Should You Count On Athletic Scholarships?
CHICAGO-- The process of receiving collegiate-level athletic scholarships are not as easy as some may think. Only two-percent of sport scholarships are released per month, according to the National College Scholarship Association, despite the fact that only six universities offer full rides. Other than that, current and future high school athletes can look forward to small insignificant funds to cover their large expenses to further their education.
Just like a shirt that needs to come off the shelf at your nearest retail store, there are 480,000 athletes anticipating a full ride for their superb abilities. However, not every process for each school is the same, let alone, the financial resources allocated to cover a set number of athletes.
CICS Longwood football player George McMullins said, “Getting a scholarship is so tough because there is a lot that I must do as a student athlete. You have to worry about school and your grades plus you have practice after school and homework, so it’s kind of tough when you think about it”.
To get a scholarship you must meet the eligibility requirements and meet the minimum academic requirements that an athlete must meet. But there are other ways too!
There is not always a need to get a scholarship just to play college sports. Although playing in high school, student athletes can become a walk-on and play a college sport, while receiving a full-ride academic scholarship.
CICS Longwood football coach Reed said, “Once you get a scholarship, it shows that you are on colleges radar, and it’ll show you that as a student athlete that you have to change your ways and act right [attitude, academics, leadership] because one false move… it could ruin everything for you”.
As a prospective college student with anticipated scholarships, colleges keep a close eye on your behavior or improvement academically, socially, and physically. one false move can mess up all your scholarships for you. When dealing with different colleges and a great deal of financial blessings, it is important to stay away or remove yourself from illegal activity, posting negative photos on social media with bad captions.
Student athletes should also ensure they participate in excellent health routines and study habits.