What should I be looking at when evaluating different schools?
Each player and family has different views when decision time comes. Most players have 3-4 things they are looking for in a school or golf program. For some, it’s the social atmosphere and the degrees offered. For others, it’s could be the coach philosophy or the players on the team. Both are reasonable things to look at but be careful, coaches and players come and go, the school and the intangibles are here to stay, which do you think you should be basing your decisions off of?
Food for thought: Below are the top factors to consider when evaluating a potential “best-fit” program.
In no particular order:
Graduation Rates of Athletes
Undergraduate Enrollment
Academic Support for Athletes
Degree Programs offered
Surrounding City
Is the program on the rise or the decline?
Big name school vs. Small name school
Conference affiliation
Social aspects within the university
Visibility to earn National Recognition
Post-Season Play Opportunities
Playing Time vs. Bench Time
Personality of Head Coach
Team Budget
Travel Schedule
Player Improvement/Development
Team Members
Team/Family Atmosphere
Golf Facilities
% of players on the PGA/LPGA Tour
Workout Program and Schedule
Climate and Weather
Off-Campus Housing
School Spirit
Community Involvement & Exposure
All of the above are important aspects to factor in during the recruiting process. Figure out which are most important to you and ASK QUESTIONS!
Mike Smith is the Founder & CEO of ForeCollegeGolf and specializes in assisting junior golfers & their families through the college recruiting process. Email him @ mike.smith@forecollegegolf.com
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