No cash for college means the need for scholarships rises

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While the economy has been shrinking, college costs actually went up 6.5% last year.  What's wrong with this picture?  In one state, fees will increase by 40% next year as compared to last year.

The severity of the problem was featured in the San Luis Obispo County Tribune, a California newspaper, over the weekend, and the article is worth reading.

If a high school student wants to go to college, the family is going to have to find the money somewhere, or take a pass for now.  One of the most valid routes is available to talented athletes, and that's where the athletic scholarship comes in.

Most athletic scholarships (except football and basketball) are partial scholarships, and can cut education costs by thousands of dollars a year.  Combine this with other financial aid, and a college education is suddenly back in the affordable range.

Athletes-- we encourage you to use your God-given abilities on your road to college.  Excel in your sport, and take the initiative to get on college coaches' radar. 

Parents-- visit our home page and be sure to download the free videocast or podcast as an orientation to athletic scholarships. 

Athletic scholarships and the "free pass"

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I was talking with the academic liaison at a D1 university two days ago, and the thing he almost jumped out of his seat about was the importance to a college coach of each prospect's grades and SAT scores.

When I agreed wholeheartedly and referred to the NCAA minimum requirements, Ken leaned forward and set me straight.  He said that those requirements mean nothing to most schools, because the admission requirements are much higher than the NCAA minimums.

Coaches don't look at whether an athlete meets the minimum standards.  He looks at whether the student-athlete can get into his school.

Yes, a coach can get some athletes in, even if the admission requirements are not met, but he can only do it a certain number of times.  When he uses up his allotment, that's it. 

Now here is the most important statement Ken made to me:

"When a prospect can get into the college or university based on his or her academic record, then it's a free pass for the coach."

That's one big reason why your grades and academic performance are critical.  You may be a talented athlete, but passed over because you can't make the grade for that school.  Do your best to be a "free pass" for the colleges and universities where you hope to get a scholarship.  Your academics can give you an advantage over other prospects with the same or even better athletic ability.