As a student athlete you are often preoccupied with how you appear and act before adults, and in this case, college coaches and admissions officers. At times you might worry about saying the wrong thing or stumbling over a question. Do not forget that you are selecting a school as much as they are selecting you.

To make an informed decision you need more info than what the tour guide tells you, the school catalog shows you, and what the coach announces in a canned, "feel good" speech. There are many important questions to ask. Here are a few of them.

What is the in season time commitment.

How much time in the off-season.

Can I play another sport?

Is their academic support and tutoring available in and out of season?

What are the schools policies on missed classes because of sport participation?

What percentage of your players stay in the program all 4 years.

What percentage of your players graduated in 4 or 5 years?

How many roster sports are available?

How many freshman recruits are you trying to bring in?

Is there a JV program and what is the schedule?

Do women have equal access to equipment, training room facilities and services, practice fields and practice time slots?

What are the minimum academic eligibility requirements.

What type of travel accommodations are provided i.e food, transportation, lodging.

Does the school underwrite all expenses or do the athletes have to fund raise or spend out of pocket. (pertains mainly to spring trips)

Are there plans for facility expansion and construction in the next few years.

Where do you (I) stand on your recruiting depth chart. (You want to know if they really want you or just hope to get you for depth purposes.)

Are employment or work study opportunities available in the athletic department.

Are athletes permitted to live and work at school in the summer (Some schools do not offer summer classes.)

Do the dining facilities accommodate athletes who play or practice late?

Can athletes get first choice at class sections which meet at non-practice times, helping avoid conflicts? (This can be very important)

You are allowed to call a coach any time and its usually an 800 # so don’t be shy!.