The NYTimes.com has done a very thought provoking series on the “reality” of sport scholarships in the NCAA. Take a look at a few of these links as they will help to shed light and dispel several of the misconceptions about what it means to be a scholarship athlete:
— It’s Not an Adventure, It’s a Job »
— Expectations Lose to Reality of Sports Scholarships »
EXCERPTS
- Despite common references in news media reports, there is no such thing as a four-year scholarship. All N.C.A.A. athletic scholarships must be renewed and are not guaranteed year to year, something stated in bold letters on the organization’s Web site for student-athletes. Nearly every scholarship can be canceled for almost any reason in any year, although it is unclear how often that happens.
- In 2003-4, N.C.A.A. institutions gave athletic scholarships amounting to about 2 percent of the 6.4 million athletes playing those sports in high school four years earlier.
- Myles Brand, president of the N.C.A.A.: “The real opportunity is taking advantage of how eager institutions are to reward good students,” he said. “In America’s colleges, there is a system of discounting for academic achievement. Most people with good academic records aren’t paying full sticker price. We don’t want people to stop playing sports; it’s good for them. But the best opportunity available is to try to improve one’s academic qualifications.” The math of athletic scholarships is complicated and widely misunderstood.
OTHER INFORMATIVE LINKS
— Divvying Scholarship Dollars Can Divide a Team
— Number of Scholarships By Sport
I’ve had several conversations on the topic over years; none more personal that this past with my little sister accepting a soccer scholi to a Division I school in the US. There is so much misinformation and unsubstantiated, anecdotal stories that are passed amongst athletes and parents alike, it amazes me.
One thing for sure, there are no free rides – scholarship or no scholarship.
/sef.
What advice would you give to those seeking an athletic scholarship?
