Senior March. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Senior Athlete’s Guide
As a high school student-athlete approaching the end of your senior year, March can be a critical time for you. This is the month when most acceptance letters arrive, and you may be getting a clear idea of your future college or university. However, if your top choices did not pan out as planned, it is essential to have a backup plan. In this blog, we will list some important tasks that a high school student-athlete should do during their senior year in March. We will guide you on how to deal with waitlisted schools, explore financial aid options, and even become a walk-on athlete. Remember, our experts are always here to help; all you need to do is take advantage of our resources.
Need To Consider Plan B?
It is essential to have a backup plan ready for the unexpected. If your dream school has waitlisted you, or if you didn’t receive any athletic scholarships, you need not worry. You can still continue your athletic journey by considering Plan B. Academic and athletic opportunities can still be available to you in any junior college or any other institution that still provides your desired program. Even if your Plan B might not be satisfactory initially, who knows, it could turn out to be even better than your original plan.
Research Financial Aid Options
If the cost of attending your preferred school is a deciding factor, do not hesitate to look for financial aid options. Speak to your school counselor or research online for any financial aid programs available. Remember, financial assistance can come in many forms, such as grants, loans, and scholarships. Do not be shy or embarrassed to ask questions about financial aid; this could be a way to get your dream to come true.
Think About Become a Walk-On Athlete
If your preferred college or university of choice did not offer you an athletic scholarship, you can still become a walk-on athlete. Being a walk-on is an excellent way to prove yourself to your coaches and team and potentially earn a scholarship in the future. According to reports, an average of 40 to 50% of Division 1 athletes becomes a walk-on athlete before earning a scholarship. You can also reach out to your coach and express your interest in becoming a walk-on. This could help you establish a relationship with the coach and show your eagerness and willingness to work hard.
Do Not Panic
Lastly, it is essential to stay calm and focused throughout the process. The future might not work out according to your plan, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work out at all. Remember, everything happens for a reason, and sometimes the road less traveled presents the best opportunities. Do not get discouraged by a rejection letter. Continue to work hard in your sport and academics and keep an open mind about the future.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the senior year of a high school student-athlete can indeed be challenging, but do not fret. Remember to stay calm, consider Plan B, research financial aid options, consider becoming a walk-on, and stick to your athletic and academic goals. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, do not hesitate to seek advice from your coaches, mentors, or school counselors. Always remember that this is your journey, and you have the power to make it worthwhile. It will all work out…it always does. Reflecting back five years from now, it’s important to trust you made the best decisions you could provided the choices you had. Control the controllables!