Are all athletes asked to make a verbal commitment?
- Not all athletes. Sometimes the process moves so quickly there just isn't time.
Making your Decision
- Ask yourself if the program was dropped would you still want to come to this school?
- Try to identify the school that offers the best academic and athletic balance.
- Consider your families financial position. Not all athletes receive full rides. Will a partial scholarship/financial-aid work with your available resources?
- Look beyond graduation. Which college will best help you achieve your long term goals, whatever they may be?
- Trust your Gut!
Resisting pressure to sign
- Do your research. Know what school you want, the degree you wish to pursue and the program you want to play in.
- Trust your team of advisors. (Parents, High School Coach, Guidance Counselor)
- The NCAA passed a rule prohibiting schools from delivering the National Letter of Intent or an athletic scholarship agreement in person.
- A coach can give you a National Letter of Intent in person if you're visiting the campus.
Committing
- Call the Coach and tell him/her you accept their offer.
- According to NCAA guidelines - until you've signed the National Letter of Intent other coaches don't have to stop communicating with you.
Phone your Second and Third Choices
- This will be difficult but it needs to be done. Show Class!
- Show them respect by giving them time to reevaluate their recruiting direction.
- Communicate openly and honestly with everyone. Respect the process.
- You never know what might happen down the road.
If you don't commit, will someone else get your scholarship?
- Coaches recruit more than one person at your position.
- Your slot may be taken by someone else who commits before you.
- If a school sends you a National Letter of Intent you are guaranteed a scholarship regardless of how many sign ahead of you.
Can an athlete verbally commit to more than one school?
- Yes, a verbal commitment is not binding, you can commit to more than one school.
- Not something we'd recommend. It will probably cause confusion and bitterness.
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