Selecting a college
Your first consideration must be academic!
Fields of study
- Identify your general and specific interest
- Do you prefer a research institute or one committed to undergraduates’ studies?
- Do you prefer innovative or traditional, structured programs?
College size
- Do you want a broad range of activities (IE large schools offer more)?
- Do you require a broad range of courses or specialized courses?
- Are graduate students acceptable as instructors in lower level of course?
- Do you prefer a big-name program?
Location
- Would you like to be close to home?
- Do you prefer a rural or urban campus?
- Do you prefer a specific climate?
- Do you wish to play in a particular conference?
College environment
- Do you prefer a particular religious affiliation?
- Conservative or liberal environment?
- Co-ed or single sex institution?
- Private or state university?
- Are sororities and fraternities important?
Establish a list of 10-15 schools/institutes that meet YOUR individual needs.
Now consider the soccer program
Identify your skills
- What are your strengths?
- Is your style of play compatible with the program you are interested in?
- What is your potential going to contribute to the program and when?
Identify potential colleges
- Can you be competitive at the collegiate level of play?
- Competitiveness of the schedule?
- Chance of making the team?
- Potential of playing time the first year?
- Competence and personality of coach?
Of the schools identified to meet your academic needs, identify 7-10 schools that meet both your academic and athletic requirements.