.
Then create what is called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to these coaches.
It is exactly what it sounds like. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying our for the sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about academic possibilities on their campus.
I did this with many of my advisee, over the years, with a great amount of success. College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.