Most college-bound student-athletes dream of getting an athletic scholarship. But many aren't sure how or where to start.
Here are some tips to help you realize your dreams:

1. Review your course work with your high school counselor to make sure you're taking courses that meet the requirements of the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and/or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

2. Prepare a cover letter and sports résumé.

3. Make a 10-15 minute video that highlights your sports performance.

4. Obtain a letter of recommendation from your high school coach and your off-season coach.

5. Make a list of schools that you're interested in attending and get the names of the coach for each school. Send your cover letter to each coach, including your sports résumé, your video, your letters of recommendation from your coaches, and your season schedule.

6. Prepare for interviews. According to college recruiters, the best qualities to exhibit during an interview are confidence, respect, sincerity, and enthusiasm. Polish your interview skills by practicing with your coach, school counselor and your parents.

7. Prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiter during the interview. Some examples are:
o Do I qualify both athletically and academically?
o What position am I being considered for?
o If I'm recruited, what type of scholarship will I be offered?

8. Don't forget to follow up! There are four times when a follow-up letter is effective: before your senior season, just after your senior season, just before announced signing dates, and late summer (in case scholarship offers have been withdrawn or declined).

(1) What is a college coach looking for in a potential player? "Athleticism, attitude, basketball fundamental skills, understanding of the game of basketball, excellent scholarship and willingness to learn. That may be pretty much the correct order. Outside of the rare (less than 1%) blue chip players who have tremendous physical advantages and basketball skills, most coaches are looking for the best athlete they can find. Next is attitude. Does he or she work well with teammates on the floor? How does the player contribute to the success of the team on and off the floor? I once had a player who was a great female athlete. During one of her “home visits” from a major DI school she told her mother who was present at the visit to quit asking stupid questions. The college coach, got up, told the prospect she was no longer interested in someone with that attitude and left!"

(2) What advice would you offer the student-athlete vying for a basketball scholarship? "Exhibit a positive attitude every minute of every tourney. When things are not going your way on the floor, don’t show undue frustration. Work as FAST and HARD as you can and play within yourself. Unless you are a premier shooter, no one really cares whether you score in these games. How do you play defense, what is your court awareness. CAN YOU CHANGE THE GAME when you get into the game? And above all else, look and act like you are REALLY having a great time! And this part is crucial for all of us who have to work for a living…MARKET YOURSELF all year round. We’re always willing to help young players to that. We tell you what to do and how to do it. Do the college coaches in the programs you are interest in know where you are playing and on which team this summer? That’s your job! It’s free. Just ask."

(3) How important is it to participate in college exposure events? "I believe it is more important to play in the NCAA Certified events more so that shootouts or camps. You get to display your talents in game situations against a variety of opponents and under very stressful situations. To NOT participate in either of those two types of events (Tourneys and/or Camps) probably reduces your chances of not getting a scholarship at some level by 80%. Again, if you are a true blue chip player this does not apply, but if you are like the 500,000 young prep girl and boy players who are average to above average, chances are you just won’t be seen otherwise. College coaches have too much on their plates to go to many high school regular season games. The good news is you do NOT necessarily have to be the best player on your summer team nor is it necessary to be on the best summer team. You are showing your INDIVIDUAL talents. Coaches can recognize and project your value regardless of your team or team mates."

(4) What are your thoughts on high school teams in comparison to travel club teams? "If you are fortunate enough to play for a great established high school program you definitely have a big advantage since this program has already sent many players into the collegiate ranks. Other than that you will be more likely to be noticed on summer travel teams. The reason in part is that the summer travel teams should be playing in the NCAA Certified events nearly all of the summer. That’s where the college coaches are. If you know what area of the country you want to go to school, play in tournaments where those college coaches go. Even though we have hundreds of college coaches from the East Coast to the West coast and all those in between come to our events, more coaches will be in the tournaments in their region as opposed to traveling across the country. This is true of the mid majors and smaller colleges because of budgets. The major programs go to where the players are regardless of where they are playing. I think the real value to your high school team is that this is where you live, you have friends, deep rooted friendships established and the memories will last all your life. It also helps your game. But if you think that college coaches are coming to your high school games, think again. (Please read my first statement in this paragraph once more.)"

The Number 1 priority in getting recruited is to get recruited to a school you can play for. Everyone wants a Division I scholarship, and if you are a DI player you should be there. If you are a DII or DIII player, a DI scholarship would be disastrous.

A real player wants to play, not sit. It’s better to start for a DII school than to never get in at DI.

ALL ATHLETES SHOULD PLAY AT THEIR TRUE LEVEL. STEPS IN GETTING RECRUITED

1. Attend a summer camp that is being profiled by major scouting services. If you are a Division I prospect only attend a camp that has “NCAA certified” on its brochure or website.

2. If you are a Division I prospect attend an national ranked NCAA fall shootout event.

3. Get a copy of several game tapes of your better games and have a professional highlight tape made to distribute to the colleges you are interested in playing for.

4. Begin the recruiting process as early in your career as possible. The summer between the 9th and 10th grade year is recommended.