Listen Up

It's Crunch Time for Recruiting Feedback Welcome!

For many college coaches, November and December mark the days where the list of potential recruits is whittled down from several hundred to the top 40 or 50 players on their list. At this point the coaches meet to discuss who they really want, what their needs are, which players are truly interested in their school. Keep in mind that coaches are only going to be able to give a strong push to admissions (see wish list) for 5-10 players (often times less) so they need to "whittle" down the numbers.

What should you do?

1. Establish that the coach knows you are interested. Sounds obvious does it not? Perhaps not and the following story demonstrates what I mean. While attending a showcase event, a players father approached me with a few questions. He showed me the list of schools the son was interested in. I noted that the coach of one of the schools was two seats away from me. The father said "Well they are only 6 or 7 on his list." After the father went back to his seat I ask the coach if he was this player was on his recruiting list. The coach said "No. But after seeing his hands today I am going to recruit him." I replied "Well you are on his list of schools, did you know that?" The coach shook his head no.

The Moral of the Story...Help the coaches out by writing letters and calling them to make sure they are aware of you or if they are aware of you, that you are really interested in their program. You have got speak with the coach, they can't read minds.

2. Call Admissions. If you plan on applying and are very interested in the school, call the admissions office and ask to speak with an admissions counselor. Tell them you are interested in the school, plan on applying, plan on being a part of the program, you like the coach etc. Now ask them if they have any tips on the application process that will help you prepare the best possible application. There are no guarantees that you will hear anything new or inciteful but at the least you established a contact in the office, showed a true interest in the school by calling, and showed initiative by asking some questions on applying.

3. Visit the school. As mentioned, showing strong interest helps your cause. You can show more interest by scheduling an overnight visit or at least a day visit. While you are there you should meet with admissions, meet with coaches, mingle with the players and athlete's, check out a class, and eat at the dining hall. If you are staying overnight you will be hosted by a team member. For more info on the overnight visit check out The official college visit: What goes on?.

There, now get going, you don't have time to waste. Make the calls, write the letters and market yourself to the schools you want. Those who wait are surely leaving destiny in the hands of others!